Publishing 17th February 2026
Paperback | £14.99 / USD $24.95
Search Press | ISBN: 9781800923034
Caribbean-inspired textile art meets mindful crafting in Tihara Smith’s new book, Raffia Embroidery
Search Press is delighted to announce the release of Raffia Embroidery by fashion designer and textile artist Tihara Smith, which releases on 17th February 2026. This bright and tropical craft book offers more than colourful stitching projects - it invites crafters into a mindful creative practice that supports mental health, relaxation, and emotional wellbeing.
Embroidery has long been recognised as a craft that promotes focus, calm and a sense of achievement. Raffia Embroidery takes this further by combining rhythmic stitching with bold, uplifting Caribbean-inspired designs. Using natural raffia fabric and raffia ribbon, readers are guided through ten accessible projects - from hoop art and wall hangings to functional pieces like bags and cushions - all designed to be beginner-friendly and satisfying to create.
Creative Flow for Mental Wellbeing
In Raffia Embroidery, Tihara explores how the hands-on nature of working with raffia promotes mindfulness, slowing down, focusing on stitches and colour, and entering a flow state that reduces stress and quiets the mind. The book’s clear step-by-step instructions and full-size templates provide supportive structure, helping readers feel confident, capable, and encouraged throughout the creative process.
Crafting with Culture
Beyond craft instruction, Tihara shares the history of craft in Caribbean culture and her own family’s Windrush story. This cultural context enriches the creative experience, encouraging readers to connect with tradition, heritage and personal meaning through their work.
Accessible to All
Raffia Embroidery is designed to be inclusive, welcoming both experienced stitchers and those new to the embroidery world. With clear guidance on tools, simple stitches, and practical know-how for working with raffia, the book provides a supportive and encouraging resource for people to utilise on their craft journey.
Ideal for Self-Care Practices
In a world where many are looking to take a break from screens and find gentle, grounding activities, Raffia Embroidery offers a wholesome blend of creativity and calm. From the meditative repetition of stitching to completing joyful handmade pieces, the book supports personal wellbeing, boosts creative confidence, and inspires mindful time for self-care.
For further information, review copies, or media enquiries, please contact:
Hannah Parke, Publicist, hannahp@searchpress.com
Tihara Smith is a fashion designer and textile artist, passionate about her Caribbean heritage and sharing the Windrush story. Her fashion designs have featured in museums and galleries across London. She is the founder of an award-winning start-up fashion, accessories and lifestyle brand, selling greeting cards, accessories and raffia embroidery art, and in 2025 Tihara's work was recognized as part of the '35 under 35' initiation by the King's Foundation. Tihara lives in London, UK, where she also runs raffia embroidery hoop art workshops. This is her first book with Search Press.
See more of her work on her website: www.tiharasmith.com and @tiharasmith on Instagram.
For over 50 years, Search Press has been the biggest-selling UK art and craft publisher, serving the needs of the art and craft community by producing high-quality, inspirational books. The company publishes well over 100 new titles annually, and their quality control, editorial and production values are second to none.
“We publish great books, value our customers hugely and aim always to be the best in our sector of the business. We have been hugely successful because we put the customer experience at the heart of the offer.” – Martin de la Bédoyère, Managing Director, Search Press Ltd.
