Day 50/365
Wordless Wednesday 26.11.14
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Day 50/365
Tag Archives: Arts
Even More Projects!!
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!
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.
Wordless Wednesday 11.19.14
Day 43/365
Books, Photos and Paper
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
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!
Contest Time!
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.
Wordless Wednesday 12.11.14
Day 36/365
The Studio on a Sunday
Day 33/365
Today I’m working on the largest books I’ll be making all season. Not quite the largest books I’ve ever made, but for a long time at least. I am reminded that I prefer making smaller books.
Measuring 8″ x 10″, the ample page space is great for sketching or writing in long paragraphs. I’ll be featuring these books at the One of a Kind Show at the end of the month. (I’m at booth D49, stop by and say Hi!)
In the Round ll
Day 32/365
On thursday I had the pleasure of attending the opening reception of ‘In the Round ll’, a group show at Graven Feather here in Toronto. If you haven’t heard of this show, there are over 150 artists participating, all producing art on a set of three, 5″ birch disks.
Once on the wall, it makes for a stunning display of rows and rows of artwork. I love how everyone interpreted the use of the circles differently, creating a beautiful diversity of 2D and 3D pieces.
While I wasn’t able to participate this year, it’s always fun to attend this annual show and see the beautiful works of fellow artists. And as usual, the pieces submitted were all spectacular!
The show runs for the month of November, go here for more info.
Sprouts Press 