tiny happy

making journal

recent posts

about

‘tiny happy’ was a journal of my handmade life from 2006-2025.

from outer space

Space 3

Space 2 

Space 1 

Space 4 

Arlo, who is now 6 and a half, has a keen interest in space and stars and planets. His favourite planet, he tells me, is Mars because it has icy lands at the top and bottom, and dried-up salt on its surface which means it might once have had oceans. I must admit that I don't really share his passion for all things astronomical but it is amazing to watch a child become so absorbed by a subject. The other day he presented me with this little painting of a slice of outer space, and later that night I turned it into an embroidery for his room. I used coloured threads on dark-navy linen. I really enjoyed making it for him.

Posted in

43 responses to “from outer space”

  1. Julie Avatar
    Julie

    I absolutely love Arlo’s rich painting and your interpretation in fibre art…lucky boy. Children’s art is soooo inspirational. Once I had fun making a cross stitch embroidery based on one of my oldest son’s drawings of a rocket(about 20 years ago!). Your freeform embroidery captures the essence of spontaneity wonderfully!

    Like

    Reply
  2. acadia.hughes@gmail.com Avatar
    acadia.hughes@gmail.com

    What a wonderful gift Melissa! You always have the best ideas. I look forward to reading your blogs each time you have a new post. I have to say…. You have inspired me!

    Like

    Reply
  3. Margaret Oomen Avatar
    Margaret Oomen

    I have always been smitten by pluto myself
    i think i am just attracted to tiny things that are often overlooked:)
    Your embroidery is just wonderful!

    Like

    Reply
  4. tiffany Avatar
    tiffany

    i wish sebastian was into space. he’s all about dinosaurs these days. obsessed. i know nothing about dinosaurs except what i learn from him. when’s arlo’s birthday? sebastian is 6.5 too so i was wondering if they were close, birthday wise. lovely embroidery.

    Like

    Reply
  5. cathleen Avatar
    cathleen

    What a lovely caring Mom you are. He must have feel quite special to have his Mom make such a treasure for him. I am sure he will have lovely memories of this, Melissa.

    Like

    Reply
  6. annri Avatar
    annri

    the painting is precious! you’ve interpreted it in such a nice way, what a keepsake they will be, woven into such a nice story of a special interest. so sweet. 🙂

    Like

    Reply
  7. abby Avatar
    abby

    You never cease to inspire and amaze me. Your kids are so fortunate to have such a creative, loving mom. That embroidery is amazing! And Arlo’s painting is fantastic.
    The photo of Arlo behind the book and Keira peeking out from the curtain brought such a big smile to my face 🙂

    Like

    Reply
  8. tif Avatar
    tif

    how sweet is that! I know Arlo loves it.

    Like

    Reply
  9. Yvette Avatar
    Yvette

    You are absolutely amazing! This one of the most wonderful ways, I think, to support your children.
    The artwork these two little ones will have when they reach an age to move out on their own. I hope they will never forget the love you have put into the work.
    Many, many kudos to you!

    Like

    Reply
  10. mon ami Avatar
    mon ami

    this is absolutely lovely – what a great idea.
    you make me want to try embroidery…some day…
    xo
    p.s. congrats on the poppies nomination. You have my vote because I find your blog so inspiring, sweet and visually rich.

    Like

    Reply
  11. Garden Mama Avatar
    Garden Mama

    i am completely taken with your embroidery!!!
    your son must be thrilled : )

    Like

    Reply
  12. Sophie Avatar
    Sophie

    You are a very thoughtful and caring mother.
    I was just thinking about how hard to know what it’s in the picture and then yours beautiful touch with needle has open up my eyesight..it’s so amazing..
    I love every time I come and feel so calm.
    Hugs,
    (Sorry about my English, just in case)

    Like

    Reply
  13. Francesca Avatar
    Francesca

    Fantastic embroidery, and I love little sister peeking out from the curtain.

    Like

    Reply
  14. Victoria Avatar
    Victoria

    Its great how the colors show up on the black background. I must learn to embroider 🙂

    Like

    Reply
  15. GRACIA AND LOUISE Avatar
    GRACIA AND LOUISE

    Beautiful. I like both of your versions in equal proportion. They are a fine pair and very close to how I imagine Mars to look when I close my eyes.

    Like

    Reply
  16. Daria Avatar
    Daria

    the picture with your children is so amazing!

    Like

    Reply
  17. alice Avatar
    alice

    It is beautiful, really magical.

    Like

    Reply
  18. Erin Avatar
    Erin

    Such a cool thing to make for your child – love it!

    Like

    Reply
  19. steph Avatar
    steph

    what a neat idea !

    Like

    Reply
  20. louise Avatar
    louise

    Great painting and wonderful gift for him. What I love most about your post today is Kiera peeking out from behind the curtain!

    Like

    Reply
  21. heather Avatar
    heather

    Its so wonderful when your child finds a passion! Mine is currently obsessed with ice skating….
    and what a great piece of embroidery! Im sure he’s over the moon…hehe..

    Like

    Reply
  22. SmitoniusAndSonata Avatar
    SmitoniusAndSonata

    How lovely for him !

    Like

    Reply
  23. Andrea Avatar
    Andrea

    Gorgeous!

    Like

    Reply
  24. Shin Ae Avatar
    Shin Ae

    That is so beautiful. His picture and your interpretation are both wonderful in different ways. Aren’t children the best people to team up with?
    I’ve been keeping a pile of my children’s work to turn into embroideries, but haven’t gotten to it. This inspires me to try!

    Like

    Reply
  25. Celine Avatar
    Celine

    it is very sweet

    Like

    Reply
  26. rae friis Avatar
    rae friis

    beautiful creation and blog! i enjoy checking in!

    Like

    Reply
  27. nicola@which name? Avatar
    nicola@which name?

    you are just so inspiring to me. (thank you!) your handiwork is stunning, so taken from what is around you, and so simply and beautifully subtle.
    nicola
    http://whichname.blogspot.com

    Like

    Reply
  28. DD Avatar
    DD

    oh i would love to have your enchanting embroidery on my wall!! simply lovely 🙂 as usual your spellbinding handiwork has captured my imagination, and outer space never looked so sublime – a slice of heaven …! what a lucky, and talented, wee boy Arlo is indeed!

    Like

    Reply
  29. domesticali Avatar
    domesticali

    What a wonderful thing to do – I bet he loves it. And that photo of both of them is just too too cute!

    Like

    Reply
  30. tinyhappy Avatar
    tinyhappy

    wow, thank you, nicola!

    Like

    Reply
  31. tinyhappy Avatar
    tinyhappy

    thank you, julie. your rocket cross-stitch sounds very cool!

    Like

    Reply
  32. Melissa Avatar
    Melissa

    perfect 🙂

    Like

    Reply
  33. tinyhappy Avatar
    tinyhappy

    hi tiffany,
    arlo likes dinosaurs too and went through a train obsession for many years. i’m sure sebastian’s will pass though! 🙂
    arlo’s birthday is june 19… is that close to s?

    Like

    Reply
  34. tinyhappy Avatar
    tinyhappy

    ha! 🙂

    Like

    Reply
  35. Corinne Avatar
    Corinne

    What a perfect combination of your talents and interests! wonderful 🙂

    Like

    Reply
  36. briar Avatar
    briar

    awesome job Melissa….it looks so cute…I wonder where his passion will take him next…i can just see a whole world of dinosaurs on the horizon!x

    Like

    Reply
  37. molly Avatar
    molly

    your embroidery is absolutely beautiful, as is your son’s painting and passion.

    Like

    Reply
  38. kaylovesvintage Avatar
    kaylovesvintage

    well done Arlo..guess he likes Robots also

    Like

    Reply
  39. elizabeth Shahbazi Avatar
    elizabeth Shahbazi

    Thank you for your devotion to motherhood and beauty. I am grateful and inspired. By the way, can you please remind me of the name of your mom’s blog? Thank you. Elizabeth in California

    Like

    Reply
  40. Magickwyrds Avatar
    Magickwyrds

    Brilliant! Love the use of that Japanese quilting stich, and your colours are beautiful. Thanks for sharing!

    Like

    Reply
  41. andrea gutierrez Avatar
    andrea gutierrez

    i love space, beautiful!

    Like

    Reply
  42. bora Avatar
    bora

    Oh, so full of love to yout son! You really inspired me to make something similar to mine…
    You do such a great job here with your funny, artsy, beautifull blog!
    WOW
    bora from Switzerland

    Like

    Reply
  43. tinyhappy Avatar
    tinyhappy

    sorry for my crazily late reply- i don’t know how i missed your comment! my mum’s blog is http://www.quiteahandful.blogspot.com

    Like

    Reply

Leave a reply to Melissa Cancel reply