Light Up Your Bath

"The candle is glowing, the warm water flowing.
As the tub fills, the bubbles form hills.
It’s time to get in, the water’s up to my chin.
My cares melt away, I wish I could stay!"
CMA

A candle can be a wonderful addition to your bath routine. I find that lighting a small pillar candle then turning off the overhead lighting creates a very relaxing atmosphere.
The light is warm, gentle, and soothing. Combine that with some bubbles in the tub, and you really can’t help but relax! (It is a good idea to run the exhaust fan or open a window whenever an open flame is present.)

Have you ever meditated on a candle flame? Ten or 15 minutes are all you need. Once your bath has been drawn and the bubbles added, light a candle and place it at the foot of the tub. Just before stepping into the bath, switch off the overhead lights. Once settled in the tub, allow your breathing to calm and slow. Focus on the candle flame and take a few slow, deep breaths and allow your mind to clear. Just observe the flame. It is so simple; so primal. If you find your mind wandering back to the day’s stressors, just gently direct your thoughts back to the flame. After a short time, all the stresses and worries from your day will have gently melted away and you will be overtaken by a wonderful calm.

I recently received this kind note and the photo you see above from a loyal customer:

"Dear Tina,
I was given one of your wonderful treasure candles last year and thoroughly enjoyed lighting it each evening as I fell into my bubble bath to soak away the day. The lovely treasures gradually appearing are such fun... I’m collecting these pretty charms, crystals, and stones in a glass swan on my bath counter... I was so happy to find your website so that I can continue this wonderful tradition. This shows my second candle. And, I have a third treasure candle for when this one is finished. Believe me, some days your candle and my tub are the best part of the day! Thank you!!
Sue in San Jose , CA ."

Watermelon, Anyone?

As usual, once I start something, I have trouble stopping. I began this pillow yesterday and just finished. :p

As with my first pillow, this one is hand-sewn using repurposed designer fabrics I received from Fabmo. The color makes me think "watermelon".
Stay tuned for my next creation...

Handcrafter Faire - Los Gatos, CA - July 26, 2008

Yesterday, I participated in the Handcrafter Faire, along with ten other venders -- all members of the SF Etsy Street Team. This event was very generously hosted by Linda, of Linda Davis Designs, at her home in Los Gatos. She's standing on the left in this photo.


I had a great time meeting everyone and learning about their crafts. I even found out what "Waldorf" was and how needle felting was done! I just might try needle felting. It sounds fascinating. Here's the entire group:

I even made a few sales! Here's my booth (and me!):

The weather was great, though a tad warm, but we were all in the shade, so we were fine. Here are a couple more photos of the Faire. We had so much fun, Linda's even thinking of hosting us again soon! :)

A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words

I've always enjoyed taking pictures. Maybe that comes from having a professional photographer for a father. I got my first camera when I was a kid -- a Kodak Instamatic -- and I've been taking pictures ever since.


These days, I'm really enjoying the ease of digital photography, as well as the nifty macro feature on my little camera. I've even listed a number of my favorite photos on Etsy.


I've also taken many flower photos. My favorites are now in sets of notecards, also offered on Etsy. The set you see here contains eight cards, two each of four images.

I am now looking for my next photography project. If you have any suggestions for subject matter, please let me know. I'd love to hear from you!


Have a great day. :)

P.S. If you're interested in learning more about any of the items you see pictured in my posts here, just click on them.

Providence

Wondering how Treasures by Tina came to be?

I actually began offering solely treasure candles. (As Romeo so proudly displays above.)


Each of my hand-poured candles contains hidden treasures, such as crystals, charms, polished stones, and beads. These are revealed as the candle burns. I offer a number of different shapes, such as the Buddha you see here. And my candles come in the following colors: red, orange, blue, green, and purple. (Black may be on the horizon as well.)

Here's a sample of the treasures I've used.

Over time, I've branched out to include the items like the pillow in my prior post, as well as photography, bath salts and soaps, jewelry, flower pens, stationery, and more. I'll be featuring other items I've created in future posts.

I hope you've enjoyed this mini-history of Treasures by Tina.

Have a great day! :)

My First Pillow!

This weekend, I made my first pillow! I really enjoyed sewing it, and the color scheme is my favorite!

I hand-stitched it using repurposed designer fabric samples I got from Fabmo, a non-profit group that rounds up cast-off samples from businesses to save them from going to the landfill. It's really a wonderful organization.

This pillow is now available in my Etsy shop. Just click either of the images to get to the listing.

Opinions? Suggestions? I'd love to hear your comments.

Welcome!

Hello and welcome to my new blog!

My name is Tina and my business name is Treasures by Tina. I love to make all sorts of handmade items, and plan to introduce them here in my blog.

Enjoy!