The thing I like best about punch needle embroidery is it's so easy to create and use your own designs. Then the finished designs can be made into many various items. 
This is the way it was. Kyla showed me a TV program that she had recorded on the DIY cable channel. The show was Woodsculpting and featured Chris Lubkemann, an extraordinary whittler/wood carver. He demonstrated how to whittle roosters from small branches. Here is the book he wrote and here is my first attempt. Not beautiful, but it does look like a rooster. I work with gray birch all the time, as you know, and in fact this rooster is made from, you guessed it, my Xmas/Valentine's tree!!! Talk about recycle! There will be many more of these to come. The key is a sharp knife. And just a pocketknife will do. The roosters are usually painted in bright colors, and mounted on something, block of wood, etc. But for a first try, I think it looks like one. You can see the work of this carver at http://www.whittlingwithchris.com/
Hi, This is a great way to use up all those paper bags. It takes 4 large bags to make this basket. You can also use Iris leaves from your garden and weave a smaller basket.
I'm learning that when it comes to Etsy, I have to think ahead, so I've begun working on some Valentine's Day cards. Here is a preview of my first Valentine card print. I've added a little interest by slightly raising the printed portion of the card with foam tape.
