Etsy Made in Canada

Posted on September 9, 2017 by sproutspress

In less than a month it’s the Etsy Made in Canada show! As always, I’ll be vending at the MaRS building here in Toronto, right by Queens Park subway station. There are so many talented makers at this show, it’s one you won’t want to miss.

When: September 23, 10am – 6pm
Where: MaRS Building, 101 College Street (right by Queens Park subway station)
For more information, please see the website for the MaRS show here.

This year Etsy has put together a wonderful website showcasing all the shows happening on this day, right across Canada. Go here to check it out!

Making Artist’s Books: Join me!

Posted on September 7, 2017 by sproutspress

Even though it’s not till the end of the month, I’m really looking forward to this new bookbinding class I’ll be teaching at CBBAG; ‘End to End Artist’s Books’!

It’s a collaborative-style class, where we all work together to create a gorgeous intermingling cover. Then I’ll teach everyone a few bookbinding techniques using these covers. Everyone leaves with a finished project, and all skill levels are welcome!

What: ‘End to End Artist’s Book’, a bookbinding workshop
When: Saturday September 3 – Sunday October 1: 10am – 5pm both days
Where: Canadian Bookbinders and Book Artists Guild, 180 Shaw St., Unit 102, Toronto

For more information & to register, please go here.

Cozy Journals

Posted on September 5, 2017 by sproutspress

Autumn is my favourite season, full of colour and beauty. I love the crispness in the air (it’s the only time of year I actually eat apples, preferably right from the tree). And, of course, it means that my sketching and journalling habits start changing to an indoors activity.

I know I’ve said this before, but I just love the tactile quality fabric-covered journals offer. For example, the journals pictured above are all covered in plaid fabric and paired with reclaimed leather and brass closures. They are cozy and soft, perfect for Autumn notes!

For details and more photos of these gems, go here.

Newsletter Sign Up Time!

Posted on September 1, 2017 by sproutspress

A new month means a new Newsletter! Sign up now for the Sprouts Press eNewsletter for book-ish goings on, delivered to your email.

You can expect 1 email per month detailing all the latest with Sprouts Press, bookbinding, creativity and journal-inspiration!

Sound good? Go here to sign up today!

Back to School!

Posted on August 31, 2017 by sproutspress

In case you missed it, the Sprouts Press’Back to School Sale’ has already started! You have just over a week, till September 11, to pick out your school supplies!

BONUS: If you’re local to Toronto and prefer to pick up your order, I’ll waive the shipping fee! Just send me a note prior to purchase so we can arrange a date/time.

For more details please see the previous blog post here.

Click here to go straight to the sale!

Behind the scenes: making an online class

Posted on August 29, 2017 by sproutspress

If you’ve been following along the last little while, you’ll know I recently published my first online bookbinding class! Today I wanted to take a minute and share a few things I learned on this new-to-me journey.While I’ve been teaching IRL for several years, making an online class is something I’ve never done. And to be honest, it wasn’t something I was yearning to do. But I had been mulling over the possibilities that online classes afforded, thoughts that were quickly squashed by self-consciousness. I still cringe at the intro video, but I’m so glad to have gone through this process and have plans to make more.

Here are a few things I learned along the way:

Video editing can get pretty addictive. Especially when you’re learning and discovering tips and tricks as you go. For me this meant re-editing every time I learned a new trick. Yikes!! (Huge Thank You to Michael for his post-production skills and late-night editing patience).
You know those cooking shows where they demo how to make something and they always have another version of the thing they’re making, but it’s completed? I found out that it’s actually another 5-6 versions of the thing being made (at least). That’s right, mistakes happen *even when* being recorded.
You can totally use your phone to make a how-to video. This is what I did, and I rigged an arm to my table top tripod for birds eye filming. While the sound still needs work, I’m pretty pleased with my setup for recording. (See photo above).

Take a look at my first ever online bookbinding class here and let me know what you think!

Wordless Wednesday 23.08.17

Image

Brand New Bookbinding Workshop!

Posted on August 22, 2017 by sproutspress

It’s finally here! My brand new, in real life, bookbinding workshop is open for registration!

This class is being held at the new CBBAG bindery here in Toronto. The focus for this workshop is mark-making with a collaborative effort. Then we’ll transform these pieces into handbound soft cover books using a few bindings. It’s a two day class and I can’t wait to share this technique with everyone!

If you’re not an artist, it’s not a problem; I’ll walk everyone through the steps and give ample time for exploration. Here are the details:

What: End to End Artist’s Books
When: Saturday September 30 – Sunday October 1 (2 days); 10am – 5pm each day.
Where: CBBAG Bindery, 180 Shaw Street, Toronto (Artscape Youngplace).

For more info, full class description and to register for this workshop, please go here.

Latest Projects

Posted on August 17, 2017 by sproutspress

Yes, you see this correctly. It’s August and I’m making Christmas ornaments! I’m telling myself it’s okay because it reminds me of frigid January days, on roasting hot August days.

While I always make these ornaments, this year I’m only making a small edition of them. That means if you want one, act quickly because when they’re gone, they’re gone! Keep an eye on my Etsy shop for them to be listed, most likely at the end of the month.