Tall Journal

Posted on May 8, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 213/365

In case you haven’t guessed, this journal is pretty tall. Not too tall, but enough to warrant the title.

Okay, silliness aside, this is the latest addition to my Etsy shop! It’s actually part of the Fancy Coptic series of books, featuring my hand-dyed washi paper in a rich brown. It’s a chunky book with 220 pages (front and back), making it perfect for people who go through journals quickly.

As always, the closure is made from reclaimed leather and completed with a brass button stud. One of the main highlights of this book, and all of the books using my hand-dyed washi paper covers, is the fact that it’s one of a kind. The process of hand-dying paper yields different results every time, making each journal unique.

To learn more, check out the Etsy listing here.

Wordless Wednesday 06.05.15

Posted on May 6, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 211/365

New in the Shop

Posted on May 5, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 210/365

The latest addition to the Sprouts Press Etsy shop: Indigo Journal! This series of books has quickly grown into one of my favourites! I enjoy that each book is a bit different and one of a kind, and I love the finishing touches on each book: the spine details and reclaimed leather closure. The process of hand dyeing the paper is messy and fun, you can read about my adventures with this technique here.

Details:
-This book measures 5 1/4″ x 4 1/8″ and is approximately 1″ thick, including covers.
-There are 128 pages (256 counting front and back).
-Inside, find a mix of blank, kraft and graph paper pages suitable for writing, sketching and drawing.

To view this Etsy listing, go here.

The Studio on a Sunday

Posted on May 3, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 208/365

It’s a photo shoot kind of day! As I’m sure you can tell, from my many ‘photo shoot day’ posts, I like to spend some time taking photos of my pieces. I think it’s important to make sure I get the best possible photos to convey as much information as possible about each book.

The newest pieces will be popping up in etsy throughout the next week.

New to the shop

Posted on April 30, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 205/365 Some new arrivals to the Sprouts Press Etsy shop! The Gold Florentine Journal, above, is as perfect for at-home writing as it is for on-the-go sketching! The finishing touches really bring out the character of this book, especially the reclaimed leather and vintage brass button. See it here. The Map Journal, above, is one of many map journals I’ve made. I don’t know what it is about maps, but I love them. So, of course, I put them on covers of books, and inside books! The covers of this journal showcase a map of Greece, a place I have yet to go. It would make a wonderful travel journal/sketchbook, especially with the closure and spine protector to keep any collected paper ephemera safely inside. See it here.

Did you know I have an entire Travel Journal section in my Etsy shop? Check it out here!

The Studio on a Monday

Posted on April 27, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 202/365

Today has been all about organizing and tidying up after a busy weekend full of shows. This is not exciting and doesn’t lend itself well to photos. So instead, I’ll just share this photo above, from last week in the studio.

This is one of the finishing touches I put on my hand-dyed Indigo Journals, the reclaimed leather closure. I measure, cut and punch each one individually. As with many trades and crafts, the rule is always to measure twice, cut once!

Uppercase

Posted on April 21, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 196/365

Exciting news!!

A couple of days ago the latest issue of Uppercase magazine arrived in the mail. It’s the printmaking issue and I’ve been waiting for it for a while now. Wondering why? Take a look at that photo above!! That’s page 85 folks, 85!! Woot woot! I’m honoured to be featured in this magazine, and a little over the top excited about it! (okay, maybe totally over the top excited about it!)

Anyone who’s read Uppercase knows what I mean, it’s a really fantastic magazine. And if you haven’t read it (or even just held a copy in your hands) you really should! I’ve been inspired by past issues on numerous occasions. I keep all my old issues and refer to them regularly for advice, prompts and to look up featured artists whose work I love. I mean, the slogan is: For the creative and curious. Perfection. It’s an informative, insightful, inspiring and beautiful publication, go check it out!

Book Arts 103

Posted on April 18, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 193/365

A bookbinding workshop in Burlington, Ontario!I’m excited to announce that Sprouts Press has teamed up with the Burlington Public Library! I’ll be teaching how to hand craft your own journal at the Brant Hills Library brand new Bookbinding Hub!

When: Saturday May 9, 1pm – 4pm (just in time for mothers’ day!!)
Where: Brant Hills Library, 2255 Brant Street, Burlington
What: I’ll be teaching the Longstitch binding, each student will leave with a finished softcover journal.

Not only is this amazing because there is a Bookbinding Hub in a library (brilliant!!), but also because I once worked at the library, many moons ago. I’m really looking forward to this workshop, it’s going to be special!

To learn more and register, please visit the library’s website here.

SpringPop!

Posted on April 17, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 192/365

Today marks the start of the SpringPop Pop Up Shop & Maker Mart!

The show is located in beautiful downtown Burlington, right by the lake. Sprouts Press will have some items there: lots of styles of journals and sketchbooks large and small, some mini book necklaces, ex libris bookplates and bookbinding kits! There are so many talented artisans, artists and makers showcasing their work at this show, go and check it out if you’re able!

Where: 408 John St., Burlington, Ontario
When: April 17 *Opening: 6pm – 9pm, April 18: 10am – 6pm, April 19: 12pm – 5pm.

For more information, directions, etc, please go here.

Spring Time Collaboration

Posted on April 3, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 178/365

Introducing the Spring Gift Pack from Graven Feather:
I am so proud to announce that my Quick Notes notebooks in gold are a part of these gorgeous sets! They are curated by Graven Feather and showcase the work of a few local artisans and shops. (and did I mention how beautiful they are??)

Housed in handmade paper from Paperhouse Studio here in Toronto, Graven Feather printed on the reverse and hand crafted each folder. Inside you’ll find all sorts of goodies including one of my handbound gold notebooks, as pictured above.
Inside you’ll also find a pen from Articulations and several other printed goodies! (I’m not spilling the beans on the rest of the contents – you’ll just have to get your own to find out!) When secured shut (gorgeous!!) it’s the perfect place to keep your cherished ephemera and paper treasures. The Spring Gift Pack also makes the perfect gift for Mothers day or a special birthday or anyday!