Studio Sunday

Posted on June 4, 2017 by sproutspress

Today’s Studio Sunday is a throwback to a couple of weeks ago when I took a wonderful paper marbling class over at Paperhouse Studio with the talented Liam Blackburn. Last week I promised to continue with the series of posts about the Bradel Binding I was working on (last week was sewn headbands). I’m so thrilled to be able to use paper I marbled myself as the covers. This is what the vat looks like just before dipping the paper in. The washed-out design (with terrible ceiling reflections) is actually the paint sitting on top of the fluid. We had about 5 minutes to perfect our designs before the paint started falling into the vat, making it impossible to pick up on the paper. While this wasn’t my favourite design, I did learn a lot from each technique and can’t wait to try it again!

June Bookbinding Classes with Sprouts Press

Posted on June 1, 2017 by sproutspress

June’s Bookbinding Classes are open for registration! Whether you’re a beginner or looking to brush up your skills, you’re most welcome to sign up! See below for details.

Hardcover Arrow Stitch Bookbinding
After a brief introduction to bookbinding and the tools of the trade, students will learn how to make their own hard cover book from scratch, using Paperhouse’s gorgeous handmade papers and the Arrow Stitch bookbinding technique.

Students will learn the skill of wrapping boards properly for book covers, and the secrets to stitching the Arrow Stitch.

When: Monday June 19, 2017 6:30pm – 9:30pm
Where: Paperhouse Studio, 180 Shaw Street, Toronto

For more information & to register, please go here.

Painted Longstitch Linkstitch Bookbinding
Join us for a day of creative book making! Students will be introduced to the basics of decorating cover paper with acrylic paint and a variety of tools. Followed by a quick introduction to bookbinding and the tools of the trade, students will then learn the Longstitch/Linkstitch bookbinding technique and incorporate the decorated papers.

When: Saturday June 10, 2017 10am – 3pm
Where: Paperhouse Studio, 180 Shaw Street, Toronto

For more information & to register, please go here.

Boustrophedon Journals

Posted on May 30, 2017 by sproutspress

A big welcome to the newest series of Sprouts Press journals: the Boustrophedon Journal! The beauty of this journal lies in the details, which are efficient and surprising. Hard covers (cloth-covered), thick pages that can handle light washes and dry media, and a leather wrap around tie. The surprising part happens when you open the book. But let’s back up a minute. The name, Boustrophedon (pronounced “boostro – feedin”), refers to the pages and their folded construction. When you open the book, there are 14 pages, 28 page if you use front and back. Take it a step further and there are 34 pages if you use the 6 hidden pages!! Yes, hidden pages that can be used separately or together as 3 separate panoramas! Perfect for travel sketching. (See my instagram feed for a short video demo of this: @sproutspress)

Learn more about the Boustrophedon Journal here.

Bees (& the Birds) Show

Posted on May 29, 2017 by sproutspress

I’m so excited to announce that I’ll be participating as an artisan in this year’s Bees (& the Birds) show over at the TEST Gallery! I’ll be making a series of pollinator themed journals and notebooks (think hexagons, florals and shimmery shiny gold!) that are perfect for garden notes, summer camp and cottage adventures.

When: June 7 – 20, 2017
Where: TEST Gallery, 906 Queen St. West, Toronto

Please join us for the opening reception on Thursday June 8, from 5pm – 8pm. We’d love your support as we support pollinators!

For more information about the show, please visit the facebook event page here.

Sprouts Press goes to Paperhouse Studios!

Posted on May 26, 2017 by sproutspress

First of all, a big Thank You to everyone who came out to the Coptic Stitch workshop last night! There was much enthusiasm and I was so pleased with everyone’s finished journals.

If you missed last nights class, I will be teaching more bookbinding classes in June, at Paperhouse Studio!!On June 10 I’ll be teaching the popular Longstitch/Linkstitch at Paperhouse Studios, located in Artsccape Youngplace on Shaw St. This is one of my favourite classes to teach as we get a chance to really be creative with colour and mark-making!

DETAILS
Students will be introduced to the basics of decorating cover paper with acrylic paint and a variety of tools. Followed by a quick introduction to bookbinding and the tools of the trade, students will then learn the Longstitch/Linkstitch bookbinding technique and incorporate the decorated papers.

When: Saturday June 10, 2017 10am – 3pm
Where: Paperhouse Studio, 180 Shaw Street, Toronto

For more information & to register, please go here.

Wunderkammer Show: Last Weekend!

Posted on May 25, 2017 by sproutspress

Thanks again to everyone who came out to the opening of our team’s first gallery show, Wunderkammer: Cabinet of Curiosity. It’s a curated selection of science-based art and craft, it’s a really fun show!

If you weren’t able to join us for the opening and haven’t popped in to take a look at the amazing work by local artists and artisans, this is the last call. Show closes May 28th, which is this sunday.

Show hours are:
Tuesdays: 11 am – 4 pm
Wednesdays through Sundays: noon to 6 pm
The Toronto Etsy Street Team Gallery, 906 Queen St W

Wordless Wednesday 24.05.17

Image

Learn the Coptic Stitch

Posted on May 19, 2017 by sproutspress

In less than a week I’ll be offering the next Sprouts Press bookbinding workshop over at Toronto’s First Post Office, which is also a museum!

What: Coptic Stitch Bookbinding Workshop
When: Thursday May 25, 6pm – 9pm
Where: Toronto’s First Post Office, 260 Adelaide St East, Toronto

Sound like fun? Go here to register!

NOTE: If you’ve missed the registration for this class, or simply cannot attend this day, never fear! There are more bookbinding workshops scheduled for June. Go here to see the full roster.

Wunderkammer Show

Posted on May 18, 2017 by sproutspress

Image: Ele Willoughby

This past saturday was the opening for the group show I’m in: Wunderkammer: The Cabinet of Curiosity. It was curated by the Captain of the Toronto Etsy Street Team and all pieces included are of a science/nature theme. I’m so proud to have one of my artists books (and paintings!) alongside so many other talented makers. Scroll through the photos for a quick sampling of the work on display.

Image: Ele Willoughby

If you weren’t able to make the opening, don’t worry! The show runs from now till May 28 at The Toronto Etsy Street Team Gallery, 906 Queen St West, Toronto

Show hours are:
Tuesdays: 11 am – 4 pm
Wednesdays through Sundays: noon to 6 pm

For more information and to see the website, go here.

Bookbinding Class at Paperhouse Studio

Posted on May 16, 2017 by sproutspress

Something new for Sprouts Press is about to start! I’ll be teaching two workshops in a new space: Paperhouse Studios! This is a gorgeous, light-filled studio where all sorts of paper arts and creativity happens. If you haven’t been there before and you’ve signed up for this class, it’s worth arriving a bit early to get a tea, check out the Koffler Gallery and the general community of the building.

An excerpt from the course description:
“Students will be introduced to the basics of decorating cover paper with acrylic paint and a variety of tools. Followed by a quick introduction to bookbinding and the tools of the trade, students will then learn the Longstitch/Linkstitch bookbinding technique and incorporate the decorated papers.”

When: Saturday June 10, 2017 11am – 3pm
Where: Paperhouse Studio, 180 Shaw St., Toronto
Sound good? Go here to learn more & register!