bookhou

Arounna Khounnoraj, a printmaker and textile artist, is one half of Toronto-based Bookhou, a collaborative design company co-founded in 2002 with partner John Booth, a painter and furniture maker.

Arounna + daughter Piper

"John’s inspiration board consists of images that are found, photocopied and his own – any sort of image or mark that spurs his imagination. My inspiration board consists of objects and images that I’ve collected from other artists and my own. I try to change it often, but find it hard to give up certain works. We both find the inspiration board helps to remind us of things and helps to build a context – I know that I forget thoughts if it’s hidden in my sketchbook."

above quote + picture from a studio interview via DesignSponge

In 2008 they opened a welcoming storefront and gallery where they feature their own roughly-elegant handmade items for the home. In addition to looking after their 2 young kids, Arounna also teaches printing classes on a vintage movable type press at the back of the space, mounts monthly shows by local artists, writes a lovely blog called bookhou at home, writes + produces her own magazine and contributes DIY features to other blogs such as poppytalk.

At Task we carry John's gorgeous hand-laminated maple veneer flock mobiles and Arounna's lovely hand-printed lines + triangles tea towels.

Arounna's blog is filled with many gorgeous images and I love the way she plays with variations on a theme in these limited edition totes and wearable art...

Arounna + John on a visit to NYC

winter sale #2

Here are some pics of a few of the fabulous things we are including in the Winter Sale...which begins tomorrow!

1. 20% off all Bougies la Francaise thick glass votive holders

2. 20% off all Roost hand-painted juice glasses

3. 20% off all Roost verglas votive holders

4. 30% off all Bookhou kid's tees, onesies and bibs

5. 30% off all Chan Luu cashmere scarves

6. 30% off all Lucky Fish kid's tees + onesies

7. 40% off all Ankasa throw pillows + floor pillows

8. 40% off all Paola Navone New Baroque tea service pieces

9. 40% off all Ankasa throw pillows + floor pillows

...and much more!

gift guide: desk

1. O-Check large kraft "another day, cloudy memory" notebook with mesh spine (8" x 11") @ $20.00

2. U-S-E beech eraser holder with horsehair brush (makes a great keyboard brush) @ $18.00

3. U-S-E beech and horsehair desk brush - a beautiful object that feels good in the hand @ $68.00

4. O-Check lined desk pad with kraft binding (4.75" x 5.5") @ $10.00

5. Miquel Rius flexible leather-look graph paper notebooks (6" x 8.25") @ $10.00 - $15.00 depending on thickness

6. O-Check notebook for travel with library pockets (5.5" x 7.75") @ $27.50

7. Tooled metal lassi cups - great for storing pencils or as a vase (7" tall / each design is unique) @ $35.00

8. Bookhou screen-printed kraft cover notebook (4.25" x 5.5") @ $10.00

9. Hand-made wooden button man @ $50.00