Gifts for Dad, Collection No. 2

Posted on June 4, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 240/365

Still looking for a Father’s Day gift? I’ve pulled together another great collection of items for dads that are cigar lovers, book collectors, allergy sufferers, poets and artists. This list is tied together with a palette of greens and browns, inspired by springtime and days spent outside.

Starting from top left, going clockwise:

Tall Handbound Journal*: Part of a series of ‘one of a kind’ journals. Since the covers are hand-dyed washi paper, no two books are identical. Features a classy-yet-rugged reclaimed leather and brass button stud closure.

Ex Libris Bookplates, Set of 4*: For the book collector and/or serious reader, label your library with elegance! Hand carved and printed, this set of 4 Ex Libris Bookplates comes in leaf green and has ample space to write your name and even a date, if desired. Printed on self-adhesive paper.

Brown and White Organic Stripes Journal*: This book is part of the same series as the first in this collection. It is a tall book with a substantial number of pages, 110 pages (220, front and back) to be exact, making it perfect for the daily entries of keen journallers.

Hay Fever Hankies*: Hand printed and hand sewn, these cute hankies depict some of the plants that cause hay fever. Cheeky, I know. A wonderful addition to your pockets or handbag, forget tissues and use a soft, 100% cotton, hand printed & sewn hanky instead!

Cigar Box Journal*: This series of handsome hardcover journals gives new life to old cigar boxes! Various brands available, check the online shop to see if the perfect one is in stock.

Florentine Hardcover Journal: The beauty of this book lies in the details. A small wrap around closure, from reclaimed leather, fastens shut with an understated and simple yet classy antiqued brass button stud. The covers depict a brown and green foliage motif, perfect for gardeners!

Grass Green Watercolour Sketchbook*: This is a lovely, hardcover landscape-oriented watercolour sketchbook, housing only 140lb watercolour paper. Handmade bookcloth adorns the covers in grass green and a classy ribbon bookmark, in pale green, keeps your place.

*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.

Wordless Wednesday 03.06.15

Posted on June 3, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 239/365

Bookbinding in Guelph

Posted on June 2, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 238/365

This weekend is my first bookbinding class at the Guelph School of Art! It’ll be a great day filled with paper fun and book crafting, hope to see some of you (this is a full day workshop and I’ll be teaching TWO different bindings!!). There are still a few spots so sign up soon!

About the class:
In this creative class, students will first learn basic expressive techniques to decorate paper and then how to transform this into soft cover hand bound books. We will use easy binding techniques that showcase stitching patterns along the spine. This is a hands-on class, everyone will leave with two finished projects.

When: Sunday June 7, 10am – 4pm
Where: Guelph School of Art (above Wyndham Art Supplies) 125 Wyndham St. N. Guelph

For more information and to register, go here.

Last Call to Participate!

Posted on June 1, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 230/365

Last monday I announced a survey I was taking about the perfect paper for your journalling/sketching needs. Well, today’s the last day and your last chance to voice your opinions!

I’d love to hear your thoughts on paper texture, colour and weight in a quick 3 minute survey (seriously, it’s 5 questions and mostly multiple choice).

If you’re up for it, go here.

New in the Shop

Posted on May 30, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 235/365

New to the shop is a journal inspired by tree trunks and a green canopy. It’s part of the hand-dyed journal series and is stitched using the Coptic technique.

To see more photos and learn more, go here.

Sprouts Press in Hamilton

Posted on May 29, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 234/365Hamilton 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.

Gifts for Dad, Collection No. 1

Posted on May 28, 2015 by sproutspress

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.

Wordless Wednesday 27.05.15

Posted on May 27, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 232/365

Guelph School of Art

Posted on May 26, 2015 by sproutspress

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.

What paper makes you swoon over a journal?

Posted on May 25, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 230/365

Today I’ve got something a bit different, I’ve got a survey for you! It’s about page papers in journals. I want to know what papers makes you swoon when you pick up a new journal, open it and discover the perfect pages inside! Tell me about it in a short (5 minutes or less) survey here. The survey closes on June 1, 2015.