Make your own journal at Graven Feather!

Posted on March 31, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 175/365

Teaching others my craft is something I really enjoy. I’ve taught a few different workshops at a few different places and it’s always so much fun. I wanted to talk a bit about it today.

The next workshop is set for Saturday April 11 at Graven Feather here in Toronto. This is a creative bookmaking workshop for everyone and anyone; no previous art experience is required. Following a demo of basic paper decorating techniques, everyone gets to try them in a non-intimidating, supportive environment.Then I’ll teach the Longstitch/Linkstitch technique, and everyone leaves with a finished project! This is one of my favourite stitches, it’s versatile, durable and beautiful!

The details of this workshop:
When: Saturday April 11, 2015. 10am – 1pm
Where: Graven Feather, 906 Queen St. West, Toronto

For more information and to register, please click here.

If you’ve taken one of my workshops then you know the satisfaction of finishing your first, from scratch, hand bound journal! If you’re a past student, I’d love if you took a moment to share your experiences below.

The Grey Beaded Journal

Posted on March 28, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 172/365

Cleaning and organizing always leads to reminiscing for me. Like this beaded coptic journal, for instance. It’s the last one of a series, all featuring my own handmade paper on the covers and matching beading details.

The covers showcase my own handmade papers, each is different.
From left to right:
Coral: pigmented cotton.
Green: pigmented abaca with multicoloured gampi inclusions.
Blue: pigmented abaca with multicoloured gampi inclusions.
Grey-Black: pigmented cotton with supersparkle!! *This is the last one!
White: cotton.
Tan: my own pine needle fibres mixed with abaca for strength.

And this is the last one left! The grey-black sparkly journal with royal blue beading detail on the cover, check it out here.

Bookmaking Workshop: Mississauga

Posted on March 27, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 171/365

I’m proud to announce that this sunday I’ll be teaching my first workshop at the Living Arts Centre in Mississauga!

It’s a bookmaking workshop, using the Longstitch technique, as pictured above. I really enjoy teaching bookbinding and am so happy to be branching out and offering my workshops around southern Ontario. (Yes, there are more in the works!! Watch the Workshops section of my site to find out!)

While this sunday’s workshop is sold out, there is a second date in June that still has some spots left. Go here for details and to register.

Wordless Wednesday 25.03.15

Posted on March 25, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 169/365

Reclaiming beautiful things

Posted on March 24, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 168/365

I’ve always thought cigar boxes were beautiful objects. I’ve seen all sorts of things made out of them, even ukuleles! I’ve made cigar box books for a while now, but recently upgraded the design to include a spine protector and a leather wrap to keep it closed.

I’ve just added two more to my online shop. A more minimalist design above, and a bright and kitschy orange and gold wood grain printed design, below.

Know someone who loves cigars or simply shares the love of good design? Send them a cigar journal!

A Little Indulgence

Posted on March 23, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 167/365

Today is the kind of day that has followed a few days of warmer weather here in Toronto. Except that it’s freezing out. Sunshiny with blue skies, but freezing! A cruel trick.

So, I’m indulging and sharing my daydreams of summertime with warm weather. For me, this journal captures that feeling perfectly. It reminds me of the lush greenery only summertime brings. It’s like being in a cool, quiet forest in mid-july, the smell of pines and earth under foot. Indulgence indeed, for a cold March day!

Do you have a favourite journal that you associate with a certain place or time of year? I’d love to hear about it, feel free to comment below.

See you at the Bellwoods Flea!

Posted on March 21, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 165/365

It’s the Bellwoods Flea today!

There are two locations and I’ll be at 801 Dundas St. West, Hashtag Gallery.
The other location is just down the road at the Magpie, 831 Dundas St. West.

Come out and support local makers!

Springtime!

Posted on March 20, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 164/365

Springtime has finally arrived! I’m really looking forward to some outdoor time without the 10 minute scarf/hat/mitts/boots/coats routine. I’m also looking forward to warm weather and outdoor sketching, and journalling on patios and cafes!

I’ve got some fun springtimey things planned for the blog over the next little while, stay tuned! In the meantime, it’s okay to start breaking out the spring wardrobe, right?

Two Days!

Posted on March 19, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 163/365

In just two days it’s the Bellwoods Flea!!

What: Bellwoods Flea Spring Edition
Where: Hashtag Gallery, 801 Dundas Street West (this is where I’ll be)
AND
The Magpie, 831 Dundas Street West
When: Saturday March 21, 11am – 6pm

Come out and support local makers and artisans! There will be handmade items, vintage, food and drinks! It’ll be fun, I promise! Sprouts Press will be there with handbound books, journals, albums, bookbinding kits and book jewellery. Find a fun Easter gift or the perfect present for Mothers Day!

Creative Bookbinding

Posted on March 17, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 161/365

Learn the craft of bookbinding this thursday! Details below.

This thursday I’ll be teaching a bookbinding workshop at Little House in the City. Spend the evening learning the art of bookbinding using the Longstitch technique to make a hand bound journal!

Where: Little House in the City, 555 Parliament St., Toronto
When: Thursday March 19, 6:30pm – 9:30pm

For details and to register, go here.