Day 187/365
It’s photo shoot day! This is something I only do once in a while, so it’s pretty exciting for me.
I love the challenge of framing a shot to best showcase my work. I find myself often taking photos that tell a story about each piece. Perhaps it’s because of the 5 photos allowed in etsy listings, but it gives definition and an end goal to a photo shoot that would otherwise go on forever in my studio! And yes, I use only natural light, diffused (indirect).
Happy Sunday!
Day 181/365
Today I’m prepping the studio for more paper dying! I love this process and the results, it’s a different kind of creativity than stitching books with a needle and thread. I miss getting paint under my nails and losing myself in the work, so it’s a welcome change of pace for a day.
These are photos from a previous paper-dying session, so I’ll be sure to take some new ones and share the ‘after’ photos this time around!
Day 173/365
Today I’m in a different studio, teaching my craft to others! It’s the Bookmaking Workshop at the Living Arts Centre in Mississauga!!
If Mississauga is your neighbourhood or you just want to take a workshop with me, there are still a few spots left in the next workshop. To learn more and to register, go here.
Otherwise, keep your eyes on the workshops section on my site for more classes local to you.
Day 166/365
Today in the studio it’s a tidy-up and reflect kind of day. Putting things away is always the first step to a new project for me. And after a week of shows, orders and many discussions it’s the perfect time to mull over the next big step for my little journal making company. Stay tuned, it’s a good one!
Day 158/365
A simple studio day from last week: working on orders and prepping for shows! (See my show schedule to find out which ones are happening THIS weekend!)
Day 152/365
I’ve always loved to learn, I think it’s important to keep my creativity honest and fresh. Today’s post is about learning a new binding; the Greek Binding. For anyone who has experience with hand binding books, and has perhaps tried this binding, you know this is a fun one!
Some quick facts about the Greek Binding:
-There must be a minimum of 20 signatures (that’s right, a whopping 20!!)
-It is a 2 needle sewing (as opposed to the usual 1 needle sewings like Longstitch and Pamphlet.)
-It is not sewn from cover to cover but rather both sides are started from the outside and worked towards the middle, where they meet in a beautiful figure 8-like stitch.
I don’t have a photo of the finished project, but I can say that it was a good challenge. It was also a nice break from the bindings I usually choose. Sometimes it’s just so refreshing to build skills and knowledge to learn a new way of doing something you do everyday. Have you learned a new bookbinding technique lately? I’d love to hear about it!
Day 138/365
Did you know that every Sprouts Press Handbound book has my seal embossed on the front or back page? It’s true, I promise! If you have one, check your book now to see it!
Today and all the days – impressing my seal on finished journals is ongoing! It’s the last task and the finishing touch. If you’re a maker, what is your final task, the finishing touch on your items?
Day 131/365
Today I’m going back in time to last fall when I was going crazy prepping for the One of a Kind Show. I was designing and handcrafting many leather journals and having a great time!
Today, there are only two of these journals left and they’re both for sale in person at the Arts Market on College St. here in Toronto. It’s hard for me to believe that so many of my creations have gone out into the world and now carry your thoughts, ideas and inspirations. I’m truly grateful!
Day 117/365
Today I’ve been working on an upgraded version of the Mini Book Necklace. The books themselves will remain the same, just the rest of it will be a bit more fancy. 
There will be beads, longer chain, some charms and tassels! (yes, tassels!!) I really like the idea of the mini book as a pendant, as an object and a functional book. I also really like the idea of the longer chain as it means writing in it while wearing it!
A couple of prototypes, in the right direction, but not sure they’re quite there yet, what do you think?
Day 110/365
Today is all about finishing details on some new coptic journals – with lined pages! 
These are fairly new for me and something that I’ve been working on for a while. I couldn’t be more pleased to share them!
The first batch went quickly, so I’ve produced more and am just finishing them up with sewn-in bookmarks. They will have coins and beads on the ends, to keep your place and look stylish too.
Sprouts Press 