Blossom & Bloom Show

Posted on July 4, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 270/365

I am so looking forward to being a part of this amazing show! There’s going to be some serious talent there, from artisanal cotton candy (oh man!!), to gorgeous art, ceramics, jewellery, floral designers and home decor.

I’ll be there on Sunday, July 12 with my handbound books, journals, notebooks and paper goodies! If you’re in the area or looking for a road trip out of the city, stop by and say Hi!!

It’s less than 2 weeks and I cannot wait!! For more information about the show, go here.

New Workshops!

Posted on July 2, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 268/365

As I’m sure many of you know, I love teaching bookbinding workshops. I enjoy sharing my knowledge of bookbinding and watching everyone’s own personal take on hand-crafting blank books.

So, I’ve teamed up with some of my favourite people and put together some new workshops for you! Some are still in the works, check back later in the summer, but most are listed below. Take a look at the list and see if you’d like to learn the incredibly rewarding craft of bookbinding! And if you’ve already taken a class with me, you have your pick of new bindings to learn!!

Hard Cover Arrow-Stitch Journal – Maker Festival Event!
Learn how to craft your own hand bound, hardcover journal. This workshop will introduce you to the tools of the trade, materials, and techniques to make a hard cover book. Using an arrow stitch to bind the book, everyone will leave with a finished project!

When: Saturday July 25, 10am – 1pm
Where: Graven Feather 906 Queen Street West, Toronto

Bookbinding Workshop – Coptic Binding
Learn how to craft your own hand bound, hardcover journal using discarded library books. Deconstruct a book and repurpose it into a new journal, using the coptic stitch to bind the book.

When: Saturday September 12 & October 17, 1:30pm – 4:30pm
Where: Burlington Public Library, Brant Hills Branch 2255 Brant Street, Burlington, Ontario

To learn more about Sprouts Press bookbinding workshops, go here.

Canada Day!

Posted on July 1, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 267/365

To celebrate, a collection of red and white handbound books, of course!

Happy Canada Day!

Summer Vacation

Posted on June 29, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 265/365Today I’ve been thinking about all the kids out of school and on summer vacation. I’m reminded of one of my favourites, the Adventure Journal.

I’ve only heard one story from someone who received an Adventure Journal as a gift. It went with her on a amazing adventure, backpacking through Europe. Her journal was a bit different than the one pictured, she was lucky enough to get one with a map cover, depicting the countries of her trek. It stood the test of time (and weather!) and she’s left with a lovely little book filled with her thoughts and impressions of such a grand adventure.

If you’ve got one (there weren’t many, I don’t even have one!) and have taken it on an adventure, I’d love to hear about it.

The Studio on a Sunday

Posted on June 28, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 264/365

Wedding season is here! This series of photos is from a piece I completed for a client last week: a gorgeous, stone grey fabric guest book with brass details and ocean blue ribbons. Sounds dreamy!

In case you were wondering; I make all my own covers. In this case, I also made the book cloth, custom to the bride’s request.
Some close ups of the finished piece, it’s all in the details. I’m really pleased with how this book, I love working with clients to find the perfect book for their occasion.

If you want to request a custom book, just go here and fill in my online form. It’s easy!!

Blossom and Bloom

Posted on June 27, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 263/365I’m pleased to say that I’ll be participating in the next Blossom and Bloom show in less than 3 weeks! Located in picturesque Unionville, in the courtyard of the Varley Art Gallery, this is going to be a show worth checking out! I’ll be there with my handbound books, alongside a curated selection of talented makers, live music, and floral designers.

I’ll be there for just one day, on Sunday July 12 from 11am – 4pm.

The gallery is located at 216 Main Street, Unionville.

Bonus: Admission & parking are free!

Stitching Arrows

Posted on June 23, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 259/365

In case you missed it or forgot, this saturday I’m teaching a hard cover bookbinding class. The lovely ladies over at Graven Feather are hosting and I couldn’t be more excited, it’s a beautiful space!

This is a different workshop from the previous classes. I’ll be teaching how to construct a hard cover and then how to sew it all together using the Arrow Stitch (pictured above).

The details:
Saturday June 27, 10am – 1pm
Graven Feather, 906 Queen St. West, Toronto

For more information and to register, go here.

New in the Shop

Posted on June 22, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 258/365

Some new items in the shop. These are the latest series of Quick Notes Notebooks, titled: Elegant Quick Notes.

They boast a bit more formality than the first series of Quick Notes, which are hand painted. They feature a white and gold label along with a fancy fabric trim! As always, they are hand bound by yours truly.

Clockwise from top left:
Mint & White Polka Dots, Red & White Floral, Blue Red & Golden Floral, Petite Blue Florals, Brown & Gold Garden, Blue & Green Floral.

Sprouts Press goes to Welland!

Posted on June 20, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 256/365

It’s a great day for a road trip to the Niagara region! Stop by Vermeers Garden Centre in Welland and say Hi to yours truly and many other talented makers!

What: Heirlooms Artisan Market
When: Saturday June 20, 10am – 6pm
Where: Vermeers Garden Centre, 684 South Pelham St, Welland, Ontario

Pro tip: This is an Etsy sponsored event, you know what that means – swag bags!! If you’re one of the first 100 people you’ll get a swag bag with some pretty awesome goodies inside!

For more details and vendor profiles, go here.

Peonies & Roses

Posted on June 19, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 255/365Once again, I’ve been inspired by the state of the garden: peonies and roses!! I suppose this happens because I try really hard to balance my work life (indoors) with some much needed time in the garden (outdoors). I find a real connection between being a maker of tactile objects and working in the garden; multiple senses are needed to really enjoy both of these things.