PennyRoyal is a small business based in Wellington and is a labour of love for Paul and Melanie. Paul is an experienced model maker, having worked for the likes of Weta Workshop and Wingnut Films and also in the architectural industry. Melanie has a background in art and crafts and is the creative force behind the company.
What do you make? We make dry mount photo albums.
Your favourite materials, tools and processes? We work with paper and card so obviously we like those materials lots. Our old book press is both beautiful and essential and Paul loves his drill press – mostly because he is allowed it in the house!
What inspires you? Being able to combine our skills and ideas and come up with beautiful things that we’ve created together. Also, being given a brief by a customer for a special album and coming up with something that will exceed their expectations and hopefully create a family heirloom.
Describe your workspace: A clutter when I’m is working in it. Spotless when Paul is in charge.
Five words that describe your mind:
Paul: confusion, chaos, occasional moments of clarity.
Melanie: messy, busy, frantic, choc-a-block, needing rest!
What are you currently listening to? Radio Active online
Recommend an album: Paul: White Stripes – Elephant. Melanie: Lisa Loeb & Nine Stories – Tails.
Your favourite childhood book?
Paul: The Monster at the End of this Book and the Lego catalogue!
Melanie: I have about 100 but the top two would have the be No Flying in the House by Betty Brock and The Ordinary Princess by M.M Kaye
What are you reading now? Paul: The Quest – Wilbur Smith. Melanie: Rage – Wilbur Smith.
A favourite quote: In the immortal words of Homer Simpson: “Weaseling out of things is important to learn. It’s what separates us from the animals …except the weasel.”
Do you have any pets? Two badly behaved cats called Cozmo and Dixie. Cozmo (pictured) is a constant companion when we are working and he is especially fond of sitting in the most inconvienient places. Dixie is the big sister and a bit of a grump, she’ll draw blood to let you know she’s not happy with you!
If you were a crayon, what colour would you be?
Paul: I’d like to be the box of crayons that got left in the sun and melted together to make one big, sticky, messy colour.
Melanie: Impossible to answer – I want to be them all!!
Check out more of Melanie and Paul’s creations in their Felt shop, Penny Royal.
