PIN PALS

Book Fair Love

The annual McGill book fair was today, so I woke up as early as I could, bought a couple of fancy coffee's and met my real life beau to get in on the hustle and bustle of the rummaging book lover.

Walking into the main room of the book fair is a surprise, as climbing the stairs to the room, you wonder if it is really happening, and if you're in the right building..it sounds so quiet. But upon entering, you realize quickly that a very large, very popular fair is underway. You are experiencing the hushed sounds that only a room teaming with book enthusiasts can create. There is immense concentration and assertive hands all over the place.

I was lucky enough to beeline straight to the crafts section and quickly pick up all the title's that caught my eye. Including these two absolute gems wrapped in clear plastic bags, and wedged in with the instructional booklets.





























They're origami books with origami examples! Already made!! I think they're from France by way of Japan, which is a dream come true.

Unfortunately, some of the pages were a little worn for wear, including the poor little puppy without a head, but for the most part it was a delight turning each page. These two books are definitely being filed in the Pin Pal inspiration library.

I also picked up some other books on needlepoint, tapestry, and rug making, which I hope to scan images from soon.

I recommend a trip to the fair if you find yourself near the McGill campus in the next day, there are books of all shapes and sizes, covering every subject and genre. I would return, but I've blown my book budget for the next little while!

It's ok though, I think the heavy bag I lugged home will keep me occupied for the time being :D

At the Redpath Hall.
Wednesday, October 28, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Thursday, October 29, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Posted By: Sam

Cest Beau!

As you might know, Sam and I have been pretty excited about our new line of Beau bows.  When Sam came up with the first batch, she made them to be worn as brooches/bow ties and hair bows.  The fact is that these bows are SO beau we want to wear them everywhere, enter the bow necklace (tres beau indeed!).  Really, I could cover my sweater with bows, fasten a couple bows on my shoes, bow my hat and bow my belt...  The possibilities are endless:

We've got so much fabric for you to choose from.

You also might have noticed that our packaging has changed quite a bit.  I've been creating cut out characters to wear Sam's accessories and I think it really works.  Sam's brightly coloured fabric creations and my graphic black and white drawings tend to complement one another.

In other news, three great stores have welcomed us in:

We're happy to be amongst many talented designers at Eli Phant, a smart looking gallery and shop located in Portland, Maine.  Also, a new shop and gallery in Seattle called Assemble Shop  should soon have a stock of Pin Pal goods and Sam will also be contributing her cross stitched work there for a fiber arts show in 2010.   Finally, we're looking forward to having some of our work in Saskatchewan at a charming paper and stationary store called Paper Umbrella in Regina.

Thanks for having us!

Posted by: Sara

Snow Bird

It snowed today, today!
Sam thinks that I made it snow by painting this bird snug in a tree.
Brrr, better tuck him back in.

Posted by: Sara

New Goods up in the Shop

Hibou? Who, Who? Where are you? The Pin Pal owl is back and cuter than ever.

Also, cake, everyone loves it. You can throw a bunch of characters together and if they have nothing to talk about just serve up some cake and they'll mmmmmm, mmmmmm, mmmmm, and forget about trying to find something to say.      Chad is finally up, and Oui Oui ladies he's single (and he dates non paper girls also Laura)!

And soon to be up but not quite there yet are these cute felt apple brooches. Better get back to work! Posted by: Sara

My Beau

Bows are it! In your hair, around your neck, smack dab in the middle of your favorite blouse.

 




We present to you our collection of "beaus".

Wouldn't he look smart in that blazer complete with beau pin? Wouldn't she finish off her outfit nicely with a firm, shimmering hair bow?

Finally a reason for that couple's portrait!

Beau/Bow's now in the shop.

Posted by: Sam

The Story of Chad

He likes Puppies, Cats and fried foods. 

Him and Lou are good "friends", and together they bond over their love of fast food.

Chad also dated Ladytalk briefly in the nineties (she dumped him).

I've had an assembly line of milkshakes and French fries messing up my desk.  Each fry and fry container are cut out and glued together with care.  Service with a smile, minus the greasy stains and drive through.

Funny thing, I notice a significant amount of traffic on my website from Russia and the Ukraine and found the source, a Russian manga forum.  The artist is Taya Strizhakova and she explains that the drawing is influenced by my style.  I like her uncanny interpretation.  It's a bizarre feeling to look at a drawing that looks like mine but doesn't, like facing your naughty twin from another planet.  When I saw this I realised that I DO have a distinct style, weird. 

Another funny thing, but in a ha ha way, a new online sitcom filmed in Montreal called The Bitter End is up for viewing.  Watch it, it makes you LOL.

Posted by: Sara

Cutest thing I've seen all day

Picture from the Gera blog. I can't read a word of it, but really, cute needs no translation!

Posted by: Sam

Pin Pals gone wild

Sara and I are participating in the Wild Things show at Headquarters Galerie and Boutique. The show is to celebrate the beloved children's book, and in time for the release of the anticipated movie. Here's a peak at our submissions:


Sara Guindon


Samantha Purdy




Also, last weekend was Puces Pop!



We were able to snap some photos, but unfortunately, most of them turned out blurry. The show was great though! The church basement was packed with fall shoppers and talented vendors. The quality of work was really impressive this year, it gives new meaning to the term "handmade".

We're working towards Christmas (yikes!) craft fairs now, which seem just around the corner, so things are busy at the Pin Pals workshop.

Check back for a brand new product in the coming days, it's sure to class up any wardrobe!


Posted by: Sam