Our own small piece of Salamanca Market!

It's official and it's been a long time coming!  After 4 years of being a casual at the fabulous Salamanca Market (meaning that our location week-to-week was unknown and actually gaining a spot wasn't guaranteed) we've finally taken the plunge and purchased our very own site.  Yeeehaw!!!

Starting this week, you'll be able to find Pili Pala at Salamanca Market every Saturday at site #294. You'll find us backing onto the Salamanca Arts Centre, down the silo end.  We're right next to the brilliant 'Mongrel Socks'.  Lets get this party started! 

I'd love to see you down there soon.  Helen x

P.S. Thank you to my amazingly brilliant Graphic Designer and friend (who took me to the very busy and oh-so-gourmet Jamie Oliver's restaurant in Canberra the other day, by the way!!!) - Donna - from Design Capital for making our own special Salamanca Map.  Love that chick!!!  

Hello World!

NEW!!  Lots of pretty new things!!!

What a jam-packed year it's been so far.  I've been travelling far and wide this year as well as buckling down and working hard.  We've participated in many markets around the state already this year and are also focusing on attending several interstate markets in the coming months as well.  Exciting times!!!


In recent weeks, our brand new range of products has been released and there are lots of bright new colours and interesting shapes to add to the range.  All of our products are now online, but you can also view them in our brand new look book.  Click here to be directed.

Things will settle down a little for the months of August and September and give us a chance to build stock like little squirrels in anticipation for a big 3 months at the end of the year.  Is there a market you'd like to see Pili Pala at?  I'd love to hear from you - shoot me an email; helen@pilipalapieces.com.au.

Over and out, lovely ones!  Stay warm and I hope to see you soon.  Helen xx

Our brand new look book.  Click the above link to view it.

It's been 3 months since my last blog...

Yes, I've been a little absent this year BUT I finally feel like things are ramping up again (and yes, I know it's March already!!)

It's not for lack of 'wanting' to get deeply buried in all things Pili Pala, but other things got in the way.  We've had camping trips, both sets of parents/grandparents stay, friends stay, school holiday craziness and hectic summer swimming and BBQ schedules.  Alas, I'm back and new designs and products are in full swing with the lovely haze of the 'designing' process completely consuming me.

Oh yes, I also undertook a short course to equip me with a few new skills that will come in handy down the track this year.  I've attended several Salamanca Markets, a few Cruise Ship markets and also coordinated the first Barn Market for the year.

So, I've been silently busy and just forgetting to update you about it all.  Alas, in the next few weeks I'll begin to unveil some new products and new designs for some of your favourite products as well.

Also, keep an eye on our market page on the website, as we're starting to get booked up for what is gearing up to be a BIG year of markets.

Meanwhile, these clouds just keep popping up all over the place....

1. Clouds on display at Ballyhoo Art. 2. Clouds on display in childrens room designed and styled by Petite Vintage Interiors 3. Clouds on display at Finn and Dash

'Til next time... 

Helen x

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas you lovely bunch!  I hope you have an absolutely fabulous festive time with family and friends over the next few weeks.  

I want to pass on my sincere gratitude for your amazing support and encouragement this year.  2013 has seen Pili Pala grow exponentially into something that I am really proud of and absolutely in love with.  In fact, I'm only on day 2 of my Christmas break and I'm already overflowing with ideas about new products and designs for my new range.  I really do love what I do! When the year begins I have a few commission pieces to begin work on, and then a lot of designing to start.  I can't wait! 

But for now - it's Christmas cheer and frivolities, family, friends and a lot of scrumptious food. 

Enjoy.  Helen xx

In keeping with my vintage theme, here is a sweet illustration from a vintage French children's nativity activity book from 1953.  Divine. (image from here)

Muddled Male Mayhem

The final Saturday at Salamanca before Christmas is usually rather busy.  Along with the usual last-minute Christmas gift hunters it brings with it a collection of confused men.  I like to call it 'Muddled Male Mayhem'.  Yes, it's the day that many males have put aside to do their entire Christmas shopping, and they're often hunting for that one special gift for their significant other. 

As a consequence, there are a lot of completely bewildered men wondering around Salamanca, considering buying the first thing they see and running triumphantly back to the shelter of their cars, but deep down knowing that they should put a little bit of time and thought into their purchase.

In recent years, I've had many males arrive at my marquee, upon instruction from their partner, smile like they've won an award because they actually found the marquee they had been told to look for (thats quite a task with over 300 stalls) and then completely draw a blank on what it was that they were sent to purchase.  

So, if you (I'm assuming you are a female) would like your significant other to purchase a piece from Pili Pala this year as a Christmas gift,  I have a 4 step plan for making it happen...

1) Go to my 'look book' (click here) and print the relevant pages that contain items that you like.

2) Circle a selection of pieces that take your fancy.

3) Write 'Pili Pala Pieces' and 'facing Knopwoods Tavern, backing onto the grass' on the back of the page.  

4) Hand the above printed pages to your partner and give him the ol' 'nudge, nudge, wink, wink'. 

Voila and Ho, ho, ho!

We'll be at Site 169 tomorrow at Salamanca; yep, facing Knoppies and backing onto the grass.  Do pop by and say hello; we will be bursting at the seams with goodies. 

Helen x

I may have been M.I.A in Melbourne....

I may or may not have been M.I.A. in Melbourne for the past 3 days.  My husband and I celebrated our 10 year anniversary in November and - courtesy of babysitting by my mother - we found a few spare days this past weekend to disappear.   After working 24/7 since the beginning of May without a day off from all things Pili Pala, it was nice to do 'nothing' for 3 days.  And while we were doing nothing, we did find ourselves doing something, (like sleep-ins, movies, eating a little too much good food and general exploring) but it was nice to not have an agenda and just go with the flow.

The highlight of my trip was discovering a few little amazing boutique stores scattered throughout Melbourne.  Here are some images of my most favourite stores that were filled to the brim with beautiful wares.  Please note: these are not images that I took; I was too busy doing 'nothing' to take photos.  

Photo from here.

The Woodsfolk is a whimsical store in Hawthorn filled with bright colourful home wares mixed with a smattering of vintage finds.  Sensational for the senses.

Photo from here.

Maiike was just across the road from The Woodsfolk and equally filled with a collection of mouth-watering goodness.  A bit of adult fashion, a bit of children's fashion and home wares and a lot of just plain prettiness.  I ended up buying a chalk-board T-shirt for my daughter here; such a lovely shop.

Photo from here.

We discovered Rap on Little collins street jam-packed with a colourful array of boutique brands, including home wares, fashion, bags, children's goodies, stationery, etc.  The lovely thing about this store is that they will wrap (get it - 'rap') each product using a special japanese wrapping technique.  Love it - that means 3 less presents for me to wrap this year. 

Photo from here.

And finally, this shop was a treasure trove of delightful special pieces.  Wilkins and Kent on Little Bourke st.  My husband even stayed and had a decent look in this shop; thats clearly a 10/10 for awesomeness!

Well, for now, it's back to it:  4 markets, the final bunch of stockist orders for 2013 and keeping on top of the online orders will keep me busy right up until Christmas. 

Remember to check our facebook page for Christmas online order cut-off dates. 

The look book AND a pick-up promo!!

Fa, la, la, la, laaaaaa, la, laa, la, laaaa!  The festive season is certainly in full swing with Christmas trees and decorations going up everywhere and so far the weather feels very Christmassy too!!!  I love this time of year.  Oh, and the Christmas carols - how can you not love them when they make you feel like you are in a wonderland of cheerful, warm fuzzies.

If you missed out on this on facebook last week, you might like to check out our look book.  It contains photos of all of our products/designs in the current new range.  Click here to view it; I'm so chuffed with how it turned out.  

Click here to view the look book.

And, now - thanks to the suggestion of one of my lovely customers - I am offering a Salamanca PRE-ORDER, PICK-UP service for the next 3 weeks.  This means, you can peruse our look book, place your order and simply swing by on one of 3 Salamanca dates to grab your order.  It's quick, it's simple and it gives you time to thoughtfully and strategically tick off your Christmas list and make sure you have everyone covered.  Ho, ho, ho!!

To place your order, ready for pick-up at Salamanca, click here!  

image from here

Over and out for now!  Enjoy the festive season!  

Helen x

P.S. For those who have signed up for the newsletter, there was a special code to use for online shopping.  I'll be re-sending the code next week, so if you're not already a VIP, you may want to jump on board.  (see top right hand corner).  

Bowerbird, Barn and a Bonus!

Here are 3 B's:

Bowerbird Bazaar in Adelaide this weekend was amazing!  It was an epic event with thousands of people flooding to the show grounds to view the wares by over 100 talented stallholders.  It was a blast and I can't wait until I get the chance to do it again.  How I love the community of like-minded Makers/Designers that get a chance to hang-out at events like this: so much fun!

Onto our next event: this Saturday we'll be at the The Barn Market at Rosny Barn.  It's their biggest ever market with stallholders jam-packed right throughout the inside and outside of the venue.  If you live in Hobart, this is one NOT to miss!

And finally, a little bonus for those who have signed up to our mailing list. There will be a special code to use on the website right up until Christmas.  If you would like to sign up, there is a link in the top right hand column of this blog.  #wink wink#  If you've already done so, keep an eye out at the end of this week.

Over and out!!!  

Helen x

Pili Pala Picks: Christmas Gift Guide 2013. Part 2

I've been asked over and over again to make cufflinks.  I should have listened earlier.

I offered my brand new cufflinks up for sale at the Tasmanian Craft Fair on the weekend, and had no idea how quickly they would sell!

Here is the rest of my picks for Christmas gifts....

For Him. Who knew how popular cufflinks were as gifts?!  And, it turns out the men are equally as interested in the clouds as the ladies; perfect for his desk or bookshelf.

And finally, something just for you; as a reward for all of your Christmas shopping.  

Products available either online or at markets.  (If you see something that you would like to purchase that is not online, please email me ~ helen@pilipalapieces.com.au)

Have you got your Christmas list ready? 

Helen x

Pili Pala Picks: Christmas Gift Guide 2013. Part 1

It's that time of year, and with a long list of markets lined up right through until Christmas, I thought it was time to give you my Pili Pala Christmas Gift Guide 2013.

All products are available at markets, and most of them are available online.  If you see something below that you can't find online, please email me and I'll organise to get it to you.

Happy shopping.  May your days be merry and bright!

Helen x

Here, there and everywhere....

It's here!  That crazy, full-on, cheerful, but oh, so ridiculously busy time of year for Makers and Designers everywhere. The Christmas countdown has begun. 

There I said it - 'Christmas'.  I noticed several customers mentioning their Christmas shopping list 2 weeks ago at Salamanca and others have begun ticking off their lists since. And here at Pili Pala, it means I step up the already crazy production line and market appearance schedule.  

Within the next few weeks I'll be releasing a new range of designs for our pendants and earrings as well as some cute Christmas decorations. Plus, I'll be heading to a few different locations to attend various events in the lead up to Christmas.

Along with our regular appearances at Salamanca, you'll also find us at the Tasmanian Craft Fair in Deloraine again this year. This runs from Friday 1st November - Monday 4th November. We'll be located at the Showgrounds this year.  

Tasmanian Craft Fair: Deloraine.  Definitely worth the visit!

After that, a few more Salamanca attendances and then, drumrollllll.... I'll be off to Adelaide (helloo family and friends) to participate in the amazing Bowerbird Bazaar. This runs from Friday 22nd November - Sunday 24th November and you have no idea how excited I am about that!

Bowerbird Bazaar: Pili Pala does Adelaide!

And, to finish off the year, there will be another Barn Market on 30th November (set to be absolutely massive - their biggest event ever), more Salamanca attendances and possibly one more market to add to the list (waiting on confirmation).

So, it's a hectic time coming up but fun at the same time and the icing on the cake is that it's time to crack out the Christmas carols - the cheery ones though please!

Helen x

Very Pintresting....

3 of our Pili Pala Pieces Pintrest boards

Personally, I've been on pintrest for a while, but it struck me that perhaps Pili Pala Pieces should pin 'pintresting' things as well.  (How many 'p's can I fit in one sentence?)

Some of what we've been pinning this week.

Since Pili Pala is such a visual brand with underlying values placed on our unique take on style, trends and creativity, it seemed obvious that we should create visual boards that share the things that inspire us.  Not only that, but by pinning Pili Pala products, we can share our pieces all around the world.

I'd love it if you could help us spread a little Pili Pala love and also follow our boards for your own inspiration.  A warning - for those of you not already on the Pintrest bandwagon - it is addictive.

For personal Pintrest accounts, you can make your own boards about interiors, fashion, style, kids activities, tips and tricks, make-up know-hows, etc.  It's a visual place to store all of the things you've seen on the internet and wished that you could retain.  By following other peoples boards, you'll find the most amazing things and tips and prettiness.

For businesses, it's a perfect place to show your customers your style, your taste and your branding undertones.  It shows in pictures what you can't describe in words and helps explain a little bit more about who you are and what you are about.

I hope to see you over there - come follow us!

Helen x

Follow us on Pintrest here.

Fun...

I had a bit of fun making this little video to promote the new website (it actually looks better on the facebook page).  I made it during sunset - can you tell?

I'd love to hear your thoughts about the new website - please tell us by leaving a comment on our facebook page.

Festivities

Christmas for us meant a trip to South Australia to spend Christmas through to new years with our family and friends in our home town. It also meant some time completely off from all things Pili Pala, but that doesn't mean my creativity was on holidays.  I couldn't stop thinking about new designs and little projects and I'm actually pretty excited about what lies ahead for 2013.... stay tuned!

In the meantime - Pili Pala was a part of many a Christmas around Australia and the world (thank you so much for your 'thank you's' - I love hearing from you).  We also got to do some custom name tags for a stylish party that was held in Melbourne just prior to Christmas (see photos below) - quite lovely and refreshingly zesty!!!

Meanwhile, the day before Christmas I recieved a lovely email from Rachel who eagerly wanted to show me the cushions she'd just finished making.  'Peter' has a significant meaning for her family, and so she'd made 2 cushions featuring our 'Fly Away Peter' and 'Come Back Peter' tea-towels as Christmas presents for her parents.  Rather cute!  Thanks for sharing Rachel: I hope your parents like them.

Well, it's full steam ahead now, with new designs and products in the works as we gear up for a big year at Pili Pala Pieces.  This will be our 5th year - unbelievable!!!!

Jolly and Bright!

What an amazing year for Pili Pala Pieces!! Thank you for your part in our ever growing and expanding business.  The end of 2012 means that Pili Pala has been operating for 4 years now and has been my full-time job for 3 years; and I'm so greatful, overwhelmed and proud that I get to do what I love.  It will continue to be my goal to bring you products that are unique, distinct and desirable and I already have a lot of ideas for new products that will appear in 2013!

I wish you and your families a very merry, safe and enjoyable Christmas.  I look forward to continuing to share new and exciting products with you in 2013!

Any purchases made in the online shop will be delivered in time for Christmas if purchased up until midnight on Wednesday 19th December.  Orders placed after this time will be sent on Monday 7th January.  We'll also be at Salamanca Market tomorrow and next Saturday (see details to the right).

The online shop will be closed from Sunday 23rd December - Friday 4th January.  

With love and joy, Helen

Tasmanian Craft Fair: Wowzers!!!

Well, what can I say?  The Tasmanian Craft Fair (TCF) was AMAZNG!!! 20,000 people came through.  Yep!!  Thats Huge!  

A special bunch of wallets found themselves somebody to call their own, and many a product got collected and headed home to be stored for Christmas stocking stuffing or placed beneath various Christmas trees around the place. I love this time of year and the thought that on Christmas Day Pili Pala Pieces will be apart of family Christmases all around Australia.  Oh, the joy!

But back to the TCF: This event is run predominantly by Rotary members who all volunteer and I can't say enough about how amazing they were.  I was by myself for the duration of the 4 day event, and at least once an hour a Rotary staff member would come and check on me and offer me a toilet or food break.  Apart from that, they were so friendly and supportive; really just an amazing bunch of people.   In the end, my stall turned out spectacularly; I think it's the best I've ever created.  And, it turns out that all the planning paid off because I won the 'First Time Exhibitor' Award.  Yippee!!  Such a delight and amazing recognition for my little Pili Pala Pieces!  So, a huge thank you to the judges, Deloraine Rotary members and also the town of Deloraine.  

Below are some images from the event; if you've never been before, put it in your diary for next year.  I'll definitely be heading up again: wouldn't miss it!!

Deloraine and the Christmas Crazys!

Hello, my name is Helen and I'm a blog neglector.

It's been busy here with orders flying off all over Australia, a never ending run of markets and 7 months of blood, sweat and tears coming to a head as the wallets I have worked so hard on, have been finalised. YES - they are finished!!!!  Due to the MASSIVE amount of orders, and a pending 4 day market, I intend to have them all posted within a week; not much longer now.  Thanks for your patience.

Bright and early tomorrow I head up to Deloraine for my very first Tasmanian Craft Fair; I'm excited, nervous and just a little bit unsure.  I don't know what to expect or what will greet me at the other end.  You'll find me in Venue 8; Gays Pavillion, which is apparently a gravel floored large shed with birds nesting in it.  Interesting!!!  Nonetheless, in typical PPP style, I have gone totally OTT with props and displays and am super excited about how my stand will end up looking!!  (That is, if everything fits in the car.  Thats tonights problem!!)

Tasmanian Craft Fair: STAND #827, Gays Pavillion (Venue 8)

I'll be having a lovely selection of sale items as well as some special little Christmas treats including gift tags and decorations.  They look divine!!!  PLUS - the wallets will be there!  Yes, for the first time ever you'll be able to buy one and actually take it home with you then and there, rather than waiting for it to arrive in the post on pre-order.  Hooray!!!

I would love to see you there; please come and say hello and help me shoo away the birds.

 Deloraine

More soon on all the Christmas Markets that I'll be participating in in the lead up to Christmas; only 8 weeks to go!!!