Steve and Petra discuss exciting new ideasI really loved this pinkThese gorgeous Second Thousand binders were in the old stock area which is full of the most gorgeous things – bags, notebooks, binders, wallets, business card holders, belts, clocks – you name it!Mr Van Der Spek creating an exciting new prototype on the spot. We had an idea, he created it right then and there!JP working on my binderRené and JP working on my binder – there is leather in those veins!Mr Van Der Spek watching Steve preparing to make a videoPetra and SteveMrs Van Der Spek showing me the packaging and posting area. There is a lot of bending and lifting in this area and the Van Der Speks do it all themselves.Another view of my room at the Tulip Inn – the room was really big with gorgeous light wood floors and a magnificent viewOur hotel, the Tulip Inn is show at the middle of the boat to the leftView from the water taxiWe had drinks here the first evening – through the window you can see all the cyclists. Always fills me with dread someone is going to say ‘lets take the bikes’ as I cannot cycle!Our angelDiscussing new product, new events, new ideasThere are little displays like this all over the place – heaven!JP at workSomeone’s design. this one was a bit like a puzzleI was allowed to feel these leathers before and after being splitJP splitting my leatherMrs Van Der Spek, Andrea, puts this piece of board with ‘flyleaf’ on it in every box containing a flyleaf as people sometimes miss it and accidentally throw the flyleaf away.JP split leather very thin to show me that even if it is like ribbon, it is very strongThese plates have to be created for each new size binderJP at the cutting table. The surface of the table is scored by thousands and thousands of small cuts from the knivesShiny pocket (Junior) Touch Me – I love the shiny surface!Shiny pocket (Junior) Touch Me – I love the shiny surface!Shiny pocket (Junior) Touch Me – I love the shiny surface!Shiny pocket (Junior) Touch Me – I love the shiny surface!Three different textures so you can see how they varyShiny pocket (Junior) Touch Me – I love the shiny surface!My two binders – so excited! But even today I keep thinking of things I should have added – like ring protectors!Mr Van Der Spek and some gorgeous red leatherThere are little displays like this all over the place – heaven!Petra’s sample case. I want – no, I NEED – one of these!Top view of the sample caseRecognise your binder?The leather on the left is really nice. It comes in red and green as well as yellow and it is very durable and unusual. The green was my first choice before I went for the ‘Janet Leather’I love the book cover to the bottom rightMany years’ experience at work!Andrea, Petra and Steve discussing the leather frames Van Der Spek makes each year for the Dutch royal family
I paid €95 but it may have been discounted because it was not made for me – it was made for someone else who had mistakenly ordered the wrong colour thread and returned it.
I am so envious of your visit! It looks amazing. I would love to meet the Van der Speks someday, they are really an inspiration! Thanks for posting these pictures!
Wow! Thank you Janet. My planner was one of the ones on the table in the Recognize Your Planner picture. Unfortunately after it was made, but luckily before it was shipped, Petra found out the Bordeaux leather cannot be used inside. I am now awaiting a new Senior with green ostrich inside.
wow, great! I am so excited to know! Thank you!!!
I love the Janet’s pink ostrich one! Can I ask how much it costs?
I paid €95 but it may have been discounted because it was not made for me – it was made for someone else who had mistakenly ordered the wrong colour thread and returned it.
Oh wow!! Just glorious to see and no wonder the Dutch Royal Family love those photo frames as much as we all love VDS binders!!
I am so envious of your visit! It looks amazing. I would love to meet the Van der Speks someday, they are really an inspiration! Thanks for posting these pictures!
Wow! Thank you Janet. My planner was one of the ones on the table in the Recognize Your Planner picture. Unfortunately after it was made, but luckily before it was shipped, Petra found out the Bordeaux leather cannot be used inside. I am now awaiting a new Senior with green ostrich inside.
Ooh that sounds lovely Monique – the green is lovely! I just know you are going to love it!
Omg that PINK!!!!! 😍😍