My former high-school self dabbled in painting and during the most recent visit to my parents, I found my old set of gouache inks. Naturally, I ran out to the art store, bought some script brushes and sat down to play. It was really nice to get reacquainted with these tools. I actually didn't remember that I had these inks at all, nor using them for that matter. Since experimenting with them, I realized that I love working with gouache. With the right amount of ink and water on the brush, it seems to go down like liquid pastel. Smooth, opaque and quick to dry. That and I find it's pretty forgiving to work with.

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It's been a while since I last posted some press-flower journal entries. Some of these petals are from my mom's garden and from flowers given to me by Chris. I enjoy the different shapes and textures of the petals and how thin they are. My scanner didn't really do these justice. The colours of the petals are quite rich and deep. 

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I need me some kind of spring weather today. It is downright cold in Toronto. I haven't posted any updates of my pressed-flower journal in a while, and it's just what I needed :)

Because of the weather I've been sort of hibernating. Good thing I had plenty of printing to do. And when I wasn't at the press, I've been all about Sons of Anarchy. I'm caught up and can't wait for season 4 to break ground. In the meantime, I'll be tuning into Boardwalk Empire and getting ready for the Spartacus prequel. That's alot of tv.

good weekend to you all!

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More pressed flowers for the journal. Hope your week is off to a nice start.

A few pretty things to see:
Celine's study walls
pi'lo's embroidered notebooks
Jane's Ireland Guide
Patrick's custom Leica camera case

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I love the way petals look after they've been dried and pressed. In fact, I enjoy them more this way than when they were alive and in full bloom. I wasn't sure what to do with my collection of pressed flowers until I found my small unused Moleskin in a drawer. I'm looking forward to filling up my journal now as my collection of pressed petals grow.

My husband and I have been living in the Scarborough area for a little over two years now and we've only just found The Perfect Chinese Restaurant. We're fans of dim sum and I have to say, that this place is actually almost perfect. If only there weren't always a 30 minute line up on Saturday mornings.

Moleskin Kraft Journals | letterpress printed covers
available at The Spring Wedding Show

psst...today's press & printer feature is me! check it out: oh, hello friend!
thank you, Danni!

Last Sunday's bookbinding session was so much fun. Celine, Chris, Jaime, Melodie, Rhya, Ros and I bound our books, chatted up a storm, and ate scrumptious treats all afternoon. The last few photos of the blue hardcover book is what I finished at the workshop. I was so smitten with the fabric covered technique that Melodie showed Chris that I had to try it out the next day. The grey covered book was the result. Still bitten by the bookbinding bug, I went for a third try with a book cloth. My mitered corners went a little bit better that time around. Now I'm trying to pawn these off to my family because I don't think I'll ever actually use them!

+ Carte Postal letterpress print off-cut
+ cyan umbrella paper cut from Christmas paper exchange
+ transparent blue sticky tabs can't remember where from
+"5 envelopes" label from package bought at Polka-Dot Kids
+ stamp collectors sheet remnant
+ inside part of Boxcar envelope
+ cyan and white polka dot tape from Phillipa
+ White Squirrel in reverse (looked better in black)
+ cancelled US stamps
+ fortunes from Hakka restaurant
+ El Arpa from Jaime
+ vintage stamps
+ blue egg cut out
+ cut from proof sheet (photos taken with the Vivitar Slim)
+ index card from Lovely Design (January stamp from the dollar store)

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heart + brain

A forced and much needed journaling time last Sunday at The Workroom. It's so relaxing just to play with paper, rubber stamps and whatever else you can put into a journal. Still, I can't seem to get away from my everyday :)

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+ washi tape from received snail mail
+ dry cleaning tag
+ sushi receipt; had lunch while waiting for Chris to get his haircut
+super duper typeface for Redpath
+Red Tea Box receipt; picked up a fabric bunny coaster for my aunt (she loves rabbits)
+stamp cancellation on a package from Japan
+mail from Boxcar
+info for my Holga camera?
+fortunes from Chinese takeout
+a bit of 2009 Christmas wrapping paper


** check out beautiful journaling from Jaime and Rhya **

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cahier

Who doesn't love a Moleskin? Who doesn't love kraft paper? Who doesn't love softcover letterpress printed kraft journals? Who?

These will make their debut at the City of Craft.

keeping track of my days

Journal horoscope: Capricorns know the greatest triumphs come from overcoming mighty challenges. Today you'll confront the kind of challenge you secretly enjoy.

letterpress printed notebooks

I knew it wouldn't be long before I got antsy and bound some more books. After having made it the first time and with more practice, it was only natural to throw some letterpess into the mix. Cute and practical, each notebook has 22 blank pages measuring about 4.25x5.5. Covers are Cougar stock and letterpress printed with wood and lead type, sewn and bound with cloth tape. Fit for jotting those late night ideas, small enough for stocking stuffers, travel journals, even makeshift story books for your loved one. I'll be using mine to note favorite brunch places and best dishes on the menus. Look out for them to be available at the 2009 City of Craft show.

t is for thrifty

It's been a while since I did some thrifting. Here are a few of the things I scooped up on my last trip.

Found this book full of perfectly good paper sitting in a bin. It's just begging to be fed in a typewriter. Love the blue and red lines.

These transparent guides were tossed in a box and though I don't know how to use them, I had to have them. If not for practical use, then maybe for journalling?


I'm a huge sucker for tarot cards. And at first glimpse, I thought these cards were tarot. But on closer inspection, I actually have no idea what they are. If you do, please unravel the mystery!


I got a hold of some vintage children's picture books. Again, maybe for journalling, but I don't think I can stand cutting these up. The danger here is I'm running out of room and a collection of these would quickly take up floor space.


Lastly, one of my favorite finds is a kids book called 'What's So Important About". It reads about what's important about things like telephones, buttons, bugs, etc. And of course, letters :)

PS. Today is the last day to enter the favorites giveaway. Winner announced tomorrow!