I was flipping through Cookie Magazine while in the check-out line at Whole Foods yesterday and this article about how to easily make needlepoint maps caught my attention. One of their contributing editors, Rory Evans, hangs needlepoint maps that represent everyone in her family. Cookie also provides a great link with full instructions—which are much easier and faster than traditional and somewhat cumbersome needlepoint methods. Also, if you're in to needlepointing already I really love Brooklyn-based AMH Design. They have pre-made stitchable journals ($22) that are perfect for the casual needlepointer— they only take about two hours to complete and would make a wonderful gift.