Reclaiming beautiful things

Posted on March 24, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 168/365

I’ve always thought cigar boxes were beautiful objects. I’ve seen all sorts of things made out of them, even ukuleles! I’ve made cigar box books for a while now, but recently upgraded the design to include a spine protector and a leather wrap to keep it closed.

I’ve just added two more to my online shop. A more minimalist design above, and a bright and kitschy orange and gold wood grain printed design, below.

Know someone who loves cigars or simply shares the love of good design? Send them a cigar journal!

The Studio on a Sunday

Posted on March 22, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 166/365

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Today in the studio it’s a tidy-up and reflect kind of day. Putting things away is always the first step to a new project for me. And after a week of shows, orders and many discussions it’s the perfect time to mull over the next big step for my little journal making company. Stay tuned, it’s a good one!

See you at the Bellwoods Flea!

Posted on March 21, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 165/365

It’s the Bellwoods Flea today!

There are two locations and I’ll be at 801 Dundas St. West, Hashtag Gallery.
The other location is just down the road at the Magpie, 831 Dundas St. West.

Come out and support local makers!

Wordless Wednesday 18.03.15

Posted on March 18, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 162/365

See you at the Parkdale Flea!

Posted on March 15, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 159/365

I’ll be vending my wares today at the Parkdale Flea! Come out and say Hi!!

The show runs from 10am till 5pm at Goodfellas Gallery (1266 Queen St. West).

Creative Bookbinding

Posted on March 12, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 156/365

I’m teaching another Creative Bookbinding workshop in one week at Little House in the City. That’s right, we listened to your requests and are offering a weeknight workshop in response!

Where: Little House in the City 555 Parliament Street, Toronto
When: Thursday March 19, 6:30pm – 9:30pm

To learn more and register, please go here.

Wordless Wednesday 10.03.15

Posted on March 11, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 155/365

Farewell Wintertime

Posted on March 10, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 154/365

An ode to the end of winter. I’ve pulled together my most wintery, icy blue and white items as a farewell to the season of snow and freezing temperatures. Mostly because it’s time for spring, but also because I love the beauty of winter.

Clockwise from the top left:
Indigo Starburst Journal hand dyed paper in indigo, Wintertime Bookbinding Kit makes 2 notebooks, Mini Pocket Notes Journal hardcover journal that fits in your hand as well as your bag, White Linen Pouch screenprinted with Thistles in aqua, Navy Watercolour Sketchbook with ribbon bookmark, Quick Notes Notebook handpainted in Indigo and Silver, Paper Moon Book Earrings made from reclaimed papers, Starburst Journal in blue and white Florentine pattern.

Planning Ahead

Posted on March 9, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 153/365

If you’re like me you might like to plan ahead! Today I’m giving you a heads up that NEXT weekend I’ll be a vendor at the Parkdale Flea here in Toronto!

When: Sunday March 15, 2015
Where: Goodfellas Gallery 1266 Queen St. West, Toronto

I’ll be there with a great selection of my handbound journals, sketchbooks as well as some book jewellery and my bookbinding kits! Many other talented artisans and makers will also be there, so check it out if you can!

The Studio on a Sunday

Posted on March 8, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 152/365

I’ve always loved to learn, I think it’s important to keep my creativity honest and fresh. Today’s post is about learning a new binding; the Greek Binding. For anyone who has experience with hand binding books, and has perhaps tried this binding, you know this is a fun one!

Some quick facts about the Greek Binding:
-There must be a minimum of 20 signatures (that’s right, a whopping 20!!)
-It is a 2 needle sewing (as opposed to the usual 1 needle sewings like Longstitch and Pamphlet.)
-It is not sewn from cover to cover but rather both sides are started from the outside and worked towards the middle, where they meet in a beautiful figure 8-like stitch.

I don’t have a photo of the finished project, but I can say that it was a good challenge. It was also a nice break from the bindings I usually choose. Sometimes it’s just so refreshing to build skills and knowledge to learn a new way of doing something you do everyday. Have you learned a new bookbinding technique lately? I’d love to hear about it!