Reclaiming Cigar Boxes

Posted on December 27, 2014 by sproutspress

Day 81/365

Yes, this is another variation of the coptic binding. Meet the Reclaimed Cigar Box Journal. I believe in reclaiming materials whenever possible, this is one example. I mean, cigar boxes are so beautiful on their own, why not transform them into a new object to inspire even more?
One of the advantages of the coptic binding is the ability for the finished book to lie flat when open. This makes sketching and writing much easier and more enjoyable.

The whole gang! Stay tuned for more variations of this journal in my etsy shop in the near future.

Boxing Week Sale!

Posted on December 26, 2014 by sproutspress

Day 80/365

That’s right, I’m having an end of year sale, to coincide with Boxing Week!

You can get 15% off your entire order of $50 or more, before shipping, when you use code BOXING14 at checkout! Yippee!!

Visit my etsy shop to see for yourself!

Merry Christmas!

Posted on December 25, 2014 by sproutspress

Day 79/365

Greetings!

Happy Holidays, wishing everyone a great holiday season!

I’d like to thank everyone for their business, support and general awesomeness this year as I really pushed Sprouts Press to the next level. I love receiving your feedback so I can grow and learn and keep Sprouts Press flourishing! Keep it coming!!

I look forward to 2014, to designing and creating new items and journals (already have a few projects in the works!) and giving you more pen-to-paper options throughout the year!

Have a wonderful, happy and safe holiday!
Cheers,
Carolyn ~ Sprouts Press

Upgrading the Coptic Journal

Posted on December 15, 2014 by sproutspress

Day 69/365

Sometimes I like to re-visit projects I previously thought finished. I’m going to share one today.

Remember these coptic bound journals? Well, I chose my favourites and recently gave them an upgrade. I’ve been listening to your requests for bookmarks in journals, and decided to test the market with these books.

And, the response has been positive! I love that the idea of re-vamping an already-bound journal. It really reminds me that these aren’t ‘finished’ journals, but rather artworks that are going to be completed by the person who fills them with words/sketches/ideas/etc. Theoretically they could continue to evolve into a completely different journal than when originally ‘completed’. This is part of the creative energy that keeps me going and moving forward – I love it!

Also, I love the dangly beaded fringe/tassels!

Wordless Wednesday 26.11.14

Posted on November 26, 2014 by sproutspress

Day 50/365

Even More Projects!!

Posted on November 24, 2014 by sproutspress

Day 41/365

Today I’m posting about a project I’m pretty proud of: books that are case bound using bookcloth I made! This is something I’ve wanted to do for a while now, especially with all the fabric choices out there.

I decided to stick to solid colours, with linen and linen-like fabrics, I love the texture and richness of the colours.

I finished these journals with sewn-in ribbon bookmarks, and corners to protect against wear. I focused on two styles: a landscape journal filled only with 140 lb watercolour paper (I want one!!) and a portrait-oriented daily journal with a lovely large page surface to capture the day’s thoughts.

Since they are a limited edition binding (only 10 of each style) they are only available at the One of a Kind Show from November 27 – December 7, 2014. If you want one, come find me at booth D49 in the Rising Stars section!

The studio on a Sunday

Posted on November 23, 2014 by sproutspress

Day 47/365

It’s been a packaging kind of day in the studio. Packaging and organizing.

Wordless Wednesday 11.19.14

Posted on November 19, 2014 by sproutspress

Day 43/365

Bookbinding + Painting + Printmaking = Happy Me

Posted on November 17, 2014 by sproutspress

Day 41/365

Sometimes I indulge myself and combine mediums. Such is the case with this series of blue painted and relief-printed Longstitch journals. I’ve done this before with other painted journals, but recently came across these photos and felt the urge to share.

Details are everything, matching beaded closures is a thing of beauty (to me anyways).

As many bookbinders and other makers of handmade items know, creating in multiples is key. These books are no exception. But make no mistake; each is unique in placement of the cover patterns and images. Designing these books, the covers and crafting these pieces is the sort of project that keeps me happy!