Discover how I create unique punch needle ideas and wall art inspired by state symbols, blending fiber art, home decor, and local heritage.
I’ve been wanting to explore punch needle ideas and textile wall art for a while, but with several commission orders keeping me busy, I haven’t had the chance to start. As I began brainstorming, I knew I wanted to create something that resonates with people—a piece that builds a connection. That’s when I decided to draw inspiration from one of my previous sticker sheet collections: State Local Symbols.
However, while the design works well for a sticker sheet (a digital print), translating it into punch needle art requires breaking down each element into a single, well-defined object. This means I need to continuously refine my ideas to create a solid and cohesive design that works for textile art.
Experimenting & Finding punch needle Ideas
Since this would be home decor, I initially envisioned something peaceful and cozy—organic shapes made with yarn and wool. I went ahead and created one, and while I loved how it turned out, something still felt missing. It lacked a strong connection, a theme, or a statement.
My goal isn’t just to make cozy decor; I want my art to resonate with people. But with so many people across the U.S., it’s hard to create something that speaks to everyone.
As I scrolled through my Procreate drawings, I found inspiration from one of my sticker sheet collections. In that series, I illustrated symbolic elements from the states I’ve visited—California, Texas, and New York. That collection gave me a clear direction: I needed to narrow my focus to a simple yet meaningful idea.
Why Fish?
I wanted to create art that connects with people, and through my research, I realized that a state’s natural symbols—its landscapes and animals—are often deeply meaningful to locals. While well-known state animals like Texas’ horse or California’s bear are iconic, many state symbols go unnoticed. Did you know that New York’s state animal is the snapping turtle? (My husband and I didn’t!🤔)
That’s when I realized fish were the perfect subject.
Fishing is a big part of many local cultures—whether it’s a favorite pastime, a source of food, or simply something people grow up around. It’s a connection to nature that feels personal yet shared. But as I dug deeper, I was surprised to learn that many people don’t actually know their own state’s official fish. Even my husband and I were unaware of some of them!
This sparked an idea: What if I could bring these local fish to life through punch needle art? By blending wool textures with symbolic state fish, I could create pieces that feel both familiar and unexpected—a mix of tradition and modern craft.
For me, this project is more than just making art; it’s about storytelling, discovery, and celebrating the everyday details that make a place feel like home. I can’t wait to explore this idea further and share the journey with you!
If you’re interested in making punch needle art, you can find more of my punch needle learning blogs and patterns here, as well as in my shop.
