February Blues

Posted on February 23, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 139/365

A collection of items rounded up for their wintery and icy blue tones! I love winter and the beauty of fresh snow on evergreen trees, or a cross country ski day, or even just a walk in the calm of a snowfall. And of course a cold winter day is the best kind of day to stay inside with your journal and a cup of tea! Here are my most wintery items I’d like to share with you.

Starting clockwise from the top left: Indigo and Silver Quick Notes notebooks, Blue and White Starburst Journal, Thistles Pouch Screenprinted on Linen, Pocket Notes Mini Book in Florentine Blue, Wintertime Bookbinding Kit, Indigo Starburst Journal with hand dyed paper, DIY Bookbinding Kit in Aqua and Grey, Watercolour Sketchbook in Navy Bookcloth.

While the intention of this post is to share some of my blue and winter-themed items, I do realize that the Winter Blues are a real thing that affect many people. To learn more about Winter Blues, Seasonal Affective Disorder and Depression, click here for a video put together by CAMH.

The Studio on a Sunday

Posted on February 22, 2015 by sproutspress

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?

Charity Craft Supply Swap!

Posted on February 21, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 137/365

This evening, support a good cause and have some fun too! It’s the Charity Craft Supply Swap at Arts Market on college!

Where: 846 College Street, Toronto
When: 7:30pm – 9:30pm

I’ve been purging and rounding up some real goodies to swap! (And re-discovering old projects that I’ve started up again! Of course!!) I love swaps and can’t wait to see what everyone else brings.

To participate, just bring an item from their list to donate to the Cold Hands Warm Heart Project in collaboration with PARC. For more info, see the facebook event page here.

Cabin Fever February!

Posted on February 20, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 136/365

It’s Cabin Fever February at the Arts Market on College!!
You might be asking yourself what, exactly, does this mean? What’s Cabin Fever February?? It’s an awesome sale with a handful of vendors, offering up to 50% off their entire space!!

As you can see, the entire Sprouts Press booth is listed at 30% off!! So come on in and pick out your favourite handbound journal. Then cozy up with a blanket and some tea while you fill your book with dreams of springtime!!

Indigo, Florentine and Fabric!

Posted on February 19, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 135/365After posting my latest instalment of Use Your Journal, I realized that there were only two Starburst Journals in my Etsy shop. I’m happy to say that I’ve taken some time to put these ones together and list them online.
These are quite possibly my favourite books to bind. I love the possibilities for covers and the stitching patterns created on the spine. Even better? It lays flat when open!
This book is the first of two that are full fabric covers. And it’s my own handmade bookcloth! I’m proud of these journals, the full fabric makes them very tactile. Perfect for a cozy afternoon of sketching/journalling/album making with a cup of tea by a toasty fire.

Wordless Wednesday 18.02.15

Posted on February 18, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 134/365

Red, Grey and Green

Posted on February 17, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 133/365There’s a new style of journal in my Etsy shop! Please welcome the Medium Journal with Ribbon! This is my first venture into the world of handmade bookcloth. I have to say, it is liberating. To be able to use any fabric I want (minus stretchy and see-through materials; there were some trials and errors!) and turn it into bookcloth opens so many doors. Of course, I went right for the cotton linen and linen-like fabrics right off the bat, they are so gorgeous!

The journals themselves are hardcover case-bound, housing a selection of blank paper and brown kraft paper. And, as a bit of fun, each book has a half page map, making it appropriate for travel as well. (Makes a one of a kind keepsake after it’s filled with memories from a trip!) Some of the journals have brass corners, mainly just the red journals, which also use outdoor fabric as the bookcloth. Yes, these are the toughest journals in the series!!

The size is not too big, but not too small; perfect for stashing in a day bag or backpack. All of these designs have ribbon bookmarks, essential to keep your place so you can find it quickly when inspiration strikes on the go!

Available in Ruby Red, Grass Green and Warm Grey.

Minus Forty

Posted on February 16, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 132/365

I’m always in awe of the weather here in Toronto. Yesterday was -40c, today a balmy -20c. I know, I know, it’s nothing compared to the weather of the maritimes, or probably the prairies. But still . . . .

Either way, I’m staying inside and getting some serious project planning, 2015 show scheduling and general housekeeping done. I’m super excited for a few big projects this year and cannot wait to share them with you!

In the meantime I’m sending out a general reminder that the Sprouts Press February newsletter is going out this week. If you’re not on the mailing list, now’s the time to sign up!! Click here to find out more and add yourself to the list.

Stay warm and enjoy wintertime safely everyone!!

The Studio on a Sunday

Posted on February 15, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 131/365Today 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!