About Me
I have had a life-long fascination with little things and needlework. At the Rhode Island School of Design, I rediscovered my childhood delight in sewing and creating miniature scenes. Manipulating materials in my hands with a needle and thread was so much more satisfying than rendering with a pencil or brush. I found that I could communicate my ideas more clearly and that my hands would direct me in a compelling way.
Today, I sew different materials together to create fanciful scenes in relief, much like miniature, shallow stage sets, with figures imposed on embellished fabric backgrounds. My work is decorative and detailed, full of patterns from nature and found objects, all sewn together by hand with a needle and thread. The original fabric relief pictures are photographed and used to illustrate children’s books. I live on Cape Cod, in my home town of Falmouth, Massachusetts.
Please note: Wee Folk Studio has discontinued the Ltd. Edition dolls and Blossom Fairy Kits.
Contact me at weefolk@cape.com or P.O. Box 152, Woods Hole, MA 02540
Posters and cards are available at my Etsy shop.
I am the author of the how-to book, Felt Wee Folk: Enchanting Projects.
To see a list of all of my books, go to My Books.
See a short documentary film Rabbitat.
Read my acceptance speech for the 2011 Boston Globe-Horn Book Award
Read an article in the Nov/Dec 2011 issue of Cape Cod Life
Read an interview with Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast
Read in interview with Living Crafts.
Hear a Radio story: WCAI
Poster of Self-Portrait: A Personal History of Fashion available at my Etsy shop.
June 22, 2010 at 1:26 pm |
Your work is enchanting and appeals to the child in me. After purchasing Felt Wee Folk/Enchanting Projects the years have slipped by with no time to try any handwork at all. It has provided enjoyment, however, and my goal now is to collect all of the children’s books you have illustrated. So glad you stuck to your own vision through school and didn’t get swayed towards someone else’s idea of what is art. All the best to you in your delightful work. It is so appealing. Sincerely, Cate Jones
October 13, 2010 at 12:01 pm |
I found this blog via Maya*made giveaway post and your work is wow! I cannot put my excitement into words and you’re so amazing! What are your hands made of? I love your work so much! I am new to crafting world and really thank you for sharing your story.
Dita
http://handmadenest.blogspot.cok
October 13, 2010 at 1:51 pm |
i am so charmed, enchanted and pleased to find your lovely site and work through the maya made blog! your work is exquisite and i can’t wait to sit and sift through all your charming pages. please stop by my crazy life which you can see at farmandfrufru.blogspot.com. i live on a dairy farm and write about crafting, farming and whatever trivial thing stikes my fancy at any give time…you are always welcome…in the mean time, know that you have gained not only a new reader, but a new fan and admirer as well…
November 18, 2010 at 10:44 am |
Hi Salley, ever since you mentioned Lazure painting in the Waldorf blog I have been interested in trying it. Any chance you could give a few tips on how to do it your way? I’ve seen all the stuff online, but your technique/colors appealed to me. I don’t want to do a mural, just a verrrry subtle and gradual color gradation on my walls, definitely not as intense as the coral walls in the classroom picture. Do you use the ‘figure 8′ brushstroke technique??- thanks, Jules
February 7, 2011 at 10:18 am |
I am so taken by your work! Last Saturday (Feb 5), I chanced upon your book while at Michael’s looking for some yarn. I put it back on the shelf but the images stayed with me so I wound up ordering your book from Amazon last night. I’m an artist and a crafter and all my life, I’ve dabbled in doll-making (I cultivated a friendship with a doll maker from the Netherlands–Marleen Engeler when I was in my 30′s so we’ve been exchanging cards and mail for a good 20 years), I’ve loved miniatures and fairies and such. Somehow, painting them just didn’t do it for me. I think you’ve introduced me to an art form I’d like to try although I know I don’t have the patience it needs. Thank you for being an inspiration!
March 17, 2011 at 8:47 pm |
Hi Salley,
Do you photograph your own work, or have someone else do it? Good lighting is critical to getting the right colors without unwanted indirect shadows. Congratulations on your Golden Kite citation! Cheers, Joy Chu
April 28, 2011 at 8:23 am |
Wow! I’ve just found your book Felt Wee folk at my library and i am blown away by your little folk! There’s something about making something so tiny and cute that really appeals to me. I’m going to have a go at making these as soon as possible. You are such a creative and clever person,thankyou x
May 29, 2011 at 8:45 pm |
Salley,
I love art, and am so very impressed by you and your work.
So excited, honored and happy to know you:)
June 27, 2011 at 9:48 am |
How wonderful to be able to read about the woman who is behind such exquisite work.
Has anyone ever approached you with the suggestion that you design children’s clothes? The sweet simplicity, lines and nourishing colors that your little people wear would do so well on little people everywhere.
May your heart and hands continue their magic for years to come.
February 14, 2012 at 3:56 am |
Hi Salley, your work is lovely! Keep it up. Wonderful.
April 16, 2012 at 10:44 am |
I recently found your book Pocketful of Posies and I love it so much!
I enjoy working with felt, but most of my work has been 2 dimensional. Your book has inspired me try creating 3 dimensional characters. Your little people are so precious!