detail from “Pocketful of Posies” 2010
I’ve just finished adding a border to the double page illustration for Jack and Jill, which is part of my upcoming book, Pocketful of Posies. For those of you who are new to this blog, I am preparing 51 illustrations for framing, so that they can be displayed in a traveling show.
The artwork was previously mounted on foam core board for photography purposes. Now, it will be dressed up and given a new border and background. I stretched upholstery fabric and picked out felt colors that complimented and contrasted with the blue and green scene.
I looked through my basket of Watercolour pima cotton threads from the Caron Collection.
And used bright blue and variegated light pastel thread for the blanket stitch edging along the felt border pieces.
I then chain stitched my initials and the date on the bottom corner pieces with variegated embroidery floss. I’m enjoying the mindless doodling of the chain stitching.
The outside blanket stitch and the embroidery floss curls pick up colors from the illustration.
Then the border pieces are sewn to the inside artwork and onto the stretched back ground.
Now, it is ready for framing!
Note: See other posts from the Pocketful of Borders series here.
SALLEY MAVOR 
I love seeing your process develop right in front of my eyes…every step is thoughtfully planned and executed. Imagine and Live in Peace, Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart
I love the trees in this artwork, and the clear, vibrant colors.
Beth
LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE !!!!
happy day!
I could gaze at your work forever, the little ducks are so endearing.
I was wondering how large the double page illustration is?
Jenny
Jenny,
The book is 10″ x10″, so a double page is 10″ x 20″. Most of the illustrations were made at 100%, but some were made smaller and enlarged for the book.
Salley, I’m going to order all the books I saw that you have illustrated.I can’t tell you how much I love your sweet, and delightful illustrations. A few years ago I bought your Wee Folk and I have made dozens of little dolls inspired by your book. I have used the dolls as characters in stories I have told, as gifts to children I have tutored, and my Mum gives them to the special Carers she likes at the Aged Care Home where she lives. Your works have given me many many hours of enjoyment, and brought joy to others. A BIG thankyou.
You are so very welcome, Judith. I’m glad to hear that you and your Mum have enjoyed the how-to book so much!
If I was s person of means, I think I would fly up there to MA just to see this traveling exhibit – send it to GA please LOL! That little wood house with the bed – amazing! And the stone wishing well. And I just love how you do your leaves and trees, and the little ducks are so sweet! I was having a very bad day and I feel happy now just looking at this!
Jan, I’d love to send the show to Georgia and need a suitable venue. I’m looking for non commercial spaces with good security; museums, art centers, etc. If you know of any, or better yet have a contact, please let me know and I’ll send a proposal.
YOU ARE SOOOOOO AMAZING !!!!!
Love the variegated thread…what a beautiful touch! Cannot wait for the book to be done!
Thanks, Helen, it’ll be out soon!