I’m sitting at my desk, with mess and books and pens and paper all around me. Glancing over at my pin board I see the four ultrasound photos I was given some 15 months ago of our little baby who is today, 11 months old. I remember when I first saw those photos, it just didn’t seem possible that one day I would meet this little being growing inside me. Who was she? I was so eager to get to know her, to hold her and kiss her. I really had no idea how much my life would transform once she was born. No idea. These past 20 months I have experienced an incredible succession of extreme emotional highs and extreme lows, but there is one consistent truth underneath it all that remains and grows stronger by the day: love.
The moment we announced the birth of Laly 11 months ago, parcels began to arrive on our doorstep, each filled with the most beautiful gifts made by hand from around the world. From France came knitted cardigans, booties and toys, and from friends here in Australia came tiny felted slippers and the sweetest crocheted dresses and blankets. I was overwhelmed with gratitude and love for these sweet gift-givers who, with their generosity, helped get me through each challenging day as a new mum.
But how to find the time to say thank you? All I managed was a simple email, and it just didn’t seem enough.
Then, one night, in the early, dark hours of morning while feeding Laly, I had an idea. It shone in my mind’s eye as clear and bright as a shining star:
Imagine if I could create a book, photographing and cataloguing each unique object, writing a little about each person who made and sent the gift, sharing links to their websites so others could also buy their beautiful creations or find out more about them. It would be a collection of little treasures, connecting creative souls around the globe. I thought, Yes, this would be the most wonderful way to say thank you…
So I started to make notes and lists in a journal which I carried with me everywhere, a habit from making each of my past books. Any spare moment I had, I thought about what it would look like. But the reality was evident – if I didn’t have time to write or send a proper thank you card, how was I going to find the time to make a book?
{note cards and diary pages from my journal}
Let’s be truthful, you all know time management is not one of my strongest character traits. And now, becoming a new mum, I suddenly realised my time was no longer my time.
That’s when serendipity stepped in. Around 6 months ago I had the pleasure of meeting Fran. With Laly in my arms, we got talking over chai, I told her all my grandiose plans, and before I knew it, Fran agreed to be my manager and help me make. stuff. happen…
With Fran’s incredible dedication and amazing efforts of managing my work life so that I could concentrate on being a mum and being creative over the past few months, I’m so so thrilled to announce that the book has gone from being just a vision in my mind, to something very real…
{here are pages back from the designer, ready for me to check & make final changes}
Oh I’m so excited!! It is looking so beautiful. Would you like to know the title?
Little Treasures: Made by Hand.
It will be the third in the “Made by Hand” series. And there are even more exciting things to tell you. This special, limited edition book will be in both English AND French. The French title is : Petits Trésors: faits à la main…
the cover! Little Treasures: Made by Hand
I’m so excited to say that we are in the final stages of production, and that the book is ready to be printed! One of the thoughts that transpired on that night was that I wanted to self-publish this book to have it ready for Mother’s Day 2013. In order to do that I have created my very own little publishing label – par cœur press – (‘by heart’) and I have a wonderful team working with me including the fabulous designer Vivien Valk and editor Amanda Cromer who both worked with me on My Heart Wanders.
And what’s more? The book will be printed right here in Australia by Arena Printing who specialise in environmentally responsible printing using vegetable-based inks and environmentally-friendly paper stocks.
To be able to pay for the production costs of printing, editing and design, I am about to launch a crowd-funding campaign through Pozible. As Little Treasures, Petits Trésors is so personal, I really wanted to be able to offer it directly to you guys, as well as independent booksellers & retailers via this campaign, so here’s hoping I can reach the target!
The campaign has JUST GONE LIVE and will end on Laly’s birthday on Thursday, February 14. Check out the page for a sneak peek look at some of the pages, and for all the information. Not only is the book available to order through the campaign right now, but there are some amazing packages created exclusively to help raise funds.
here is a chapter opener from the book.
Far out! Putting myself out there in the hope that you guys might jump on board and help support this project is really really scary. Remember my first ever blog post 6 years ago? That’s how I feel right now: My heart is racing.
If you live in Europe and are interested in purchases any of the packages other than the book on its own, the shipping is only available within Australia, NZ, USA, & UK however if you really want one of the other packages, just get in touch and we’ll get you a personalised freight cost.
Okay, I’ll leave you to peruse the site now, and I’ll get on with jumping around the house like a jittery jack rabbit.
Thank you dear friends! I’ll be updating you on the progress of the book and the campaign every few days. I hope you’ll help spread the word any way you can, and if you would like a copy of the book, head straight to the Little Treasures/Petits Trésors project page and click away! Merci merci…
with love.
what an exciting venture. good luck with the funding. (i’m in already)
January 14th, 2013 | #
How gorgeous Pia Jane – such a lovely, unique idea – have singed up for a copy and good luck with the project. Love to you both F xx
January 14th, 2013 | #
Absolutely beautiful Pia! So excited for you!! x
January 14th, 2013 | #
Congratulations on your new project! It´s amazing! I whish you the best. I hope one day I could follow your steps and create great things and projects.
Greetings from Buenos Aires!
January 14th, 2013 | #
Such a wonderful wonderful idea! Good luck, xox, Maggie
January 14th, 2013 | #
This is so exciting, what a wonderful idea for a book and beautiful way to say thank you, I love it! I can’t wait to take a look..and my baby is due on laly’s birthday..x
January 14th, 2013 | #
bravo Pia, bravo! a beautiful project you are realising here. I met you at your Brisbane book launch, and was pregnant myself at the time. my lilla girl is now 16 months old and I too know the astonishing depth of love, the catharsis and reinvention of this first year. best, Kristina x
January 14th, 2013 | #
thank you so much for your support already!! So exciting!! X
January 14th, 2013 | #
Incredible 🙂 so excited for you…and for all of us – can’t wait to see it and I have pledged just a little :)…I will put it on my facebook page for you if that is ok???? Please if there is anything else I can do please let me know…You are a truly inspirational young woman ……xo
PS My heart wanders is still my very happy place….
January 14th, 2013 | #
EXCITEMENT!! Congrats to you… can’t wait to see the finished product.
January 14th, 2013 | #
This is so exciting! Especially since i’m a first time pregnant mama 🙂 Will put my order in tomorrow. Also (not to sound creepy) but i keep meaning to come say hi. I think we live in the same neighbourhood because i see you and Laly around all the time. Best of luck with this new project x
January 14th, 2013 | #
Pia, it´s just lovely! I would like to join the project but have a question: it is not possible shipping the ceramic bowl to Sweden? The 85 dollars package I mean? I would love that, but maybe the shipping is impossible? If not, I will just go for the book 🙂
January 14th, 2013 | #
Pia, this is a wonderful and amazing project. I love it so much! I will definitely share it on my blog, facebook etcetera.
Thank you for bringing so much beauty in the world!
Miranda
PS I saw the Amsterdam leaf on the photo. Thank you so much!
January 14th, 2013 | #
Hi Gaby! I love Vancouver, would love to meet you, definitely come and say hi next time you see us! Wonderful to hear you are in the journey of becoming a mum. x
January 14th, 2013 | #
Wow Pia – you keep so many of us inspired with your projects. As a mumma-to-be I sometimes worry about sustaining creative work with a new-born. I’m so happy to see that with some help it doesn’t all just disappear 🙂
Super happy to be contribute to your new endeavour and I’m sure it will come to light.
x Emma
January 14th, 2013 | #
What agorgeous pictures and a beautiful project! 2 weeks ago, I gave birth to my 3rd baby, a girl named Kate (after 2 beautiful boys) Love Femke – Femkeido
January 14th, 2013 | #
[…] Stylist Pia Jane Pijkerk‘s images and words are soothing and calming and her little Paris book Paris: Made By Hand has accompanied me on several happy wanderings through the city. I love the idea of crowdfunding to help artisans whose contributions we appreciate and dreams we support; and Pia is raising funds to self-publish a little book, a thank you for the many handmade gifts she received for her daughter, Laly. For more details, take a look at her blog post, here. […]
January 14th, 2013 | #
Hi Pia,
Congratulations! Wow, amazing project, congratulations on jumping on a new, independently published book. You rock.
Hugs!
January 14th, 2013 | #
Hi Pia and Laly (happy nearly 1 year birthday!)
This project had captured me so much, it’s truly beautiful, I am already eager to see the finished book. I am going to add some to your cause once I decide upon the right package 🙂
I just had to say how I admire your vision and your bravery in putting it out there and asking for support.
I’m sure it’ll be flooding in from your many followers and friends.
Thank you for sharing such personal presents in this book, they all look adorable from what I can see and are going to inspire many makers around our little world.
Love Kathryn. (England) xx
January 14th, 2013 | #
Woo hoo! What fantastic news. Another lovely book by you. Love your style and creative flare. So inspiring. Can’t wait to see the book:)
January 14th, 2013 | #
what a wonderful and thoughtful idea, can’t wait to see the book. Very inspiring!
January 14th, 2013 | #
Hi Pia. Congratulations. Can’t wait to see the book. I have supported your project and have shared links to the page. All the best, Tracie x
January 14th, 2013 | #
Brilliant news, brilliant idea! I’ll be ordering mine pronto. I’ve also provided a link back on my blog. ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ PS – Laly is one blessed little angel… a creative, thoughtful, caring, yummy mummy. Xx
January 15th, 2013 | #
This looks so very beautiful! And the sentiment is so tender and heartfelt. I have been devouring your books and finding little parts of me slowly unfurling and warming in the new sun. You have inspired me beyond words. I can not wait to have this beauty in my hands also. I’m off to sign up now! Wishing you gentle and slow days with your poppet. Steph 🙂 x
P.S. If I lived in Sydney I’d jump at the chance to come and potter with you, pick your brain…and eat cake 😉
January 15th, 2013 | #
Hi Pia,
What a beautiful idea. More than happy to support such a wonderful project. Congratulations on Laly and bringing this project to life, you are such an inspiration.
All the best, Renae 🙂
January 15th, 2013 | #
This is such wonderful and exciting news. I am now eagerly awaiting the reading and viewing pleasure. Such a beautiful idea and with have a beautiful and inspirational images…. can’t wait!
Jennifer. x
January 15th, 2013 | #
Hey Pia,
such a wonderful and touching entry, thank you so much for sharing!
I can’t wait to see your latet book…
Love,
Isa
January 15th, 2013 | #
Pia, you are such a treasure. What a beautiful book it’s going to be.
January 15th, 2013 | #
Well done, what a wonderful idea!
January 16th, 2013 | #
I really can’t wait for this. You are so inspiring…I have all of your books.
January 16th, 2013 | #
I feel lucky for having the chance to discover your blog.
January 16th, 2013 | #
This is going to be so beautiful! I follow you on instagram and I have no idea why I’ve never been here before. But here I am finally. And it’s such a lovely space. I’ll be back! Kellie xx
January 20th, 2013 | #
[…] Photo courtesy of Pia Jane Bijkerk. […]
May 1st, 2013 | #