Learning an old Craft

Posted on May 23, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 228/365

If you’ve been meaning to take a bookbinding workshop but just haven’t got around to it, never fear! I’ve got several scheduled and more in the works around Southern Ontario. Take a look below, maybe there’s one near you!

Bookbinding Workshop
Sunday June 7, 10am – 4pm
Guelph School of Art, 125 Wyndham St. North, Guelph
For more information and to register, go here.

Bookmaking Workshop
Sunday June 14, 1pm – 4pm
Mississauga Living Arts Centre, 4141 Living Arts Drive, Mississauga, Ontario
For more information and to register, go here.

New in the Shop

Posted on May 22, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 227/365

One of the latest additions to my etsy shop is part of a series of journals with hand-dyed covers. I’ve already shared several of the Indigo Journal variations, but this is a larger series, focusing on the lovely tones achieved with sepia. This is a coptic stitched book, with reclaimed leather and a brass button stud closure, which also makes it part of the Fancy Coptic journal series.

I love the size and weight of this journal; if it were smaller it would be a chunky book, but it’s taller size makes it more of a sketchbook or journal perfect for longer prose.

See it online in my Etsy shop here.

Last Call

Posted on May 21, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 226/365

Today is your last chance to register for the Longstitch/Linkstitch Bookbinding workshop at Graven Feather! Next month we’re trying something a bit different (stay tuned for details) so if you’ve been putting off signing up for this one, now’s the time!!

What: Longstitch/Linkstitch Bookbinding Workshop
When: Saturday May 23rd, 10am – 1pm
Where: Graven Feather, 906 Queen St. West, Toronto

For more information and to register, please go here.

Wordless Wednesday 20.05.15

Posted on May 20, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 225/365

Garden Collage

Posted on May 19, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 224/365Over the weekend I spent some much-needed time in the garden. I love spending a few hours outside with my hands in the dirt. I think it’s similar to bookbinding; I get a strange sense of satisfaction from peeling a day’s worth of glue from my hands, just as I do from the earth under my nails after a day in the garden. (On that note, maybe I should take up soap-making and come up with a Bookbinder’s alternative to Gardener’s soap!)

Because I’m looking forward to the upcoming gardening season, I put together this little garden-themed collection showcasing some of my favourite items. To view these items and discover my full Etsy shop, click here.

Upcoming Bookbinding Workshop

Posted on May 18, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 223/365

**This Saturday: Longstitch/Linkstitch Bookbinding Workshop!

Join me at Graven Feather, a letterpress studio and gallery on Queen West, for a fun and creative workshop learning to make your own journal! I’ll teach you the basics of bookbinding and everyone will leave with a finished, hand-crafted journal!

When: Saturday May 23rd 10am – 1pm
Where: Graven Feather, 906 Queen St. West, Toronto

For more information and to register, go here.

The Studio on a Sunday

Posted on May 17, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 222/365I’ve been working on several custom orders lately, this is the latest. It’s going to be a fabric-covered wedding guest book, with really nice watercolour pages. I’m also making my own bookcloth for this one, to get the perfect colour!

Have a special book you want custom made? Just click ‘Custom Order‘ on the top menu of my site and send me a note!

Lilacs

Posted on May 16, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 221/365Lilacs are in bloom! So here’s a collection of books in similar hues to one of my favourite fragrant flowers.

Starting at the top left going clockwise:

Floral Fancy Coptic Journal, Ex Libris Bookplates in a set of 5, Coral Mini Journal, Quick Notes in Gold and Pink, Canadiana Journal.

Enjoy the weekend!

New in the Shop

Posted on May 15, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 220/365
This is the second of the latest Handbound Journal series to join my Etsy shop. It’s another coptic journal showcasing my hand-dyed washi paper on the covers, in Indigo!

As I mentioned last week, I love the fact that each of the books in this series are unique and different. Last week’s journal featured paper with a softer, overall blue colour. This week is a fun striped effect! I love the painterly tones of blue and the organic shapes of the stripes. I can imagine this being the perfect beach or cottage companion!

To learn more and view it on Etsy, go here.

Blossom and Bloom!

Posted on May 14, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 219/365

I’m super excited about a new show I’m participating in this summer! It’s the Blossom and Bloom show in Unionville, at the Varley Art Gallery (in the courtyard).

As you can see, it’s a monthly show with several dates lined up. I’ll be there, alongside many other talented makers, on Sunday July 12 and Saturday August 8 with a selection of handbound books, journals, kits and book jewellery.

To learn more, click here for the Blossom and Bloom website.