Production

Posted on November 10, 2014 by sproutspress

Day 34/365

I’m in the thick of production for the One of a Kind Show, which is just around the corner. So I thought it appropriate to share a bit about my process, about what it means to create a book by hand, from scratch. So here’s a mini step by step photo series to explain.

Once the pages are cut and folded by hand, they are collated and stacked in nice, neat, tidy piles, called signatures. (If you look closely at almost any book you have handy, you’ll see at the top of the spine the pages are divided into groups like this. The exception are ‘perfect’ bound books, which aren’t perfect at all but rather simply glued on the ends, so no signatures).

After marking where to sew each signature, I use this as a template to punch holes, making it easier to sew the book.

You can see the holes in each signature line up nicely with each other, creating a lovely and symmetrical pattern in the sewing along the spine.

This is just the first part of handcrafting a book; sewing the text block (group of signatures) into a case binding. After this I would attach the text block to the case, and voila – the book is done!

The Studio on a Sunday

Posted on November 9, 2014 by sproutspress

Day 33/365

Today I’m working on the largest books I’ll be making all season. Not quite the largest books I’ve ever made, but for a long time at least. I am reminded that I prefer making smaller books.

Measuring 8″ x 10″, the ample page space is great for sketching or writing in long paragraphs. I’ll be featuring these books at the One of a Kind Show at the end of the month. (I’m at booth D49, stop by and say Hi!)

Book Ornaments!

Posted on November 7, 2014 by sproutspress

Day 31/365

Who doesn’t love a good book ornament? I started making these for myself, then friends and family, and then I finally realized I should be selling them. They’re now in my online shop.

Bonus: I’m teaching a book ornament making workshop later in the month! We won’t be making this style of ornament, but it will still be a lovely little book you can hang for the holidays or anytime of the year.

Coming Soon!

Posted on November 6, 2014 by sproutspress

Day 30/365

The last couple of days have been a flurry of activity in the studio. Bookbinding kits galore!!

This year I’ve decided to make a variation of my usual kit and will be officially announcing them shortly. They are a limited edition, incredibly cute and fun!

The Studio on Sunday

Posted on November 2, 2014 by sproutspress

Day 26/365

In the studio today: stacks and stacks of pages to be sewn into many books. Fancy coptic journals, to be exact. This is my sunday, along with the lots of tea and some Vinyl Cafe.

Covers

Posted on October 25, 2014 by sproutspress

Day 18/365In preparation for the One of a Kind Christmas show here in Toronto, I’ve been testing different techniques for cover decoration. One of my first experiments was a series of painted covers.

It’s a pared-down, simplified and more minimal variation of my painted and printed matchbook style journals.

I really enjoy the process of hand decorating a large sheet and then cutting it into covers. Each book ends up being unique and one of a kind.

The Studio on a Sunday

Posted on October 19, 2014 by sproutspress

Day 12/365

A glimpse of the tidiest corner of the studio mid-prep for the busy holiday season that is, gasp, just around the corner!!

I’ve already sewn these text blocks, next I’ll make the covers and then case them in. There’s a nice surprise of page materials and the covers are full bookcloth (made by me!), I’m pretty excited for these journals!

Next!

Posted on April 10, 2014 by sproutspress

It’s been two weeks since the One of a Kind show started, and I feel I’m as rested as I’m going to be. So much awaits that I cannot sit still for long. I’m talking about things like new projects, re-vamped designs and SPRING!! (I will admit, I’ve got both my winter and spring jackets out. I’m just not quite convinced I won’t need the winter one at least once more).

I’ve got some re-vamped goodies in the works, just in time for spring: new Hayfever Hankies! Yup, they’re back and just in time, too! This batch will be available in white, pistachio, grass green and mocha. It comes in three lino cut designs, the usual suspects of hayfever; ragweed, timothy/hay and crowsfoot. Look in the ‘Handprinted Fabric Items’ section of my online Etsy shop in the next few days.

I’m also slowly but surely getting some of the brand new designs you may have seen at the One of a Kind show up in my Etsy shop. To keep up to date on this, follow my facebook or other social media feeds here.

Meanwhile, if you’re in Toronto I’ve got two shows this weekend, check out the Upcoming Shows section of my site for details!

The end of the day

Posted on April 3, 2014 by sproutspress

Just wanted to take a minute to thank everyone who came out and supported Sprouts Press at the One of a Kind Show last week. It was fantastic to meet so many of you and put faces to the names I’ve seen online. I’m still unpacking and organizing my studio, so I’ll put together something a bit more in depth soon. For now, a simple Thank You is in order.

Some wonderful things have come out of the show, so I’ll keep you up to date as they unfold. In the meantime, I think spring might be just around the corner . . .

Around the Corner

Posted on March 24, 2014 by sproutspress

If you’ve been following my (rather sparse) posts lately, you already know that I’m an exhibitor in this year’s One of a Kind Show and Sale. I’m pretty excited about this, it’s the largest craft & artisan show I’ve ever participated in, and it’s right here in Toronto! As well as my enthusiasm I’m also a bit nervous, especially in the last minute tasks leading up to the official opening. In reality though, I’m pretty well on schedule and organized.

This is pretty good for me.

No last-minute rushing around frantically. No middle-of-the-night realizations that I forgot to, gasp, order business cards or bring a chair or something like that. Nope, I’m organized and on schedule. That is, until I got my eureka idea for the perfect series of books to bind, last minute of course!

My creative side took charge and the schedule changed! I was no longer on schedule. But now as I finish up these new additions, I have a new plan, and I’ll leave you with some photos of what you can expect to see at my booth (K20G in the Etsy section).

Lots of new designs and variations on some classic bindings.

I’m pleased with how everything has turned out and how the collection as a whole feels connected through materials, colour and transition.

I drew on the changing of seasons for inspiration; winter to spring, bleak to bright, cozy to light, old to new.

I think the growth of this transition is visible across the table, and I couldn’t be more delighted!

If you plan to attend the show and don’t have tickets, click here to get a discounted ticket! I’ll be in the Etsy section at booth K20G. The show runs from March 26 – 30 and if you have any further questions, please visit the show website here.

Hope to see you there!