The Story of Penny
In the 1980’s Sue and her friend Jeni Japp travelled to America on a quilting tour, Sue spied a spice filled chook in a craft store and fell in love with it. Sue carried that chook around the US and then back to Australia where she remodelled and recreated it. Penny the Hen was born on her sewing bench in Hay, New South Wales.
Sue made over 3500 Penny the Hens selling them at markets, in craft shops and gifting them to her friends. We, Catherine and Meg are Sue’s daughters and with love and in the hope of providing support to a cause close to our hearts are continuing to create Penny the Hen, because we know this little chick can achieve great things to support those affected by breast cancer. Sue died from breast cancer in October 2023.
Penny the Hen is a tribute to our mother Sue. $25 from each purchase of Pink Penny the Hen will be donated to Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA). Purchases of the other editions of Penny go to support the production of Pink Penny and continue Sue’s legacy.
Original Penny
Original Scent has been there for years, in our wardrobes, linen cupboards and pantries, the smell of the spices lingers and surprises us in different parts of the house, reminds us of Sue and evokes special memories. The dominant note is clove, but there is more going on, bay, cinnamon, nutmeg and a few other secrets stashed away in the spices. One of the wonderful things about Penny is that she provides a chemical free way to keep your cupboards and drawers clear of the usual invading critters. The other benefit is the subtle deodorising of the cupboards replaced with the scent of the hen.
Pink Penny
Pink Penny is available in 2 versions, you can chose from the Original Scent Penny the Hen or Lavender Penny the Hen. $25 from each Pink Penny sold is donated to the Breast Cancer Network Australia.
Lavender Penny
Lavender Penny is inspired by our journey with Sue, we found Lavender soothed us when we were stressed or tired, and we also just love Lavender. It has become a favourite of Penny the Hen’s fans. It’s not just pure Lavender, there are some herbs in there to support the longevity of Lavender and keep Penny fresh.
Sleepy Penny – Available Soon
Sleepy Penny has been inspired by Pedro’s mother Shirley. Throughout the 1970’s you could purchase beautiful liberty sleep pillows that Shirley advertised in magazines. We have taken the original sleep recipe and added it to Penny so you can take her to bed and have sweet dreams.
Pedro – Available Soon
Pedro is inspired by our father. Pedro is the supporting act to Penny, supportive but also compassionate, patient and quirky. Pedro has a leather and library style smell, proceeds from the sale of Pedro will go to PCFA (Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia). Sue’s nickname for our father was Pedro.
Potpourri Penny – Available Soon
Potpourri Penny is inspired by Sue’s mother Jean, she loved her garden, and our memories of her are always associated with her choices of floral inspired fragrances. We have modernised the potpourri scent to have a balance of rose with the freshness of citrus and a hint of jasmine in the background, all inspired by early spring.
