In the Works!

Posted on June 11, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 247/365

I’ve been working on some new designs over the last couple of weeks. Some pieces are completed, and some still need a bit of work and finishing. And they all need packaging still. So, in the meantime I’ve got some ‘in progress’ shots to share, a glimpse of what I like best about the designs so far.

Mostly it’s the colours, of each book individually, and the palette of each series. Like the bold colours of the covers and trims above. To me, this screams summer (you know; I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!! or maybe gelato or sorbet in this case).

I simply love the pairing of the floral fabric trim with the gold detailing on the labels of these sweet notebooks. When set on the neutral brown (called ‘husk’) cover paper, they are perfection! At least I think so, ha!

You may have noticed that these product lines feature smaller, soft cover notebooks rather than the usual large, hard cover books I make. I’m trying my best to fill a gap and create pieces that are more affordable while still showcasing the handbound stitching that goes into each book. It’s a balance that I’ve struggled with for a while now, hopefully this is the direction to fulfill this goal!

These books will be in my Etsy shop soon, and at my upcoming Events and Shows.

Gloomy Weather

Posted on June 9, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 245/365

A grey, gloomy collage for a grey, gloomy day.

But really, it’s perfect weather for staying inside with a cup of tea and your journal.

Workshops, workshops!

Posted on June 7, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 243/365

The low-down on late spring workshops, in case you’re someone who likes to plan ahead.

Bookbinding Workshop (Today!)
Sunday June 7, 10am – 4pm
Guelph School of Art, 125 Wyndham St. North, Guelph
For more information, 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.

Hard Cover Arrow-Stitch Journal Workshop
Saturday June 27, 10am – 1pm
Graven Feather, 906 Queen Street West, Toronto
For more information and to register, go here.

The Studio on a Saturday

Posted on June 6, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 242/365

I’ve been working with leather a lot lately. Organizing, sorting and making journals with it. For the most part, these leather journals have gone to our Hamilton retailer; Studio 205, but keep your eyes peeled for new additions to the online shop!

Brand New Workshop: Hard Cover Journals!!

Posted on June 5, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 241/365

Many of you have been asking when there would be a bookbinding workshop for a hardcover journal. Well, the wait is over! June 27 will be the first hardcover journal making workshop!! I’ll be teaching the Arrow Stitch in hardcover book format (the green journal, pictured above). Besides learning a new stitch I’ll also be teaching how to hand-craft the hardcovers, a handy skill. And, as always, everyone leaves with a finished project!

What: Hardcover Arrow Stitch Journal
When: June 27, 10am – 1pm
Where: Graven Feather, 906 Queen St. West, Toronto
Cost: $75, materials included

For more information and to register, go here.

Wordless Wednesday 03.06.15

Posted on June 3, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 239/365

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.

The Studio on a Sunday

Posted on May 24, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 229/365

Making text blocks for case binding!
Here’s a quick glimpse of what it means:

Cut and fold the page papers and collate into nice neat piles.
Mark hole punching stations and punch each page accordingly.
Sew signatures together, creating the text block, ready for pasting, casing and pressing.

Happy Sunday!

Learning an old Craft

Posted on May 23, 2015 by sproutspress

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.

New in the Shop

Posted on May 22, 2015 by sproutspress

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.