Day 188/365
A friendly reminder that the April newsletter is going out later this week, so sign up early if you want to get on the mailing list!
This is a good month to subscribe, there are some real treats, just for subscribers, that you don’t want to miss. (Seriously, I’m pretty pumped for this month’s newsletter!)
To subscribe, go here and follow the instructions.
Day 186/365
Yesterday I spent some time prepping a box full of lovely little notebooks for swag bags for the Blossom and Bloom show! It’ll be happening select weekends throughout the summer in a picturesque courtyard of the Varley Art Gallery, in Unionville.
I’m pleased to announce that I’ll also be a vendor at this market-style show 2 days: Sunday July 12 and Saturday August 8. Come out if you can, it looks like there will be a great variety of artisans, floral designers and artists in attendance! Should be fantastic!!
Day 185/365
A medley of spring colours to nudge the warmer season our way – I cannot wait to sketch outside!! What are you looking forward to most about springtime?
Day 184/365
You might have noticed that I’m trying to do a blog post on each of my items or series of items, to showcase their story and the process that goes into designing and crafting them.
Today I’m focusing on the Screenprinted Linen Pouches. There have been a few variations, this being what is currently available, and my favourite!
There are two images on these pouches: Queen Anne’s Lace and Thistles, both plants found in the countryside of southern Ontario. These are plants that I sketched on-site, on a beautiful sunny summer’s day (it really was that gorgeous of a day!).
Then I transferred my sketches to my silkscreen. I do this freehand, with a tracing technique, as opposed to photo based screenprinting. The result is that nothing in this process ever goes through a computer, it’s all analog. 
After printing the fabric, linen of course, it’s heat-set and pre-washed. Then I cut the patterns and sew it into the lovely little pouches pictured!
After the zipper embellishments are added (hemp cord and wood beads) they’re ready for sale. The idea behind these little gems is to capture a moment and carry it with you, whether it’s a road trip, a special gift to a friend or that amazing sunny summer’s day. As always with Sprouts Press items: functional and beautiful!
To view all my screenprinted fabric items, go here.
Day 183/365
Day 182/365
Workshop time! Join me this saturday for a creative bookmaking workshop at the beautiful letterpress printing studio and gallery on Queen St. West, Graven Feather!
*Pictured above are examples of students’ finished projects; hand bound journals!
What: Longstitch/Linkstitch Bookbinding Workshop
When: Saturday April 11, 2015. 10am – 1pm.
Where: Graven Feather, 906 Queen St. West, Toronto
Cost: $65, materials included.
For more information and to register, please go here.
Day 179/365
You can now find Sprouts Press products in the Junction! Introducing our newest retailer: Urban Gardener on Dupont!
If you haven’t checked out this shop you definitely should! They have a great selection of gardening products, and a curated selection of handmade items from local makers!
There are a few Sprouts Press items there, like the Starburst journals, Indigo Fancy Coptic journals and Bookbinding kits.
I have only good things to say about this shop; it’s beautiful, welcoming and run by incredibly sincere and lovely people. Go and check it out!!
Details:
Urban Gardener
1640 Dupont St, Toronto
Day 178/365
Introducing the Spring Gift Pack from Graven Feather:
I am so proud to announce that my Quick Notes notebooks in gold are a part of these gorgeous sets! They are curated by Graven Feather and showcase the work of a few local artisans and shops. (and did I mention how beautiful they are??)
Housed in handmade paper from Paperhouse Studio here in Toronto, Graven Feather printed on the reverse and hand crafted each folder. Inside you’ll find all sorts of goodies including one of my handbound gold notebooks, as pictured above.
Inside you’ll also find a pen from Articulations and several other printed goodies! (I’m not spilling the beans on the rest of the contents – you’ll just have to get your own to find out!)
When secured shut (gorgeous!!) it’s the perfect place to keep your cherished ephemera and paper treasures. The Spring Gift Pack also makes the perfect gift for Mothers day or a special birthday or anyday!
Day 176/365
Day 175/365
Teaching others my craft is something I really enjoy. I’ve taught a few different workshops at a few different places and it’s always so much fun. I wanted to talk a bit about it today.
The next workshop is set for Saturday April 11 at Graven Feather here in Toronto. This is a creative bookmaking workshop for everyone and anyone; no previous art experience is required. Following a demo of basic paper decorating techniques, everyone gets to try them in a non-intimidating, supportive environment.
Then I’ll teach the Longstitch/Linkstitch technique, and everyone leaves with a finished project! This is one of my favourite stitches, it’s versatile, durable and beautiful!
The details of this workshop:
When: Saturday April 11, 2015. 10am – 1pm
Where: Graven Feather, 906 Queen St. West, Toronto
For more information and to register, please click here.
If you’ve taken one of my workshops then you know the satisfaction of finishing your first, from scratch, hand bound journal! If you’re a past student, I’d love if you took a moment to share your experiences below.
Sprouts Press 