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!!!  

Market Line Up - Christmas 2014

The crazy whirlwind Pili Pala Christmas fun-bus takes off this weekend.  We've finalised our market dates for the last 3 months of the year and, 'gee willikers', are we spreading the Pili Pala love far and wide! Check out the dates below:

Hence, it's a little chaotic around here and we feel like squirrels stockpiling our goodies for Christmas. It's exciting!!! You can find the full details about market locations and opening times on our website. 

Will we be heading your way soon?  As always, we'd love to see you; do pop by if you get a chance.

And, stay tuned in the coming weeks as I introduce you to the lovely ladies helping me get this show on the road, keeping me sane behind the scenes and helping with the squirrelling efforts.

Helen x

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)

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).  

Prepping for a stall set-up!

The presentation of my stalls is VERY important to me.  And people ask me all the time what inspires me and how I come up with a display.  The simple answer is that it has to fit these 3 characteristics:

1) A touch of vintage

2) a splash of 'on trend' colour 

3) a little bit of whimsical magic.  

I'll let you in on a little secret.... I'm heading to Bowerbird Bazaar in Adelaide this weekend (hip hip hooray) and I'm quite nervous about my stall presentation.  It will be the first time I've ever attended an event without jam-packing my van full of the usual Pili Pala props and display pieces.  Thats right - no meat safes in sight!!!!  I can hear you gasping from here!!!!  I'm relying on a few crates sourced from my parents' friend, a spray can and some flowers to do the trick.  Gee I hope I can pull it off....  

Here's is a mood board of what in my head..... wish me luck! And if you live in Adelaide - definitely check this event out; it's going to be HUGE!  If you can't make it, you can always do a spot of ONLINE shopping here...

(Images from here, here and here)

Bye for now.  I'll let you know how I got on next week.

Helen x

An awesome affair: Tasmanian Craft Fair 2013

Another amazing year at this truly spectacular event!  Run primarily by the (ever-supportive, 'nothing's-too-hard') Rotary Club members of Deloraine, the Tasmanian Craft Fair is the biggest craft fair in Australia: which is quite a feat for little ol' Tasmania.

I had such an amazing time, met so many new/return customers and 'made great friends with'/'met up with existing' fellow stallholders.  I love being apart of this amazing community where Makers and Designers support and understand each other.

Another bonus was that I also decided to stay in Deloraine this year at the fantastic Bonney's Inn where I, along with a beautiful bunch of other stallholders, were thoroughly looked after.  I loved it so much, I'm already booked in for next year.

Here is a little look at how the Pili Pala Pieces stand turned out this year!

I love that it looks like God is shining down on my clouds in this shot!  

It needs sound effects: cue big booming organ sound 'wwwaaaaaaaahh'

I found some cute little boxes to highlight each of my products.  

The NEW smartphone wallets were a hit!

Thanks to everyone who came along, and for your support, kind words and enthusiasm for my work.  I'm already counting down until the TCF 2014.  Put it in your diary now and make sure you don't miss it. 

Helen x

P.S - This is my 100th blog post and last week I reached 1000 likers on facebook. Round numbers like that make me smile!    Thank you for your part in that. xx

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

Your chance to get in first with our simply magical super-sized clouds.

Would you like a cloud meal deal? Would you like to upsize that? To a large? Actually 'jumbo'? Ok, in reality it's more like 'super size'? Well, you might need to feast your eyes on this...

I am now taking orders for these exquisitely, divine, super-sized clouds. You are able to purchase them individually or as a set or 3. Available in either a teal wave pattern (20 available only) or mirrors, you can choose from a Tasmanian blackwood or bamboo frame. They are magical!

Here they are as displayed on our stand at the recent Life Instyle trade show in Melbourne.  

Sizes and prices as follows: 

Small: approx. 55cm wide x 30cm high ~ $425.00
Medium: approx 85cm wide x 45cm high ~ $650.00
Large: approx 140cm x 70cm ~ $1100.00

Set of 3 (small, medium & large) ~ $1950 (save $225.00)

Shipping available within Australia.

My loyal blog/facebook followers: This is your chance to jump to the front of the queue and place your order, as these babies will be released to the public for the first time at the Deloraine Craft Fair next Friday. Please note:  the teal wave pattern is LIMITED EDITION with only 20 sets being made (2 SOLD already). First in = best dressed (house).

Due to the labour involved, there is at least a 1 week turn-around per set of clouds, so if you have the perfect place for these lovely creations in your home and need them pronto, you'd better get in quick.

To discuss your super-sized cloud order with me, either phone or email:

email: helen@pilipalapieces.com.au

mobile: 0407 259 701

I can't wait to talk to you about making some of these yours. 

Helen x

5 things you probably didn't know about me

I'm Helen. Founder, Designer, Maker at Pili Pala.  Mother of 2, wife of 1, little (as in small), driven, crazy, busy and my thinking is always on overdrive.  All this whilst still looking like I'm 19 (and I don't mean that in youthful bragging way, I mean I get concerned looks when I walk around with my 6 year old and she calls me 'Mum').

You know that I love running this business, but here are 5 things you may not know about me;

# My hands are too big for my body (I think that comes from my lovely Grandma Chips (Crisp) - she was a little lady too but her hands were rather large - however, she was good with them.  You should have seen her knead dough; superwoman!)

# My studio is an absolute messy disgrace.  As much as I strive to keep the studio clean and tidy, it just isn't.  I hate that it's messy, but when I'm in the 'making/creating' zone, I'm a pig. Thats why you won't find me inviting anyone into the studio - so embarrassing.   Every time my husband comes in he just shakes his head.

# I have a ridiculously loud and distinct laugh. It's very loud.  My friends can track me down in a crowded, noisy room by my laugh.  It's a bit like a cackle and a honk mixed together. And when I really get going - I cry big tears and slap things like my knee or the table.  Oh dear!  

# We sponsor 2 children in Africa and support my sister who is working on a medical ship in Congo, Africa.  I think that we are lucky to live in an amazing country and I am even more lucky to spend my days doing what I choose to do and being creative.  So, helping others might just result in them being able to do something they love too.  

# And finally, I love Pili Pala.  Ok, so you probably do know about that one - But why?  I love what its grown in to and I love the supportive customers and stockists that have popped up like little blooming flowers all over the place.  I love that my need to create and my obsession with fashion/trends/vintage/creativity has allowed me to add my take on those things to the world and has been accepted by others.  

Helen x

Find out more about Helen on the 'about page' over at the online shop.

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.

NEW!!! Version #2 - Smartphone wallets.

Yes, you read correctly.  There is now a version #2 of our smartphone wallets. It will be released at the end of October and we are taking pre-orders NOW - to order click here!

My smartphone wallet story...
For years I've been infatuated with leather wallets and handbags and it had been in the back of my mind to have a go at designing my own leather range at some stage.  The things that I look for in leather products include being well made, being an interesting colour (not your average black, brown or red) and having eye-catching/well placed details.  After obsessive looking, I felt that there was a gap in the market for this kind of product.

So at the beginning of 2012, I decided to actually try designing (it was a huge 8 month learning curve from conception to completion) and I'm so glad that I did!!!  When I looked around, I realised that there was nothing out there with an illustration on it (patterns yes, but not illustrations).  And, since my illustrations had been so successful, it was a natural step to add them to my design.  At the beginning of the designing process it was also clear that having a space to store my iPhone would be more than handy (I'd just had a baby and was sick of trying to juggle a baby on my hip plus a handbag, plus my keys, plus my phone, plus, plus, plus - so the concept of adding a phone to the wallet was obvious).

I set out to create a beautiful coloured wallet, that was uniquely detailed with my illustrations and was clever in storage options.  I chose colours that were on trend, but specifically dyed for me (these aren't colours of leather you can just buy off the shelves).  I chose beautiful 100% linen to print my illustrations on and organic calico to print the cloud interior on.

There is so much more to the design story, including lots of ups and downs, many steep, steep learning curves and new words, terms and phrases to discover, but in the end, it all worked out.  And, I had no idea how much of a hit they would be; of course I dreamt they would be received well, but you just never know with these things.

So, as 2013 rolled on, it was clear that iPhones were no longer completely dominating the mobile market and the much larger (in dimension) Samsungs and HTC mobiles were beginning to creep in and be just as popular; so back to the drawing board I went.  Hence, I have re-designed the wallet to fit a wider range of phones.  Now, with 18 card slots and 3 note compartments, there remains a coin section, 4 illustrations (1 NEW) to choose from, the ever-popular custom colours and of course, a pouch for your smartphone (iPhones, Samsungs, HTC's and Nokias, plus more, will all fit).  This next round is due to be released to stockists and customers at the end of October and I can't wait to see the reaction.

If you want to be among the first to get your hands on one of these babies, you can place a pre-order on our website.  Click here!

New layout inside.  

The new 'Lets go fly a kite' illustration. 

Clouds, clouds, everywhere...

You may be able to tell that I have a slight obsession with clouds. They have taken over much of my branding and products in the past 18 months. You'll find them on my wallets, my wall prints, and in various forms such as brooches and cloud art.

Who doesn't love clouds?  I find clouds to be both whimsical and comforting - like a big fluffy hug. Actually, for me, my absolute favourite part of a plane trip is when the plane descends through the clouds - all I want to do is jump out of my window and skip around in them.  I've always wondered what a cloud feels like - sometimes they bump against a plane during decent, so can you actually feel a cloud?

My cloud art has been a huge hit lately and is consequently popping up in many boutique stores around Australia. Here is a little compilation of the photos that my stockists have been taking....

 As seen at Hope and Me

 Clouds at Incy Interiors

Window display at Melody Nelson.

Loving the crates at Miss Frou Frou

 Photo taken by Life Instyle

Our Life Instyle stall display.  

You'll notice our super-sized clouds on the wall.  Well, if you keep an eye on us, there may just be more details to come in the next few weeks. 

You can find more about our cloud art on the website here.

Helen x

And next is monochrome

So, you know how it's ALL about colour right now and how I posted about the colourful trends that are about.  Well, in the not too distant future, it seems that the colour will fade......

It looks like in the second half of 2014 - after we've all completely overhauled our lives with injections of colour here, there and everywhere - the trend will be monochrome!!!

So, for now, overload on the colour - go nuts!  And then, next year, tone it down a little.  Personally, I love a bit of black and white, and new trends keep me on my feet as a designer.  Now, back to the drawing board...

Helen x

Working monochrome on the runway at New York Fashion week 2013. (image from here)

(image from here)

Coming Trends...

One of the most exciting things about Life Instyle is the chance you get to be completely surrounded by all the new trends before they begin to trickle into the big wide world.  For me, these are the 4 stand outs that you won't be able to miss in the coming months;

1) Muted colours everywhere (definitely not primary and secondary colours, not quite your average pastels but more like punchy, poppy pastels; almost like pastel colours have been multiplied)
2) Flamingos
3) Pineapples
4) Light/Blond timber (everything. i.e.; furniture, framing, core material, decoration and display props)

Here's my Life Instyle round up of muted colours, flamingo, pineapple and blond wood...

 Stands by: Lumiere Art & Co (top) and The Family Love Tree (bottom)

 Cushions by Ourlieu (left and right) and earrings by us (released mid Sept) 

Vases by the Design Farm (also my amazingly lovely neighbours at Life Instyle) and the spectacular trade show stand by Polli.

Now, I'm not saying you should rush out and get a light tone wood photo frame with teal stripes containing a print of a flamingo sitting on a pineapple and hope that you'll be the queen of 'trendy'.   What I am saying is, that these 4 things were stand alone trends that were every where you looked; so watch out - I'm betting within 6 months you'll be hooked on these too.

Getting out there in the wintery cold.....

There's snow on Mt Wellington here in Hobart - finally!!!  I love winter and all the wintery clothing goodness you get to wear; jackets and scarves and my absolute necessity (and slight obsession with) boots and stockings!!!

In amongst the cold, things have been heating up here at Pili Pala Pieces.  Some of our products have even been spotted on various facebook pages, curated product round-ups and magazines.  Have a little squiz below; woot!

Our products made it into the amazingly awesome 'Vintage Caravan Magazine' earlier this year.  Chuffed!  

   

Our stunning clouds also made the facebook cover picture for the month of June over at Down That Little Lane.  Have you been shopping in that online store?  Ah-mazing!!!

And then, to top it all off, one of the sellers on Down That Little Lane choose our clouds to feature as part of their curated collection; labelled 'pure and natural'.

I love seeing Pili Pala out and about in the big wide world.  It's like my baby is growing up and heading off to Primary School.  

Over and out.  Helen x

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.