I first fell in love with Jip and Janneke (pronounced "Yip" and "Yan-icka" at our friends place. They have a lovely little calendar filled with Jip and Janneke illustrations by their front door which I couldn't help but admire. Like many of their treasured pieces the calendar was from Amsterdam. When we went on our trip I was on the look out for Jip and Janneke things that I might bring back to our house.
As I had been assured, there was Jip and Janneke stuff a plenty all over Amsterdam and I did manage to score a few bits and bobs like some goodies for Little Miss P, some adorable things for my beloved god daughter, and a few cards and things that I've given to folks. I have hung onto one that I'll likely frame, or bring into the office for my insipiration corner (soon to be constructed).
I can't quite describe what it is I adore about these two, but I really can't get enough of them. Since I've been back I've done a bit of web searching and discovered more about the woman who illustrated them originally Fiep Westendorp. Fiep sounds like quite the gal, managing to make a fulltime career out of illustrating by the sounds of it, including doing some work for the Stedelijk Museum of Amsterdam back in 1956. Jip and Janneke first hit the scene in 1952, so I'm certainly not the first to fall for them, in fact my web searches turned up a post showing that Hilary is also a fan.
I really must get to building some kind of an inspiration corner at my office for this and some of my other treasures from our trip. My biggest challenge really is the time (no surprise there), as when I'm not at work, I really don't feel like coming to work, but I know if I do make it will make my time there much more rewarding. Maybe this weekend...
. How nutty is that? 
is a business book for women looking for advice to start or run a successful small business. The book features advice from some pretty smart gals including Jenny Hart (Sublime Stitching), Grace Boney (Design Sponge), Alex Beauchamp (Another Girl at Play), and many others.
They are a sweet little pair. I especially like their dog Takkie, which is a play on the word Tekkal, whch means dachshund.. and you know how I love those little weiner dogs :)
I really do think we should all live in Holland....
Posted by: Mena | October 24, 2006 at 11:13 AM
I didn't know that about his name! We got Little Miss P a toothbrush holder with him on it. It's very sweet.
Posted by: emira | October 24, 2006 at 07:19 PM