The book project is moving along, one stitch at a time. Or in this case, one roof tile at a time. When researching the architecture of North Africa, I was struck by the juxtaposition of white and tan buildings topped off with bright red or terracotta roof tiles. So that combination became the dominant color palette of this illustration.
The scene will be included in My Bed, which will be a book about where children sleep around the world, with each spread depicting a different culture and living environment. The story is written by Rebecca Bond and will be published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt in 2020. Here are links to posts showing other finished illustrations for the book: South America, Japan, India, Afghanistan, Russia, North America, Scandinavia, Ghana and Iran. To see a list of all my books, click here.
Since I didn’t have any red beads to make the roof with, I stained some white and brown clay disk beads with red magic marker. Some came out bright red and others had a more earthy tone. I’ve had these beads for a long time and it felt good to finally use them. Don’t worry, the red on my fingertip isn’t blood, but magic marker ink!
The holes in the center of the beads make it easy to sew them in place. I used a range of subtle shades of beige and tan felt for the buildings.
For a decorative scalloped edge, I added thread-covered wire to this strip of rooftop.
Then sewed on the overlapping red bead tiles.
After the roof was sewn in place, I added a decorative bead under the top eaves and stitched a bead curtain in the doorway.
In this part of the world, roofs serve as open living spaces, surrounded by walls. For this one, I made a fence with thread wrapped wire that you can see through.
Clay tube beads stick out like the ends of structural beams.
I made a striped turquoise awning for shade…
and a shuttered window in blue, for color contrast with the red and white.
I’m always looking for opportunities to add patterns and this door needed a carved wood appearance.
This roof section is edged all around with wire, which gives it the necessary structure to stick out from the background fabric. Otherwise the felt would be floppy and not very roof-like.
I search through my stash of hooks and eyes to find the right hardware for the door and windows.
This house is made from a loosely woven, nubby fabric that I thought matched the texture of white washed masonry walls. To be continued… See Part 2 here.
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SALLEY MAVOR 
And yet again, your style, color sense and use of the “stash” amazes! As always thanks for the inspiration!
I soooo look forward to getting my hands on this book!
Will do.
Your stitch work is flawless.
Sally, Sally, Sally! Every single stitch is a delight to behold! I just love seeing your work in progress. It’s extremely generous of you to share it with us. Thank you, so very much.
You are very welcome, Mary. I am happy to share what I can, even if it’s a series of photos will a few accompanying words.
I could not agree more with Mary J Smith. Well said!
Absolutely exquisite! You are so talented and bring the world to life with a needle and thread!
Your pieces are just magical!!! Thank you for this beauty.
I just love seeing your work in progress. I keep all sorts of bits in my stash too and love to find uses for the odd bits. Love your roof! What a fun book this will be. 🙂
When I receive your post I find myself holding my breath in anticipation! And you NEVER disappoint. Every loving, lovely stitch is perfection, with incredible interpretation of the story being told. You are amazing! Thank you for sharing!
Sharon, thank you so much for mentioning the story as well as the stitching. For me, it’s all about expressing an idea or narrative in a way that people can become engaged with. There needs to be a purpose behind all those perfect stitches, otherwise it’s just busy work.
Fabulous stuff. Do you use proper wool felt for your work? I expect cheaper felts would fade quite quickly when exposed to the light.
Loving following you.
Sandra
Thank you Sandra. I use only wool felt, for its lusciousness and overall integrity. You have to be careful with light exposure, because the plant dyes fade. My finished pieces are framed under UV glass.
It’s all in the details…and you do it so well! Never fail to make my day! Keep it coming and Thank You!
Magnifique
Hello. I have found you…..2024. I have made a felted mouse which brought to mind a story my first granddaughter and I made when she was pre school age. She drew the pictures and I wrote what she told me. ( still have it ) She will be 30 yrs old this year and I would love to make this little story come to life…where do I start, any help would be most appreciated.
Welcome to the wee world, Gwyneth! It sounds like your granddaughter’s story already has meaning, in your shared experience that is full of memories. I suggest asking yourself what you imagine its life turning into. Do you want to preserve the pictures and text? If you’re interested in sharing the story with family and friends, there are many self publishing services that will help guide you through the design process.
Warmly,
Salley