This week has been hot, hot – now it’s cold! I found refuge in ungardening our pond, in pulling up the algae with hands and feet and swirling it around like cotton candy around four limbs.

We also hosted our open Studio Tour!

When we open our studio doors for the weekend, who walks through is a mystery. I am always excited by those who come with stories or obsessions to share. And I loved seeing people write with dip pens with such enthusiasm!

Phew. We’ve taken all morning and into the afternoon finishing this one.

A look into the algae from the outside!

New Bookbinding Tutorial on YouTube!

As I’m discovering, you’re discovering.

In this video I bring you into my mess with me: figuring out the spine of my book, testing materials, and rambling as things come to mind. I’m inspired by nature and trash, and I don’t always know where I’m headed. I use an antique book from my grandma’s house, leather from the trash, vintage textiles, and inspiration from the land to make my journal.

The question that initiated this video came from Natalie, who works with us – she saw my journals in the studio and asked: “How do you make these spines?”

So here’s my answer!

At the end of the video, I flip through the journal once it is finished. This is three journals ago already!

Unexpected Jewelry Section

The Bluebird Mama visits me everyday. A gentle landing. A tap tapping. Her nesting box is just below my studio and she flies from the box and to my window and back, and I wonder if she has a message or is just curious like I am.

So, distracted whilst working on this newsletter, I wanted to look back and find when I held her. I typed “bird hand” into search and found so many held birds and saw so much of our jewelry which we don’t often share.

Then I typed “bird” and found 2,881 photographs of birds at home and in our backyards, and our hands and all over from our travels. There are so many ways to filter a life and see from a new perspective. Here is a little peek into that bird-filtered world!

Secondhand!

You know we love secondhand things and we know you do too!

Peg and Awl is in its 17th year and we are fortunate enough to hear from people who have bought our things second hand from eBay, (there is a nearly new Elderberry Mini Tote available now and more!) Poshmark, (mysterious pricing – a $5000 Rogue?! Hmmm) and even antique shops.

We often get requests for discontinued bags like the Rogue, and for colours we don’t always have like elderberry. Some people are happy to buy secondhand for the cost, others for life choices. Whatever brings you here – yay!

We have tips for cleaning and rewaxing on YouTube. It is fairly easy and really satisfying. I have a bag waiting for a wash and rewax that I will film and share soon:)

“I just found you guys. Love this. Have purchased a pen case on eBay. I always start small and worn in.” –Jerry

“I recently purchased the hunter satchel, and it has taken a road trip around Ireland. I have to tell you that it was and has been the most comfortable bag that I have ever taken on our international road trips with my husband. The long and thick leather strap was so comfortable that I forgot that I had it on. This bag got caught in the rain and the cold wind in Ireland and when we returned to the AirBNB, I would lay it out to dry. The contents of the bag did not get wet, and it dried well and quickly. For me, it is such a good bag, and I had plenty of room for additional gifts, water and gloves. Also, I want to tell you this bag was not purchased on your website but at an antique store, so it had its own journey already and was able to make another one with me. Great bag and love the thick and durable canvas, just wonderful!!!!!” –Sandra

Substack

Everywhere Astonishments

Maria Popova on David Perell – This was such a wonderful interview. I love Maria's perspective and how she constructs sentences is an absolute pleasure to listen to and learn from. Haha.

It inspired me to find more interviews with her – including relistening to an old one on Cultivating Place. And I started Figuring which has been in my stacks since it came out. I love Jennifer’s reminder to plant a seed. I planted an invisible seed — a wish really, aloud to friends — to be on the same podcast and not long after Jennifer reached out to us! This was one of my favourite conversations to be part of:)

I discovered The Nature Of through this obsession as well, which I look forward to digging further into!

Can’t wait for Robin Wall Kimmerer and Suzanne Simard in Conversation in Philadelphia May 30th. Tickets are still available!

Storefront

The Peg and Awl Storefront is open for visitors! Come see our treasures in person along with other maker’s treasures and vintage finds.

Monday–Friday 10–5