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Walter and I started Peg and Awl on the 10th of January, 2010! According to my journal – which was blank – it was just a day like any other day.
Tin Type by Tyler Scaife 2011/2012. Tyler was one of our first employees and he helped us build the first woodshop (that we are standing in front of) in the backyard of our Philadelphia row home. Søren and Silas are here too, a blur, for the exposure was 45 seconds!
Our 13th Anniversary!
Walter and I started Peg and Awl on the 10th of January, 2010! According to my journal – which was blank – it was just a day like any other day. Though I’ve always kept a journal, I didn’t commit daily; a blank page now would absolutely denote a different kind of day! But as I sit, my butt pained by the raised root of this old Norway Spruce overlooking a cemetery on a seriously misplaced spring day, I think about how everyday is just another day, and too, how no days are just another day. It is perplexing, this life. Each day is a day to start something new, or a day to simply be. I am trying both.
–January 2020
Thank you for being here!
Walter and I write every newsletter and blog post, should you wish to reach out to us!
Though we forgot our anniversary date, we are daily grateful that the things we love to dream up, make, and use are enjoyed by others too – it keeps our creativity, spirits, and business going!
2023 will see us meandering off of familiar paths into unknown territory. A disruption is in order! Until then...
Some Things to Look Forward to in the Coming Year!
- New Website! We’ve been working on it for a long time – we don’t have a launch date yet, but soon!
- New Jewellery! If you’ve been following along on Instagram – you may have seen some glimpses of these projects over the past few years.
- New Of A Kind Adventures! (accompanied by more Flea Market adventures, read here!)
- Exciting Pivots!
Our Workspaces Through the Years!
The Backyard Shoppe (2010–2012) Photograph by Chris Crisman The Peg and Awl House (2010–2019) 
The Atlas Casket Factory (2012–2017)
Photograph by Parikha MehtaThe Current Shoppe (2016...)
This is where our treasures are made!
The Barn at the Five Acre Wood (2022...)Read about the Barn Renovation Project, here!
A view of The Barn from the woodland. 
A portrait of our family when we first moved here – we are due for a new one...
Walter takes his Scout Plein Air Box everywhere! As for me, journals and Sendaks are my constant companions.
Some Good Things
“A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.”
–Robert Greene- Podcast: The full quote is so much more exciting than this misunderstood snippet. Have a listen to this episode of Simon Sinek’s A Bit of Optimism – he interviews the TSA head of socal media – Janis Burl. What a thrilling conversation about interruptions and zig zags!
- Currently Reading: Late Migrations: A Natural History of Love and Loss by Margaret Renkl
The Anniversary of Peg and Awl!
Tin Type by Tyler Scaife 2011/2012. Tyler was one of our first employees an...
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We’ve decided to discontinue a handful of our classics – some of which have been with us from the beginning! These treasures are limited to the quantities currently on our website and ready to ship. If there is anything you’ve been wanting, now is the time to scoop it up!
“The facts are sonorous but between the facts there’s a whispering. It’s the whispering that astounds me...”
–Clarice Lispector from The Hour of the Star
Since the start of our business, we’ve been making objects that change as we change – fast, slow, it is difficult to say. Perspective is mysterious!
As we reflect on the objects we make and have made, we feel ready for change yet again, ready to make space for new objects reflective of our new experiences and environments.
We’ve decided to discontinue a handful of our classics – some of which have been with us from the beginning! These treasures are limited to the quantities currently on our website and ready to ship. If there is anything you’ve been wanting, now is the time to scoop it up!View our Last Chance treasures, here.
As always, if you have any questions, send us an email at info@pegandawlbuilt.com
Bags for All OccasionsClick here for to view all last chance treasures.
The Weekender The Large Finch Satchel 
The Large Waxed Canvas Tote The Dopp Case 
The Reader 
Home and Kitchen CollectionClick here for to view all last chance treasures.
Olde-Fashioned Tree Swing Step Stool 
Studio and Decoupage
Click here for to view all last chance treasures.
Chalk Pad Large Desk Caddy with Quote 
Apothecary Caddy Decoupage Collection Last Chance for these Peg and Awl Classics!
“The facts are sonorous but between the facts there’s a whispering. It’s the...
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Inspired by Autumn, we’ve put together a small batch of some of our favourite bags in four new colours: Elderberry, Red Maple, Birch, and Fog. We’ve also chosen Red Maple for our Sendaks! These bags are constructed with the same durable waxed canvas we love, hand-dyed with special colours, and finished with our brown or black vegetable-tanned leather! As with all of our bags, these can be personalized.
We settle into the old mill as if it were home. Søren rests against what is left of a wall and opens his sketchbook to map out a world of his own invention. Silas walks back and forth on the high edge of the wall where once was a roof, headphones on, music playing. Walter and I unpack weekenders filled with clothes, masks, and our new autumn-coloured bags. Despite the calm, we are working under the Autumn sun and have little time. Pearl stuffs her wet and twitching nose into leaf piles, exploring worlds unknown to us.
Trees drop their leaves into and around what is left of the old Mill where women once gathered and chattered whilst waiting for warm bread. Our senses are ignited out here in this sentient place – amongst beings seen and unseen. There is an abundance of things to be grateful for, our lists are never long enough.
Inspired by Autumn, we’ve put together a small batch of some of our favourite bags in four new colours: Elderberry, Red Maple, Birch, and Fog. We’ve also chosen Red Maple for our Sendaks! These bags are constructed with the same durable waxed canvas we love, hand-dyed with special colours, and finished with our brown or black vegetable-tanned leather! As with all of our bags, these can be personalized.
Elderberry
Waxed Canvas Tote The Hunter Satchel 
The Small Hunter Satchel The Keeper Pouch 
The Finch Satchel 
The Maker Pouch The Scholar Pouch
Red Maple
The Finch Satchel The Hunter Satchel
The Small Hunter Satchel Waxed Canvas Tote 
The Scholar Pouch The Maker Pouch 
The zipper pouch filled with my erasers, and sharpers. Sendak Mini Artist Roll 
The Sendak Artist Roll 4” Anselm Bookbinding Kit
Fog
Waxed Canvas Tote Mini Waxed Canvas Tote 
The Finch Satchel The Hunter Satchel 
The Scholar Pouch The Keeper Pouch
Birch
Waxed Canvas Tote The Small Hunter Satchel 
The Keeper Pouch The Finch Satchel 
Mini Waxed Canvas Tote The Maker Pouch Our Collections Explained!
If you’ve been following along with us for a while, you may have noticed that not all launches are the same – some products stay for years, some fly off the shelves, and others fall somewhere in between. Here are some explanations to distinguish between our various collection types.
Standard Collections: Everything in our standard collections will be ongoing until we decide to stop making them! They may include some vintage or antique materials, (ex. journal fabric lining) but these details will vary subtly to ensure their ongoingness.
Small Batch Collections: Limited batches incorporating specialty or vintage materials where larger batches can be made, but are not infinite! The quantity ranges, but we aim for minimum of 100 in these collections.
Of a Kind Collections: Limited batches incorporating vintage or antique materials. Each object will be limited from 1–20 items depending upon our findings.
Small Batch of New Autumn Colours (2022)
We settle into the old mill as if it were home. Søren rests against what is ...
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As you may see from my list of Things I Love, I've been on a bit of a binge lately. I'm feeling a welcome change a-coming and it expresses itself through food, new adventures, new clothes, &c. (though as I reflected on last year's gift guide, I am also quite the same.)
May my list lead you down some enchanting rabbit holes!
As you may see from my list of Things I Love, I've been on a bit of a binge lately. I'm feeling a welcome change a-coming and it expresses itself through new food, new adventures, new adornments, &c. (though as I reflected on last year's gift guide, I am also quite the same.)
May my list lead you down some enchanting rabbit holes!ps: These are drawn with my non-dominant hand:) More @beingmargauxkent
Antique Tins
I may have a habit of vintage tins. I like to say I am NOT a collector, but I do fancy myself a gatherer. I love tins for hauling art supplies, soft things like pastels, and tiny messy things like pen nibs. And they make wonderful alternative sketchbooks. They fit nicely into my Sendak and pouches. And of course, I love a good Flea Market find — though Etsy and Ebay are great resources if you are patient!Bonsai
Silas is learning about Bonsai's for a Homeschool project and he got us all into it. Our garden, artist friend Kai, brought a bag of Bonsai-able trees for Silas, including: Azalea, Boxwood, Pines, Juniper, and Hercules Club. The places to look, he said, are parking lots and mowed areas where the roots are biggened as the tops are shorn! Abundance everywhere, for those who seek it!
Always More Books
I will never stop gathering books. Unread stacks surround me, but also, many are read and scribbled and delighted in. (PS: Padraig O'Tauma's book has been long preordered - check.)The Simple Folk
I stopped at my favourite Philadelphia shop, Vagabond, and found The Simple Folk linen dress (among other things)! So cozy, layerable, pocketed, swishy, and loooong. I have to tie it in a knot to bike and hike with it — but yay! I love it so.
Mentioned in this Post:
From Our Shop:
From Other Shops:
- Nikon Zfn Mirrorless Camera
- Providence Animal Shelter
- Duckfeet Boots
- Make Ink: A Forager’s Guide to Natural Inkmaking by Jason Logan
- Gardenheir
- Warwick Furnace Farm Lavender Goods
- Bonsai
- The Simple Folk
- Spruce Tip Jelly
- Omega Juicer
- Bellwether Farm Sheep Milk Yogurt
Related Blog Posts:
2022 Gift Guide: Things I love
As you may see from my list of Things I Love, I've been on a bit of a binge ...
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Here are some of my favourite little and big things. I am often overwhelmed by stuff I have, stuff I want, the general problem of stuff. But I was reminded the other day how important our small businesses are – to the economy, to those around us, to the people we work with and the materials we use – this all has value that is sometimes hard to see. This got me to really appreciating some of the little treasures around me –
Above: Our very best everyday present is our Pearl! We got her from Providence Animal Center last December and not a day goes by where don’t express our gratitude in our silly voices and normal voices, for being paired with the very best doggo in the world!
Here are some of my favourite little and big things. I am often overwhelmed by stuff I have, stuff I want, the general problem of stuff. But I was reminded the other day how important our small businesses are – to the economy, to those around us, to the people we work with and the materials we use – this all has value that is sometimes hard to see. This got me to really appreciating some of the little treasures around me –
Above: Our very best everyday present is our Pearl! We got her from Providence Animal Center last December and not a day goes by where don’t express our gratitude in our silly voices and normal voices, for being paired with the very best doggo in the world!
2021 Gift Guide to some of my favourite (mostly) small business treasures!
Here are some of my favourite little and big things. I am often overwhelmed ...
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Last month I spent a weekend at the Warwick Furnace Farm for a much needed impromptu escape with Claire Rosen (one of the farm’s sisters) and Emma Mierop of Skippy Cotton. We planned to take our worlds apart and put them back together again; we talked and explored the lavender fields, I scribbled in my journal in this new space, we visited a nearby museum, and more.
My Warwick Weekend.
Last month I spent a weekend at the Warwick Furnace Farm for a much needed impromptu escape with Claire Rosen (one of the farm’s sisters) and Emma Mierop of Skippy Cotton. We planned to take our worlds apart and put them back together again, but we only got as far as:
Taking our worlds apart over snacks and long lavender soaked discussions,
going for a long walk on a cold, star bright night,
understanding that a thing taken apart nearly always reveals more than expected, and therefore takes longer to put back together,
and nebulous plans for a next time.I also made some pretty classic Margaux messes everywhere I went. Claire seemed unbothered. See my dribblings and droppings below:
What a treat to have a morning like this! Lavender everywhere! 
I also love my Duckfeet Boots! Piles of things on the floor. I settle in quickly... 
Pearl and Honey enjoyed their freedom and new found friendship!
Warwick Furnace Farm
Claire and her family moved to Pennsylvania and started a Lavender farm where they make a variety of Lavender Delights, host an Artist’s Retreat, have an inspiring Gallery Space, etc. In addition to their combined love of Lavender, each family member follows their own varied passions in this magical space that they’ve created. Their farm is a short, beautiful drive from us…
Here are a few photographs of Claire’s fantastical and elaborate photographed worlds – her own individual passion.
Skippy Cotton
Emma’s shop is a delight! She combines her drawings, embroidery, and whimsy to form her own House of Curiosities! From ornaments to clothing to artist supplies – have a peek into her wondrous world. She has also navigated her way into the world of AI art and has made some enviable pieces with it (another can of worms we discussed with exuberance)!
Skippy Cotton's year-round ornaments! Which of course also look splended on a Christmas Tree!
Fragile Earth Exhibit at the Brandywine River Museum
Claire surprised us with a visit!
Mark Dion Ever a favourite, Søren and I spent an especially long time with his work, chortling and sighing, and all manner of involuntary noise making...So maybe I was a little noisier than Søren. 
James Prosek We investigated James’s mysteries close enough to set off alarms – lucky for us, there weren’t any. 
Jennifer Angus An abundance of bugs and tiny stories built into boxes and wall pieces. Everyone clambered to take in as much detail as possible; no one wanted to leave. My Warwick Weekend – An Impromptu Escape with Claire Rosen and Emma Mierop
My Warwick Weekend. Last month I spent a weekend at the Warwick Furnace Fa...
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Sarah Dyer, one of my favorite picture book makers and illustrators, recently wrote a detailed and very informative review on our Sendak Artist Roll for the Jackson’s Art Supplies blog. She includes lots of photographs with her own art supplies, showing how she organizes them into her Sendak. It is a delight to see the Sendak well-loved, well-used, and from new perspectives. The link to her review is inside!
Photograph by Jackson’s Art Supplies
Sarah Dyer, one of my favorite picture book makers and illustrators, recently wrote a detailed and very informative review on our Sendak Artist Roll for the Jackson’s Art Supplies blog. She includes lots of photographs with her own art supplies, showing how she organizes them into her Sendak. It is a delight to see the Sendak well-loved, well-used, and from new perspectives. Read Sarah’s review here:
Peg and Awl Sendak Artist Roll Review by Sarah Dyer
on Jackson’s Art SuppliesRelated Blog Posts:
Press: Sarah Dyer Reviews the Peg and Awl Sendak on Jackson’s Art Supplies Blog
Photograph by Jackson’s Art Supplies Sarah Dyer, one of my favorite picture ...
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This morning, in my journal, I was contemplating the complexities of the fine point of balance when running a small business. These last few years – before the pandemic, through the thick of it, and this lingering now — have given us so much variety, forcing that fine point to dance like phosphorescence beneath a moving boat at night, engaging us to consider potential nexts.
Small Hunter Satchel incorporating an antique bank bag! Patching old holes in well-worn canvas gives celebrated emphasis on the lives old things have lived.
Scroll Down to Preview the Collection!
This morning, in my journal, I was contemplating the complexities of the fine point of balance when running a small business. These last few years – before the pandemic, through the thick of it, and this lingering now — have given us so much variety, forcing that fine point to dance like phosphorescence beneath a moving boat at night, engaging us to consider potential nexts. I move my journal to the floor — there being no more space on the crowded, trash-picked table, in a window filled with plants and the morning’s light pushing through the trees. The table is piled high with projects that I am longing to get to. Our actual kitchen table – a big farmhouse table a few feet away, is full as well, as I’ve decided to photograph our Of a Kind collection upon it, despite my family's grumbling. We push piles to the side so we can squeeze onto a small end of the long table for dinner.Are you, too, feeling a multitude of dreamings leftover from the time-abundant early pandemic days?
Books still longing to be read? (on the table)
Sketchbooks and journals begging for a scribbling in, a finishing up? (on the table)
Trails wanting walked and biked upon daily? (bits from them, on the table)
I am breathless, dreaming of the possibilities that crowd my living space.
I merge the dreaming with the practical(ish) when I can. I was able to lure my family into the woods for a walk with Pearl, and a simultaneous photo shoot of some of the One of a Kind bags. We danced and high-beamed around the ruins of a mill along the path. The autumn air and the freedom to wander, feels like an absolute luxury — and is! But it is only one part of the long process of bringing our Of a Kind collections to life and running a small business in general.
Fortunately, Pearl loves partaking in the weird things we do!
Had a hearty laugh as I tried to keep Pearl happy, bat mosquitos away, block the streak of sunlight following the bags, and was photobombed by this crew in the ruins! Søren, caught off guard in photographs, often channels Captain Jack Sparrow!
The Secret to a Good Flea (Market) Day is a Good Friend!
Treasures found at a Flea Market! (These pens may find their way into a collection soon!) Some of the antique textiles I found that day have been transformed for this upcoming collection!
Our Autumn Of a Kind Collection!
Our third Of A Kind Collection of 2022 is a celebration of the afterlife of already long-loved objects. It contains One of a Kind bags made with antique, well-worn re-constructed seed, feed, and bank bags, Antique Tin alternative sketchbooks (and re-fill packs for a past favourite due to many inquiries!), and some pouches, which are always a favourite. Every discovery holds a bit of the past, and the story and marks accumulated. They are a joy to put together and harken back to the best part of our origin story – the gathering of old things and the reimagining and reworking of them into once again useful objects.
Photograph by Søren of me with an Of a Kind mini tote made from a vintage Timothy Grass Seed Bag.
Søren, Pearl, and I went out for a walk on a trail we normally bike on. Slower, we noticed new things.
Mini Totes made with Vintage Textiles!
We’ve transformed vintage seed and feed sacks found at a Flea Market this past summer! So many scrumptious textures, fadings, holes, and repairs are evident in this collection!
We’ve cleaned and cut and paired the vintage bags with waxed and vegetable tanned leather, making our classic and loved bags into One of a Kind treasures!
Journal Excerpt – I lingered at Leonard’s flea market table, unfolding and refolding seed and feed bags used over and over until disposable bags replaced them in the 1960s. The textiles on Leonard’s table were washed and faded and soft. He couldn’t hear very well so I had to get extra close or raise my voice to communicate. He smiled a gentle smile with each shout. I left with arms filled with vintage bags, eager to imagine them anew.
Mini Tote made from Vintage Canvas, with waxed canvas details, and vegetable-tanned leather. Details of the print – 45 lbs. 
The colour of the Timothy bag is robust! A lovely burst of the unexpected. A daily, or every-now-and-then bag? 
Our Minis are delightful for everyday carry – bring only what you need! This Alfalfa bag has glorious texture and colour! 
I didn't know about this sneaky kitty until I got home, my favourite? Codes abound. 
These are all lined with waxed canvas. Ranger! 
The textures and fading of this printing is delicious. How many of these treasures are still hiding in the world? Are houses still coming down with attics full of lives past? Standard Totes made with Vintage Textiles!
I just love Søren in the background here, unintentional mimicry! Pigeon Feed! Tell me more, please. 
Details on the Vintage Textile of the Pigeon Tote. Standard Tote with Vintage Canvas: Pigeon 
Standard Tote with Vintage Canvas: Salt The vintage textile is on the front pocket – the rest is our Truffle waxed canvas. 
These chickens might be my favourite! Standard Tote with Vintage Canvas: Chicken 
Standard Tote with Vintage Canvas: Fulton No. 1 Inside the tote! 
A view of the inside pockets, showing the lightweight spice waxed canvas! I love the repairs and added character! Vintage Textile Pouches!
It is hard to resist old printed cottons and feedsacks from the early 1900s on flea market tables. We’ve transformed the gathering of patchwork and scrap into useful pouches, giving them new life.
We’ve constructed pouches in shades of feuille morte! Russets and Rosies, Goldenrods and Evergreen, still vibrant, though the textiles are nearly a century old! 
Essentials Pouch with 1930s Textile: Adlai Spender Pouch with 1930s Feedsack: Tamar 
Keeper Pouch with 1940s Textile: Orah Keeper Pouch with 1930s Textile: Ariel Alternative Sketchbooks!
Ginger Tin!
This vintage Ginger Tin makes a great alternative sketchbook for small projects. We’ve filled them with 100 sheets of laser cut Strathmore Drawing paper. Put the tin in the outside pocket of a Sendak, or a pouch, and head out to draw! The portability makes sketching ever-accessible, and the shape makes a good drawing feel complete!
I've been using my Ginger Tin for paint for years, but a new project lead to another idea... Tear or Seed? Read the story on Substack! Cloverine Alternative Sketchbooks!
We are excited to offer a handful of vintage Cloverine Alternative Sketchbooks in this Collection! Each tin comes with 200 sheets of Fabriano hot press watercolour paper. These morsels fit inside the Sendak, making sure you always have some of the finest paper on hand! Additional packs of pre-cut paper can be ordered separately or as an add-on.
Cloverine Alt Sketchbook We will have some packs of water colour paper that fit the Cloverine Alt Sketchbook! Sneak Peek into Our Autumn 2022 Of a Kind Collection!
Small Hunter Satchel incorporating an antique bank bag! Patchi...
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The world is bursting with magic, and for anyone looking, it positively pulses. As a family of life-long learners, we felt compelled to share a few of our favorite activities in one compact notebook of removable cards.
The world is bursting with magic, and for anyone looking, it positively pulses. As a family of life-long learners, we felt compelled to share a few of our favorite activities in one compact notebook of removable cards.
The Specimen Card Notebook
Whether embarking on a backyard exploration, a community science project, traveling near or far, or identifying mysterious objects around your house, these cards encourage observation, drawing, writing, and a touch of research.
Tear them out, and hang them up, give them as gifts, or keep them intact as a journal. However you use them, we hope they inspire you to always keep an eye out for the little things!Specimen Card Notebook
The world is bursting with magic, and for anyone looking, it positively puls...
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We’ve simplified Søren's journaling card into a free downloadable PDF of Expedition Cards. He tested them out on our local hiking adventure from earlier this week to Harmony Hill. We are loving this new alternative journal format, and hope you do as well – document your expedition, and have fun!
I’ve been keeping a journal on and off since I was 12. Because of this, I thought it would be a simple and obvious thing to add this to my boys’ homeschool days, but neither Søren nor Silas shared my compulsion.
Søren’s journals were mostly uninspired lists of what we had done each day, but somewhere along the way, during camping trips and road trips – somewhere deep in the pandemic, Søren began to transform his task of journaling into something he was excited to do. Using Procreate on his iPad, he now creates his own alternative journal cards with personality-filled drawings, descriptions, and photographs!
It has been heartening to watch the evolution of his journaling practice, from bland journal pages to documented expeditions – completely Søren-ed and so shareable. We’ve simplified his card design into a free downloadable PDF! Søren tested the new card (on the spot!) with a local hiking adventure to Harmony Hill. We are loving this new alternative journal format, and hope you do as well!
As Søren flipped through his cards for my camera, he said, “It feels like I’m reliving all of this – even just glancing at each one." If the purpose of a journal is to create a ritual, to reflect and document, to build writing and observation skills, and to have a place to go, then Søren has fulfilled these expectations, and I am overjoyed with his finding his own way!
Søren’s Original Expedition Cards!
Photograph of Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park. Revisiting our "Mexican Food" experience in the Ozarks with giggles. 
Our messy table in Missouri - this is how we know magic is being made! Søren sketching in his small Tome – okay, not everything is uninspired! 
My birthday treat! We visited Mark Twain’s boyhood home in Hannibal, MO and the cave that inspired some his work and childhood! How I love the re-reading! 
Walter is painting Mark Twain’s boyhood home with his Pochade Box— as always, attracting the curious! Søren, Silas, and Shep, matching(ish) Sendaks, shirts, and drinks! 
A brief telling of our trip to Chicago! Exploring Chicago, dreaming of being elsewhere... 
Always on the go with make-shift picnic table studios. Intuit Museum in Chicago featuring Henry Darger’s home studio and other outsider art! Expedition Cards by Søren Kent (Free Printable!)
I’ve been keeping a journal on and off since I was 12. Because of this, I th...
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Mini Waxed Canvas Tote 
