The Studio on a Sunday

Posted on September 6, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 334/365If you’ve been following my Instagram, or other social media feeds, then you’ll know that one of my favourite processes is to dye paper with indigo. Well, this sunday was no exception as I spent some time at the Canadian Bookbinders and Book Artists Guild, fondly referred to as CBBAG (pronounced ‘cabbage’), where there was an indigo dyeing session. photo 5_fotor

It was a small group of creative women, all of us eager to stretch our creative muscles. People dyed paper, fabric, string, yarn, thread and even buttons!! (I contemplated dyeing a bit of my hair, but chickened out in the end). As these things usually go, what felt like an hour was actually 4 and the day came to an end before we knew it.
Some of the results were really gorgeous – I can’t wait to see the projects these gems become!

To read more about my adventures in dyeing paper, go here.
To see some of the things I’ve made previously with hand dyed indigo paper, go here.

The Studio on a Sunday

Posted on August 30, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 327/365

Today I was in a different studio than my own, playing with indigo dye. However, I’ll save that for another day.

In the meantime here’s a photo from earlier this week of the first step to my hand painted notebooks. This is what the covers look like before I cut them up. Sometimes it’s hard to make that first cut when really is rather keep the piece for myself. But, they do make lovely notebooks that someone will cherish!

The Studio on a Sunday

Posted on August 23, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 320/365

Today in the studio it’s all about mini book necklaces!! Lots and lots of them! There are some new colours this time around, and of course the old favourites! They’ll be ready in time for Etsy Made in Canada Toronto on September 26!!

Studio on a Sunday

Posted on August 16, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 313/365It’s holiday prep time already! I’m busy making some of the old favourites, and a few new surprises as well! Stay tuned as I share more details over the weeks (and months) to come!

Studio Sunday (on a Friday)

Posted on August 7, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 304/365

The latest project: a custom guest book/travel book for a destination wedding!

This is an exciting combination of scrapbooking, memory-making, journalling and special messages to the happy couple! Imagine what an incredible collection of memories it’ll be to share with family and friends for years to come.

I’m always so honoured to work on projects like these. Especially when given a bit of creative freedom and people put their trust in me to create a book that not only captures the memories of the special day, but also the atmosphere and vibe of the event.

If you have an idea for a special book, click Custom Order along the top menu bar and send me some information about your project! I’ll get back to you with a few more questions and then follow up details – easy peasy!!

The Studio on a Sunday

Posted on August 2, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 299/365It’s Studio Sunday and today I’m sharing a project I’ve been working on; a beautiful purple floral wedding guest book!
I love the journey of finding just the right colours, patterns and papers for client’s special occasions. And, of course, I love it even more when people choose handmade for these special books. It makes sense, as a handmade book is made to last generations, the perfect fit for these special heirloom pieces.

To request your own custom order, either click Custom Order along the top menu bar, or go here.

The Studio on a Sunday

Posted on July 19, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 285/365

The last couple of weeks have been the start of holiday production time here at Sprouts Press. I talked about this a little while ago in this post. Today I’m making ornaments, thinking about the last time I made ornaments, which wasn’t for Christmas at all!

This is an ‘in progress’ shot of my Valentines Starburst Book Ornaments being made, with pages from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. I really enjoy pairing up appropriate literature to the holiday to make these decorations. Last year I used Dicken’s A Christmas Carol, which I plan to use again, but I’ll have an additional choice this year – stay tuned!

The Studio on Sunday (On a Saturday)

Posted on July 11, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 277/365Last week I got around to a project I’ve been meaning to do for a while. I built a new display for my table booth at art and craft shows. I don’t have a finished photo yet, but enjoy this ‘in progress’ shot in the meantime.

ps. Don’t you love that old woodworking clamp? It was my Grandpa’s!

The Studio on a Sunday

Posted on July 5, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 271/365

I’ve been working on a lot of custom orders the last little while, and last week I had the pleasure of crafting a gorgeous leather memory/keepsake book for a client.

This is one of the largest books I’ve ever made. The photos might be a bit deceiving, but trust me, it’s a big book! It’s a limp binding made with a gorgeous brown leather. Inside is heavy weight printmaking paper and the endpapers are a fancy Italian printed paper, of course.

If you have a special occasion coming up or just like the idea of having a quality heirloom keepsake book, just click ‘Custom Order’ on the top menu bar and answer a few questions to get started. It’s easy! I enjoy working on special projects and love a good challenge, so don’t be shy!

If you have a custom request, just click here.

The Studio on a Sunday

Posted on June 28, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 264/365

Wedding season is here! This series of photos is from a piece I completed for a client last week: a gorgeous, stone grey fabric guest book with brass details and ocean blue ribbons. Sounds dreamy!

In case you were wondering; I make all my own covers. In this case, I also made the book cloth, custom to the bride’s request.
Some close ups of the finished piece, it’s all in the details. I’m really pleased with how this book, I love working with clients to find the perfect book for their occasion.