'Josephine the Jellyfish'
Is she not the cutest little pudgy jellyfish in the ocean? She always wears a pretty pink polka dot bow in her hair :-)
Josephine is part 1 of my 2010 project - 'Under the Sea' - which will be available for you to download for free. If you enjoyed 'Verandah Views' I think you're going to like this one too!
Each of the nine blocks measures 7.5" x 5.5" (40cm or 16" should be more than enough fabric for all 9 designs) and I'll give you a few different options for putting them together but that's right at the end. The final plan will be simple I promise... I just haven't decided on that myself yet!!
In the meantime, you'll need about 40cm or 16" of background fabric. I used a linen look in a pale blue which represents the sea
I enhanced my Josephine and friends with a colour shading technique using Derwent Watercolour (my personal preference) colouring pencils. They're available from most art supply stores and also some chain stores. You can read about Derwent Pencils here and use your search engine to locate an online supplier
The process I use is simple, I'll take you through the steps...
Colour shading can be completed before OR after the stitching but you'll need to experiment to determine what suits you best. Colouring before stitching can result in too much colour so take care, don't be too heavy handed! I like to colour before I stitch, however I usually only add gentle shading. If the area requires more colour, I add it after the stitching is complete
Trace the design onto your fabric, I'll wait... yawn....
Select pencil colours that suit the design and your thread colours - eg. forest green for the seaweed, dark pink for the bow (you can use red with a light touch), mid blue for the fish etc...
Starting in one corner make a few single strokes, lifting the pressure as you go... almost with a 'flick' at the end of the stroke - the heavier you press, the darker the colour will be. Use the pointy end to get into the corners and the side of the pencil to smudge a bit
Build up colour by going over the same area a few times. The Derwent Watercolour pencils have a soft lead and that makes it easy to control the depth of colour to where it disappears to no colour
If it's a larger area, try using a gentle circular motion holding the pencil on an angle
Cross hatching builds up colour but can create a 'stripey' look, we don't want that so you'll need to practice that one :-)
The pretty orange plants are a single line so I 'smudged' the colour using a circular motion. You can do this with Josephine's very well manicured tentacles and the bubbles too... use a pale mauvey/blue colour and then a bit of rusty/brown for the rocky seabed
It looks bold but you'll be surprised at how much of the colour disappears when you start stitching. Don't colour the whole area, it will look more realistic if you can show the direction of the light source... in this case it's from the front
If you like to use a stabiliser on the back of your stitcheries (I do), iron it on after you've completed the colour shading or the glue dots will stand out
And if the item is to be laundered, you'll need to paint the coloured area with a textile medium. I use Jo Sonjas and if it's too gooey, I water it down but make sure the brush isn't overloaded with the liquid. It can discolour your stitching fabric so take care to only paint the area that's been coloured
Are you happy with your trial? Yay!! Lets get going on the real thing... :-)
You will find the file (in pdf format) by clicking on the link in my sidebar under the Verandah Views heading... I haven't worked out how to get rid of that yet... it's so last year.... or you can just click here... Oh I just worked it out.... simple really, don't know what all the fuss was about... It's now called 'free downloads and other stuff'
This is my gift to you and is protected by copyright so please honour my rights as a designer and enjoy it for your personal use only. I'm always available by email if you have any questions! And please let me know if the gremlins have been playing and things just don't seem right....
So, 'Enjoy the Views' doesn't fit anymore therefore we'll need a new sign off for 2010... what shall it be? Any ideas?
seeya
Cheryl xx
I forgot to ask if you like Mango and Ginger Chutney.... do you? If you yelled out 'yes!!!' have a look here
Cheryl, Well...the smile on my face is even bigger than a few minutes ago. I had been looking on your Etsy for the Under the Sea patterns. I did NOT know they were free downloads. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! I adore these patterns. I can't wait to get started...but I have to finish my 'Pin Pillows' first. So much talent and then to share your wonderful artwork with us...what can I say...more Hugs coming to you!
Posted by: Nancy | September 08, 2010 at 11:01 PM
Bonjour,je viens de découvrir votre blog ,il est super !!
je n'avais jamais pensé mettre du crayon sur une broderie ,j'adore le rendu !
ce sont des crayons qui ne partent pas au lavage! quel genre de crayon ?
vos dessins de broderie traditionnelle sont extras!!
bonne journée
bisous
Posted by: coquelicot80 | July 31, 2010 at 08:03 PM
Hi Cheryl,
I love all the blocks so far. just gorgeous.
By the way, a little birdie told me you may be a guest designer with sarah at Fabric Delights in adelaide next year? Please tell me it's true.....I will sign up as soon as I can, if you're going to be there.
Posted by: Stella Whittingham | April 27, 2010 at 05:14 PM
Your BOM "under the sea" looks like a fun project. I hope to try some of these. I just started blogging a few days ago. FUN. I was wondering if there is a way for me to get the patterns for your "Verandah views".
Posted by: Betty | March 18, 2010 at 03:48 AM
Love love love the BOM!!! Its been soooooo long since I did any stitching that wasn't on a machine! I will have to pull out the needle and floss to see if I remember how to do this. Love the shading effects as well. What a simple technique to really make stitching pop!
Posted by: Shelly | February 21, 2010 at 12:04 AM
just found your blog am very excited because my daughter and i love this design we have decided she can colour which she loves and i can sew which i love this will be our first project together thank you
Posted by: kimalou | February 11, 2010 at 05:43 PM
Thanks for the lesson on color shading. I went to get some of the pencils and wondered if there's a reason you don't like the Inktense pencils but prefer the Watercolour ones.
Thanks too for your sharing of this BOM - the designs are so cute!
Posted by: Kari | February 11, 2010 at 10:43 AM
Cheryl, I loved your other Verandah View designs, and block 1 & 2 of Under the Sea is just as wonderful, and I can't wait to begin them. Thank you for sharing with us your wonderful talent as a free download.
Posted by: Elaine Susan Howard | February 05, 2010 at 11:45 AM
Do you have to prewash the fabric before you use watercolor pencils on the fabric. Or does it really matter?
Posted by: Karla from Ohio | February 04, 2010 at 10:27 AM
Hi, My name is Elaine, I'm new at blogging and have been spending the last few days attempting to set up my blog page. I am enjoying all the creative that is around. I love Josephine. I am having some trouble downloading but I sure I will figure it out.
Posted by: Elaine Barnes | January 31, 2010 at 03:28 AM
Thanks so much for your great BOM.
Posted by: rosa | January 28, 2010 at 12:13 AM
Hello,
I am very happy that I finished the first block.
Because it's fun to add color embroidery.
Thank you very much for that idea and sharing.
Posted by: turtlepatch | January 26, 2010 at 11:13 PM
Wow !I love this and will certainly be trying it out ,thankyou for the link too ,great, thanks for sharing ..love Jan PS can you tell Im excited lol xx
Posted by: Jan Eadie | January 24, 2010 at 08:41 PM
Hi Cheryl,
Thanks for the lovely stitchery pattern.
So cute. I will start at once, and first have to buy some background fabric.
She is sooooooooooo cute
Posted by: Angelina Lunenberg | January 24, 2010 at 06:34 PM
Love it - so very cute.
Posted by: Samelia | January 24, 2010 at 11:04 AM
Hi Cheryl, Thank you so much for this BOM. Josephine is so incredibly gorgeous. I can't wait to get started.
Posted by: Stella Whittingham | January 24, 2010 at 10:21 AM
Just came across your BLOG and love the jelly fish, have to go buy Derwent pencils now and break my New Years promise not to start anything else!
Happy Room Diana
Posted by: Happy Room Diana | January 23, 2010 at 01:43 AM
Wow this is going to be wonderful. Need to get the colored pencils then I am ready...Thanks so much, looking forward to it.
Posted by: Sharon Griffith | January 19, 2010 at 01:27 AM
I loved your 2009 project and now the 2010 looks just precious. Thank you so much for sharing with us.
Kathy
Posted by: Kathy | January 15, 2010 at 05:19 AM
Got the pattern printed and went out to Hobby Lobby and and the pencils. Have to get some fabric yet. Thanks for the interesting BOM.
[email protected]
Posted by: Elaine | January 10, 2010 at 01:05 AM
Thank you Cheryl- it is adorable!
Posted by: Jennifer | January 09, 2010 at 01:19 AM
Cheryl, many thanks for this wonderful FREE pattern and sharing it with many others in the cyber world of stitcheries... Look forward to downloading the others in the set. Hope there will be a seahorse as well... LOL!!!
cheers - FDS
Posted by: Faye S. | January 08, 2010 at 09:51 PM
If only the real jellyfish were this cute, I'd swim with them happily....
might have to give this bom a go, I love Derwent pencils, now I have a reason to buy the watercolour set.....
Posted by: Sheryl | January 08, 2010 at 06:29 AM
Thank you. She is so sweet!! I've been collecting some ocean-going craft projects(felt fish magnets and mobiles) to add to my new underwater themed playroom. This will be a pefect addition. I love the way you write your tutorials ... yawn ... just as though you were speaking to us. :)
Posted by: Helen Murti | January 07, 2010 at 03:05 PM
Such a cute new BOM & I will get to try something new with the color pencils.
I see the ladies have been coming up with some great ideas for your signoff! :0}
I'm off to pick out some fabrics.
Judy
Posted by: Judy | January 07, 2010 at 12:33 PM
She is such a cute jellyfish ! Thanks !!!
The tutorial is great... I've being wanting to try this technique on your pattern "Primrose and Passion" published in Creating Country Threads Stitchery magazine.
So I guess tomorrow I will get me some watercolor pencils ;-) !
Posted by: My 1st Bambina ! | January 07, 2010 at 02:37 AM
Thank you very much!! It's so nice!!! Happy New Year to you too!!!
Posted by: Silvia | January 06, 2010 at 06:39 PM
Oh Cheryl this is so sweet!!!! I'm loving this one, I adore the sea-side. Thank you so much!
Posted by: Allie | January 06, 2010 at 02:14 PM
Thank you so much for this cute BOM, Cheryl.
hugs
Posted by: Margot | January 06, 2010 at 01:05 PM
Oh how cute is she?? Too cute!! I love her!!
Posted by: Terri | January 06, 2010 at 12:01 PM
Thanks a lot for this new bom, Cheryl ! I love it ! Josephine is so cute !
Posted by: Sylvie BG | January 05, 2010 at 11:32 PM
Hi Cheryl,
Josephine is very cute. I have had a box of derwent artist pencils...will they be OK to use or aare they not soft enough?
Hugs,
Sharon
Posted by: Sharon L F | January 05, 2010 at 12:56 PM
Josephine looks so cute with her bow. I wonder if she will fall in love sometime over the next few months?
Will she fall in love with her 'own' kind or will she fall in love with a pirate??!! She always was a wild one.... ;0
Posted by: Ina | January 05, 2010 at 11:09 AM
I wasn't going to do this but who could resist this cute little Jelly Fish, not me! Thanks Cheryl for a really fun BOM. Annie
Posted by: Annie | January 05, 2010 at 09:54 AM
Thank you Cheryl. It is so cute - I am keen to gt started. Pencils and threads are ready
Posted by: Marilyn | January 05, 2010 at 09:49 AM
This is going to be so much fun...thanks so much Cheryl...
Posted by: Peg | January 05, 2010 at 07:37 AM
What else but " Octopuses Garden " How very 60's of me! Is so cute.
Posted by: Chriss | January 05, 2010 at 07:33 AM
It is so cute !!! Thank a lot Cheryl, I 've never use colors in my stitching so it will be a great nex experience !!
I send you all my very best wishes for the new year
Posted by: Martine | January 05, 2010 at 06:20 AM
This is a cutie for sure. Looking forward to another great BOM from you.
Posted by: Wendy | January 05, 2010 at 06:15 AM
This is just perfect as I live 1 street back from the ocean. That jellyfish is so cute.
Posted by: Annette | January 05, 2010 at 06:04 AM
Thanks for the design. I have never colored in stitching, so this will be a new adventure. I love to stitch and I love new techniques, so this will be fun.
Posted by: Janet Kopecky | January 05, 2010 at 05:58 AM
Cheryl: Thanks for sharing this block of the month with us! It's wonderful. I've done a little research this morning and have found the Derwent pencils at Michael's in the US. I'm off to Michael's to get my pencils, and have downloaded your pattern. I am hoping to start this afternoon.
Posted by: Julie | January 05, 2010 at 02:07 AM
Thankyou so much for this cute BOM. You realy are generous.
Looking forward to the next 9 stitcheries ;-)
Hugs from Denmark and a happy new year!
Annelise
Posted by: Annelise Pedersen | January 05, 2010 at 02:02 AM
Josephine is absolutely darling! I have really been looking forward to this BOM! Thank you so much for your generosity!
Posted by: Loralynn | January 05, 2010 at 12:22 AM
Cheryl, Thanks so much for the info and tips on shading - I've been wanting to try this but needed a nudge in the right direction! I loved Verandah and I'll love this one, too. Thanks again so much for this gift!
Sincerely,
Jenn
Posted by: Jenn Baker | January 05, 2010 at 12:21 AM
What a cute little jelly-lady. I´m so looking forward to this BOM and am keeping my fingers crossed that there will be a seahorse and a mermaid - I know they live everywhere Under the Sea :)
How about "I´ll be Seaing You" as a signoff? OK, just be glad you don´t have to hear my jokes :)
Posted by: Sheila | January 04, 2010 at 11:30 PM
What a little cutie Cheryl. The Derwent pencil factory is only just up the road in the Lake District.
Happy New Year.
Posted by: Melanie Willows | January 04, 2010 at 10:55 PM
Just as sweet as can be!! Thanks so much. I look forward to getting started right away! Oh, boy, a new project! -karen
Posted by: kaholly | January 04, 2010 at 09:50 PM
Wow, this one is amazing! And I never understood anything of coloring fabric... I know my friend has a Derwent-kit, I think I have to go over for a cup of tea and 'borrow' some color in the same time! ;o)
Thanks for sharing!!!
Hugs,
Sandra
Posted by: Sandra | January 04, 2010 at 09:49 PM
Adorable Cheryl!!! Love it :o). Thanks so much for the tutorial too, I can't wait to give it a go ... I've got my Derwent Watercolours at the ready :o).
Now, how should you sign off??? Well in bubbles of course he he he.
Hugs,
Joy :o)
Posted by: Joy | January 04, 2010 at 09:29 PM