Originals by Lynnette was founded out of a simple love of baubles and beads.

I began jewelry making as soon as my fingers were nimble enough to string macaroni on a thread. I'd like to think that after years of practice and fine tuning, my work has become much more than something only my mother could love. (By the way, even she didn't hold onto those pieces for too long.) I became serious about my jewelry making for others in the late 90s when people started asking me where I was getting my jewelry.

I experience a thrill each time I find a beautiful vintage piece that I know will become the focal point of my creations. Part of what I love is the treasure hunting, and I will keep a piece until the perfect combination presents itself.

I was always intrigued by the musty smelling boxes of tins, trinkets and magazines in my grandparents' basement. I would infuriate my mother by my inability to throw anything away... I saw artful potential in the ribbons that came from packages, or the designs on cardboard gift boxes. I continue to search for the unusual, or find ways to recycle and upcycle common items into pieces of beauty and intrigue.

I expanded my work to incorporate vintage jewelry when I didn't know what to do with all the single treasures I'd uncover at flea markets and thrift stores. I felt like I was giving new life to abandoned jewels. I was once gifted several boxes of "craft" jewelry from a retiring jewelry maker who was clearing out her storage space. I have been a die-hard vintage lover ever since!

I am honored by every order I receive; to be able to create a piece that will become a part of someone else's world brings me great pleasure. Each piece is a work of love... crafted as if I was making it for a dear friend, and sometimes for myself. Many of my designs are created with certain people in mind. All of them allow me to live a little vicariously, passing along my passion to others.

In 2013, I left an abusive marriage, rescuing my children, myself and my desire to create. As a survivor of domestic violence, my perspective on the world has changed. I am able to celebrate the beauty of the world around me with a heart full of gratitude. Each order I receive further cements my belief in myself and helps me cover the costs of art and music instruction for my children. I spent a year recovering, a year growing and now shift my focus in 2016 to achieving my personal goals for my shop.

Thank you for taking the time to get to know me and my work! And, thank you for supporting my art.