As a child my Mother, Helen Bentkowski, was always knitting or crocheting something if she wasn't sewing. My childhood wardrobe was exclusively made at the sewing machine. Play clothes, dresses and even coats, were designed and made by my Mom. Growing up, I did not know that other children were not as fortunate as I... being able to pick out fabric, buttons, etc. and have my clothes custom designed.

I began sewing at the age of 8, starting with doll clothes.  My Mother gave me free reign of her sewing machine, knowing the only damage I really could do was sew my own finger! She encouraged me in every aspect of creativity and by the age of 10, I was making my own dresses. By that time, I had also learned to knit and crochet. Being left handed, directions were somewhat of a challenge, but she always worked with me to convert to diagrams.

That was the beginning. Over the years, I have knitted and crocheted items for my home, family and friends. When my children arrived, clothes for them as well. My preference has always been crocheting - I find the designs more interesting as well as the availability of using various stitches in one piece.

I began my business in 2005 with the support of my family. Since I had always enjoyed crocheting, it was the logical choice. I was astonished to find the variety of yarns had increased exponentially over the years - such choices - just like being in a candy store! I began with scarves, belts and wraps and have since branched out to crocheting jewelry.

My collection consists of hand made and uniquely designed fiber items - crocheted scarves, belts and wraps. A variety of fibers are typically used in each piece: cotton, wool, silk, acrylics and metals as well as ribbons and decorative threads. This combination showcases the colors, textures and stitches. Items vary in length and width with fringe or end treatments, as inspiration leads me. Beads and pearls are incorporated as well. I have more than 260 designs with the availability of custom orders as requested.

O ne design I developed uses 3 types of yarn and beads or pearls. It can be made as a mini-shawl or expanded to be a full size wrap. I am in the process of obtaining a copyright for it.

Inspiration for my designs comes from various sources - visualizing yarns and rib
bons together, color palette combinations and especially nature. As my children were growing up, both participated in Scouts. I had the privilege of accompanying them on many camping trips. I have always enjoyed the outdoors and the colors that are inherent to different landscapes. Rocks, and their myriad of colors, amaze me and are the foundations for many of my pieces, both in fiber and jewelry.

I became inspired to design crocheted jewelry and have many unique pieces using a variety of metals (silver, gold, copper) and fibers. The necklaces, bracelets and earrings contain pearls, crystals, semi-precious stones, and glass, metal and wood beads. Yarns are sometimes included in the pieces as well.

Non crocheted jewelry is also part of my collection, with multi-strand and lariat pieces providing a showcase for my designs. As with the yarns, nature typically provides my inspiration. Mixing natural stones and pearls is one of my favorite things to do. The results can be amazing!

recently I became interested in working with Metal Clay. It is exciting to be able to mold silver with your hands and create one-of-a-kind designs. I plan on becoming certified and will be taking classes throughout the year to better serve my clients. These pieces will be 99.9% pure silver and will be primarily available by pre-order only. But such an opportunity - to be able to have a piece that is uniquely yours!

                                                            
                                                                   770-587-0836