I met Tina about three years ago when we worked as freelancer writers for the same client. This particular company liked to have its freelancers hang around a private IRC channel all day and that’s how I got to know her. At first, we chatted because we have several things in common — homeschooling, homebirthing, love of tech — but Tina consistently impressed me with her level-headedness (the IRC environment we were in tended to get fairly hostile at times) and her humor.
When the company folded, we continued to keep in touch via Facebook, Twitter, etc. Here’s where I point out how ridiculous it is that we only live 45 minutes away from each other and talk almost exclusively online, because she’s been an awesome help and resource for me more times than I can count.
Tina recently opened her own handmade jewelry store on Etsy and, trust me when I tell you, you need to check it out. She crafts the neatest things out of all kinds of metals and gems including two of my favorites, sterling and hematite.
Tina is an incredibly strong and independent woman, and it shows in her choice of strong designs made out of strong metals. You can almost picture her banging and hammering away in her workshop. 
Tina makes things you won’t see at the jewelry counter of your neighborhood store, and I’m glad because her pieces are too good for that. Each one shows it was made with thought and care, and they’re totally unique. Every time I see something Tina made, it reminds of things I’ve seen at upscale boutiques.
I can’t begin to say how envious I am of Tina’s talent. I feel that way about musicians, sculptors, and anyone else who has the ability to turn a concept in their mind into something tangible (I can’t even draw a passible stick figure, mind you). If you need a gift for any occasion — she makes men’s jewelry, too — you really need to check out what Tina has to offer.
The title of this post was inspired by this movie and is meant as a nod to the gemstone she’s working with this month. It also references a Proverb that says the price of a worthy woman is far above rubies. Tina is just that worthy, and so is the jewelry she makes.
Posted by Lisa Hoover 
