*I like to learn a new (hopefully useful) skill each year. 2017 was Pyrography, and top on my list for 2018 is Rug Hooking.*

*My window of free time is now until April, at which point the jewelry shop really kicks in and I spend the summer mainly on metalwork. Sooo...jumping right in!*

*I am planning on starting with a few kits, just to get the basics down, and then if I like it, I will get both feet in and start designing my own, dying the wool to create the designs the way I see them, etc...*

This is the first design /kit (though I only bought the pattern and will dye my own wool). It is a Punch Needle design. I have done regular hooking before, so thought it might be nice to learn a new technique as well.
![il_fullxfull.1172871232_sdom.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmTTMoDCs3RgJQJnXEsmKTRqasAfHhGfLaBNtWgNYjGbFC/il_fullxfull.1172871232_sdom.jpg)

This pattern has sold out, but you can find her Etsy shop here https://www.etsy.com/shop/YvonneBuus?ref=l2-shopheader-name She does beautiful work!

The Pyrography I learned last year is ongoing...I still have Much to learn. These are a few of my favorites so far.

![Blue Whale Leather Barrette with Wooden Stick Pyrography 1e.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmWBjC9PGD7UmXV2t2wPmtzL8gppd1nuibmJd6va4ZmX1W/Blue%20Whale%20Leather%20Barrette%20with%20Wooden%20Stick%20Pyrography%201e.jpg)

![Butterfly Leather Barrette with Wooden Stick Pyrography 1f.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmdgSTpgzJXympTrkPRKQicX9VWwUsTw4wuZNGmhz5fxT2/Butterfly%20Leather%20Barrette%20with%20Wooden%20Stick%20Pyrography%201f.jpg)

![Dreamer Fairy and Butterflies Pyrography and Dye Standard Leather Travelers Notebook 1c.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmUTwNCxCUHE6WiUgbZxoj93yaCWB5ECirTsB96DAyDMzK/Dreamer%20Fairy%20and%20Butterflies%20Pyrography%20and%20Dye%20Standard%20Leather%20Travelers%20Notebook%201c.jpg)
I have created this journal with Original Fairy-Tangles™ Artwork ©Norma J Burnell, courtesy of Norma, who has graciously allowed me to burn her drawings onto our journals :) Her Etsy shop can be found here www.etsy.com/shop/FairyTangleArt/

*I am feeling completely entranced by the rug hooking, and where it could go. I see rugs, pillows, wall hangings, unique journal covers...even bags, jackets and slippers :) But most importantly I see a skill that will keep us warmer in the times to come, and a skill that can be used for barter...*

*Check back for progress updates, I am hoping to start within the next two weeks :)*

This is a Steemit Original, all words by Elew, Photos by Elew and Yvonne...