This post picks up where I left off in Part 1 of the series about the scene set in Russia. I’m working on a picture book that will depict a variety of cultures, each with their own style and decorative tradition, from textiles to furniture to architecture.
From the start, I wanted to feature painted furniture in the Khokhloma style, which is like Scandinavian tole painting. After doing some research, I designed a floral and striped pattern for a cabinet.
Lately, I’ve been using chain stitch more than ever to “draw” lines. This felt panel is embroidered with DMC flower thread, which unfortunately has been discontinued. It’s thicker, not as shiny as regular embroidery floss and has a sturdy feel that I find satisfying. I treasure my supply of flower thread and have enough to last a while longer.
Update: Catriona from Dutch Treat Designs contacted me to say, “We still sell DMC Flower Thread. We have available for purchase almost 1/2 of the colors DMC made. DMC discontinued the manufacture of their 180 colors of Flower Thread in 2003. We bought the remaining inventory from a large DMC distributor, and offer those colors here for your convenience to purchase while they last. We don’t have every color, but we have many of them.”
To make frames for the side panels, I cut out pieces of felt and sewed a blanket stitch around the edges.
Wire comes in handy for so many things. In the this case, I used it to create molding along the top edge of the counter top.
The feet are fashioned from tube beads.
I made the table and chairs out of pieces of wood, including small turned balusters that are sold to make doll house stairs.
I painted the chairs red and decorated them with a fine marking pen.
Stay tuned because there’s more to come! Part 3 in the series will show what’s outside of the house.
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SALLEY MAVOR 
Love it, love it! Too bad about the flower thread! I stitch a lot and have lots of old DMC but had never had that! Good thing you have a supply!
I love seeing your work in progress!
Your work keeps getting better and better!
It is so fascinating and inspiring to see your works-in-progress! Thank you so much for your willingness to share them with us. I am curious – do you actually mount your pictorial creations so that they can stand on their own, or do your carefully place the separate elements and photograph the finished picture laying down flat? If you would rather not divulge that much, I understand completely. Thank you.
Thank you for your interest in my work, Janny. The finished piece is mounted and framed, so it can hang on a wall. After I’ve played around with positioning all of the parts, they are sewn to a background fabric.
Love seeing your work in progress? Mind
boggling as usual!
I love these works of art so much. Beautiful!