Use Your Journal No.5

Posted on March 26, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 170/365

Spring is in the air, the snow is melting/melted and many of us are eager to help welcome the new season.Usually, springtime means spring cleaning. Oh joy.

Today’s post is a mix of ‘Use Your Journal’ and spring cleaning, specifically; getting your books, journals and sketchbooks organized and accounted for! In a fun way, I promise!
My secret weapon to accomplish this, if you haven’t already guessed, is with Ex Libris bookplates.

Ex Libris bookplates are labels that go in the front cover of your books (journals, sketchbooks, novels, biographies, etc). Ex Libris is latin and roughly translates to ‘from the library of’. Therefore, when you write your name in the space provided on each bookplate, you are creating your own library! What’s more organized than a library!?

My Ex Libris bookplates are my own designs that I carve into lino blocks. Then I hand print each one onto self-adhesive paper, making it easy and convenient for you to label your beloved books. I’ve printed two different designs, each in a few different colours, you can read about my process here.

I’ve even got gold bookplates! They’re actually quite beautiful and classy, and make a great gift when tucked in the front of a special book for a friend. To recap, here are 3 steps to incorporate Ex Libris bookplates into your journalling, sketching and book-collecting lives, making it even more fun to use your journal!

1. Choose a selection of journals/sketchbooks/books to be labelled.

2. Write your name in the space provided on the bookplate. Some people also like to write the date they start the book.

2a. If you’re giving a special journal/book as a gift and want to put an ex libris bookplate in the front cover, you can write the recipient’s name and the date. You can also write the occasion for the gift, as a memento for life milestones or achievements.

3. Once you’ve written the info in the space provided on the bookplate, peel off the backing and adhere to the inside front cover of the book/journal/sketchbook. Repeat for all your most fancy and special books!

Have fun!

Wordless Wednesday 25.03.15

Posted on March 25, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 169/365

Reclaiming beautiful things

Posted on March 24, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 168/365

I’ve always thought cigar boxes were beautiful objects. I’ve seen all sorts of things made out of them, even ukuleles! I’ve made cigar box books for a while now, but recently upgraded the design to include a spine protector and a leather wrap to keep it closed.

I’ve just added two more to my online shop. A more minimalist design above, and a bright and kitschy orange and gold wood grain printed design, below.

Know someone who loves cigars or simply shares the love of good design? Send them a cigar journal!

A Little Indulgence

Posted on March 23, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 167/365

Today is the kind of day that has followed a few days of warmer weather here in Toronto. Except that it’s freezing out. Sunshiny with blue skies, but freezing! A cruel trick.

So, I’m indulging and sharing my daydreams of summertime with warm weather. For me, this journal captures that feeling perfectly. It reminds me of the lush greenery only summertime brings. It’s like being in a cool, quiet forest in mid-july, the smell of pines and earth under foot. Indulgence indeed, for a cold March day!

Do you have a favourite journal that you associate with a certain place or time of year? I’d love to hear about it, feel free to comment below.

The Studio on a Sunday

Posted on March 22, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 166/365

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

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!

See you at the Bellwoods Flea!

Posted on March 21, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 165/365

It’s the Bellwoods Flea today!

There are two locations and I’ll be at 801 Dundas St. West, Hashtag Gallery.
The other location is just down the road at the Magpie, 831 Dundas St. West.

Come out and support local makers!

Springtime!

Posted on March 20, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 164/365

Springtime has finally arrived! I’m really looking forward to some outdoor time without the 10 minute scarf/hat/mitts/boots/coats routine. I’m also looking forward to warm weather and outdoor sketching, and journalling on patios and cafes!

I’ve got some fun springtimey things planned for the blog over the next little while, stay tuned! In the meantime, it’s okay to start breaking out the spring wardrobe, right?

Two Days!

Posted on March 19, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 163/365

In just two days it’s the Bellwoods Flea!!

What: Bellwoods Flea Spring Edition
Where: Hashtag Gallery, 801 Dundas Street West (this is where I’ll be)
AND
The Magpie, 831 Dundas Street West
When: Saturday March 21, 11am – 6pm

Come out and support local makers and artisans! There will be handmade items, vintage, food and drinks! It’ll be fun, I promise! Sprouts Press will be there with handbound books, journals, albums, bookbinding kits and book jewellery. Find a fun Easter gift or the perfect present for Mothers Day!

Wordless Wednesday 18.03.15

Posted on March 18, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 162/365

Creative Bookbinding

Posted on March 17, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 161/365

Learn the craft of bookbinding this thursday! Details below.

This thursday I’ll be teaching a bookbinding workshop at Little House in the City. Spend the evening learning the art of bookbinding using the Longstitch technique to make a hand bound journal!

Where: Little House in the City, 555 Parliament St., Toronto
When: Thursday March 19, 6:30pm – 9:30pm

For details and to register, go here.