Working in miniature, there are many objects available for wheels; buttons, washers, snaps, key rings, etc. This series of images are mostly from my earlier work, starting with a detail from a piece I made in 1986. The wire bicycle is less than 2 inches long. Looking at these, I’m amazed that I had time to do all of the stitching because I had a baby and a preschooler to take care of. I remember working every evening after they went to bed.
The button wheels in this detail (below) from “Fall”, 1987, are about 1/2″ in diameter.
Skip ahead 10 years for this detail from the Sidewalks poem in my 1997 book, “You and Me: Poems of Friendship“. The car hub-caps are fancy coat buttons and the tires are made from black insulated wire. The stroller wheels are 1/2″ buttons.
Here’s a detail from “The Hollyhock Wall”, 1999. The car hub-caps are made from regular sized snaps.
The bicycle wheels in this detail from “You and Me” are made from the smallest key rings I could find, about 1/2″. The bicycle spokes are metallic thread and the helmets are painted acorn caps.
This is another detail from the same Fast Friends illustration in “You and Me”. That’s my husband Rob in the truck.
16 years later and I’m still making ice cream trucks. This 2″ embroidered one is from a baby quilt I’m in the process of making for a friend. Stay tuned for more quilt images!
I have five children and oddly enough I was way more productive in my stitching when they were all at home than now that I am an empty nester. Go figure!
Salley, as always, thank you for sharing your work. Your pieces make me smile. I love looking at them.
Happy stitching,
Gita
Salley, I just gaze at your work in wonder! thank you for sharing, you made my day.
Absolutely enchanting work Salley. Just love the whimsy of these pieces.Thanks for sharing with us.
Cute cars and trucks!
Goodness, these are gorgeous! I love the coat buttons for hub caps, very clever.
What charming and inspiring work! I love all the tiny details, such as snaps for hubcaps.
Charming and inspiring!
The more I look, the more I am amazed by the amount of details and intensive work.. Your work Salley is truly a Labor of Love..
GOD Bless,
Rebecca
Salley, you are a treasure! I love your work!
Wow Salley …. you’re soooooooooo inventive 😉
I lovey, lovey, to just stare at your work. Endlessly fascinating. I hope the receivers know the creativity and heart sewn there.