handcrafted jewelry designs

Random Facts About You?

Hello, my name is Linda and I live new Jersey. Before moving to New Jersey, I lived in New York and was a volunteer in my community. I was a Youth Counselor and leader for over 17 years.

I am now a stay-at-home Mom after resigning from my career of almost 14 years working in New York for a footwear designer. I loved my job but resigned to take care of my children and in the process found myself and my passion ~ being creative.

I only began creating handcrafted bracelets approximately 6 weeks ago and have created over 100 pieces. I sell my items to friends and family. I also opened a store on Etsy.

What got you started crafting?

I began creating beautiful bracelets on a day I was palying with my youngest daughters. We were simply using some yarn and beads. My daughter decided she wanted a bracelet and asked that I make her one. So, I did. I made her a simple little macrame design bracelet with yarn and pony beads. As simple as that was it intrigued me and I decided to go to Michaels Craft stores to get some nice cording and pretty beads. Lo and behold, here I am about six weeks later having created over 100+ pieces and loving it.

What is your source of inspiration?

My source of inspiration comes from my belief in God. I believe that He has poured upon me a measure of grace to do this even when I didn't even know that I could.

Although, I have always enjoyed arts and crafts; making scented candles, crocheting, scrapbooking and things of that sort. I never knew that I could or would enjoy creating beautiful pieces of jewelry. Hence, the name given to my jewelry business: Created by Grace Designs.

I am also inspired by two beautiful daughters. They are my source of inspiration because of the beauty they both have - in different ways they too are full of 'grace'.

What have you made recently?

One piece I am very proud of making is a beaded necklace. This piece was a custom order request made by a past co-worker. She simply asked for "a 40' wooden bead necklace where the beads do not touch each other". This was a task I wanted to take on. Even though, all I have been creating at the time are bracelets this was a challenge for me.

I began the process of this necklace using a nylon waxed cord. Keeping the beads elevated without using any spacer beads was a challenge but I quickly new that waxed cords works so well and decided to make the necklace wrapping the waxed cord in between each individual bead. The beauty of this piece is that you cannot see the beginning nor the end of the cord. It does not have any metal; just simply wooden beads and a waxed cord.

My handcrafted designs have my personal touch because I used quality product. I package every item as if it were a gift to my customer and always include a handwritten note thanking them for allowing me to serve them with my time.

Where do you sell your crafts presently?

At this time, the bulk of my sales are through family and friends. Although, I have an Etsy and Ebay store, I have yet to generate sales through this venue.

Why are handmade crafts important to you?

Why handmade? Because it is a reflection of the effort and time I put into it. Yes, you can purchase such items else where, but they may not have the quality and workmanship put into each individual piece as an item that is handcrafted does. Only those of us who create handcrafted items can really appreciate the time, effort, dedication and devotion we place in creating.

In my creations, there are no two items alike they each have something a bit different. As in creating handcrafted items the mind just works overtime and different ideas and methods come into play when createing designs.

Find Me

Location
New Jersey

Email Address
Linda Vizcaino-Rivera

Personal Website
https://www.facebook.com/CreatedByGraceDesigns

Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/CreatedByGraceDesigns