The Coptic Indigo Journal

Posted on December 20, 2014 by sproutspress

Day 73/365

You may remember when I posted about the Indigo Journal back in October. I had shown a small journal created with my fancy-pants hand dyed indigo paper. Well, now I’d like to share this larger, one of a kind, really pretty variation: The Large Coptic Indigo Journal!

Measuring 8″ x 10″, with reclaimed leather and brass button closure, this is a pretty nice journal for sketching or writing full-out.

I managed to dig up some photos showing the hand-dying process, and I’m pretty sure I found the exact hand-dying of this sheet of paper!

And of course the hand dying was all done here in Toronto at Paperhouse Studios. While it is difficult to cut up these papers, especially after the work that goes into making them, it’s pretty fantastic seeing how the book cover acts as a frame, capturing a portion of the paper.

Wordless Thursday

Posted on December 19, 2014 by sproutspress

Day 72/365

Wordless Wednesday 17.12.14

Posted on December 17, 2014 by sproutspress

Day 71/365

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Last Chance for 2014!

Posted on December 16, 2014 by sproutspress

Day 70/365

Just a friendly reminder that tomorrow is the last bookbinding workshop I’ll be instructing for 2014! And there’s still time to register, if you’re quick!

Longstitch/Linkstitch Book Making
Wednesday December 17, 6pm – 9pm
Graven Feather, 906 Queen St. West

For more info and to register, go here.

Upgrading the Coptic Journal

Posted on December 15, 2014 by sproutspress

Day 69/365

Sometimes I like to re-visit projects I previously thought finished. I’m going to share one today.

Remember these coptic bound journals? Well, I chose my favourites and recently gave them an upgrade. I’ve been listening to your requests for bookmarks in journals, and decided to test the market with these books.

And, the response has been positive! I love that the idea of re-vamping an already-bound journal. It really reminds me that these aren’t ‘finished’ journals, but rather artworks that are going to be completed by the person who fills them with words/sketches/ideas/etc. Theoretically they could continue to evolve into a completely different journal than when originally ‘completed’. This is part of the creative energy that keeps me going and moving forward – I love it!

Also, I love the dangly beaded fringe/tassels!

Top 5 Things I Learned at the One of a Kind Show

Posted on December 9, 2014 by sproutspress

Day 63/365

Top 5 Things I Learned at the One of a Kind Show:

1. Wear comfortable shoes, no one really looks at your feet anyways. Worst case scenario: kinda-comfy shoes with inserts or orthotics.

2. Eat healthy, eat often. Lots of tasty, healthy snacks saved me from becoming Cranky Carolyn!! (and, yes I’ll admit it, the occasional handmade almond toffee, or organic chocolate covered nougat)

3. Stay hydrated. In a place as large as the Direct Energy Centre, it gets dry fast! Luckily they had a huge drinking water station with several bottle-filling taps to rehydrate throughout the day. And with so many awesome body care makers at the show, it was impossible to have dry cracked skin! (yay new organic spearmint-eucalyptus lip balm!)

4. Listen. I learned so much from both customers and other makers by listening to their stories, advice and thoughts. So much has developed from these insights: I’ve already got new projects mulling for the new year, new booth design ideas for next Christmas and I learned some painful yet necessary lessons about when to speak up and when to stay quiet.

5. Enjoy it! I worked so hard to get this far, to design items I felt my customers would appreciate and get excited about, and to hand craft each book carefully to the best of my abilities. So why not share this and let my enthusiasm shine through?! It was so affirming to watch people search my display looking for just the right journal, asking questions and holding the books. Even more so when they found the right book, clutching it and then deciding to give it a new home either as the perfect gift for someone else or for themselves.

Some Thoughts

Posted on December 5, 2014 by sproutspress

Day 59/365

While I’ve learned a lot about trade shows and trade show secrets in doing the One of a Kind Show so far, doing demos was certainly one of the highlights.

And a cute studio book and signage always makes me happy!

Thanks to everyone who came by to watch, ask questions, consider and appreciate my craft.

The Toronto Journal

Posted on November 29, 2014 by sproutspress

Day 53/365

I’ve been so busy making new journals that I realized I haven’t even properly introduced them!

Without further ado, I’d like to start with the Toronto Journal! There are three different covers to this series: East End, West End and Downtown! Available exclusively at the One of a Kind Show until December 7.

Rising Stars

Posted on November 27, 2014 by sproutspress

Day 51/365

As you know I’ve been hard at work preparing for the One of a Kind Show. Running for 11 consecutive days, this is the largest show I’ve ever done! And I’m pretty pumped about it all.

If you’re in town you should come visit! I’m in the Rising Stars section, booth D49. For more info about the show itself, go here.

On the road (tomorrow)!

Posted on November 26, 2014 by sproutspress

Day 49/365

Just a quick (and really late) post today. Please welcome some of my brand new themed bookbinding kits! You can find them in person at the Arts Market and at the One of a Kind Show. Make sure to stop by and say Hi! (Rising Stars section, booth D49).