While working quietly this morning, I had the distinct feeling that I was being watched. I turned around to find this young mum at my window. She has been at my window alot lately, even when it’s open she doesn’t hesitate to pop her head in. I’m not sure why she suddenly feels the need to come so close, have I been feeding her and her little ones too much from the kitchen window and now she expects more? There is a silent rule between me and the water creatures that I will only give when I can, not when they want. And of course when there are little ones around I will give a little extra – you know, instead of just the left over stale slices of bread I might throw in a fresh slice.

But this one doesn’t seem to understand the boundaries. She has been shooed off a number of times but still, she persists.  She looks at me in a way that makes me feel guilty for not having food for her when she needs it, and some times I cave in and give her the only piece of bread left, the very slice I was about to eat. Then I see other canal dwellers like myself throw great bundles of bread out for her and her family and I say to her, “you see? Not only do you live in an already incredibly bountiful environment, you are also given so much on a regular basis, much much more than is given to those around you. You have more than enough so be happy with what you have, don’t wish for more”.

But still, she stares at me through my window. It’s become clear that we don’t understand each other and that perhaps I have given too much. I’ve decided it’s time I stop.

xx

PS I am going to announce the giveaway winner tomorrow! I hope the suspense does not drive you mad before then…

Today I found myself flicking through Paris: Made by Hand in search of a shop address for someone (it’s so handy having my ‘little black book of Paris artisans’ in one neat little place!) and when I saw this image, it made me smile. It is one of my favourites from the book. Everything from the tools, the colours, the floor tiles, the rough surface of the wooden post… it takes me straight back to the moment I took the photograph: I was in Thierry Grave’s studio (page 187) on Rue Durantin in Montmatre and I remember being completely in awe of his creations.

As with so many of the artisans I feature in Paris: Made by Hand and Amsterdam: Made by Hand, I feel so privileged to be invited in to their private worlds, capturing intimate details of their studios and chatting openly about their work. They are each so passionate, enthusiastic, and talented I am always in awe and when I leave, I feel like I’m walking on clouds.

Anyway, I digress completely because this post was just supposed to be a reminder about our haven workroom giveaway! It will close tomorrow (since we are all on different time zones I will make it in the afternoon for us in Europe = late night for Aussies and New Zealanders = evening for everyone in Asia = morning for North Americans). So, make sure you leave a comment on the giveaway post so you can be in the draw.

So here it is, the official invitation to the official book launch of Amsterdam: Made by Hand.

What do you think? I know I said I’d post it yesterday but I spent all night working on it, as with all my endeavours, they always take longer to create than I initially planned! Anyway, I am so very excited about the event for so many reasons, it’s going to be grand. Other than the above mentioned treats on the day (personally signed copies, enjoying some wine, nibbling on homemade nibbles and listening to some lovely music), I will also be making a special window display for the American Book Center, so by the time the 5th of June comes around, this awesome bookstore will, well, be even more awesome!! If that’s possible.

I am going to reveal more details of the event in the weeks to come but for now I just wanted to officially invite you all. Below is a little snippet from the press release, please help spread the word…

I will also be sharing some more Amsterdam: Made by Hand goodness with you soon including the announcement of some more very special events. I am excited to tell you that the book has already received some excellent press around the world, I will share these with you too! Mostly, I can’t wait for June to roll ’round so you guys can get your hands on them.

xx

I’m not the least bit bashful to admit that I’m quite alot in love with haven workroom.  This wonderful atelier based in London is run by New Zealander Cassandra Ellis who creates custom-made contemporary quilts, cushions and lampshades from vintage silks & cottons, as well as restoring and up-cycling vintage furniture. It’s a dreamy space (both online and offline) of inspiration, great ideas and loads of gorgeous fabrics for making all kinds of marvelous…

Cassandra runs quilting workshops at the papered parlour (i’ll write more about this fab place in coming weeks), and has also recently started taking orders for quilts made with your own personal collection of fabrics (read more about it here)…

…a little montage of inspiration I compiled from haven workroom.

A couple of weeks ago while I was in isolation-writing-retreat mode, Cassandra wrote to me with a very special thought: she wanted to offer you guys, my dear readers, one of her beautiful handmade cushions in lieu of my absence. I thought that was the sweetest and most thoughtful idea ever!

So we chatted back and forth (a bit of “no don’t be silly!” from me and a little of “it’s my pleasure, don’t think twice about it!” from her and so on) and I decided that instead of announcing her offer to you then when I was not blogging so much I decided to wait until today, in celebration of me (and hopefully you) being back regularly here in the (blog)house…

Cassandra even let me pick out the cushion to offer you from the haven workroom online boutique and since I know how much we all love shades of aqua, turquoise and ruby red combined, I thought this one would be utterly perfect…

This gorgeous cushion is made from vintage japanese silk backed in hand-loomed cotton and measures a generous 50 x 50cm, for more of a look-see, click here.

Now I must admit, I’m a little envious that you guys get a chance at owning this cushion! But I know you will love it as much as I would and that makes me happy. So what do you have to do to be the lucky recipient? Well I’ve decided that it would be wonderful if you could all visit cassandra’s blog, website, or shop – have a browse, have a wander and then all you have to do is leave a comment below: It’s about sharing the love really.

That’s it!! That’s crazy good.

I will choose and announce a winner randomly via some fancy-random-selector-computer-application-thingo this Friday, May 7th. But you have to make sure you have left a comment on this here post otherwise you will not be in the draw. Cassandra will send the cushion to you the following week.

As you know, giveaways don’t come by here regularly (the last one – and first one – was over a year ago!) so you know then that this is super, super special.

Thank you dear Cassandra! And thank you, my dear readers,  for your company, generosity, enthusiasm and encouragement over the past 2 or so years that I’ve been a blogging lass.

xx

PS tomorrow I will announce the details of the amsterdam: made by hand book launch! Oh, this week in the (blog)house is already so gooooooooooood…

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“When I was four years old they tried to test my IQ, they showed me this picture of three oranges and a pear.  They asked me which one is different and does not belong, they taught me different was wrong.”

Ani Difranco

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Thanks bob.

Also if you are going to do one inspiring thing today (beside hanging out here in the (blog)house with me of course) I suggest you do this: take a wander through amanda’s flickr favourites. You are bound to find some kind of wonderful in there that will knock your socks off. It’s where I found the above beauty from  sara + h . Enjoy.

Oh yes, I have another post coming up today.  This next one will surely have you singing your way through the day.