Yesterday I was working up a sweat in The American Book Center window – hanging, cutting, taping, threading, and banging my head against the hot lights every now and then too.
I created this window display in celebration of the Urban Culture event coming up this Saturday, where you will find me signing copies of Paris: Made By Hand, right here in Amsterdam! I must say, it was a bit of fun to be doing up a shop window again – something I have not done since having my own shop in sydney some 10 years ago now.
For this window, I wanted to really incorporate the ‘made by hand’ feel, so I printed out photos from my book on plain, recycled paper, then I cut them up into individually letters which spell the words “made by hand’, “d.i.y.”, and “customize”. I then stitched them together with white thread and left all the threads hanging loose. I also made some hanging pinwheel thingos (do you like my lingo?) in all different sizes from Ferm Living wallpaper which I bought some time ago at Danielle’s online boutique Le Souk. I really like the paper and have been wanting to use it for something special but hadn’t decided what. Until now!
I also printed out some of my favourite photographs and stitched around the edges. And I chose heaps of fab books from within the store that are all about making things by hand, customizing, and doing it yourself. It was so much fun perusing the store’s shelves and selecting books for the window. I was so excited to see Faythe’s book Handmade Nation in store too!
I hope you like my window display and if you live in Amsterdam or near by then I hope this post will entice you to come and have a look and better still, come and visit me while I am there from 1-6pm. One of the marvelous girls in the store made these great handmade signs too…
…”be there on the spui square”, how clever! I hope to see you there!
xx
hey! Looks very promising! I’ll be there in the afternoon on Saturday, and I’ll bring a fine glass of wine too! cheers! xx Y
June 24th, 2009 | #
Wow, I wish I could see it in person! You’ve given me so many ideas for summer party decorations. Wonderful work!
June 24th, 2009 | #
wow this is such a beautiful and clever display! i love it! your are so talented Pia! i wish i could be there!
i have a question, what did you use to print on the paper and where did you get it? maybe i can find some…thank you!
June 24th, 2009 | #
I love the display, I love how your used the ferm living wallpaper! You make me want to stop what I am doing and go make something by hand… I might just fold up this piece of paper I have in front of me now…
June 24th, 2009 | #
It looks great! Mmm, I wish I was there. The programm promises an inspirational day. But, I’ll think of you when I’m in Flamenco mood in Rotterdam.
By the way, I wrote about your booksigning on my blog.
June 24th, 2009 | #
Just writing to say I stumbled upon your blog via via via many others and stopped to read more as you’re lucky enough to divide your time between some of my favourite cities…ah, one day i will do the same and drag the boy and the kiddies along with me, but for now, I will live vicariously through you and dream…
June 24th, 2009 | #
Beautiful Pia! Girl you are so talented.
June 24th, 2009 | #
Looks like a lot of fun is going to be there too come Saturday!!!The window is fabulous!
Good luck with the book signing, I am sure it will be a huge success!
Love – Victoria
June 24th, 2009 | #
your window display looks very creative and eye-catchy. i will be there in spirit. have fun! bring your favorite pen ;).
June 25th, 2009 | #
wish i could be there! looks great! xo
June 25th, 2009 | #
Congrats Pia! Wish we were still there and could come by!
June 25th, 2009 | #
This is so beautiful! Wish I could be there!
June 25th, 2009 | #
Ohh.. I wish I could come! I was just in Amsterdam, but are back in Brisbane now! the window display looks lovely!
🙂 Martine
June 25th, 2009 | #
wonderful pia!
June 25th, 2009 | #
I’ve just borrowed your book from the library and i think its really beautifully photographed. Any chance of you doing one of Amsterdam?
June 25th, 2009 | #
I have become a daily, captivated reader of your wonderful blog for almost two months now. I would love to make the trip for “handmade day” on the Spui and your signing session at the book store – it sounds like quite an event in one of my favorite cities. Th window looks fabulous and so does the weather, I’m sure you will draw a crowd!
All the best for your celebrity day!
PS My daughter and I got to meet Stéphane Dauthuille at the Atelier-Galérie on rue des Vinaigriers. His delicate paintings are so dreamy. His technique (they are gouache or aquarelle – sorry I didn’t get that part straight but the paint has an ethereal quality– then marouflé to canvas and treated to a thin layer of paraffin wax) adds even more beauty to each piece! I really must thank you for the tip because he is not someone who seems to exhibit often, and his show could have definitely gone unnoticed (by me at least) on the busy Paris scene. Truly work to crave. And he is a very sweet man, quite willing to talk about his work. I let him know your blog sent me! BTW, your friend the glassmaker was not in that day…
June 26th, 2009 | #
Hmm not as good as i was expecting! Sorry to say but i dont like your display! Its not very captivating for passers by! Sorry thats just my thoughts… But i usually love your work!? x
June 26th, 2009 | #
Shannon, I’m sorry you feel that way!
judith b – thank you so much!! I hope the weather stays great, it’s been fabulous today! And I’m wrapped you got to see Stéphane’s work, and your description is wonderful, i hope to see it in person one day too! xx
debbie – wow, that’s super cool that it is at the library! let’s see what the future holds 😉
nadia -merci merci!
martine – blow brisbane a big kiss from me.
michelle – me too!
tacklebox and an – I wish you guys were here too.
cindy: quaint – I will indeed.
victoria, yoli, tippaniny, miranda, ashley, valeria, amanda nicole and yvette – you guys rock!! thank you for all your fab comments.
xox
June 26th, 2009 | #
it looks wonderful! we’ll be heading to amsterdam in a few weeks, how long will your display be up? we usually stay at a hotel that is right around the corner from this book store. it is such a magical city, i can’t wait to return!
June 27th, 2009 | #
I love the window– it looks fantastic, and clearly you put a lot of thought into it. I only wish I could see it in person!
June 29th, 2009 | #