Official Opening!

Posted on December 11, 2014 by sproutspress

It’s with great pleasure that I announce the official opening party of my new vendor space at Arts Market! I’m so pleased with my booth there, the lovely staff and the opportunity to host my book making workshops and classes on a regular basis. It’s the start of something great!!

This opening is to celebrate not only my own vendor space, but also a few other Arts Market ‘newbies’. We will be taking over the space for the evening and hope you’ll join us!

The details:
December 11, 2014 from 7:30pm – 9:30pm
Arts Market, 846 College Street, Toronto (just west of Ossington Avenue)

For more info, please take a look at our facebook event found here.

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.

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!

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.

Wordless Wednesday 12.11.14

Posted on November 12, 2014 by sproutspress

Day 36/365

Join Me

Posted on November 4, 2014 by sproutspress

Day 28/365

It seems to be the time of year; the garden is pulled out, the air is crisp and we all start thinking about cozy indoor activities. So, without further ado, please won’t you join me next saturday at my next book making workshop!

I will be teaching the Longstitch/Linkstitch binding, which is the same binding as last weekend’s class, but we will be collaging the covers into beautiful art books. It’s so much fun!

For more information and to register, please go here.

A Lovely Saturday

Posted on November 1, 2014 by sproutspress

Day 25/365

Today I had the pleasure of teaching a wonderful group of ladies the Longstitch/Linkstitch binding. We were at Graven Feather, a fantastic printmaking studio and gallery, here in Toronto on Queen St. West.

I love seeing the different styles and colours each person is drawn to and the details put into each book. Everyone was happy with their journal and enjoyed learning a new skill! Welcome to the world of bookbinding!!

To learn more about upcoming workshops and classes, please visit my Workshops page.

Linkstitch

Posted on October 28, 2014 by sproutspress

Day 21/365

It’s workshop time! This saturday I’m excited to be teaching a bookbinding class at the amazing Graven Feather Gallery/Printmaking studio! This is a creative hands-on class geared for all skill levels. I love teaching this workshop, especially when the room goes quiet and everyone is completely and wholeheartedly engrossed in their projects. It’s so wonderful to see people just let go and allow their unique creativity really shine!

The photo above is from a previous class taught there, a similar class will happen this saturday (November 1). But it’s not just bookbinding, we’ll be getting creative designing and decorating covers! Sound like fun? Go here for more information and to register.

The Studio on a Sunday

Posted on October 26, 2014 by sproutspress

Day 19/365

This is the aftermath of an evening spent hand-dying paper. I’ve started using more colours and overlays with colour washes. I’m pretty excited to see how they turn out as books. These will become lovely covers for some very special journals!