Day 234/365
Hamilton friends, great news! Studio 205 is now restocked with Sprouts Press handbound books, including two new items to the shop: Leather journals and Canadiana Journals, just in time for Father’s Day!
If you haven’t already checked out Studio 205 in Hamilton, you should. They’ve got great coffee and tea, and they sell handmade and vintage goods from makers and sellers across Canada! Doesn’t get any better than that!
For more information about Studio 205, go here.
Day 233/365
Looking for the perfect gift for Father’s Day? These books have been tested by a few Dads I know, with glowing reviews. Whether used as a boat log, fishing journal, sketchbook or brag book of the grandkids, these handbound books fit the bill functionally, aesthetically and ethically. Read on for details.
Starting from top left, going clockwise:
Watercolour Sketchbook*: Handmade bookcloth in Stone Grey, this sketchbook houses only 140 lb watercolour paper in landscape format. Perfect for the aspiring artist!
Indigo Starburst Journal*: This hand bound, hard cover book features handmade paper that I’ve hand dyed with Indigo, creating a unique cover pattern. Sewn with linen thread to create the stunning starburst pattern down the spine.
Ex Libris Bookplates, Set of 4*: For the book collector or serious reader, label your library with elegance! Hand carved and printed, this set of 4 Ex Libris Bookplates comes in grey and has ample space to write your name and even a date, if desired. Printed on self-adhesive paper.
Indigo Fancy Coptic Journal*: A sturdy little book for notes, musings or quick sketches. Covers are hand dyed washi paper in indigo blue, with matching linen thread stitched along the spine. Inside, find a mix of paper (blank, graph, kraft) to keep you on your toes!
Grey Tweed Dapper Journal*: Don’t be fooled by the title, this book is as much an album or brag book as it is a journal or sketchbook. Covers are grey tweed fabric, while pages are a mix of solid white and kraft. Linen thread is used to bind the book and create the starburst pattern along the spine.
Indigo and Silver Quick Notes Notebook*: A simple, hand bound notebook with hand painted covers. Fits perfectly in the breast pocket of a collared or polo shirt (pocket protector optional).
Black and White Hand Dyed Journal: A one of a kind journal (there are a few in this series, links in my shop) perfect for writing or sketching. Great for weekend trips to the cottage or recording daily life.
*Can also be found in real life at brick and mortar shops around Ontario! Go here to find a retailer near you. I recommend calling ahead of time to avoid disappointment.
Day 231/365
Introducing a new bookbinding workshop at the Guelph School of Art!
I’m pleased to announce that I’ll be instructing a full day workshop at the Guelph School of Art on Sunday, June 7. We will be decorating cover papers similarly to the photo above, but I’ll be teaching 2 new soft cover bindings! This means everyone will leave with 2 hand-crafted journals.
When: Sunday June 7 10am – 4pm
Where: Guelph School of Art, 125 Wyndham St. North Downtown Guelph (above Wyndham Art Supplies)
For more information and to register, please go here.
Day 228/365
If you’ve been meaning to take a bookbinding workshop but just haven’t got around to it, never fear! I’ve got several scheduled and more in the works around Southern Ontario. Take a look below, maybe there’s one near you!
Bookbinding Workshop
Sunday June 7, 10am – 4pm
Guelph School of Art, 125 Wyndham St. North, Guelph
For more information and to register, go here.
Bookmaking Workshop
Sunday June 14, 1pm – 4pm
Mississauga Living Arts Centre, 4141 Living Arts Drive, Mississauga, Ontario
For more information and to register, go here.
Day 227/365
One of the latest additions to my etsy shop is part of a series of journals with hand-dyed covers. I’ve already shared several of the Indigo Journal variations, but this is a larger series, focusing on the lovely tones achieved with sepia. 
This is a coptic stitched book, with reclaimed leather and a brass button stud closure, which also makes it part of the Fancy Coptic journal series.
I love the size and weight of this journal; if it were smaller it would be a chunky book, but it’s taller size makes it more of a sketchbook or journal perfect for longer prose.
See it online in my Etsy shop here.
Day 226/365
Today is your last chance to register for the Longstitch/Linkstitch Bookbinding workshop at Graven Feather! Next month we’re trying something a bit different (stay tuned for details) so if you’ve been putting off signing up for this one, now’s the time!!
What: Longstitch/Linkstitch Bookbinding Workshop
When: Saturday May 23rd, 10am – 1pm
Where: Graven Feather, 906 Queen St. West, Toronto
For more information and to register, please go here.
Day 224/365
Over the weekend I spent some much-needed time in the garden. I love spending a few hours outside with my hands in the dirt. I think it’s similar to bookbinding; I get a strange sense of satisfaction from peeling a day’s worth of glue from my hands, just as I do from the earth under my nails after a day in the garden. (On that note, maybe I should take up soap-making and come up with a Bookbinder’s alternative to Gardener’s soap!)
Because I’m looking forward to the upcoming gardening season, I put together this little garden-themed collection showcasing some of my favourite items. To view these items and discover my full Etsy shop, click here.
Day 222/365
I’ve been working on several custom orders lately, this is the latest. It’s going to be a fabric-covered wedding guest book, with really nice watercolour pages. I’m also making my own bookcloth for this one, to get the perfect colour!
Have a special book you want custom made? Just click ‘Custom Order‘ on the top menu of my site and send me a note!
Day 219/365
I’m super excited about a new show I’m participating in this summer! It’s the Blossom and Bloom show in Unionville, at the Varley Art Gallery (in the courtyard).
As you can see, it’s a monthly show with several dates lined up. I’ll be there, alongside many other talented makers, on Sunday July 12 and Saturday August 8 with a selection of handbound books, journals, kits and book jewellery.
To learn more, click here for the Blossom and Bloom website.
Day 213/365
In case you haven’t guessed, this journal is pretty tall. Not too tall, but enough to warrant the title.
Okay, silliness aside, this is the latest addition to my Etsy shop! It’s actually part of the Fancy Coptic series of books, featuring my hand-dyed washi paper in a rich brown. It’s a chunky book with 220 pages (front and back), making it perfect for people who go through journals quickly.
As always, the closure is made from reclaimed leather and completed with a brass button stud. One of the main highlights of this book, and all of the books using my hand-dyed washi paper covers, is the fact that it’s one of a kind. The process of hand-dying paper yields different results every time, making each journal unique.
To learn more, check out the Etsy listing here.
Sprouts Press 