Punching Pansies

 Hi friends! I have not been cross stitching at all since January when I stitched God Bless America. I have been punch needling my three-dimensional miniature pansies for the State Fair this year. I grossly underestimated the HUGE amount of work it would take just to punch these! 

The punch needle itself is much smaller than a normal punch needle. It is only the size of a needle you would see at the doctor's office. I place one strand of embroidery thread inside the needle to punch with at a time. 

The book gave bold, purples, yellows, whites, and burgundy colors. I wanted my pansies to be pinks and lavenders. I chose my own colors. 

I might have enough pansies punched now for the milk glass bowl I plan on using for the Fair. I am not sure. I will not be sure until I have assembled them all. Here are all the parts and pieces punched up. 

I began with leaves. That is why there is a practice outline on the right.

This color green is not showing up accurate. None of the leaves have been trimmed up.

I made two of these, but only took one picture.

The next step in the process is to surround each piece with Fray Check and let dry. Repeat. Then coat the back of each piece with Gem-Tac with a paint brush and let dry. Then remove it from the hoop. Once I have them all done, I will move onto the next step, which is cutting them out, directly next to the stitching, leaving as little base fabric showing as possible. 

That is as far as I am sharing for now. This will keep me busy for a while! What a project! 

This has cured me of punch needle for a while! It is easy, but I miss cross stitch dearly.

I just wanted to share what I have been up to lately. 

Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”  John 8:31-32

Thank you for stopping by today my friends! I hope you have a wonderful weekend ahead. 

Punching and praying,

Vickie