Hello from Arizona

Greetings I just completed this diamond willow stick and decided to see if I could learn more. I discovered this forum. I was gifted the willow stick five years ago and it took this long for me to attempt to carve it. I was in mortal fear of ruining my only piece of Diamond Willow. I would like to make more sticks but diamond Willow does not seem to grow in the desert. Perhaps you fine folks can show me some alternatives. I truly enjoyed doing this one.