Santa and silver

I just finished over dying some floss for the Santa punch needle. I've made this pattern a few time last year, but each time I used a different combination of floss for the background. This time I want to try over dyed floss for a subtle blending of tan. I started with 4 skeins of DMC 422, an put them in tan Rit dye. It only took a few minutes before I pulled them out. I untied them, and let them dry.

Some parts will remain color 422, but the remaining parts will be dyed tan. I'll have to start punching to see how this one turns out. I've put down the punch for a few weeks, so it's time to get back to work. :-) The cooler weather might help me get back into the craft mood.



I started playing around with more metal punching this week. I ordered some sterling silver discs, and made myself a silver hand stamped necklace. I stamped my initial on one, and a music note on another. A pearl adds some color to the necklace. I like how it lightly jingles when I wear it! I still have some brass discs that I can add to some punch needle projects as a finishing touch. (silver isn't quite as primitive as brass or copper, so the silver will be for jewelry) It's always fun learning new crafts and techniques!

~*~Laura~*~

Finished & listed on Ebay

I burned the midnight oil last night, and finished the Santa punch needle! It's still better in person, but I tried to get more photos out in the daylight. I usually don't do Santas, but I couldn't pass this one up. I just listed it on Ebay, along with a couple other punch needle pinkeeps. I also updated my selling blog with a snowman candle mat and snowman stitchery pillow.

My next projects will be a scarecrow punch needle, and a Christmas cross stitch. I have them out on the dining room table, and they are waiting for me to start them!

Sneak preview!

Since I have a few Christmas items listed on Ebay, I thought I would continue the Christmas in July theme. I took a rug hooking pattern, and turned it into a punch needle pattern. This photo doesn't do it justice. The gold/tan background is very subtle. I punched it using 3 different shades, and combined them in different amount through out the background. The effect is is a very subtle shading and gives the piece some depth. The outside border is a warm brown, and gives it a warm tone. Now I have to decide how I'll finish this piece. I'm thinking a pinkeep, with a wool background. It measures 5 1/2" x 6". When I'm done, I'll list it on Ebay (though I might change my mind!). I'll have to get it in a different light and see how the photos turn out. Sometimes just taking it outside in the shade will get a better photo to what the colors actually are. Now to start planning the next project, now that I"m motivated!