Mothers Day Gift Collection No. 1

Posted on April 14, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 189/365

I’ve put together a sweet little collection of journals for all the Mom’s out there that love to write, sketch, doodle, collage and, of course, make brag books about their kids!

I know my Mom has at least 2 journals on the go all the time. She has been one of my biggest supporters since the beginning of Sprouts Press! So, I’ve decided to put together a couple of collections of items that I think Moms like her might like. Everyone is different, of course, which is why I’ve planned for more than one collection, the second is coming out next week.

You can find these items online and some only in-person, for all the journalers/drawers who prefer to skip the digital transaction. See below for details.

From the top left, clockwise;
Fancy Coptic Journal: Light green florals and distressed text with vintage button and reclaimed leather. Has a surprise map page! Available exclusively on One of a Kind Online, go here for details.
Fancy Coptic Journal: Colourful and gold Florentine covers with golden vintage button and reclaimed leather. Only available in person at SpringPop, a pop up shop in Burlington: 408 John Street, Burlington, Ontario. April 17, 18 & 19, 2015. Go here for details.
Fancy Coptic Journal: Sweet florals in lilac and blue with matching vintage button and reclaimed leather, great size to fit in a purse or day bag. Has a surprise map page! Available on Etsy, go here for details.
Indigo Starburst Journal: Hardcover journal featuring hand-dyed indigo paper with ‘starburst’ stitching down the spine. A bit larger than the previous three books, also makes a unique and gorgeous album or scrapbook. Available on Etsy, go here for details.
Black and White Handbound Journal: A tall, handbound journal that features hand-dyed washi paper covers. A modern journal with a mix of page papers, great for sketching or writing. Available on Etsy, go here for details.

Extra! Extra!

Posted on April 11, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 186/365Yesterday I spent some time prepping a box full of lovely little notebooks for swag bags for the Blossom and Bloom show! It’ll be happening select weekends throughout the summer in a picturesque courtyard of the Varley Art Gallery, in Unionville.

I’m pleased to announce that I’ll also be a vendor at this market-style show 2 days: Sunday July 12 and Saturday August 8. Come out if you can, it looks like there will be a great variety of artisans, floral designers and artists in attendance! Should be fantastic!!

A Little Nudge

Posted on April 10, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 185/365 DSC_0729_fotor

A medley of spring colours to nudge the warmer season our way – I cannot wait to sketch outside!! What are you looking forward to most about springtime?

Sprouts Press at Graven Feather

Posted on April 7, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 182/365

Workshop time! Join me this saturday for a creative bookmaking workshop at the beautiful letterpress printing studio and gallery on Queen St. West, Graven Feather!

*Pictured above are examples of students’ finished projects; hand bound journals!

What: Longstitch/Linkstitch Bookbinding Workshop
When: Saturday April 11, 2015. 10am – 1pm.
Where: Graven Feather, 906 Queen St. West, Toronto
Cost: $65, materials included.

For more information and to register, please go here.

The Studio on a Monday

Posted on April 6, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 181/365 photo 5_2

Today I’m prepping the studio for more paper dying! I love this process and the results, it’s a different kind of creativity than stitching books with a needle and thread. I miss getting paint under my nails and losing myself in the work, so it’s a welcome change of pace for a day. These are photos from a previous paper-dying session, so I’ll be sure to take some new ones and share the ‘after’ photos this time around!

Sprouts Press goes to the Junction!

Posted on April 4, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 179/365

You can now find Sprouts Press products in the Junction! Introducing our newest retailer: Urban Gardener on Dupont!

If you haven’t checked out this shop you definitely should! They have a great selection of gardening products, and a curated selection of handmade items from local makers!

There are a few Sprouts Press items there, like the Starburst journals, Indigo Fancy Coptic journals and Bookbinding kits.

I have only good things to say about this shop; it’s beautiful, welcoming and run by incredibly sincere and lovely people. Go and check it out!!

Details:
Urban Gardener
1640 Dupont St, Toronto

Spring Time Collaboration

Posted on April 3, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 178/365

Introducing the Spring Gift Pack from Graven Feather:
I am so proud to announce that my Quick Notes notebooks in gold are a part of these gorgeous sets! They are curated by Graven Feather and showcase the work of a few local artisans and shops. (and did I mention how beautiful they are??)

Housed in handmade paper from Paperhouse Studio here in Toronto, Graven Feather printed on the reverse and hand crafted each folder. Inside you’ll find all sorts of goodies including one of my handbound gold notebooks, as pictured above.
Inside you’ll also find a pen from Articulations and several other printed goodies! (I’m not spilling the beans on the rest of the contents – you’ll just have to get your own to find out!) When secured shut (gorgeous!!) it’s the perfect place to keep your cherished ephemera and paper treasures. The Spring Gift Pack also makes the perfect gift for Mothers day or a special birthday or anyday!

Secrets Journal

Posted on April 2, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 177/365The Secret Belgian binding has always been one of the most intriguing books I’ve made. I love the jacobs ladder-like structure that gives it so much flexibility. That’s right, this handbound book can flip completely open! I was going for an Edward Gorey feel with brown Florentine paper, black ribbon and my own handmade grey sparkle paper.

To see the full Etsy listing, go here.

Wordless Wednesday 01.04.15

Posted on April 1, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 176/365

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.