Well what a lot of fun that was! I really didn’t know what to expect as this was my first ever book signing. Of course I was a little nervous and wondered if anyone would really want me to sign a book…
But the moment I arrived there were a few eager people waiting for me! There appeared to even be a little race to be the first book signed! I was chuffed. I took out my new pen and off I went, signing away. The weather was nice and warm, and even though it was a little overcast it was so lovely sitting outside in the square, chatting away, meeting new people.
And I was really surprised to meet some fans of the blog. As you may know, most of my blog readership is in America and Australia, so it was super special to meet some blog friends here in Amsterdam.
Among the surprises was meeting Kristina which many of you may know well as being the food editor of Design*Sponge’s In The Kitchen With series featured every Friday. I had no idea she was planning to come and it was such a pleasure to meet her in person! I also got a special surprise visit from fellow blogger Tara from Paris Parfait! In case you don’t already know, Tara’s blog is full of fabulous Paris finds and is a must if you are traveling soon to Paris, or just love everything about The City Of Lights.
And the day was made extra great by friends popping by to say hello and wish me well – thank you guys!! You all made me feel super special.
A big thank you to The American Book Center for inviting me as a guest to their fab event this year. And an extra big thank you to French Boy and my dear friend Zoë who both accompanied me the whole day and kept me refreshed and happy. Zoë also took all the photos featured here (merci merci!)
I met heaps of great people, and by the end of the day the bookstore had to order more books as there were only a couple of copies left. Of course the day was not just about me – my booksigning was part of an annual event called Urban Culture, organised by The American Book Center. Last year it was all about customize sneakers, but this year, with the handmade movement coming up at a steady pace, they decided to include some last minute guests like me, and also the ABC treehouse’s Idle Hands who are these fab bunch of knitters who get together every Wednesday night here in Amsterdam and knit! The group had a table in the middle of the square and were knitting up a storm. Every now and then I would see one of them head to a tree, or a pole, or a random street bench and tie their finished piece to it, street art style. I loved it! And I got a chance to have a chat with some of them too, I’m tempted to join up the moment I have a little more time up my sleeve as they were a really nice bunch of people. Idle Hands also have some really cool projects coming up in the following months so I’ll be sure to let you know all about them when the time comes.
Also on the day were a group called Umbrellart who were very busy creating art on umbrellas, and I also met Julia from Maoma Designer Toys who had her sewing machine out and was creating all sorts of cool things. I must say, I was a bit envious of her with her machine, sewing up treats right in the middle of Amsterdam on a beautiful day!
And last but not least I had the pleasure of being accompanied on my table by Natalia who came by especially for the day to teach passers-by a little origami. Natalia and I got on like a house on fire, I was so glad to get to know her, and she taught me how to make an origami crane! I might show you my handy work in the next post.
So that was that. A very successful day after all with heaps of laughter, a little sunshine, a handful of new friends, and lots of book signing! I’m a little dizzy with all the attention though and need a lie down now.
xx
PS The bookstore window that I helped put together the other day looks a little worse for wear I’ve since noticed as books had to be taken from the window and signed as store copies ran low! It is a rather small space to get in and out of (I have a few contortionist aches and pains from my time spend in there last week to prove it!), so hanging items became entangled, some were broken and others missing. But not to worry, I will be doing another window in another European city soon! And this time its just for my book so I can be a little more bold. Oh sometimes I think I have too much fun.
WHat fun! And your hair looks lovely, btw!
June 29th, 2009 | #
oh haha! that is so sweet of you to notice maia! For the first time in a very long time I got out the ol’ curling iron and gave my frizzy hair some ‘unity’. If only I could be bothered doing this on a regular basis! But I never leave myself any time to get ready.
June 29th, 2009 | #
Pia, it was so lovely meeting you in person! Sorry we didn’t have more time to visit. The photos of you are up and I’ve linked to your post. Love your book!
June 29th, 2009 | #
Fantastic! It looks like you had a lovely day. I wish I could have been there! Since I couldn’t, is there any way I could get a signed bookplate to put in my copy? 🙂
June 29th, 2009 | #
What a wonderful day you must have! It looks great.
June 29th, 2009 | #
It was such a pleasure to share such a fab day in the shadow of a celebrity! You were the epitomy of a gracious, charming hostess and it was such a thrill to see books disappearing by the minute. A success truly deserved, congratulations :o)
June 29th, 2009 | #
Pia congratulations!!!!
June 29th, 2009 | #
I’m so thrilled for you! How I wish I lived even remotely close so that I could come and have a peak at all the wonderful handmade offerings. Congratulations on the successful book signing!
June 30th, 2009 | #
Wish I could have been there 🙂 Looks like it was a glorious day. If you ever did a book-signing here in the States, I would be there in a flash!
June 30th, 2009 | #
Looks fabulous and I am so jealous to see you are wearing a tank. Sigh. Cold and wet here. Boo hoo. How big is Amsterdam, as in how many people? Your pics look sort of larger regional centre than city – well, that’s the feel anyway. I love Zoe’s comment above. She’s a sweetie.
June 30th, 2009 | #
Oh Pia! This looks lovely. I am so glad you and the fabulous Tara got to meet! What a day to remember, your first book signing. : )I can’t wait to purchase your book.
xo
June 30th, 2009 | #
How wonderful – all those nerves and butterflies were met with such a lovely, warm reception by eager readers! I hope the book tour takes you to Sydney, Pia, although maybe spring is the time in the calendar year to do it – it’s bound to be more weather-friendly for a breezy, outdoor booksigning … !
Also, what a lovely sounding event … All those whirlwind creative activities sound very inspiring!
June 30th, 2009 | #
You inspire me! I never have this much fun & it’s all my fault. It’s time for some big (FUN) changes, thanks for giving me a round-about-kick up the arse! Hehe 🙂
June 30th, 2009 | #
Hi Pia .. . Just found you, through Tara.
Beautiful blog – beautiful book …. .
Congratulations!
Judith
June 30th, 2009 | #
take it back. Just saw the pics. So proud of you
July 1st, 2009 | #
pia, this looks wonderful! i would of been there if i could! would you ever consider visiting england???? 🙂 xx
July 1st, 2009 | #
Pia! It was so nice to meet you, FB, and Zoe! I was thrilled not only to have accidentally stumbled across the book signing notice but also to have purchased the book and get you to sign it to boot!
I may have to use you guys as character witnesses someday because you are 3 of perhaps 5 people who have ACTUALLY met my sidekick… It’s getting to the point that people think he’s an imaginary friend…
Congrats on your success!! It’s 110% deserved with your talent and hardwork!
-k
July 3rd, 2009 | #
So thrilled for you Pia! You must be so proud of yourself…
I am seeing your book pop up everywhere in magazines down here in Aus.
xx
Anna
July 3rd, 2009 | #