Irbella

A New York City born designer, artist and entrepreneur who creates handmade jewelry, hair accessories, knit and crocheted items and other specialty gifts.

Learning to crochet was just a small part of my creative childhood. Arts and crafts were a normal part of life with my artistic single mom. Custom handmade crochet party favors, sewing, baking, holiday ornaments were just a few of the pleasures I was a part of. Art, creativity and expression was the norm, as well as music of different eras and genres. Playing the flute, reading, crochet, latch hook, cross stitch, coloring, simple sewing, friendship bracelets, and baking filled my childhood.

Today I love combining yarns and textures together to create unique looks. Designing a collection of themed spa baskets, Macramé bracelets, earrings, pacifier clips, girls’ hair accessories and any other custom gift request…

I raised three wonderful children while being a single mom most of the time. Irbella was born out of the need to supplement my income and find a relaxing outlet for the stresses of single motherhood and three teenagers. My MD insisted I needed to find something to help me relax, a word that was foreign to me. I could not afford all the suggestions he came up with. I also had time constraints to consider. I thought to myself what can I do that is relaxing, that I enjoy, can pick up and put down at a moment’s notice and affordable. CROCHET!

Crochet came back into my life after a hiatus. I started to crochet mufflers for the winter; soon afterwards I was getting custom requests to recreate what I was prancing around in. Shortly after I was laid off from my day job and I sprang into action. I started producing many of these mufflers as well as take orders for other items.

I later did find employment in the corporate world but have not stopped crocheting. I taught myself how to knit continental style after many failed attempts at the traditional method. I’ve taught many the art of crochet and I love doing it. I’m often asked questions at my Michael's store when shopping for the latest projects and have spent up to an hour assisting others and handing out advice.

I started to create hair accessories for little girls after my granddaughter was born as well as little girls’ jewelry, especially the now popular Bubblegum Jewelry. My most popular item is my Baby Evil Eye Macrame bracelets. I let my customers mix and match, colors, and knotting styles for their custom look.
I enjoy custom request for crochet, jewelry, graphic design, anything where I can put my creativity to work, and keep my hands busy!

I have come to realize how much I love the arts, I love learning new skills and I will never stop!

Goal: to make all this my entire and only career!