Woodpecker Ornament – A Personal Favorite

Some pieces just mean a little more than others, and this one definitely does. My Woodpecker Ornament is based on one of the very first birds I ever drew, the pileated woodpecker and it remains one of my all-time favorites. There’s something so bold and captivating about these birds. They stand out in any forest or backyard, not only because of their impressive size but also thanks to that unmistakable red crest that commands attention.

Every time I see one, I’m reminded why I fell in love with drawing birds in the first place. Their strength, personality, and the rhythm of their movements are endlessly inspiring.

My process for this ornament begins in Procreate, where I sketch the bird using a mix of reference photos and memory. I focus on capturing those fine details — the texture of the feathers, the curve of the beak, and the confident tilt of the head — all the little elements that make the pileated woodpecker so distinctive.

Once the sketch feels right, I move it into Xtool Creative Studio, where I convert it into a vector file. This step lets me define which lines will be cut and which will be scored for detail. That combination of precision cutting and engraved texture helps bring the bird’s character to life in wood form , it feels dimensional and expressive, not flat or mechanical.

-Until next time!

Stephanie