Mini Books!

Posted on July 7, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 273/365

A selection of mini books, all handmade here in Toronto, by yours truly. Some are more mini than others, but they are some of the smallest books I’ve ever made!

From top left, going clockwise:
Pocket Notebook in Two-Tone Yellow; hardcover and coptic bound, this is a sturdy mini book!
Black and White Little Leather Journal; made from reclaimed leather and matching white and black vintage button.
Mini Book Magnets, Set of 6; the cutest collection of handmade mini magnet notebooks! Great for a colour kitchen, little hands and big dreams!!
Teal Suede Mini Journal; a stylish leather pocket notebook!
Mini Book Necklace; a book pendant from reclaimed leather, keeps your hopes and dreams close to your heart.

In the Works

Posted on July 6, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 272/365Lately I’ve been focusing my energy and creativity on custom orders for clients; wedding albums, guest books, anniversary memory books (paper is the traditional first year gift!) and special trip diaries. However, a little-known fact is that this is also prime time to get cracking on holiday products.

So I’ve slowly been brainstorming and jotting down ideas and diagrams for this year’s holiday collection, it’s going to be fantastic! I’m designing some new products and also expanding on previous ideas that I wasn’t quite finished with. I’m looking forward to sharing more with you as they develop into tangible objects!

If there’s a specific type of book that you’ve been wishing I would create, now’s the time to speak up! Leave a comment below or send me an email, I’m always happy to hear from you!

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.

Blossom & Bloom Show

Posted on July 4, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 270/365

I am so looking forward to being a part of this amazing show! There’s going to be some serious talent there, from artisanal cotton candy (oh man!!), to gorgeous art, ceramics, jewellery, floral designers and home decor.

I’ll be there on Sunday, July 12 with my handbound books, journals, notebooks and paper goodies! If you’re in the area or looking for a road trip out of the city, stop by and say Hi!!

It’s less than 2 weeks and I cannot wait!! For more information about the show, go here.

New in the Shop

Posted on July 3, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 269/365This is the very last large format Fancy Coptic Journal! Measuring 10″ x 8 1/4″ and just over 1″ thick, including covers. This is the perfect size for larger projects, sketchbooks and fancy guest books. And because the spine is thicker than the rest of the book, it makes a special album as well.

I’ve enjoyed making these large Fancy Coptic Journals, but for now I’m taking a break and focusing on other projects. I may make them again one day, but for now this is it!

New Workshops!

Posted on July 2, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 268/365

As I’m sure many of you know, I love teaching bookbinding workshops. I enjoy sharing my knowledge of bookbinding and watching everyone’s own personal take on hand-crafting blank books.

So, I’ve teamed up with some of my favourite people and put together some new workshops for you! Some are still in the works, check back later in the summer, but most are listed below. Take a look at the list and see if you’d like to learn the incredibly rewarding craft of bookbinding! And if you’ve already taken a class with me, you have your pick of new bindings to learn!!

Hard Cover Arrow-Stitch Journal – Maker Festival Event!
Learn how to craft your own hand bound, hardcover journal. This workshop will introduce you to the tools of the trade, materials, and techniques to make a hard cover book. Using an arrow stitch to bind the book, everyone will leave with a finished project!

When: Saturday July 25, 10am – 1pm
Where: Graven Feather 906 Queen Street West, Toronto

Bookbinding Workshop – Coptic Binding
Learn how to craft your own hand bound, hardcover journal using discarded library books. Deconstruct a book and repurpose it into a new journal, using the coptic stitch to bind the book.

When: Saturday September 12 & October 17, 1:30pm – 4:30pm
Where: Burlington Public Library, Brant Hills Branch 2255 Brant Street, Burlington, Ontario

To learn more about Sprouts Press bookbinding workshops, go here.

Canada Day!

Posted on July 1, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 267/365

To celebrate, a collection of red and white handbound books, of course!

Happy Canada Day!

Wordless Tuesday 30.06.15

Posted on June 30, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 266/365

Summer Vacation

Posted on June 29, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 265/365Today I’ve been thinking about all the kids out of school and on summer vacation. I’m reminded of one of my favourites, the Adventure Journal.

I’ve only heard one story from someone who received an Adventure Journal as a gift. It went with her on a amazing adventure, backpacking through Europe. Her journal was a bit different than the one pictured, she was lucky enough to get one with a map cover, depicting the countries of her trek. It stood the test of time (and weather!) and she’s left with a lovely little book filled with her thoughts and impressions of such a grand adventure.

If you’ve got one (there weren’t many, I don’t even have one!) and have taken it on an adventure, I’d love to hear about it.

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.