Gifts From A Charming Friend

Sometimes it seems there is a bond with new friends almost the moment you meet them. At other times - like in the blog world - there is a bond before you actually meet them. That's what happened to me! Not long after I began my journey into the world of blog I was 'drawn' to a new friend who lives a short distance from me. I really think what drew us together was the fact that she lives just about two miles from my son and his family - and you know that makes it even more special to my heart! It wasn't long after I began to visit Laurie at Laurie's Charming Designs often and soon I realized she lived in the same Oregon town as my son and his wife and three of my grandsons. And then one day, when I saw a photo on her blog that showed snow in her driveway, I realized I had driven past her home many times on my way to see our kids! At times I stopped at the Goodwill not far from her home and I wondered if I would run into her there - how would I know her? I decided I would probably find her by the things in her shopping cart - she would be buying the things I would buy if I had seen them first. And as I saw more and more of her artistry I was positive I would find her if we were there at the same time. Would we both look at something at the same time and reach for it at the same moment? Then one day we finally got to meet each other! In person. She was a vendor at the Deepwood Estate Antique Faire and I was there to photograph the event! And shop! I shared about the Faire here. As soon as I arrived I began to look for her - and within minutes I found her. We knew each other right away and it didn't take long for the hugs to begin.

(Laurie on the right, with a customer)

If you've never seen Laurie's creations and designs up close you've really missed a treat! They are more beautiful to see in person than photos can show. Of course I wanted them all! I did a bit of shopping but that was later after I did what I went to do - photograph her booth and her work - and the other vendors at the Faire. Laurie's artistry is incredible and she adds such life to ordinary objects.

Her little charms are so sweet they bring a smile to my face!

Her handcrafted little felt birdies appear on pincushions made from found objects. Baby shoes. . .

Old silver pieces. . .

Vintage cups. . .

And snowy white milk glass.

And her creativity continues. Mixed media combines her painting and buttons and assorted pretties.

And sweet little chalkboards show her special touch.

These sweet little birds were for sale.

And an old child’s sewing machine (be still my heart!).

We enjoyed seeing each other that day and every time I passed by, Laurie and I smiled and chatted a bit – and loved every minute we could be together. Since then we have emailed and commented on each other’s blogs and one of these days we will see each other again sometime – somewhere – soon. We hope!

Those are such sweet memories – but then, just a few days ago a I found a wonderful surprise in my mailbox! When I saw the envelope I knew exactly who it was from. Without looking at the return address!

This was not just any ordinary, old envelope! No-sir-ee! It was a work of art – Laurie’s artwork graced my mailbox. I couldn’t wait to get inside to open it and see what it held. And I was not disappointed – not at all. Inside I found this sweet note. See the way she ‘dresses’ up a simple note?

And the sweetness kept coming! A hand-painted tag – from Laurie’s hand to me!

One of her sweet, little magnets. . .

An autumn charm. . .

And on the back – a hand-painted quilt block!

Laurie knows I love yellow roses, so she painted one just for me. She told me they are hard to paint because the shading wants to change color.

And on the back – writing. Beautiful words.

Thank you, my friend, you have blessed my heart with your kindness. And your talent always amazes me.

I hope you will stop by Laurie’s blog and see more of her work. I know she would love to help you choose a piece (or two!) of her work so you can be as blessed as I!