Use Your Journal No. 4

Posted on March 3, 2015 by sproutspress

147/365

Today I’m taking a trip down memory lane and sharing a journal I haven’t worked on in years. There are still several pages to go, but that’s the nice thing about journals: they don’t expire or require the latest download to function properly. You can pick up a journal anytime and continue where you left off.

Today I’m going to talk about keeping a dream journal! And yes, I totally went down memory lane when putting together this post. I even searched my bookshelves for my old dream dictionary, which was right beside my well-used but very dusty book on palmistry, and my old tarot cards. If you’re into all of these things then this is the journal for you!

My little dream journal is a small case bound book I made while in art college. The dark and inky colour palette was inspired by Edward Gorey. Six tips for keeping a dream journal:

1. Keep your dream journal, with a pen or pencil, beside you when you sleep. On a bedside table is good.

2. Choose a fairly small journal so it doesn’t take up too much space on small bedside tables.

3. When keeping a dream journal, the idea is that the memory of the dream stays with you for only a few minutes after you wake up. By keeping the journal and pen beside you, everything is at hand when you wake up for an easier, more enjoyable journalling experience. I’m a visual person, so the main image stays with me longer than the details of the dream, so I write first to get it all down. Then I do a quick sketch if it adds to my entry/if I’m awake enough.

4. It’s most likely not going to be pretty; it’s utilitarian and a record-keeping practice. Don’t worry about it.

5. Sometimes I start to lose the memory of the dream and details fade away while I’m writing (it’s kind of like taking notes during a lecture with a very fast speaking prof who does not slow down). When this happens I just make a note that something else happened, but I don’t remember the exact details, instead of trying to remember all the details.

6. It’s fun to look into the meanings of your dreams as well! There are many different interpretations of dreams and their meanings, find a dream dictionary that suits you!

This is a fun and easy way to keep a journal. It’s also quite interesting looking back and recognizing patterns and recurring dreams. I’d love to hear about your experiences keeping a dream journal.

Sweet dreams!

Use Your Journal No.3

Posted on February 24, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 140/365

Today I’m going to tell you about a fun way to use your journal/sketchbook. It involves paring down your implements (pencil only) and taking your journal with you. You may have already guessed; today it’s all about sketching at the art gallery! Woot!! Here in Toronto there’s the AGO (Art Gallery of Ontario). I’ll be talking mostly about this gallery because it’s such a large place and there seems to be something for everyone. But there are so, so many other galleries both large and small to explore and discover.

When I was in art college, we were told to go to the AGO and practice our sketching skills. There are so many things there to sketch: sculptures, ceramics, paintings, patterns, portraits, and the list goes on. Here are 7 tips for basic art gallery sketching etiquette:

1. When sketching at a gallery, it’s always best to get in touch with them ahead of time to confirm that sketching is allowed. (At the AGO they have specific guidelines stating what is and isn’t allowed. Here it is: “Sketching is permitted in the Gallery except where indicated. Sketchpads must be 35 x 25 cm (14 x 10 in.) or smaller. Please use pencil only (no pens or charcoal)”. If you’re nervous about a pencil sharpener falling open and sharpenings going everywhere, just take a mechanical pencil instead. Much easier! (Especially if it’s the kind with the little eraser on the end).

2. Don’t sketch other people without their permission. (Obvious, but still needs to be said).

3. If you’re a bit nervous sketching in public, find a less busy wing of the gallery or a quiet nook. You could also just do quick sketches or gestures, rather than longer more developed drawings so that you only have to stop for a couple of minutes.

4. If you’re working on a specific project, check out the gallery website to see what’s showing so you can plan what section to go to. Or, just wander until you find something that catches your eye.

5. Always write down what the work is that you’re sketching. Record as much information as you can; artist, year, medium, influences, etc. If a piece really sticks in your mind maybe you’ll want to do further research or discover what else that artist has created. You can also write down which gallery you sketched at, even what section – especially handy if it’s in the permanent collection.

6. As you can see by my sketches, I tend to write a lot. Sometimes its just impressions of the art and sometimes it’s more practical. Often my trips to go sketching at a gallery are either to research for a project (practical notes) or they are unplanned frenzies of inspiration (impression notes). Either way, writing and drawing go hand in hand.

7. After your gallery sketching trip, treat yourself to a cup of tea or coffee at a nearby cafe and admire your work. I cannot explain just how satisfying it is to spend even an hour or two sketching at a gallery and immersing yourself in art. Taking some time afterwards allows you to develop any lingering ideas and make notes for your next visit.

As an added bonus the AGO has a section on their website stating how to get in for free! The most widely applicable way is to go on wednesday evenings. The gallery offers free admission to the collection galleries on wednesdays from 6 till 8:30pm.

If this has you planning your wednesday evening (that’s tomorrow!!) and packing your journal and pencils, then my work here is done! Feel free to share your favourite galleries for sketching below in the comments.

Happy Sketching!

Cabin Fever February!

Posted on February 20, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 136/365

It’s Cabin Fever February at the Arts Market on College!!
You might be asking yourself what, exactly, does this mean? What’s Cabin Fever February?? It’s an awesome sale with a handful of vendors, offering up to 50% off their entire space!!

As you can see, the entire Sprouts Press booth is listed at 30% off!! So come on in and pick out your favourite handbound journal. Then cozy up with a blanket and some tea while you fill your book with dreams of springtime!!

Indigo, Florentine and Fabric!

Posted on February 19, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 135/365After posting my latest instalment of Use Your Journal, I realized that there were only two Starburst Journals in my Etsy shop. I’m happy to say that I’ve taken some time to put these ones together and list them online.
These are quite possibly my favourite books to bind. I love the possibilities for covers and the stitching patterns created on the spine. Even better? It lays flat when open!
This book is the first of two that are full fabric covers. And it’s my own handmade bookcloth! I’m proud of these journals, the full fabric makes them very tactile. Perfect for a cozy afternoon of sketching/journalling/album making with a cup of tea by a toasty fire.

Red, Grey and Green

Posted on February 17, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 133/365There’s a new style of journal in my Etsy shop! Please welcome the Medium Journal with Ribbon! This is my first venture into the world of handmade bookcloth. I have to say, it is liberating. To be able to use any fabric I want (minus stretchy and see-through materials; there were some trials and errors!) and turn it into bookcloth opens so many doors. Of course, I went right for the cotton linen and linen-like fabrics right off the bat, they are so gorgeous!

The journals themselves are hardcover case-bound, housing a selection of blank paper and brown kraft paper. And, as a bit of fun, each book has a half page map, making it appropriate for travel as well. (Makes a one of a kind keepsake after it’s filled with memories from a trip!) Some of the journals have brass corners, mainly just the red journals, which also use outdoor fabric as the bookcloth. Yes, these are the toughest journals in the series!!

The size is not too big, but not too small; perfect for stashing in a day bag or backpack. All of these designs have ribbon bookmarks, essential to keep your place so you can find it quickly when inspiration strikes on the go!

Available in Ruby Red, Grass Green and Warm Grey.

Use Your Journal No.2

Posted on February 13, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 129/365

People often refer to journals as vessels. Vessels for words, ideas, thoughts, sketches, etc. But sometimes they can actually be vessels, the kind that hold things. I’m talking about journals, books, sketchbooks that are designed to hold things like photos, paper ephemera, ticket stubs and other collected (flat) tidbits.

However, not all journals are designed for this and there is a trick to recognize a journal that is meant to hold things and one that is meant to hold only your brushstrokes or pen scribbles. The secret lies in the difference between the spine thickness and the thickness of the pages/text block. The difference between the two indicates the thickness of flat items (stacked) your book can house.

For example, if the spine totals 1″ thick, and the pages total 1/2″ thick, then you can potentially add 1/2″ worth of photos/other paper ephemera. It’s good practice to add items at intervals throughout your book, rather than all in one spot. If you put all your photos in one section of your book (or you put too many photos in your book) you’re likely to get the dreaded costanza-effect. (This is when you cram too many things into your journal/wallet, making it impossible to close properly and the source of much ridicule and many jokes . . . If this makes no sense to you then you probably didn’t watch tv sitcoms in the 90’s. My apologies). Basically, don’t add so many things to your journal that it no longer lies flat when closed.

Anyways, that’s about it; put paper ephemera into your journals and write or sketch about it! Maybe you did some sketching while at an outdoor concert (and saved the ticket stub). Maybe you were inspired to write poetry while at a live reading event (and snapped a selfie with the author!) Incorporating ticket stubs and collected items adds new elements and textures to your journal pages and makes for great memory books and albums.

Pro tip: you can even apply this theory to guest books at milestone events!!

Calligraphy Class

Posted on February 9, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 125/365

Last week I had the pleasure of attending a calligraphy class at The Paper Place on Queen St. West here in Toronto. It was an Intro to Calligraphy class, so we started with pencil and worked through to a straight nib holder and finally onto the oblique holder. Back in January I posted about practicing my calligraphy with a fountain pen. That was a more traditional hand, the Chancery Italic hand. This workshop focused more on contemporary calligraphy and the finding our own hand. We learned the basics on how to properly use the tools and achieve the bold/thin lines. Instructor Lisa of Post Calligraphy was encouraging and inspirational, and so full of talent! It was a great collection of ladies; all creative in our own ways and eager to learn and cheer each other on. Big Thanks to Ashley of Quaintrelle.ca for organizing, to check out her blog post about the class, go here.

And the winner is . . . .

Posted on February 2, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 118/365

Last tuesday I announced I was having a blog giveaway contest! Well, the contest ran, so many amazing entries were submitted and I’m pleased to announce that we have a winner!!! Congratulations to kwils3!! You’ve won the prize pack!!

I wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone who took the time to enter my contest. I’m blown away by your heartfelt reasons for putting pen to paper. It’s clear so many of you took time and great care to compose your answers. I love hearing that journals make your hearts swoon!

Soooo, I decided to draw a second name for a smaller but still paper-fantastic prize!! The winner is Lettersandlaces!!! You’ve won one of my signature Loot Bags!! It’s a small collection of my handmade goodies.

Again, thanks to everyone who participated in my first blog contest, I plan to have more in the near future! And I promise to keep them creative and fun!!

**If you are a winner, please send me an email with your mailing address so I can ship your prize!

Last Chance!

Posted on January 31, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 116/365

It’s the last day to enter my Valentines Day Giveaway Contest!

One lucky winner will get all the goodies pictured above!!
For more information, rules and to enter, go here.

The winner will be announced on monday.
Good luck!!

Shop Local!

Posted on January 30, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 115/365

Today I’m happy to announce the latest retailer of Sprouts Press products: Scout over on Roncesvalles Avenue, here in Toronto!

If you haven’t been in yet, you should definitely check it out. There are beautiful products from many local and Canadian designers and artisans. It’ll be fun, I promise!

If you’re interested in shopping Sprouts Press but want to stay local, head over to my ‘Retailers‘ section and reach out to a store in your neighbourhood!