They say a true friend knows exactly what you need—even if what you need is a handful of sharp, defensive animal hair.

Back in 2024, I put a call out on Facebook with a request that some might find a little… prickly. I asked for **porcupine quills**. While most people would run the other way when they see a porcupine, my friends didn’t hesitate. They didn’t disappoint; they delivered.

I ended up with a fascinating collection:

* A weathered piece of wood with quills still embedded deep within the grain.

* An envelope full of quills that were meticulously picked out from the underside of a vehicle (now *that* is dedication).

I’ve been holding onto these treasures for a while, letting them sit and wait for the right moment. I’ll admit, I’ve been putting it off, but the creative spark has finally caught fire. I am officially ready to turn these unique gifts into something beautiful.

More Than Just Sharp Objects
Looking at these quills reminds me that friendship is about being there for the weird stuff, the specific stuff, and the “I found this under my truck and thought of you” stuff. It’s about people supporting your vision, even before you’ve fully realized it yourself.

So, what am I making?
I’m keeping that under wraps for now. But imagine the texture, the history of those individual quills, and the patience it takes to work with them. It’s going to be something special—a testament to nature and the friends who helped me gather it.

Want to be part of the project?
If you happen to stumble upon some quills (humanely gathered, of course!), I am always looking for more to add to my collection. You can send them my way at:

Melissa Stone
PO Box 381
Waterville, NY 13480

Stay tuned to see what these points of light eventually become!

Edited by AI Gemini