It’s no secret that I recently wrote a book with interiors writer Joanna Copestick that, thanks to you and the work of my publishers, is doing so well – it’s thrilling! I started out like most of you, using a blog to communicate my ideas and connect with like-minded people with the ultimate goal of writing for magazines, but I didn’t think I’d have a book, events, signings OR a window devoted to my book — here is a glimpse of it.
For those of you who ask me about how it feels going from blog to book, well it’s quite nice though I’m not leaving my blog anytime soon. In fact, I feel more inspired to blog than ever before. Having a book is a privilege and I feel so honored and part of the design community now more than ever before. I’ve been connecting with readers both near and far, in person, and being part of your “in person” life has been wayyyy more meaningful than even I thought. I’ve gone back to my hotel room after some events and felt so happy-emotional, completely humbled by the things you may have said, your warm hugs, all of the happy smiles, the kind cards and sweet gifts some of you bring to my signings.
I’ve really cherished meeting so many and soon as I embark on my US book tour (I’m excited and scared because I’m traveling alone for 13 days), I look forward to meeting more of you in person. This isn’t about book sales or fame to me, to some it totally is about that, but to me it’s a nice excuse to go out there and meet you guys because now I have something to really share, an extension of my blog in many ways. I think this book tour will, in many ways, change my life because after the few events I’ve had so far I feel an inner shift… there is something very heartwarming about meeting you in person, it’s hard to put into words, but it makes blogging even more personal to me whenever I finish an event and start typing on my laptop. I can see so many of your faces as I write — Iro, Arianna, Will, Danielle, Yvonne, Illaria, Karine, Desiree… I think every writer in the world feels deep joy when they are able to meet those people who follow their work because it’s an absolute honor beyond words.
When I give lectures publicly, I always tell my story but if you’ve not heard it, well… I’ll tell you now. It’s a bit cheesy but hey. Okay so when I was a little girl I would hand make books and write/illustrate about 10-15 copies of each story and then hold a book signing in my bedroom and sign copies for my dolls and bears. This wasn’t a one time childhood occurrence but a frequent one that went on for years. Writing a book has been a dream but signing books, oh my goodness, I never imagined I’d be doing this for actual people. Often when I’m seated at a signing table I’m transported for a few seconds to that little white desk in my bedroom when I was so little holding a signing for my stuffed animals. It’s this glimpse backward that makes me so grateful for the reality of all of this today. It feels awkward to confess that publicly, but you are worth telling it to regardless of how embarrassed I feel as I type… I think the biggest part of all of this, that needs to be said, is that this would have never happened if I didn’t write this blog and if you, especially you, didn’t read it and support me as friends.
I’m grateful to all of you for supporting me with Decorate, for listening to me talk about it from time to time because I’m simply happy about it, and for coming out to the events that I do because it makes this whole process of writing and putting myself REALLY out there (in print) very rewarding, emotional, often a total roller coaster! And to all who are leaving feedback on Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk as well as on other websites, and to those reviewing it on your blog, thank you a million times over. Especially for the Amazon feedback, I feel so weird asking people to leave it but it really makes a difference.
If you wonder what these photos are in this post, I’ve taken apart a slightly damaged copy of the book and created a store window display in Amsterdam at The American Book Center located in the city center at Spui 12 and it will be there on display until mid July so I hope that you’ll take a moment to walk by and visit it if you’re in Amsterdam. I’m pretty excited about it, it’s my first window display ever and I created it out of my work studio at home using torn fabric, ribbon, book pages, a circle cutter, fabric that I stamped words on like Mood Board and Lamp, bookmarks that I made for each book, paint swatches here and there… I was so excited to install this recently on one of the busiest streets in Amsterdam. They carry the book inside so please pick up a copy if you are there; they have limited availability. (You can see more photos of the window here.)
I hope you like it! Now I want to decorate more shop windows, I have the bug now and I’m thinking to ask local businesses if I can do some shop windows from time to time for their products and things. That would be a fun creative past-time for me. So friends, that’s all for book talk this week… I’ll be back in a moment with more inspiration from my little work desk to yours.
P.S. Thank you Signe for helping me install the display in the window!
(images: Thorsten Becker)
July 6th, 2011 at 8:34 pm
congrats, glad the book is selling well and the window display looks fab!
July 6th, 2011 at 8:36 pm
Amazing art pieces! Very unique! Love it!
July 6th, 2011 at 8:44 pm
Love the window! Do you have a list of the time and dates you will be in the USA on your book tour? Would love to meet you and have my book signed! ^_^
July 6th, 2011 at 9:09 pm
Thank you so much dear Holly! It was an honor to meet you and listen your inspiring speech..every day I open my copy of Decorate and I read your words. That’s the best remeber!
xo
July 6th, 2011 at 9:14 pm
Adorable window and inspiring post. I am an aspiring writer and lover of the arts (decorating). It fills my heart with joy to read this.
Thank you!
July 6th, 2011 at 9:26 pm
how fabulous!! congrats again on the success of the book!
July 6th, 2011 at 10:07 pm
This is just lovely! I can’t wait to get my hands on your book — it looks fabulous!
Aby
July 6th, 2011 at 10:07 pm
So pretty…I love how the whole display is put together so whimsically~
July 6th, 2011 at 10:18 pm
I LOVE this window display – I love all the different sizes and pages and circles – this is just so inventive I look closely at every photo you upload about it. What a great and inventive and fun and classy window display! Sure you can’t fit in a trip to Seattle?
July 6th, 2011 at 10:25 pm
The window display looks great Holly! (I bet it felt strange pulling a copy of your book apart, even if it was slightly damaged.) And you know, if you’re ever in our New Zealand neck of the woods, you’re welcome to come and create a display in my store – where your book is still selling like wildfire!
And – your personal story around the book is always inspirational.
July 6th, 2011 at 10:40 pm
I love it!! It reminds me of the Anthro windows. Great job. Love your blog!
July 6th, 2011 at 10:43 pm
The window really does looks fantastic, Holly! I love that on close inspection you can see the different layers of ribbons and crafty paper items. There is so much detail to it! Thank you for sharing Thorsten’s images of the window with us here today; I’m especially happy to see them as I wasn’t able to make it to Amsterdam.
July 6th, 2011 at 10:43 pm
Hearing you tell your story at the bloggers event was the highlight of that day for me next to meeting all the friendly bloggers of course ;) I will pass by the shop this week to have a closer look at the little things you designed for the window ;) And thanks for remembering my name It was a real pleasure to meet you to X
July 6th, 2011 at 10:48 pm
I love the window display I could stand and look at that for hours :)
July 6th, 2011 at 10:52 pm
I love the display! Just perfect! Congratulations!!
July 6th, 2011 at 11:05 pm
That is just so cool. The story about your childhood book signings, the window display, all of it. so cool. I can’t wait to catch the Boston signing next month!
July 7th, 2011 at 12:33 am
absolutely stunning! congrats Holly! your book rocks! xo
July 7th, 2011 at 12:39 am
Your book has come to life in many different ways. I really enjoy the textile look of your window. Congratulations — and here’s to more window displays to come!
July 7th, 2011 at 12:43 am
Love it! Congrats on the book Holly!
July 7th, 2011 at 1:06 am
Congrats on the book and blog success. I love the windows, that is one thing I miss since closing my shop.
July 7th, 2011 at 1:07 am
I think there is nothing embarrassing at all about your childhood story. I am glad that you shared it. It is truly wonderful that you have realised a childhood dream. I think it’s something to be incredibly proud of. You turned that dream into reality. Congratulations!
July 7th, 2011 at 1:49 am
Love the display – I haven’t got your book yet, but I will! You shouldn’t be embarrassed by letting us know about your teddy bear book signings when you were little. It’s very sweet! I used to run my own radio shows, taping myself while I was doing them, doing the Top 10 countdown and stuff! (I didn’t end up in radio). Hope you get to do more windows. And how about a book tour down here in Aus??!
July 7th, 2011 at 2:11 am
Oh my goodness….I don’t know how you come up with beautiful idea after beautiful idea. I love this window and it is a great way to draw folks in to the book. So many beautiful posts I have missed, I am going to sit back and relax and catch up! :)
xo
Melis
July 7th, 2011 at 3:20 am
Oh, Holly. I am so moved to hear all the delightful and serendipitous pleasures now flowing from the publishing of your book. It sounds like you are in a really happy place in life right now. All praise to you for having the vision and tenacity to pull it off. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes you. Although secretly, I’d love you to do an Australian tour as well (and visit us down here in Hobart!). J x
July 7th, 2011 at 3:36 am
Once again you are so clever! Not only do you create a wonderful book, but you designed a window display using a damaged book. I think your style is so unique and refreshing. Thanks for sharing your talent.
July 7th, 2011 at 3:42 am
Dear Holly, I just adore that story of you as a little girl. It certainly gives evidential proof to ‘pretending’ + ‘believing’ = actual real life stuff! :)
mj.
x
July 7th, 2011 at 4:52 am
i am so happy for you. i absolutely love the story of you making books as a child. very inspiring!!
July 7th, 2011 at 5:00 am
Fabulous window display, Holly! It’s so…you! Love it! :)
July 7th, 2011 at 6:43 am
This is fantastique! I love what you did with a slightly damaged book. I was so captivated at the first picture of the window display. That was genius! I recently purchased your book, after waiting a while, it was on back order! We are heading out of town Friday for a long road trip. I am taking your book along to keep me company on the road. Haven’t had a long break to devote to reading it like I want to! There is just so much in there to absorb. Even my 9 and 14 year old girls have looked through it and want to see more. Thank you so much for sharing your vision with us. -K
July 7th, 2011 at 8:14 am
this is so heartfelt and genuine, thanks for sharing! i told my daughter about you. she is 10 and an aspiring writer (among other things, but she seems to be leaning towards the arts!). i look forward to meeting you in san francisco!
p.s. love the window display! what a creative way to showcase the book, and put a damaged copy to good use.
July 7th, 2011 at 9:42 am
Cool!!! nice window ;)!!
I tried to get my free copy of Decorate with the many opportunities you gave us but I had no chance so… I bought it! I couldn’t wait no longer haha!!!
I can’t wait for it to arrive!!!
July 7th, 2011 at 10:41 am
Oh me. Oh my. I like it! So!! Gives me inspiration for …
July 7th, 2011 at 10:48 am
Congratulations Holly, Im so happy for you!
July 7th, 2011 at 10:54 am
Thanks for sharing the story from your childhood. Everyone needs a boost like that once in a while: to know that dreams CAN come true.
The window looks awesome by the way. All the layers and details really invite the eye to take a closer look, which can only be great for your book!
July 7th, 2011 at 11:10 am
I love the window, it’s so cute.
Congratulations for the book!
July 7th, 2011 at 11:28 am
I love the window and honesty in your post, it’s the reason your so successful and off course your talent.
I recenlty ordered your book and loved it so much I ordered another one for a giveaway on my blog this week – http://www.rocorennieblog.com
Thanks for all your inspiration
July 7th, 2011 at 12:06 pm
AWESOME !
July 7th, 2011 at 12:10 pm
Si beau !!! a voir et à revoir …
J’aimerais bien me procurer ton livre – je vais me renseigner sur Amazon pour le trouver en France ….
Ca m’intéresse de lire ce qui te concerne et mieux te connaitre ..
J’ai un blog et ça me ferait plaisir que tu viennes me voir …
Il s’agit de Mignonne allons voir ….
July 7th, 2011 at 1:02 pm
So lovely to hear your inpiring story, i’m only just starting out on my design/blog pathway and its always nice to know that it can happen, (in time and with a lot of hard work!) Your window is so amazing I would stand infront of it for hours! And as my birthday is coming up hopefully I will finally get a copy of your book! xxx
July 7th, 2011 at 1:18 pm
This looks like a busy shop window lots of customers!
July 7th, 2011 at 1:20 pm
Holly, congratulations on the book and that gorgeous window! I have been following your blog for a little while now and I love your words and inspirational ideas. I absolutely HAD to have my own copy of Decorate, and I was not disappointed, it is a wonderful book…just one question, when are you coming down under to sign my copy?? (I’m in Sydney) :-) good luck with the book tour in the US, and keep up the good work!
July 7th, 2011 at 1:26 pm
I do love the arty feel of the object and also from the way the images have been taken; what a nice way to represent a shop space. Superb!
July 7th, 2011 at 1:46 pm
Dear Holy,
Thank you so much for the kindest mention among so many wonderful people & bloggers.
…have already said it and wrote it, that indeed watching you talk is a very energising experience, while getting close to you is extremely heart warming.
I do am very gladly looking forward to more of it!
Best of wishes for everything!…am particularly enjoying all your latest dids ; )
Warm regards,
Iro
July 7th, 2011 at 1:52 pm
@Daisy – I’ve had SO MANY requests to go to Australia for the book, everyone seems to be asking me more than any other country outside of America – LOL. It’s so amazing really. So I’m trying to see what I can do for next year. :)
July 7th, 2011 at 1:53 pm
@Solene – I don’t speak French, can you write in English so I can answer your question? Thank you!
July 7th, 2011 at 1:54 pm
@Rachael – THANK YOU so much, that’s very nice to say and I’m happy that you loved my book and are giving away a second copy – that is so generous of you. Thank you.
July 7th, 2011 at 2:10 pm
Hi Holly,
Loving your book… and your window! I was a retail stylist and merchandiser before becoming a wife and mother. I really miss doing windows and now that I’m divorced and my daughter is growing up I’m missing that creative work even more. But there aren’t many windows to decorate in rural Maine! So I live vicariously… you should definitely do more. Congratulations on the success of your book and enjoy it!
laurie
July 7th, 2011 at 2:10 pm
Holly, thank you for this post, especially the part where you share a small moment of your childhood. This is so truly right, when you have ideas in your head and you go on and make your life.
The window is just wonderful! Your book is full of inspiration, I love it, the same as your blog! Congats on your achievements! Wishing you all the best!
Marina
July 7th, 2011 at 2:27 pm
We are all ready to greet you in Chicago. . . can’t wait.
Fondly,
Glenda
July 7th, 2011 at 3:01 pm
Holly,
Your story made me cry happy tears. As a daily reader of your blog and inspired fan, i am excited to hear you’re coming to the US. I hope New York is on the list, and i hope to have my copy of your book signed. I love it, it is displayed on my book shelf and brings me comfort in so many ways… You have been such a JOY to read for me and a place where i come and smile and get great ideas. Thank you Holly for all you give of yourself and how you touch so many people. Your dreams coming true, give us all hope and the ability to live vicariously through you here “online”and smile. I also lived in Germany once upon a time and especially have loved your features on their uber cool design style… Thanks Holly!! Dream more and continue sharing…
love, dein fan Luzy
July 7th, 2011 at 3:03 pm
Love it! What a great idea.
July 7th, 2011 at 3:56 pm
Congratulations on the success of your book! I am very happy for you!
July 7th, 2011 at 4:15 pm
Your work is awesome! Of course your but is a big success :) Big congrats
July 7th, 2011 at 4:20 pm
Thank-you so much for your response, it has made my day!!! xx
July 7th, 2011 at 4:55 pm
Holly, there are so many things that I love about getting your blog into my inbox …the fun new decor items, the heads up on talented artists and designers….but happily the one thing I love the most is to hear your heartfelt stories of personal inner workings, struggles, and successes. You are an inspiration to all who visit here. If only I could make it to a signing…if one were nearer my home. But you know what? I know that you’re remembering that we’re out here cheering you on from afar in tiny towns and burgs off the beaten path where your words of cheer and encouragement to strive on are helping to forge a new sort of relationship among artists & bloggers the world over. Thanks for your heartfelt posts like these…no amount of design goodness can replace a post filled with encouragement, hope, and dreams for the future. :)
July 7th, 2011 at 5:04 pm
The store front looks amazing!
July 7th, 2011 at 5:17 pm
@Rachael – Oh my goodness, of course. Thank you for your comment. :)
July 7th, 2011 at 5:18 pm
@Luzy – HI! I’ll be at Anthropologie in SoHo in the evening on August 30th so please come! :) I’ll have more details in a post on decor8 very soon so you can RSVP. :)
July 7th, 2011 at 5:18 pm
@Glenda – I can’t wait, I’m so scared but happy scared!!!
July 7th, 2011 at 5:18 pm
@Laurie – Thank you for the encouragement. :)
July 7th, 2011 at 5:24 pm
I love the story from your childhood. I am 50 (+.. or -) and I STILL think about my childhood dreams. Glad they have come true for you!!!
July 7th, 2011 at 8:47 pm
wow, Holly! I knew you would come with sth good, but this window is beyond any expectation. So you ‘re to conquer yet another visual field: visual merchandising:-)
July 7th, 2011 at 9:58 pm
Congratulations on so many levels Holly. The window looks great and the book tour sounds so exciting. And how amazing that dreams do in fact come true!!
July 8th, 2011 at 3:53 am
holly, your book looks fantastic, i can’t wait to get a copy! i also love the window you’ve created, i’ve always wanted to decorate store windows…
July 8th, 2011 at 4:04 am
I’m so late on this post but I wanted to say congratulations again! I just read some of the Amazon reviews (as I’ve had the book on my wishlist;) and they are awesome! Wow- it must have taken so much work to do that shop window– it looks great:) Thanks for all your inspiration! Best of luck in your travels!
July 8th, 2011 at 5:10 am
My goodness, I have read your blog for so long, I shouldn’t be amazed by your book window display. You are truly gifted and congrats on the book and finding this happy place in your life. Look forward to getting my hands on your book.
July 8th, 2011 at 6:04 am
your’re an inspiration.continue inspiring us! god bless you.
July 8th, 2011 at 6:18 am
sweetest story ever! yaaaaaaaay hooray hooray hooray! i cannot wait to read & am SO happy for you.
July 8th, 2011 at 6:19 am
oh – & that window is CRAZY-AMAZING!!! :)
July 8th, 2011 at 9:26 am
Congratulations,your book is wonderful!
And I love the window,lovely!
Have nice summerdays!
July 8th, 2011 at 1:48 pm
What a beautiful idea for your book on display! Makes me want to visit Amsterdam right away :)
July 8th, 2011 at 3:09 pm
Congrats Holly. I am so pleased that your childhood dreams and desires are being fullfilled as we speak. Its wonderful. Ive emailed you previously but dont think you have read them or received them. It was just a thank you maybe i will meet you in person one day to tell you to your face. All the best once again, debs
July 8th, 2011 at 3:37 pm
Holly, how can we get info on your US tour? Where are you going to be? A lot of us would love to attend a signing!
July 8th, 2011 at 3:55 pm
Hey I live in Brazil and bought your book from Amazon. It has just arrived! I’m thrilled to read it! Beautiful edition…
thanks
July 8th, 2011 at 5:04 pm
I’ve loved your book and need post a review. I think you’ve done a fantastic job with it and I’m so bummed I haven’t had a chance to meet up with you yet to tell you in person! ‘Decorate’ is a natural extension to the work you’ve done here on Decor8, so it’s not surprising to see it be such a success! Congrats!
July 8th, 2011 at 6:30 pm
@Juliette – Thank you! I’ll be in Berlin October 14-15 so try to make it!!!
July 8th, 2011 at 6:31 pm
@Georgia – Wow, great news. I hope you love it!
July 8th, 2011 at 6:35 pm
@Lauren – Here is the line up, locations and details for RSVPing will be posted on decor8 during week of July 25th.
BOSTON, Saturday, August 20, 10-noon
CHICAGO, Tuesday, August 23, 6-9 pm
SAN FRANCISCO, Thursday, August 25, 6:30-8pm
LA, Friday, August 26, 5:30-7pm
PHILADELPHIA, Monday, August 29, 6:30-8pm
NYC, Tuesday, August 30, 6:30-8pm
ST PAUL, Tuesday, September 14, evening
July 8th, 2011 at 7:17 pm
Holly this is so great! I know this book shop. CONGRATULATIONS! Now have to get a copy of your book
July 8th, 2011 at 8:36 pm
Oh shoot, I so wish you were coming to Atlanta Holly! Though I wouldn’t wish our summer heat on anyone in August! The windows look amazing, and the hubs’s photography is fantastic, as usual.
July 8th, 2011 at 10:00 pm
Congratulations on your book’s success in yet another country!
Your childhood play did indeed plant a seed in your mind that was bound to come true, whether it was fulfilled in the field of design or fiction or whatever. Imagination is a powerful thing. :-)
July 8th, 2011 at 10:09 pm
Fabulous window display, I was a visual merchandiser before doing what I do now and loved it! You have created a wonderful piece that really draws you in and makes you want to stop and look and always find something new – it’s all in the detail!!! I first came across decor8 when you did a feature on my work back in 2007 and I have been glued ever since and taken your BYW course. You have grown so much and deserve all the success it brings. You are a true inspiration and have definately helped me make some important life changing decisions in my life and lead the creative life I have always dreamed of.. so thankyou for all that you do x x x
July 8th, 2011 at 11:04 pm
I received my copy of decorate today, and I am already in love. thank you for writing it :)
July 8th, 2011 at 11:52 pm
Oh that looks amazing! So pretty, enjoy your weekend!
xo
Alexa
July 9th, 2011 at 12:58 am
That display is amazing! You’re so creative :)
Flora x
July 9th, 2011 at 5:14 pm
I love it! And I will DEFINITELY be coming to see you in Boston on August 20, I can’t wait and wouldn’t miss it for the world! I’ve been very tight on cash lately, so I special ordered Decorate through the library (yes, your book is in libraries! :D) and after waiting and waiting I finally got my hands on a copy…so wonderful! I am planning to do a review on my little blog as well, it is so inspiring – and I loved getting to peek into Leslie’s space, what a fun surprise! Her daughter’s room was one of my favorites in the book :) Eventually I will be purchasing my own copy to keep forever, but for now I am treasuring my library copy, flagging pages with post-its and jotting down all of the decorating ideas that have been bubbling up as I read. xo Laura
July 10th, 2011 at 2:05 pm
Congratulations on having your book published. The is something surely to be proud of. Your display will catch the eye of any passerby and they will have to stop and take a look. I wish I could be there to see it in person.
July 10th, 2011 at 8:54 pm
Thanks for this blog. I think the decor & “8″ is a great name!
July 11th, 2011 at 1:56 am
oh i think the thanks are all to you actually. You have worked so hard and created such a beautiful and endlessly inspiring space – your success is very well-deserved!!!
thea.
xx
(spoonfulzine)
July 11th, 2011 at 10:50 am
I wish that I could have something like this in my home that I build up. Lots of lovely things in the one place but everytime I attempt it just looks like a big mess… this is really beautiful
July 11th, 2011 at 11:02 am
Hi Holly, I saw the window on Saturday and loved it. It looks so much better in reality beause you can actually see and somehow feel that it must have been a lot of work putting it together. I was actually quite touched when I saw it…
July 11th, 2011 at 11:37 am
@Jane – OH WOW thanks for saying that! I agree, in my opinion too it is so much nicer in person!
July 12th, 2011 at 4:27 am
Sooo Happy for you Holly! (doing a happy dance…) I am so excited that all of your creativity and hard work are coming to full fruition. You deserve it! I think your US tour will be fantastic and your worries will be gone in an instant. :)
I absolutely adore your window display and think you should positively keep doing them. Lovely and eye-catching.
Wishing you the best as you prep for all things wonderful. ;)
Erica
July 12th, 2011 at 6:14 am
Absolutely ADORE the window, Holly. As always, thank you so much for sharing yourself here. You’re a doll.
July 12th, 2011 at 11:58 am
What a fantastic idea. And so creative!
July 12th, 2011 at 2:46 pm
i am in true love with your window display! it’s so pretty. you can come decorate my apartment windows any time you wish. :-) congrats on all of your amazing book signings and tours, etc. amazing!!
July 12th, 2011 at 9:55 pm
Congrats on the book, I looked at he video clip on Amazon and it’s clear there is a LOT of great stuff in there! I know how much work these things take, I’m still working on my Flower book and LA books and feels like they will never be finished. I’ll be watchng out for your book in Costco (always get a deco book as a pre christmas treat each year).
July 21st, 2011 at 11:17 pm
I was backpacking through Europe the last 2 weeks and had the chance to see your book displayed at the American Book Center in Amsterdam….All I can say is that I can’t wait to buy it!!!! :)
Love reading your blog!
July 21st, 2011 at 11:21 pm
@Nidhl – That is so awesome, thank you for telling me and I hope you had fun backpacking, that would be great!