Set of 5 Handmade Warm-Toned Cotton and Wood Angel Ornaments 'Tender Hope' Item ID: 2676659538

I am Carolina Perez, born in San Salvador, into a family where work and crafts were always present. My maternal grandmother was a great inspiration to me; she taught me how to embroider, sew, and crochet. I clearly remember how, with patience and love, she would turn a simple handkerchief into a unique piece. My mother also had an innate talent for sewing, and although she did it more out of necessity than as a profession, I always admired her dedication. Thanks to them, I learned to see threads and fabrics as more than just materials: they were the foundation for creations that told stories and carried love. During my childhood, I spent hours observing how constant and dedicated work could transform something simple into something beautiful and functional. Although I never completely strayed from crafting, life eventually took me down other paths, including my profession in the healthcare field. However, during the 2020 pandemic, life pushed me back to what had always been my refuge. While pregnant, I had to temporarily leave my job due to the high risk, and that was when I picked up the needles and threads I had once set aside. Initially, my motivation was my daughter, but soon I realized that creating with my hands was much more than a distraction: it was a way to connect with my roots, to remember my grandmother, and to give myself space to breathe. My first creation was a little crocheted chick rattle, which I still keep fondly. Although it wasn't perfect, it symbolizes the beginning of this beautiful journey. Gradually, my skills improved, and with the support of my family and friends, I ventured into selling my creations. Starting my own workshop was not easy. I had to overcome many fears, especially the fear of not knowing if what I made would be well-received by others. However, every small step was a victory, and without even realizing it, I began solidifying my workshop idea. Today, after almost four years, I am part of a team of women artisans who, like me, love what they do. We support each other at every fair and project, share ideas, and help each other open doors. Over time, I have learned to trust in my abilities and enjoy every challenge. One of the funniest memories I have is from a craft fair when a customer asked me for five crocheted ornaments, but I misunderstood and thought she wanted five dozen. My surprise was enormous, but I accepted the challenge, only to later discover that she only needed five. It was a relief and a funny lesson! What I am most passionate about in this art is the ability to transform something as simple as thread into an object with meaning. I mainly work with cotton threads and yarns, and I am increasingly trying to incorporate recycled materials into my designs. My dream is to continue growing, learning more, and passing on this love for crafts to my daughter, just as my grandmother and mother did for me. I firmly believe that with patience and dedication, anything is possible.