WIP Part 3-Ladybug walking stick

The ladybug gets a couple of green leaves

I finally managed to get a couple of green oak leaves carved just below the ladybug and I think that the greenery compliments the orange well and she now feels a little more at home perching there on top of the stick. The pictures are quite explanatory but I first made a rough sketch of the leaves, one on the front and one on the back, then went on to create a raised relief carving. Instead of just laying them straight on the wood I decided that they would be more interesting if I sketched them in a slightly arched manner and sort of like the McDonald's golden arches. I think that they look a little more humble and have a more 'floating in air' look to them like this.

I have now begun carving a slightly textured handle area just below the leaves in a swirled fashion resembling a Christmas candy cane. Not sure how I will color this area just yet but most likely it'll be an earth tone. I have also begun carving a woodspirt just under the handle and that's probably where I'll end this project. More later and thanks for looking.