Hi everyone,
My name is Teresa, but all my friends call me Tree, because at age 11 I stood 5’10”, now I’m 6’ 2” and not thin.
I got into making jewelry as a hobby in September 2013. I was diagnosed in October of 2012 with colon cancer and duodenal cancer. Had surgery November 2nd, 2012. I got one round of chemo, but by August of 2013, it had spread throughout my body. Then additional Chemotherapy started, and continued every 3 weeks for 5 years, then a year of Keytruda. I did have five years of remission, but in 2022 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Had surgery, 30 days of radiation and I’m doing good so far. Then this last year, I was diagnosed with metastatic colon cancer but fortunately they did catch it early. So, I have done one year of Keytruda every 6 weeks. Have one year to go. Oh my, back to jewelry making. Sometimes I get carried away.
I taught myself to sew with beads. With help from You Tube artists like Jill Wiseman from whom I learned many stitches. Then there is Potomac beads. I took 5th place in a jewelry design contest they did and the cute owl earrings that are in my shop are a design of the artist Sonysree creations on You Tube. There are so many other artists I have watched for additional inspiration while teaching myself to design jewelry with beads. All of this really helped to keep me distracted from reality/health, so my craft room is my happy place, my own little world. While working, I listen to rock and roll classics, some heavy too. I can zone out smiling with lots of love in my heart because I know there is a reason I’m still here.
I really enjoy creating and sharing my jewelry with everyone who crosses my path. I’ve been in a few bazaars and craft fairs and had a great time. I’ve also sold some jewelry online through my Facebook page. So, I have decided to take it the next level and start a website. I’m not a professional photographer or writer, but I do make beautiful jewelry, ornaments, and other nick nacks.
Every item in my shop has been made with love, because it was made in my happy crafty place.
Thank you for your support
Teresa Hurley