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

In a couple of days time I will be announcing the day, time and place of the Amsterdam: Made by Hand book launch! I’m so excited about it. Also, I have a few other great events in Amsterdam organised for the release of the book. I’ve noticed a few of you are already planning trips to Amsterdam this year, so I want to let those of you know who haven’t yet planned a trip but are thinking about it: June is the month to be in Amsterdam! It is packed full of Amsterdam: Made by Hand fun, and I will announce the dates of events (and window display locations!) in coming days.

Tonight, for local readers, I hope to see you at theater bellevue for some nice music.

Have a great Monday, mes amis.

I admit, I’ve been keeping this band secret for a while now because well, sometimes I like to just keep some of the things that inspire me all to myself for a little bit before I share it with the world. You know? Anyway, when I first heard them play live last year it was at the invitation of my dear friend Simone who is the violinist in the band, and it was at the Lloyd Hotel. It was just a casual, mid-week gig, sitting around in a small corner of the restaurant which made it so wonderfully intimate – I was instantly captivated by their music: a little dark, a little folk, a lot melancholic and utterly enchanting.

They have just launched their first album under the new band name Point Quiet (previously known as White Sands). Before I bought the album last week, I had been playing their song anchors and birds over and over again – it’s repetitive actions like this that tell me I need to take it the next level. So I bought the album at their last gig and now, I can listen to the whole album on my ipod while I walk along the Amstel – completely day enhancing, to say the least.

They have a gig coming up at Theater Bellevue, on the Leidsekade this coming Monday, April 26 at 8:30pm, with another couple of local bands, tickets are €13 (click here for more info although it’s all in Dutch) – I think it’s going to be a lovely evening and I’m aiming to pull myself away from the writing desk to be there, I’d love to see you there too.

………………………………………

+listen to some of their songs here.
+buy their album here (in the netherlands and belgium) and here on itunes (US and rest of the world).
+ come to the gig on monday.

+There are lots of songs I am particularly fond of on the album (including long may you hide, venom minds, and the hidden track) but just to give you an idea of how beautiful their music is, please take a listen to anchors and birds while you read the lyrics.

xx

PS Their cover album reminds me of this photographer’s work that I just posted on facebook. Volcanoes, smoke, horses… synchronicity at it’s finest.

I’m excited to announce that on June 26, The American Book Center (ABC) here in Amsterdam will be hosting The Urban Arts Festival: where design meets crafts! This will be a unique festival where design and crafts mingle, right in the centre of the city. On the day, the Spui square will be transformed into a huge outdoor atelier with designers, artisans, and crafters all making, creating, displaying & selling their work. There will also be lessons and workshops in the ABC Treehouse (Voetboogstraat 11, across the square) and right now, the ABC are inviting submissions from designers & artisans interested in participating.

It’s going to be a super fun day and I will to be there too, with a little something special to share! I will give you a clue: it has something to do with my upcoming book , Amsterdam: Made by Hand – but it’s not what you think. Hmm, intrigued?

If you would like more information or are interested in participating, please email the urban arts festival right here.  Be sure to include a short description of your work and an image. I will write more about the festival in the time to come, but for now I just wanted to let you know this much.

June In Amsterdam – it’s going to be FULL of the good stuff!

xx

PS do you like this poster above I just made? I got a bit carried away – I only meant to create a little image to go with this post, but then I got funky with fonts. oops.

I had no idea how noisy geese really were until they came down to visit our canal on saturday morning. They made a huge racket and demanded attention from all the canal houses and houseboats. To see them up close and personal – right at eye level – was quite something…