Even More Projects!!

Posted on November 24, 2014 by sproutspress

Day 41/365

Today I’m posting about a project I’m pretty proud of: books that are case bound using bookcloth I made! This is something I’ve wanted to do for a while now, especially with all the fabric choices out there.

I decided to stick to solid colours, with linen and linen-like fabrics, I love the texture and richness of the colours.

I finished these journals with sewn-in ribbon bookmarks, and corners to protect against wear. I focused on two styles: a landscape journal filled only with 140 lb watercolour paper (I want one!!) and a portrait-oriented daily journal with a lovely large page surface to capture the day’s thoughts.

Since they are a limited edition binding (only 10 of each style) they are only available at the One of a Kind Show from November 27 – December 7, 2014. If you want one, come find me at booth D49 in the Rising Stars section!

Projects!

Posted on November 21, 2014 by sproutspress

Day 45/365

As I’m sure you know by now, I’ve got a rather large arts and crafts show coming up, the One of a Kind Show. I figure this is a good time to showcase the processes I go through in making some of my products.

Today’s featured project: hand dying paper!

Testing colours, making sure to get just the right hues. I use a mix of inks and watercolour paints.

Mid-dying – yes, this is a messy process! And I love it!

A side view of boards covered with my hand dyed paper, drying in the press, makes a great texture shot.

A Friendly Reminder

Posted on November 20, 2014 by sproutspress

Day 44/365

Just a friendly reminder that holiday shipping deadlines are quickly approaching. If placing an order online, please keep in mind shipping times so your items arrive on time!

For orders destined to Canada the last day to ship is December 10 (this is the very last day!)

For orders destined to the USA the last day to ship is December 8.

For orders going everywhere else, the last day to ship is December 1.

Wordless Wednesday 11.19.14

Posted on November 19, 2014 by sproutspress

Day 43/365

Books, Photos and Paper

Posted on November 18, 2014 by sproutspress

Day 42/365

This is a project that started a long time ago. It’s had a few reinventions, these are some of my favourites. There is a deeper meaning to these pieces and as a result they have morphed into other objects, but for now I’ll just touch on them briefly. Perhaps I’ll revisit the longer write up in a later post.

They are books sculpted into dioramas featuring digitalized photos from special moments in my life, moments that I feel many people can relate to. I’m talking about things like nostalgia, yearning and sometimes regret.

Consider the crowds in an Italian Piazza, the grand archway in the distance and the top of a carousel tucked in a corner.

One last close up that shows the paper cutting that went into these pieces. They are detailed and intricate.

There is a small selection available at the Arts Market, and I will have a select few at the One of a Kind Show at the end of the month.

Bookbinding + Painting + Printmaking = Happy Me

Posted on November 17, 2014 by sproutspress

Day 41/365

Sometimes I indulge myself and combine mediums. Such is the case with this series of blue painted and relief-printed Longstitch journals. I’ve done this before with other painted journals, but recently came across these photos and felt the urge to share.

Details are everything, matching beaded closures is a thing of beauty (to me anyways).

As many bookbinders and other makers of handmade items know, creating in multiples is key. These books are no exception. But make no mistake; each is unique in placement of the cover patterns and images. Designing these books, the covers and crafting these pieces is the sort of project that keeps me happy!

The Studio on a Sunday

Posted on November 16, 2014 by sproutspress

Day 40/365

A journal mid-production; this is the coptic binding variation I tend to be using more and more.

Loving the brown linen thread on the navy cover and spine, a lovely natural journal.

Ornament Making

Posted on November 15, 2014 by sproutspress

Day 39/365

If you’ve started thinking about the holidays and where to start, I may have the answer for you. In one week I’ll be teaching an Ornament Making Workshop over at the Arts Market on College. It’s the perfect way to start off the season!

This is a hands-on workshop where you’ll create a personalized, unique book ornament. We will touch on the basics first, and then dive into the main project – you will leave with your very own handcrafted ornament!

No previous art or bookmaking experience is necessary.

For more information or to register, go here.

Monsters!

Posted on November 14, 2014 by sproutspress

Day 35/365

Sometimes I get sidetracked from bookbinding and make other, book-related things. For instance, these Monster Bookends. They’re cute and they functional!

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Meet Gerald. He’s an eccentric retired chemistry professor who loves debating and usually sees the sunny side of things. il_570xN.277783825

Meet Frank. A cranky old man, he goes out of his way to ruin your day.

There are a few more characters as well, but these are my favourites, all available exclusively at Arts Market here in Toronto.

Contest Time!

Posted on November 13, 2014 by sproutspress

Day 37/365

It’s contest time! Who doesn’t love to win free tickets and a handbound notebook?

This contest is a draw, to enter simply ‘follow’ Sprouts Press on Instagram and leave a comment on which notebook is your favourite (pink & gold, indigo & silver, red & burgundy or black & gold).

The winner will get a pair of tickets to the One of a Kind Show here in Toronto, and the notebook they commented as their favourite! Woo hoo!

Bonus Entries: If you follow Sprouts Press on facebook share this photo for another entry! If you follow Sprouts Press on twitter retweet this photo for yet another entry!

The contest starts today and ends on sunday evening. A winner will be drawn at random and announced on monday.