Crooked Man from "Pocketful of Posies", Houghton Mifflin 2010
The borders for the illustrations from Pocketful of Posies are coming along faster now and I don’t always remember to take pictures of the process. Here are two finished pictures, starting with the “Crooked Man” rhyme, with all of the crooked things from the verse. In the book, the words from the verse will be printed on the orange felt background, traveling all around the center illustration clockwise.
detail from "Crooked Man", "Pocketful of Posies", 2010
I’ve added a crooked line of tube beads to the border sides. The inside border of purple rick rack has a hand stitched edging of dark orange embroidery floss.
detail from "Crooked Man", "Pocketful of Posies" 2010
Here’s the crooked man, with his crooked cat and mouse.
detail of "Crooked Man", Pocketful of Posies" 2010
This is the illustration for “Baa, Baa, Black Sheep”. I made the original small, about 75% of the printed size of 10″ square. It need a larger border to balance the larger stretched upholstery fabric background, so I made the side pieces bulge out to fit the space more.
"Baa, Baa, Black Sheep", "Pocketful of Posies" 2010
To get an idea of the scale, the felt leaves are about 1″ long. These shades of orange and green are my favorite color combination. They’re definitely not my colors to wear (I’m a winter), but I find them pleasing to look at. See these colors in the post about my studio here.
detail of "Baa, Baa, Black Sheep" from "Pocketful of Posies" 2010
detail from "Baa, Baa, Black Sheep", "Pocketful of Posies" 2010
Note: See other posts from the Pocketful of Borders series here.
SALLEY MAVOR 
Your studio is very pretty in those colors. (I love them, too, but am also a winter.) I love the way you spoke of cantaloupe colors…really so lovely in any season. It appears that you have a beautiful view into the tree tops.
The crooked man/house/mouse is terrific! Especially love the tiny mouse!
The cat is priceless, and each scene so lush and tactile. I’m glad I found your blog; your pictures make me happy inside.
Beth
Dear Salley,
As usual your work takes my breath away, how wonderful and whimsical. I can’t wait to receive my copy of your new book.
Jenny
I love the combination of green and orange too and sometimes have to force myself to not reach for those colors every time I start something new. The texture of the old man’s sweater underneath that vibrant red coat is marvelous!
I can’t wait for your book and it is ordered at Amazon. I will be studying every little stitch. Love the interesting color combinations that you choose and all the fascinating dimensional work. You are having too much fun, Salley! It amounts to countless hours, but what a legacy.
Hi, This is lovely, your books are in my local bookstore in Hastings in New Zealand. cheers Marie
Marie, I’m so glad that you’ve found my books locally. So many people can’t find them in book stores here in the US, so it’s even more impressive to hear your report!
i always have to remind myself to breathe when i come here…i delight in every one of your stitches …i love how you bring such new meaning for me to these traditional stories