Feature blog on Treasures by Tina:0)

1)How did you first hear about Etsy?:
A friend at work mentioned it. When I checked it out, I fell in love! People were so kind, and so creative! I felt like I'd finally come home. :)

2)Tell us about a little about yourself and your favorite craft/art!:
I was born and raised south of San Francisco in the Silicon Valley, and currently live in Mountain View, CA. For my "day job" I work as a secretary for a local school district, with my primary specialty being that of taking minutes for board of education and committee meetings. (No one else wanted to do it!)
My current favorite craft is sewing. I love doing needlepoint and sewing pillows, etc. by hand.

3)How did you get started as a designer?:
Since I was a kid, I've enjoyed doing things with my hands. I took eight years of piano lessons, which was great fun until I hit my teenage years and had "social obligations". :p I also learned embroidery from my mom when I was very young.
More recently, I loved the treasure candle I received as a gift a few years ago. However when I looked for more, I couldn't find them anywhere. I finally decided to try making them myself, and Treasures by Tina was born! Since I opened my Etsy shop a little over a year ago, I've added a variety of other items (I love to experiment!), such as flower pens, photography and photo note cards, hand sewn pillows made with repurposed designer fabric samples, and much more.

4)What inspires you to create?:
Being out in nature is always very inspirational for me. And caffeine in always helps me get started. :D

5)How do you get the word out about your shop and Etsy?:
I participate in Etsy forums and chat rooms as much as possible. I also talk to friends at work, sell at craft faires, and write in my blog (treasuresbytina.blogspot.com).




6)Any advice you would give to aspiring designers?:
If you've been thinking about trying something new, but are afraid of "failing", just do it! There really is no such thing as failure when it comes to creativity. Just relax and let your creativity flow. Take a chance! :)

Please visit her shop at www.treasuresbytina.etsy.com