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Floral Punch Craft was created by Leone’s husband, Ern, who called her Mary thus Ern & Mary thus EM Designs became their business name.
Leone’s husband had a vision of Leone writing and sharing with others the wonderful gift of imagination that God has blessed her with. Two books had been written when Ern suddenly died from a brain tumor. It had been Ern’s encouragement and assistance that published Floral Punch Craft and Floral Punch Craft II.
Leone’s family stepped in to assist and continue Ern’s vision of sharing the magic of Floral Punch Craft. Sharing with all people to bring them encouragement and relaxation along with a sense of achievement. The wholesale section was organized by Leone and her daughter, Janine. While the retail side was Leone’s son, Wayne.
With the family’s assistance Ern’s vision commenced to flourish with interest from overseas for the craft. In 2001, Floral Punch Craft III, The Video and Floral Punch Craft IV, Forget-me-not and Memories’ were published. With invitations from an American business interest, Leone made several visits to the USA and commenced designing punches.
In 2002, the business became Leone Em Pty Ltd and Floral Punch Craft V was published with the front cover planned around one of Leone’s punch designs that opened up the Lilium Family of flowers. More interest was shown at home in Australia and overseas
The following year, 2003, trips to the USA and England came to pass. Wayne traveled overseas to Chicago with Leone to teach and demonstrate the growing Floral Punch Craft handcraft. He opened the Floral Punch Craft retail shop and works full time assisting participants, teaching and promoting Floral Punch Craft along with other handcrafts. The Floral Punch Craft book range grew again when Floral Punch Craft VI was published. Once more the front, along with the back cover displayed floral arrangements using punches designed by Leone and tapping into more flora families became a reality.
Floral Punch Craft VII was Wayne’s idea as he believed participants required a book assisting with layouts and this came to fruition in 2004. The original book VII was put on hold and became the future book VIII. The Floral Punch Craft Team’s aim is to free up Leone’s time to design and create while Stephen, another son, is the support on the home front in numerous ways including the computer and photography.
The Floral Punch Craft website has been constructed to assist the beginner to the professional and perpetuating Ern’s dream.
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