the gift of (somewhat hideous) owls

I'm not quite sure how it's possible, but I seem to have inadvertantly forced my lovely friend Laura to start collecting owls. It could be partly due to the fact that they are still just about everywhere at the moment despite my attempts to pass the title of internet's best bird to the more-deserving pink parrot, and partly because I find them popping up in the most ridiculous places/situations.

The first owl I ever gave to Laura was a housewarming gift - a fairly hideous, but somehow also wonderful, kitsch owl-shaped teapot. I gave it to her with the proclamation, "if you think it's too hideous, I'll gladly take it back home with me". Amazingly, she accepted it and it has lived on her bookshelf ever since.

Since then, every time I see a hideous/fabulous owl in any form I will almost definitely buy it for her...

Wonderful crocheted owl magnets? I bought her two.
Insane looking enamelled owl beads? She'll be getting them very soon (shhh!)
A weird owl head on a key pendant? How could I possibly resist?

You've got to admit - the owl head on a key is pretty special just on its own, but perhaps it'd be even better with a bit of snazzing up... let's add some Swarovski crystal eyes... and some more crystal beads... and perhaps a couple more charms... and a nice long chain so it's nice and obvious if she ever wears it... PERFECT!

I can't wait to let my imagination and bead box run wild with this - I'm sure she'll love it!