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.

Wordless Wednesday 13.05.15

Posted on May 13, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 218/365

Longstitch/Linkstitch

Posted on May 12, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 217/365

In just under 2 weeks the next Bookbinding Workshop is happening at Graven Feather! I’ll be teaching a soft cover technique: longstitch/linkstitch. It’s a creative class, with cover decorating happening first, then the lesson in bookbinding. See below for details.

If you cannot make it to this workshop, never fear! I have several workshops lined up across Southern Ontario, just click Workshops on the top menu bar for a list. Or click here.

What: Longstitch/Linkstitch Bookbinding Workshop
When: Saturday May 23, 2015. 10am – 1pm
Where: Graven Feather, 906 Queen St. West, Toronto

For more information, please go here.

Reminder

Posted on May 11, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 216/365

Just a friendly reminder that it’s a good time to subscribe to the Sprouts Press monthly eNewsletter. To sign up, go here.

The Studio on a Sunday

Posted on May 10, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 215/365

Today I’m working on a custom order for a soon-to-be bride and groom! It’s going to be a guest book, made to order in the colour palette of their wedding.

I often take custom orders for event guest books, photo albums and journals for special occasions. Sometimes travellers just want a customized trip diary, complete with a map insert of their destination.

To start a conversation about a custom order you have in mind, just click Custom Order along the top menu bar of my website, fill in the blanks and that’s it!