Mini Books!

Posted on July 7, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 273/365

A selection of mini books, all handmade here in Toronto, by yours truly. Some are more mini than others, but they are some of the smallest books I’ve ever made!

From top left, going clockwise:
Pocket Notebook in Two-Tone Yellow; hardcover and coptic bound, this is a sturdy mini book!
Black and White Little Leather Journal; made from reclaimed leather and matching white and black vintage button.
Mini Book Magnets, Set of 6; the cutest collection of handmade mini magnet notebooks! Great for a colour kitchen, little hands and big dreams!!
Teal Suede Mini Journal; a stylish leather pocket notebook!
Mini Book Necklace; a book pendant from reclaimed leather, keeps your hopes and dreams close to your heart.

New in the Shop

Posted on July 3, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 269/365This is the very last large format Fancy Coptic Journal! Measuring 10″ x 8 1/4″ and just over 1″ thick, including covers. This is the perfect size for larger projects, sketchbooks and fancy guest books. And because the spine is thicker than the rest of the book, it makes a special album as well.

I’ve enjoyed making these large Fancy Coptic Journals, but for now I’m taking a break and focusing on other projects. I may make them again one day, but for now this is it!

New Workshops!

Posted on July 2, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 268/365

As I’m sure many of you know, I love teaching bookbinding workshops. I enjoy sharing my knowledge of bookbinding and watching everyone’s own personal take on hand-crafting blank books.

So, I’ve teamed up with some of my favourite people and put together some new workshops for you! Some are still in the works, check back later in the summer, but most are listed below. Take a look at the list and see if you’d like to learn the incredibly rewarding craft of bookbinding! And if you’ve already taken a class with me, you have your pick of new bindings to learn!!

Hard Cover Arrow-Stitch Journal – Maker Festival Event!
Learn how to craft your own hand bound, hardcover journal. This workshop will introduce you to the tools of the trade, materials, and techniques to make a hard cover book. Using an arrow stitch to bind the book, everyone will leave with a finished project!

When: Saturday July 25, 10am – 1pm
Where: Graven Feather 906 Queen Street West, Toronto

Bookbinding Workshop – Coptic Binding
Learn how to craft your own hand bound, hardcover journal using discarded library books. Deconstruct a book and repurpose it into a new journal, using the coptic stitch to bind the book.

When: Saturday September 12 & October 17, 1:30pm – 4:30pm
Where: Burlington Public Library, Brant Hills Branch 2255 Brant Street, Burlington, Ontario

To learn more about Sprouts Press bookbinding workshops, go here.

Wordless Tuesday 30.06.15

Posted on June 30, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 266/365

Blossom and Bloom

Posted on June 27, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 263/365I’m pleased to say that I’ll be participating in the next Blossom and Bloom show in less than 3 weeks! Located in picturesque Unionville, in the courtyard of the Varley Art Gallery, this is going to be a show worth checking out! I’ll be there with my handbound books, alongside a curated selection of talented makers, live music, and floral designers.

I’ll be there for just one day, on Sunday July 12 from 11am – 4pm.

The gallery is located at 216 Main Street, Unionville.

Bonus: Admission & parking are free!

Sprouts Press goes to Welland!

Posted on June 20, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 256/365

It’s a great day for a road trip to the Niagara region! Stop by Vermeers Garden Centre in Welland and say Hi to yours truly and many other talented makers!

What: Heirlooms Artisan Market
When: Saturday June 20, 10am – 6pm
Where: Vermeers Garden Centre, 684 South Pelham St, Welland, Ontario

Pro tip: This is an Etsy sponsored event, you know what that means – swag bags!! If you’re one of the first 100 people you’ll get a swag bag with some pretty awesome goodies inside!

For more details and vendor profiles, go here.

Peonies & Roses

Posted on June 19, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 255/365Once again, I’ve been inspired by the state of the garden: peonies and roses!! I suppose this happens because I try really hard to balance my work life (indoors) with some much needed time in the garden (outdoors). I find a real connection between being a maker of tactile objects and working in the garden; multiple senses are needed to really enjoy both of these things.

If you’re interested in knowing where to find these things, read on.

Ex Libris Bookplates (2 designs pictured in red, 1 in salmon)

Quick Notes Notebooks (pictured in two-tone red and pink & gold)

Watercolour Sketchbook in red (pictured top left corner)

Starburst Journal (pictured in marsala, just below the Watercolour Sketchbook)

Hot Pink Watercolour Sketcher (pictured right in the middle)

Large Fancy Coptic Journal in Marsala (pictured bottom right corner)

Wordless Wednesday 17.06.15

Posted on June 17, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 253/365

Paper Fair!

Posted on June 16, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 252/365Attention all Torontonian paper addicts: This thursday is the Paper Fair at Toronto’s First Post Office! Stop by to meet local paper artists and crafters, and talented stationery designers. It’s going to be a great selection of fun, beautiful, handmade paper goods!