Animal Print
Alguns rapazes vibram com carros, dinossauros ou super-heróis — o Rodrigo é doido por animais. Música preferida? Old MacDonald Had a Farm. Brinquedos e livros preferidos? Animais e quintas. Desenhos animados preferidos? 101 Dálmatas e o Livro da Selva.
PS. Para fazer a almofada usei um retalho de um tecido de decoração que encontrei há uns anos no Vidal, em Lisboa.
Some little boys love cars, dinosaurs or superheroes — Rodrigo is crazy about animals. Favourite song? Old MacDonald Had a Farm. Favourite books and toys? Everything that relates to animals and farms. Favourite cartoons? 101 Dalmatians and The Jungle Book.
I must say I’ve never been a huge fan of novelty prints but I’m starting to change my mind, mainly because of Rodrigo’s happiness whenever he sees a fabric with animals. Lately I’ve been making cushion covers for our home (a great way to experiment with different kind of techniques for inserting zips… more on that soon) and Rodrigo’s room was no exception. You should have seen his reaction when he saw his new cushion!
PS. The fabric I used to make the cushion was a home décor remnant I found some years ago in Vidal, a fabric shop in Lisbon.
Livros Infantis Antigos :: Vintage Children’s Books
Época de Jardinagem :: Gardening Season
Bastidores :: Behind The Scenes
Para mim, folhear o meu livro tem significado reviver uma série de momentos. A noite em que, sentada à mesa de jantar de casa do meu pai, decidi o título. As fotografias tiradas em Inglaterra, entusiasmada com tantas descobertas ou farta de tanta chuva; as tiradas em Lisboa, cheia de calor e de pressa; e as que tirei na Nova Zelândia, ainda baralhada com uma mudança tão profunda e, mais tarde, durante o surto de produtividade que marcou as semanas que precederam a entrega do manuscrito. As dúvidas, os ensaios, as horas e horas passadas a escrever instruções. O Rodrigo e o Tiago quase sempre presentes. O entusiasmo e apoio dos meus pais e de algumas amigas em especial.
As I flip through my book I find my self experiencing again a number of moments. The evening when, sitting at my father’s dining table, I came up with the title. The photos taken in England, when I was feeling so invigorated by so many discoveries or whilst being fed up with so much rain. The ones I took in Lisbon, rushing everywhere and always battling with the heat. And the pictures taken in New Zealand, during that first year when I felt so overwhelmed by such a dramatic change and later on, during those weeks prior to my big deadline. The doubts, the trials, the hours upon hours of writing instructions. Rodrigo and Tiago almost always present. The excitement and support of my parents and some friends in particular.
This book is my life. I didn’t buy any props especially for the book nor did I have the luxury of a photo shoot in a wonderful location with professional models and a fancy photographer. [Don’t get me wrong: one day I’d love to experience all that!] This book was made with whatever I had at hand in my home. Actually, in several homes: the one in England, this one in New Zealand, my mother’s, father’s and grandparents’ (the latter being a true Ali Baba’s cave). Models? Myself (in pictures taken over the years), Rodrigo (who I never thought would be included in the book), Diana (who was here during that final stage) and the hands of my mother and of my friend Gracinha. Photographer? Tiago and me, sometimes working as a team (I’d set everything up and then he’d shoot it), other times me working by myself (I worked really hard during those 2 months I spent in Lisbon last year).
I hope the book inspires you to get things done!
PS. You can buy the book here with 10% discount. This website ships internationally.
(photos: © Constança Cabral)
Por Aqui :: Around Here
(photos: © Constança Cabral)
Mãos à Obra!
“This is a book about creativity, gratification and independence.
About time honoured practices carried through to modern times.
About discovery and imagination.
This is a book about making things by hand.”
Individual Montessori :: Montessori Placemat
Manhãs Por Aqui :: Mornings Around Here
Obrigada! :: Thank You!
Will the book be published in other countries/languages?
I have no idea at this point… if later on it happens to be picked up by a foreign publisher, then yes!












































































