The Indigo Journal

Posted on October 16, 2014 by sproutspress

Day 9/365

I’ve been working on hand dying papers with indigo over the last few weeks, both in my own studio and at Paperhouse Studio here in Toronto.

After a bit of trial and error I’ve been able to turn the papers into things like this lovely journal aptly titled: ‘Indigo Journal No.1’. I think it’s my favourite book in my shop right now. It’s a handy sized journal, it’s thick with pages so I won’t use it up that quickly and I love the white-indigo blue-brown colour scheme. Also, the texture of the washi paper covers is delightful!

There are more projects in the works for these papers, so keep your eyes peeled!

Happy Thanksgiving

Posted on October 13, 2014 by sproutspress

Day 6/365

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This Thanksgiving (Canadian Thanksgiving, that is) I’ve got an awful lot to be thankful for. I’ll be thinking of everyone who has supported me on my journey – Thank You!

Happy Thanksgiving!

The Studio on a Sunday

Posted on October 12, 2014 by sproutspress

Day 5/365

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This is my studio on a less-busy sunday, a happy little corner of creativity. Just some regular ol’ bookbinding going on, some tea-drinking and what not. A nice sunday indeed!

Hand Dyed Paper

Posted on October 10, 2014 by sproutspress

Day 3/365

DSC_0716 - Version 2 For a few weeks now I’ve been playing around with paper dying using indigo. But before I started using real indigo I did many tests with watercolour paints (indigo-colour, of course) and I wanted to share some of my favourites with you.

I cannot stop thinking of blue and white ceramics when I look at this one, the pattern is lovely!

The resulting papers are lovely but they just aren’t the same depth and richness of colour as true indigo-dyed papers. I’ll go over some of the things I made with the true indigo dyed papers in a few days. And at some point in the future I’ll do a post about the actual hand-dying process and how messy/fun it really is!!

Introducing

Posted on October 9, 2014 by sproutspress

Day 2/365

You maybe wondering what that photo was all about yesterday. Why did I decide to post the photo that is also my site’s banner? How does this make any sense!? Well, because it’s time for a change and that photo was a farewell to my current banner. Over the next couple of weeks you’ll be treated to some exciting changes from Sprouts Press and it’s all going to start right here! OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

So, without further ado, I formally introduce you to the Sprouts Press 365 blogging project!! I promise to post something every day for 365 days. There will be photos, words, stories and more, so stay tuned!!

Wordless Wednesday 08.10.14

Posted on October 8, 2014 by sproutspress

Day 1/365

Weekend Fun!

Posted on October 6, 2014 by sproutspress

Toronto is a great city, there’s always something going on. Usually there are several things going on, actually, and there’s something for everyone. For all you creative types, or those dancing around the edge of being a ‘creative type’, this saturday is my first book making workshop at Arts Market on College at Ossington.

I’ll be teaching the basics of bookbinding, and then diving into a main project; a soft cover journal. It’s a hands-on class for all skill levels, so everyone will leave with a finished project!

I’ve taught similar workshops at other galleries in Toronto and beyond and I love it! I am by no means a master bookbinder or expert in the field, but the bindings I choose to teach are the ones I practice daily. After much trial and error with several book binding techniques, I’ve whittled it down to a select few. They are the most useful, durable and beautiful bindings that I’ve learned, and I’m so happy to share them in a workshop!

To learn more and register, click here.

A New Adventure

Posted on September 3, 2014 by sproutspress

If you’ve been following my blog posts lately, you will already know that there has been some exciting news for Sprouts Press! Well, there’s more. That’s right, Sprouts Press has started a new adventure; we’ve joined the ranks of many other talented artists and artisans selling their work in the popular Toronto shop: Arts Market on College! Yay!! I couldn’t be happier with this decision and look forward to seeing what the future brings.

This is something I’ve wanted to do for a while now, but wasn’t able to until recently. If I’m going to be honest I must admit that doubt made an appearance once (or twice, maybe) when a little voice in my head asked ‘what on earth are you doing!?!’. But I got over that, put the first coat of paint on my space, measured out where my shelving would go (shelves that my dad made a long time ago, before I was born, that I re-finished) and really felt a sense of accomplishment. When it was all done and everything was in place and displayed just as I wanted, it was a truly great feeling!

If you’re in the area, stop by and check it out at 846 College Street, Toronto. There is probably something for everyone at the Arts Market; stationery, home decor, vintage, flora/plants, clothing, jewellery, you name it!

Even though all my pieces are there and up for sale, this is a soft opening. Stay tuned for the dates of the ‘official’ opening, coming soon.

ps. I tried something new and made a short video about setting up my space! I will upload it to social media and provide a link.

Your two cents

Posted on August 9, 2014 by sproutspress

As you may already know, I’m taking some time to build the business side of Sprouts Press. I think it’s an important part of being sustainable and growing to meet my (many) book-tastic goals!

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With that in mind, I’ve put together a little survey to gather some market research.

Yay for surveys!!

If you have a few spare minutes, I’d love to get your input. It’s a total of ten questions and shouldn’t take longer that 7 minutes or so.

Click here to see what it’s all about and give your two cents.

Thank you!

Summer Sunset Market

Posted on July 16, 2014 by sproutspress

Some fun on a Thursday evening; I’ll be vending my hand bound journals, book themed jewellery and hand printed fabric items at the first Toronto Indie Arts Market ‘Summer Sunset Series’!! Come out after dinner for an evening stroll and stop by the Gladstone Hotel for a drink and to soak up the handmade wares in the Ballroom.

We’ll be there from 7pm till 11pm and admission is FREE!