OOPSY DAISY WORLD MAP.


April 8, 2008

Oopsy Daisy Fine Art for Kids commissioned a world map in my poster-fabric-stitched style. The map size would be printed roughly 3×4 feet and as a larger mural. The client wanted it to have the same learning emphasis as the ABC’s, sharing cultures, animals+plant life, traditions, food, sports, landmarks, history, etc–all with kid-spirit in mind. The research took 3-4 weeks, but I loved that part! I used my own research photos when possible (and friends’) and the internet for the rest. As in the alphabet, I had a list of way TOO many ideas and had to widdle it down, keeping a good balance throughout the world.

My finished sketch for the client:

I have to admit, because I was going to create this map out of fabric, I was a little nervous to start…But as soon as I dove in, I had so much fun. I created each icon by collaging fabric scraps and adding details with stitching. I scanned each piece separately, cleaned them up, and sometimes altered colors and patterns. Here are two finished icons with the research I used:

After finishing several icons, I made this VERY rough color sketch for the client:

The rest was a marathon. Fabric scraps covered my studio, and I was covered in strands of colored thread for a couple weeks solid.

By the time I finished all the icons, I painted the continents to give them a more textured feel and created a water pattern for the oceans. Add in lettering (a nice mix of font, hand-lettered and fabric-cut title), and you have the finished map:

Posted in process | 5 Comments »


5 Responses to “OOPSY DAISY WORLD MAP.”

  1. Tiffany Says:
    July 15th, 2008 at 1:30 pm

    I love this, what a masterpiece! I wish I could see it closer. You are a very talented artist. I love that you took something like your lazy eye, which I’m sure as a child caused you pain and suffering from your peers (kids are cruel sometimes) and turned it into a positive fun experience. I love all of your fun pieces of art, they are very inspirational to me. Keep following your *eye* and your heart, we will follow :0)

    Thank you for doing what you do,
    Rowan Willow {artist/alter ego}
    aka Tiffany


  2. ketaki Says:
    April 10th, 2009 at 5:27 am

    a successful attempt and a wonderful outcome for the maps u hav designed. the language to kids well applied in the graphics. i truly admire it.
    thanks. n all the best


  3. Anne Says:
    February 16th, 2010 at 4:58 am

    What a wonderful map with such a whimsical style! The fabric pieces must be tiny. I am curious if you attached them with something like Wonder Under?


  4. coloredsock Says:
    February 16th, 2010 at 9:59 pm

    hey Anne, thanks! so glad you like it. well, this map is a digital reproduction on canvas. the original was compiled digitally as a photoshop file. i made each “piece” kinda big…6×8inches, yes with wonder under used liked a glue stick in collaging, then free machine stitching, then scanning and playing in photoshop. gotta love that wonder under!


  5. Chuck Dillon Says:
    March 3rd, 2010 at 7:27 am

    How wonderful! I love busy illustrations!


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