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.

The Studio on a Sunday

Posted on March 29, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 173/365

Today I’m in a different studio, teaching my craft to others! It’s the Bookmaking Workshop at the Living Arts Centre in Mississauga!!

If Mississauga is your neighbourhood or you just want to take a workshop with me, there are still a few spots left in the next workshop. To learn more and to register, go here.

Otherwise, keep your eyes on the workshops section on my site for more classes local to you.

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.