tiny happy

making journal

Constanca 1

Constanca 2

Constanca 3

Constanca 4

I first met Constança this time last year, but over the weekend we had lunch together and she gave me a copy of her beautiful new book. 

Mãos à Obra! (I think) translates to 'get cracking' as we might say in these parts, and Constança's first book (like her blog) is all about making and doing lovely things, with an emphasis on reusing and repurposing.

Even though the book is in Portugese, it's quite easy to understand its intent: don't put off doing what you'd like to try- everyone is creative and there are many ways to bring this goodness into your life and into other peoples' lives, too.

Mãos à Obra! is filled with very beautiful photography and ideas for making some great projects – from sourdough to seedlings, jackets to jellies.

C moved to the North Island of New Zealand about four years ago, and before that she lived in rural England. She is originally from Lisbon, Portugal. 

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10 responses to “saídos da concha”

  1. Jagoda Avatar

    Finally you met! 😀 My two favourite bloggers in the field of crafting 🙂 I’ve been wondering if that would happen since Constanca moved to NZ…

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  2. rosa in the antipodes Avatar
    rosa in the antipodes

    It’s delightful to imagine you two having lunch together! 

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  3. Autumn Avatar

    oh thank you for this share. so lovely and inspiring. it seems she’s taking a break from her blog but lots of wonderful archives to peruse in the mean time.

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  4. Constança Avatar

    Oh Melissa… thank you so much for this. You are such a lovely person! 🙂
    I love the “get cracking” translation, it is spot on! “Mãos à obra” is used in the context of getting things done — “mãos” means hands so the long translation would be something like “make use of your hands, roll up your sleeves and get to work!”.
    I am impressed that you’ve managed to understand so much of what I wrote in the book… your Portuguese is excellent! 🙂
    Thank you again for this wonderful post.

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  5. Andrea @This Knitted Life Avatar

    What a beautiful book. Lovely photographs and composition.

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  6. tinyhappy Avatar

    thank you andrea! it is a very lovely book.

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  7. tinyhappy Avatar

    youre so welcome, c 🙂

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  8. Frau Kirschkernzeit Avatar

    Oh, this looks so interesting! We need an english translation, please!

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  9. jodie_a_woods@hotmail.com Avatar
    jodie_a_woods@hotmail.com

    Yes please, would just love it if Constanca blessed us all with an English translation!

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  10. Margarida camoes Avatar
    Margarida camoes

    The book Is amazing!!!! Like Constança said, it’s and invitation to use our hands. Buy the book and do it!!!!
    Margarida Camoes

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