It’s been a lot of fun gathering leaves and tree branches from parks and the side of the road, then installing all this found nature into shop windows. It’s incredibly satisfying, especially when I see people stop on the street and take a look – taking a moment out of their busy day to see something a little unusual, hopefully capturing their hearts and imaginations.

The first window in Sydney I installed was at the bustling Better Read Than Dead on King St, Newtown. This was one of my favourites to install, I think because I had the chance to incorporate some of Tracey Deep‘s incredible floral sculptures…

Tracey let me choose a number of pieces in her studio. I settled on these marvelous sphere sculptures, and some delightful dried banksia branches. I thought they might just work perfectly hanging from the ceiling next to my old chair, to create a kind of dream-like forest scene – a place to sit quietly and read a chapter or two from your favourite book. I used the packing paper flowers as well, and cut out some of my butterfly illustrations…

The cushion is something I’d made years ago with some left over sample fabric from Signature Prints. The backdrop comprises of linen strips that I’d used in the houseboat for curtains, and the leaves I found at Callan Park…

The next window I created was at sweet Oscar & Friends in Surry Hills. This window had quite different dimensions – it was tall and skinny, with only a small ledge for sitting props. So for this window I decided to focus on the glass itself and print then trace an entire passage from within the book…

Once I put the text up on the window to trace, I loved its roughness and was tempted to leave the strips of printed text as is…

Above is my little work station while creating the window.

It started to get dark rather quickly and I needed the outside light to be able to trace the text, so I had to stop taking photos of it and focus.  It was labour intensive, but once I finished and stripped the paper off, I loved the results. Then I wondered, what to do with the rest of the window? And how to draw the eye to the text? Well, I just happened to have found a huge eucalyptus branch the day before which had fallen from a tree in a car park. So I installed that up against the side of the window – I was pleasantly surprised to find that it was an ideal fit. Then to create an autumn tree effect, I attached branches of dried leaves along with some ribbon from the top of the window…

While I was searching for which passage of text to use a few days prior to installing the display, I opened the book and unexpectedly, it flopped open to one of the beginning pages that talks about how my trip to Paris came about. In it I mention that I was having an after-shoot drink with an art director friend – that after-shoot drink just happened to be around the corner from Oscar & Friends, at a neighbouring bar. So now here I was just around the corner but 4 years on, making a window display about the book that I wrote based on the journey I took that stemmed from that very conversation. I find that amazing. Anyway, back to the window display: It was pitch black outside by the time I finished the window, but I took a photo regardless of the lack of light…

And then before I headed off to Brisbane the next day, I took a quick detour back to Oscar & Friends to take a photo of it in the daylight…

The beauty of doing window displays is that they are so much about being there, in the moment – you have to be there to really see it, as windows are not easy to photograph with reflections and all. There are always lots of textures and layers which is what makes them wonderful, 3d forms of art.

Next up was the fabulous Shearers in Leichhardt… hello Norton St…

This time Ashlea and Romain were there to help (merci beaucoup mes amis!), so we got the window installed in next to no time. I love that all the props I’ve used in all these windows have been found, salvaged or handmade. For this window, I found a lovely branch the day before while driving through the residential streets of Bondi Beach. We attached it with fishing line, and then attached the paper flowers and scattered the leaves around the base, along with copies of the book…

Thank you Shearers, Oscar & Friends, and Better Read Than Dead for your continued support, and for letting me play in your beautiful windows. And a big hug and thank you to Tracey Deep for lending me some of her floral sculptures.

Last weekend Stef from Newspaper Taxi and I created a window display in her gorgeous store in Newtown (and had a party to celebrate it!), here is a sneak peek of the display…

…but more about that soon. For now, be sure to check out the window at Newspaper Taxi -  there is something you can add to it too (I’ll let Stef tell you about it when you go and visit).

This Saturday will be the very last window display event in Sydney to celebrate the launch of the book.  It will be at Little Paper Lane in Mona Vale. It’s exciting to wrap this month of events up on the Northern Beaches – my old stomping ground. On Thursday night I’ll be talking at Mona Vale Library – the very place I used to go to almost every afternoon after high school. And then Saturday we’ll have a party at Little Paper Lane- I’m so looking forward to being surrounded by family and locals, new friends and old – I hope you can come along! Check out the details right here. I wonder what I’ll create in Jayde’s window? I think since it’s my last, I’m going to go all out – Mona Vale, here I come!

a jumble of words, a jumble of thoughts and ideas…

PS a few people have asked what I use to write on the windows – I’m using posca pens in white, in different sizes, and I bought them at modern times on king st, newtown.You just need a bit of water and a rag to wipe them off glass. I find the pens are much easier to use than paint and a paint brush. Have fun!

Related Posts :

wandering window displays in sydney...

my heart wanders to newspaper taxi on...

the photos: wandering window displays...

the question I am asked the most...

a little gathering at empire vintage...

today's inspiration...

wow, it’s really happening: Today My Heart Wanders is being delivered to bookstores across the country. And the official book launch here in Sydney is tomorrow night at Ariel Books in Paddington. Have you rsvp’d? If you plan to come, please make sure you email or call Ariel (02 9332 4581) to let them know as I’ve had word that they will be checking names at the door. Party on, people! This is going to be fun. (PS don’t sit at home and watch the royal wedding, come and hang out with us instead! It will be the place to be).

In more exciting news, the latest country style magazine is out on newsstand shelves today and features a very special article I wrote about Australian artist Greg Hyde (do you remember my post about him on the lovely bloesem some years ago?), and how a visit to his mud brick home five years back inspired me to listen to my heart which lead me to move to Paris, then Amsterdam, and then to write about the journey which is, My Heart Wanders. It seems magical when you look back and realise how certain events and occurrences lead you to where you are today, non? Back then, if someone had said to me that I would end up living on a houseboat in Amsterdam, with a French man, and be asked to write a book about it, I would have said “you’ve lost your marbles”.

I will tell you more about the article and the shoot next week, but for now, I hope you can locate a copy of the magazine to read it at your leisure. Victoria Carey, the editor of Country Style, will be coming along to the book launch tomorrow night to say a few words.

Meanwhile, I have to get on with the preparations for magnolia square for Saturday! Above is a sneak peek at what I’m making. And in my usual style, I’ve left the whole ‘what to wear’ to the last minute, and am dashing out the door to go and find myself a vintage dress.

Hope to see you tomorrow night at Ariel!

xx

PS musicians wanted! I’d LOVE some acoustic & instrumental music at the launch tomorrow night, but all efforts to locate a band free for the night have failed. If you and a friend play the guitar or violin, or the likes, and would be happy to play some lovely sweet music while people mingle tomorrow night, I’d be forever grateful.

PPS I took these photos with my iphone, using instagr.am with tilt shift and the new brannan filter.

Related Posts :

My Heart Wanders, the official book...

the photos: official book launch at...

the question I am asked the most...

my heart wanders to melbourne...

my heart wanders to newspaper taxi on...

artist nicola hensel's home in country...

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

Related Posts :

Amsterdam: Made by Hand is now available...

preparing for the book launch...

Amsterdam: Made by Hand in Vogue Living...

the month to be in Amsterdam...

Amsterdam: Made by Hand recent press...

urban arts festival, amsterdam, 2010:...

It’s beautiful riding around this city on my bike feeling the chilly breeze against my face, leaves falling all around like it’s raining gold.

I thought it about time I tell you what I’ve been up to for the last 5 months. Have you been wondering? Maybe you have, maybe you haven’t, but I’ll tell you anyway…

I’m writing my second book. It’s the next  Made by Hand book and yes, it’s Amsterdam. I’m still working on it and at the moment I’m writing and editing images. Autumn is the perfect time to be writing – being tucked up inside mon petit bateau as the weather turns cold and damp.  Inside here it’s super cosy, and I spend my days making cups of tea and writing about the ateliers and boutiques I’ve chosen for the book. It sounds romantic no doubt, but of course there is alot happening behind-the-scenes. Writing books is intense work. But, the wonderful parts override the hard parts, and one of the best parts of this job is the excitement of discovering these special places and being able to share them with you. One of the difficult parts is keeping them secret for so long! But that will make the book unique and special which is always my goal. So, until I finish I may be a bit sporadic with my posts but oh, I really hope you’re gonna love what I am creating…

Amsterdam: Made by Hand will be released worldwide in April, 2010 by The Little Bookroom.

Related Posts :

one of my favourite photos...

(blog)house news...

in the guest quarters: made by hand...

preparing for the book launch...

my last post for 2009 (I have something...

Amsterdam: Made by Hand is now available...

As most of you already know, House of Orange is the styling agency that represents me as a stylist. Today I’m excited to tell you that they have just launched a new website, and there are heaps of new images from all the stylists and photographers.  I love the way they’ve created a collage/moodboard which changes each time you click on one of the links.  There are some new images in my portfolio too, if you like you can check them out by clicking here.

Related Posts :

come on, i'll show you around!

orange babies: we need clothes to send...

orange babies update...

Yvette van Boven's scrumptious pork...

Amsterdam International Fashion Week:...

just launched: my new website...

… ta-dah!!!

A special window dressing at the Parisian English bookshop, WHSmith! The window will be up for the whole month of August, in celebration of my book Paris: Made By Hand…

The bookstore is on the corner of the very famous rue de rivoli and rue cambon – right across the road from the gorgeous jardin des tuileries and a short stroll to le louvre.

Do you like it? Oh, oh, I do hope so. I wanted it to be something really special. It was alot of work, alot of fun, and I was able to document parts of the ‘making of’ for you as I know how much you love to see the behind-the-scenes. I am going to show and tell all in the next post. For now, here is my window creation! If you are in Paris, please do stop by to check it out in person…

Related Posts :

something fun up next...

a poster (the last one in the series)...

a paris weekend: part deux...

behind the scenes: making the whsmith...

a poster from Paris: Made By Hand...

reader Judith's report on the Paris:...

So, the idea was to make some photographs displaying the kids clothes that were to be donated. The photographer Hans, fashion stylist Sabine, and I sat down to brainstorm some ideas about what we could make. We came up with an idea of creating a mini set with children giving away their clothes in bundles, like little gifts. We decided to use African fabric as a backdrop, and to make some fun creatures and objects out of the clothes. Then we thought it might be nice to have the kids draw something for the African children, and we would somehow incorporate the drawing into their photo and make little postcard-like images. Hans later added a polaroid look to the images…

Off to work I went, trying to think up how I could make creatures out of clothes without damaging the clothes at all. Tricky huh! I decided to start with some simple ball shapes – I made piles of clothes and then began to wrap them up tightly into balls with thick, colorful cotton thread. I wrapped and wrapped and wrapped until I was happy with the shape and size of each ball.

Then I got a bit more creative. I made a big bunny of sorts by stuffing left over wadding I had in my cupboard into little pants to make floppy ears. Then I made a head by putting the wadding into a stripey t-shirt and wrapping the thick thread around the base and top. I attached the floppy ear shapes to the head by binding the ends tightly together. I added a little white fabric flower to the head to make it ‘pretty’. I made the rest of the body the same way and soon, I had a funny looking bunny creature that I was rather fond of…

…it turned out to be a rather windy day when we were on set (which was the ijburg beach), but lots of fun. Hans and Sabine had rounded up friends with kids so we had lots who were willing to get in front of the camera and strut their stuff! I love working with kids – they are so natural and perfect in every way – no matter what they do, where they look or how they sit, they’re always gorgeous.

In the end I made all sorts of things like balls, flags, bunnies and I even grabbed a windsurf board from the local surf school and wrapped the clothes and thread around it! The boys loved that one.

After the kids had their photo taken we gave them a piece of paper and coloured markers and they sat down and made a drawing. Here is a little poster of all the images together…

I really like the images as little promo cards. I hope they come in handy for Orange Babies, and I hope the children in Africa get all those fab clothes soon. I even saw some tiny white KLM slippers that were donated! So sweet. And tiny flip flops too. Oh, playing with all those baby clothes did make me a wee bit clucky, but what’s new.

……………………………………………….

all photographs by hans van brakel for orange babies.

Related Posts :

orange babies update...

Amsterdam International Fashion Week:...

orange babies: we need clothes to send...

come on, i'll show you around!

new website: house of orange

holiday gift ideas: for him (encore)

This is a new book from The Little Bookroom that was also released a couple of weeks ago. It’s called The Flea Markets of France and is a great guide for finding fabulous brocantes around the country. I was asked to create the cover! That’s my handiwork you see above. I collected things that I had bought at brocantes, and lay them out on an old pretty map of France. The fab book design team at The Little Bookroom made the label for the title. What do you think?

In more exciting news, both my book Paris: Made By Hand and this one, The Flea Markets of France were featured in the latest issue of British House & Garden magazine, with special mention about the covers!

The article reads “The covers of most travel guides are predictably pedestrian…so when you come across jackets as charmingly whimisical as those of Paris: Made By Hand and The Flea Markets of France, you foresee something different, more personal, within them.”

I’m chuffed to bits…

Related Posts :

A 'Wander' Through New England

my recent brocante finds...

Amsterdam: Made by Hand is now available...

New York City: Shopping the Fleas...

Paris: Made By Hand, by Pia Jane Bijkerk...

book news...

I’m all a fluster with the book being released so quickly! I thought I had another month up my sleeve and I was going to plan this whole lovely slow launch of the book.

You know, what the professionals do.

But alas, I am but a newbie at this book release thing so together, we will just have to go with this crazy flow…

I want to thank each of you for your incredible comments on my first posting about the book. I’m so glad to hear you have all ordered your copies, what a thrill. Please tell all your friends and family, and even when you are walking in the street, don’t hesitate to just tell the stranger next to you! Who knows, that stranger may be a Paris/handmade/boutique aficionado for all we know and say “wow, I’ve been waiting for a book like that my whole life!” wouldn’t that be great?

I also want to thank those of you who have already blogged about the book – wow! You guys are fast as speed lightning! I had planned to get a little blog photo package together for each of you but many of you have beaten me to it.

If however you would like to blog about my book some more, please let me know and I’d be delighted to send you a couple of sneak-peek photos from the book and whatever extra information you might like to know.

Some of you may have noticed I’ve just created a blog page about the book via the little book button in the right side bar (as seen above). Please click on that button (or here) to read more about the book.

I’ll be back next week with OH SO MUCH MORE.

Thank you again, and please have a wonderful weekend mes chers amis!

xx

PS Yay!!!

Related Posts :

one of my favourite photos...

book news...

mum's the word...

the beautiful work of Stéphane Dauthuille...

Paris: Made by Hand worldwide...

in the kitchen with design*sponge...

So here it is, the full spread from my last shoot with Maria magazine. And I am very sad to say it will be our last shoot with the magazine as it recently announced that it will no longer be published, like so many others. I loved working with Yvette (recipe writer + food stylist) and Jeroen (photographer), and I would really like to keep working with them as we make a great team. So, if anyone out there needs a fab food production team, please email me. Yvette and I have a number of awesome stories suitable for international publication that we are itching to produce, and if you’d like to see our previous work please click here, here, here and here.

This shoot, as Yvette mentioned in her post in the (blog)house kitchen, was shot at her mother’s beautiful home. I had just arrived back from sunny Sydney and had developed an horrific flu. I was barely able to walk, it was the middle of winter here, and I needed to create a Springy atmosphere! in the freezing cold! The pressure was on… but I made it through the day! with thanks to Yvette and Ms. v. Boven helping me through with plenty of hot cups of herbal tea while I stood outside with Jeroen “creating Spring”. By the end of the day I flopped onto the couch while Yvette and her mum cleaned up. I felt so guilty for not helping! But I was in no shape to do so and they wouldn’t let me. Bless their little cotton socks!

Here is what we produced, I do hope you like…

I will tell you more about the menu and the story of the shoot next week, with some behind the scenes.
For now, I give you these, and two of the recipes in English, posted in the (blog)house kitchen with many thanks to Yvette.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone! I am going to indulge in a computer-free weekend myself, which I will be sure to tell you all about next week. I will also be gorging on chocolate, but what’s new! Lately it’s with no thanks to Green & Black’s making the most delicious easter eggs ever.

See you back here on Tuesday, mes chers amis!

xx

…………………………………..

Lente Ladies Lunch courtesy of Maria magazine.
photographs by Jeroen van der Spek.
food styling and recipes by Yvette van Boven.
styling by Pia Jane Bijkerk.

Related Posts :

take a peak inside the (blog)house kitchen...

spring ladies lunch: behind the scenes...

a winter buffet to entice your tastebuds...

speaking of glorious food...

a little christmas story...

cooking up a storm with rhubarb and...