In this post last week I mentioned the list I was making inspired by the book Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy . Item 2 on the list was to - "Buy myself a special necklace - something unique". It seemed an easy task, even quite a pleasure but in that way that often happens as soon as I had decided I was going to spend some money suddenly all the options that I had previously had on my wish list just didn't seem right. I wanted something personal, that reflected me, a recognition of what was important in my life, something unique, not off the peg, perhaps a reminder of the good things in life, something I could wear with pride above my clothes or tuck in and enjoy secretly......a long and eclectic list of requirements, not easily found even on the internet. I was beginning to loose heart and was thinking of going for something "almost" right when inspiration hit and the whole thing became the biggest pleasure imaginable. One of the things I wanted my necklace to reflect was the comfort, support and friendship I have discovered in the blogisphere and thinking about that it occurred to me that I should ask those friends to help with this problem. As one of the first friends I made on-line was an amazingly talented metalsmith, it was a no brainer to contact Amy at Elemental and ask if she would consider a custom design.
Luckily she said, "Yes" and here is the necklace that she came up with. It fulfils all those requirements and many more, a real treasure that will be a constant reminder of the all good things that I have been blessed with. She made the whole process so easy and smooth and was happy to listen to what I wanted but also to take control when the final design choices all seemed too tempting to me. I can't thank her enough for helping me to make my dream necklace into a reality and I know where I will be going anytime I want a jewelry treat!
As if that wasn't enough goodness arriving in an envelope Amy also tucked in the heart bookmark I was lucky enough to win over on Marmalade Moon. Kate had asked about our favourite books and generously offered to buy one of Amy's beautiful bookmarks for a winner. I had chosen to have the heart design if I won and so now I have four more hearts to add to the collection in our house and a real heart brimming over with appreciation for all wonderful friends I have discovered since stepping into the on line world.