Bas Bleu bookseller-by-post, based in the USA, publishes a gorgeous catalog of “odd little books” of which they mail a million copies 5 times a year. I am extremely honored that my odd little book made it into their summer 2009 catalog…

They describe their selection of travel books to offer more than lists of hotels and restaurants; “they’re the stories of gifted writers.” And I love this quote included in the introduction of their catalog:

“Always read stuff that will make you look good if you die in the middle of it.” P.J. O’Rourke

Brilliant advice! Thank you,  Bas Bleu…

Bolig Liv is a beautiful Danish interior magazine, and Paris: Made By Hand was featured in one of their recent issues. Thank you Bolig Liv! (check out their online gallery for some delicious Danish interior inspiration)…

And a little closer to home, I was wrapped to find out that Paris: Made By Hand was one of the editor’s choices in this month’s issue of VT Wonen, one of the leading interior magazines here in The Netherlands. Thank you so much VT Wonen.

I’m completely stunned that my odd little book has had such incredible press since it’s release in April. I had no idea it would get such a wrap all over the world and I’m barely able to keep up with the coverage. It gives me courage to continue on my chosen path, and such hope that big media sources are interested in the little people – independent writers, artists and crafters who are just doin’ their thing, and loving it.

Thank you to everyone who has featured my first little book on your blogs, websites, in your local newspapers, and magazines. Your support is immeasurable, and I am forever grateful. And a big thank you to each of you who have bought my book – you have enabled me to continue writing, photographing and publishing for a living.

merci à tout.

I just bought this gorgeous coloring-in book from Small Magazine for a little someone special back home in Australia. It is her birthday in a month – she will be 5! And she is such a darling, she sends me little gifts all the time, including the most fabulous drawings like this one…

Isn’t it marvellous? I’m quite sure that is supposed to be me, standing on my little boat/home, with the sun shining and the water lapping below.  This little girl is such an inspiration to me – she comes out with the most incredible phrases to describe how she feels (once, she was witnessing a very sad moment when one of her aunties was leaving to go overseas and she turned to her mum and said “Mummy, I have swallowed my heart.”). Also, this special little girl even knows instinctively how to deal with bullies. I am so impressed, and wish I knew this when I was her age and beyond (I’m still learning!).

So, dear little Issabella, I do hope you get lots of enjoyment from your new coloring-in book. Happy early birthday sweetness, with much love from one of your far-away aunties.

This weekend I had a fleeting chance to watch the clouds roll by – I saw a green patch of lawn, I took my shoes off, lay on the grass and looked up at the sky. I haven’t done that since I was a little girl. It is very day enhancing. I highly recommend you give it a try this week! Especially since summer is on it’s way out. But then, how wonderful to do this in autumn too.

I hope you all had a wonderful bonza! weekend.

xx

I took this polaroid (yes, I finally bought a polaroid camera! More about that next week) outside my kitchen window. It was indeed, a very windy day.

Have a wonderful weekend, what will you be doing I wonder?

A few months ago I had the pleasure of meeting artist An Hoang and her husband Jeremy while they were here in Holland for An’s solo exhibition opening in Den Hague. I invited them over to le petit bateau one morning for tea and cookies with Riley, and the 5 of us sat around, enjoying wonderful conversation. Jeremy, who is an architect, was telling us about his current project – creating a very special space for his friend Sarah who owns Saipua, in Brooklyn, New York.  When Jeremy was describing his design, I was instantly drawn to it – from the materials he wanted to use (gorgeous silver barn wood), to the structure itself which he described to be ” two box-like rooms – one nested within the other.” Jeremy had the challenge of creating a tiny interior retail space within a warehouse opened by a garage door. He used the concept of an old  dressmaker’s sewing box:

“There is a life and beauty that exists in an old dressmakers sewing box. That life lies not in the wood and brass hinges from which the box is made, rather it is found within the multi-colored jumble of spools of thread and the assortment of pins placed at random in the pincushion. This is an arrangement that could only emerge from use – the result of an ongoing act between the dressmaker, the dressmaker’s tools, and the thing being made.” Jeremy Barbour of Tacklebox

Last weekend the space opened to the public for the first time, and it is breathtaking. It completely encompasses the Saipua aesthetic, and is the most beautiful backdrop for Sarah’s soaps and flower arrangements.  I can’t wait to see it in person. A big congratulations to Jeremy and his team, as well as Sarah and her partner Eric for such an amazing space. Enjoy your new premises, dear Saipua!