I
just finished this fall punch needle this afternoon. I painted the hornbook black, then sanded the edges. Then I used some stain and went over the entire hornbook. I'm really happy with the way it turned out! 
I
had to crop this photo. I was doing the listing for Ebay, then realized that there were green army men hiding on the shelf. I guess I'm use to seeing these guys EVERYWHERE in my house, so I just don't see them anymore. :) I just listed this punch needle on Ebay for a low starting price, and will see where the price goes.
Yesterday, I went to the Johnny Appleseed Fest in Crystal Lake. They had a small craft fair, farmer's market, kiddie rides, food, etc. I only bought some food for Rachel and James, who wanted to come with me. But, it's always fun to browse! There's a few more craft fairs in October. I"ve never been to the big one, Fall Didley, but have heard good things about it. I haven't entered any craft fairs this year, so everything I'll do is on Ebay or word of mouth. But I enjoy browsing and getting ideas.
I want to try something different for finished the Halloween punch needle. I had a scrap of wood, and a jigsaw that was only used once. So..... I got brave and made pattern to cut. Matt tried first, but accidently cut off the handle. I tried, and I actually did it! I usually don't use power tools, but this might change ( I still will never use Super Glue). I think I'll show Matt how to cut the hornbook, so that he will be able to help me in the future. (ok, he might want a portion of the profits of items I sell on Ebay!)
I first slopped on the orange paint - and not too neatly. I then put a coat of beige paint, but leaving the orange showing. It looks sloppy, but no one is going to see it. It helps give it that prim look once the edges are sanded off. These base colors are what is going to peek through the top coat of paint.
I painted the top coat in black to go with the black border of the punch needle (no photos of that until tomorrow). I sanded off the edges, and rubbed in some brown stain to darken the edges, and base coat paint. I really like how this one is turning out! Just a hint of orange and beige show on the corners. Now for it to dry overnight so that I can attach the punch needle to it. I'm hoping to list this on Ebay tomorrow evening ~ if I can get it done!
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