When I first started blogging I never realised what extraordinary people it would put me in contact with.
Today I want to share the creations of two friends – both met through this blog, but one who lives on the other side of the world and one who lives (literally) just round the corner (about 500m away).
Katie is the one close at hand. How, you may wonder, is it possible to have so much in common with someone in the next street, but never to meet them? Well, because of health issues, Katie doesn’t get out much; she does, however, experience the world through the internet. And so we met through our blogs… gradually coming to the realisation that, not only do we both live in west Wales, but we are on each other’s doorstep! Katie does the most beautiful crochet, so I was delighted a couple of weeks ago when she presented me with some of her work – a stunning summer shawl. I had seen this as a work in progress earlier in the year and had admired the colours, but I had no idea that one day it might be mine:
Beautiful shawl
And here’s some detail:
intricate work, lovely colours
Not being well, Kaite doesn’t blog very often, but you can see some of the amazing stuff that she has made here.
The second item I’m now the proud owner of is from Pauline, The Contented Crafter, in New Zealand. I already have an original picture from Pauline (swapped for a dragon), but have been hankering after one of her light catchers for a while now. I was over the moon, therefore, when she told me she wanted a few of my creations, including a shy hedgehog, and were were able to arrange another swap. I think I may have come out best from this exchange, because she made me the most amazing light catcher to hang in the limery. The charms on it represent so many parts of my life:
In addition to all this, the light catcher also gives us rainbows:
Find the rainbows in your life!
What a fortunate person I am!
If you would like of of Pauline’s light catchers, she does commissions. Check out her gift shop here.
So, there you are… all because of being open to making new friends through blogging.
The Snail of Happiness 
Ann Pole
/ November 4, 2015Wow! Aren’t you the lucky girl today? Love all the little dangly bits – even a snail, and yes, I did spot the dragon. 🙂
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The Snail of Happiness
/ November 4, 2015I really love the thought that has gone into it!
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wscottling
/ November 4, 2015No one ever give me stuff! *sob* I’m jealous! >_<
Just kidding! They're beautiful. ^_^
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The Snail of Happiness
/ November 4, 2015Oh, I’m sure we can rectify that!
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wscottling
/ November 4, 2015hahaha! I was in no way trying to illicit gifts. ^_^
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The Snail of Happiness
/ November 4, 2015well, you sent me some squares for my blanket, so it may be time to reciprocate…
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eloquentparadise
/ November 4, 2015Everything is so flawless and beautiful. 🙂
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narf77
/ November 4, 2015You are a very lucky girl Ms Snail 🙂
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The Snail of Happiness
/ November 5, 2015I am.
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Mrs P
/ November 4, 2015What a wonderful post dedicated to two super talented ladies 🙂
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The Snail of Happiness
/ November 5, 2015They are both amazing… and I’m so grateful that technology has let me get to know them
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katechiconi
/ November 4, 2015Both beautiful creations of air and light. How lovely…
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arlingwoman
/ November 4, 2015Gorgeus shawl. The colors and the structure of it are so lovely. I had Pauline make a light catcher for my mother and it’s really beautiful. I hung it in the sun and it threw little comet rainbows like your all over the place as well as other points of light. Mom will be getting it at Christmas. So glad you’re enjoying yours already. It’s really a changing thing!
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The Snail of Happiness
/ November 5, 2015It does make me want sunshine every day, so I can see the sparkles!
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katythenightowl
/ November 4, 2015I have to say I’m totally envious of your wonderful light catcher!
It works so beautifully in your Limery, and having all those wonderful extras that evoke your own life is a great addition, isn’t it?
I am blushing over your lovely compliments, though! Lol
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The Snail of Happiness
/ November 5, 2015No blushing required – you make amazing things. You really need to post picture’s of Bob’s afghan… it’s such an amazing work of art.
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katythenightowl
/ November 8, 2015As soon as the rain stops for long enough for me to take the blanket outside, I promise to take a pic to show everyone 🙂
I also promise to update my blog with the last year’s worth of stuff I’ve crocheted, too 🙂
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The Snail of Happiness
/ November 8, 2015I think you might have a while to wait before you can take that photograph!!
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katythenightowl
/ November 9, 2015I know – but the blanket is going nowhere, so it will happen eventually – that’s once I’ve wrestled the cat for possession of it, that is! Lol
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thecontentedcrafter
/ November 4, 2015Wow! I love that shawl!! I shall go for a visit as soon a I finish this comment. Thank you for the pingback, I’m so delighted you like it and that you took such great photos – I shall learn from you! I’m hanging out for my hedgie 🙂 xoxo
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The Snail of Happiness
/ November 5, 2015Hedgie should be with you soon I hope!
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KerryCan
/ November 5, 2015I’ve had similar experiences with blog friends, as you know–it’s a part of blogging that I could never have anticipated! I have one of Pauline’s danglers and admire it every day–you’re right, though–it makes me especially desirous of bright sunshine! Katie’s shawl is spectacular! Will you leave it out, draped artfully over a chair, so you can admire it all the time?
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The Snail of Happiness
/ November 5, 2015The shawl is currently draped over a chair, but I don’t want the vibrant colours to fade, so I think I will tuck it away soon.
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insearchofitall
/ November 8, 2015Well that was a wonderful swap. You both won big prizes. I loved your dragon and the hedgies and I love Pauline’s art and her danglers. You are all so talented. Yes indeed, the blogging world is a wonderful place. Who would have imagined it?
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The Snail of Happiness
/ November 8, 2015I have to admit that I never expected the kindness and generosity that I encounter on this world of blogging. The News would have us believe that the world is full of mean people, but my experience is quite the opposite. Although I have encountered some genuine rotters in my life, they have certainly been in the minority!
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insearchofitall
/ November 8, 2015I have learned in my long life, that there must be dark to light. Everything must have opposite. Good just rarely makes the news. That old saying you can’t have a rainbow without the rain. You have found some wonderful people and they have found you. I like that.
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Born To Organize
/ November 8, 2015I’m enchanted by the story of a blogger just a couple of doors away. What an amazing story. Thanks for sharing her beautiful shawl with us. It’s exquisite! I’m sorry Kate is ill, but I’m cheered to hear that she keeps her hands busy making beautiful things and that she finds community through blogging and the internet.
Like you and many others, I’ve been graced with one of Pauline’s lightcatchers, but had the extraordinary opportunity of meeting her half way away from her home here in the States. I’ll never forget it. Each creation is infused with such beautiful, personal detail. I’ve ordered a few more as gifts. I love them.
Thanks for sharing all the close ups of the charms. I’ve left my comments with the photos.
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