Little Clothespins

Let me tell you a little bit about my friend Gretel.

Gretel is a talented artist and crafter — she has written and illustrated several books, she maintains an amazing blog, she creates watercolors, hand-cut lino prints, and cut-paper illustrations, she makes beautiful needlefelted animals, she teaches classes in needlefelting, and some of her creations have been featured in the British craft magazine Mollie Makes.  Through her blog and her felted creations, she’s been able to reach out from her home in rural Britain and make friends all over the world.

Gretel’s personal life has not always been happy.  She was an only child whose parents died within a few months of each other when she was just 12 years old, and during her teen years she lived rather precariously on government benefits and dealt with severe feelings of abandonment.  Then she got herself into college and met Andy.  He was her rock, her stability, her sweetheart and best friend.  Just recently the two of them moved to Shropshire and bought their own little cottage.  Andy made the steady money working for a local grocery store so that Gretel could take her needlefelting to the next level.

On Monday, January 21, Andy was found dead several miles from their home.  He was 41 years old.

Andy died without a will, and after lawyers have gone over his small estate there may be little or nothing left for Gretel.  She will need help in the next few months if she is to keep their cottage, or even to buy groceries and keep the lights on.

Gretel has not asked anyone for money, but she could really use some financial help.  The Gretel Parker Project on Indiegogo was started after obtaining Gretel’s permission, with an eye to helping her get through this troubled time and back on her feet financially.  If you can spare it, even a small donation would be so appreciated.  And if you can’t donate, would you please pass this news on in social media?  I’m convinced that the more people see Gretel’s story, the more likely they are to offer her whatever help they can.

Thanks for reading.

Our table top has scars.  And that’s how it’s supposed to be.