Class Schedule

Posted on July 21, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 287/365

The next bookbinding workshop is coming up – this saturday, July 25! I’ll be teaching the new class: Hard Cover Arrow Stitch over at Graven Feather on Queen St. West here in Toronto.

In this workshop we’ll be making the binding shown above, as a hardcover book and there will be a couple of colour choices for participants.

Also, a few of you have been asking about the size of the book we’ll be making. The finished project will measure 14.5cm x 10cm and be around 2cm thick at the spine. It’s a great book to use as an art journal because of it’s handy size. But also because the spine has room to allow for paper ephemera to be added. Fun!!

For more details and to learn how to register, go here.

Painted Notebooks

Posted on July 20, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 286/365

Today I’m reflecting on one of my favourite projects to date; the painted journeys journal!These journals are a combination of painting, printmaking and bookbinding. I’ve written about the joys of creating in multiples and mixing mediums before on this post, but I haven’t talked about all three series together.

It all started with the set of pink journals in the bottom left corner, these were my first foray into this series. It was a lovely afternoon of painting, printing and then bookbinding. After they all found new homes (excepting the one I saved for myself as a photo prop) I wanted more! Then the blue series happened! This time, I made a different shape and size, and used the off cuts to make cute little mini books, which is all I have left of this series. Lastly, the most recent are the Journeys Journals in brown. Inspired by a not-so-Canadian winter that left my snow boots more muddy than icy. I plan to write a more detailed account of these books, so stay tuned for that. In the meantime, you can take a look at the Journeys Journal in the Artist’s Books section of my Etsy shop, there are a couple left.

I’ve enjoyed working on these books as they develop in slightly different directions with each series. I switched up the binding for the blue series, but went back to the Japanese Stab Binding for the Journeys Journals. I really appreciate the construction of the matchbook cover and the geometric shapes created by the stitching.

Canadian Road Trip!

Posted on July 16, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 282/365

It’s road trip season here in Ontario, Canada! Sometimes this means a canoe trip, or a camping trip to a music festival, or cottaging with the family. Or maybe this year it means going to see your favourite athletes at some of the Pan Am games venues around Toronto and the GTA.

I designed this journal as a trip companion for a friend. She liked it so much that I decided to make more and put them available online. I’ve gone through a couple different designs, but this is the one I’ve decided to stick with. There is a strip of linen down the spine, for durability and a pop of colour, and even a little map page!

Featured above are the last three, each featuring a different part of Canada. Clockwise from the top: The Maritimes, The Great Lakes, and Quebec.

Use Your Journal!

Posted on July 14, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 280/365

I spent last Sunday in Unionville, Ontario at a beautiful little show with some fantastic people. And, as often happens, some people were drawn to my pieces but hesitant to purchase because they feared they would never use the journal. Part of my motto is that my books ‘are designed to be used, well worn and well loved’. Needless to say, while I appreciate a healthy collection of journals (read: more than *a few*), it’s even nicer to actually use them as it adds value and enriches your experience with the book.

In an effort to help people out who have difficulty starting that coveted journal, I started writing a series of blog posts titled; Use Your Journal! Today I’ve rounded them up and conveniently listed them here for you, all in one place.

This list starts with posts about using your journal, prior to me titling them ‘Use Your Journal!’. I recommend starting at the top of the list and working your way down. They progress from ideal environments to journal, to the different purposes for different books, to prompts and examples of uses for journals and sketchbooks. If you have a request, just ask!

Plein Air Day 7/365

Inspiring Things (these days) Day 88/365

Use Your Journal No. 1 Day 94/365

Use Your Journal No. 2 Day 129/365

Use Your Journal No. 3 Day 140/365

Use Your Journal No. 4 Day 147/365

Use Your Journal No. 5 Day 170/365

Use Your Journal No. 6 Day 206/365

See you at the Blossom & Bloom Show!

Posted on July 12, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 278/365

Today I’m vending at the Blossom and Bloom Show in picturesque Unionville!
It’s in the courtyard of the Varley Art Gallery, 216 Main Street, Unionville.

Visit the show site for more information.

A new Bookbinding Workshop!

Posted on July 10, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 276/365

Join me on July 25 for the next Bookbinding Workshop at Graven Feather! I’ll be showing how to do the Arrow Stitch, a hardcover binding. It’ll be a fun and crafty saturday morning and everyone leaves with a finished project!

What: Hard Cover Arrow Stitch Journal Workshop
When: Saturday July 25, 10am – 1pm
Where: Graven Feather, 906 Queen St. West, Toronto

For more information and to register, go here.

Wordless Wednesday 08.07.15

Posted on July 8, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 274/365

In the Works

Posted on July 6, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 272/365Lately I’ve been focusing my energy and creativity on custom orders for clients; wedding albums, guest books, anniversary memory books (paper is the traditional first year gift!) and special trip diaries. However, a little-known fact is that this is also prime time to get cracking on holiday products.

So I’ve slowly been brainstorming and jotting down ideas and diagrams for this year’s holiday collection, it’s going to be fantastic! I’m designing some new products and also expanding on previous ideas that I wasn’t quite finished with. I’m looking forward to sharing more with you as they develop into tangible objects!

If there’s a specific type of book that you’ve been wishing I would create, now’s the time to speak up! Leave a comment below or send me an email, I’m always happy to hear from you!

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 in the Shop

Posted on July 3, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 269/365This is the very last large format Fancy Coptic Journal! Measuring 10″ x 8 1/4″ and just over 1″ thick, including covers. This is the perfect size for larger projects, sketchbooks and fancy guest books. And because the spine is thicker than the rest of the book, it makes a special album as well.

I’ve enjoyed making these large Fancy Coptic Journals, but for now I’m taking a break and focusing on other projects. I may make them again one day, but for now this is it!