Team Spotlight! TeeHeeProductions!

We would like to introduce you to Laura of TeeHeeProductions. Laura makes beautiful custom portraits, prints, and greeting cards. Look at this gorgeous print!




1. Your name, nickname and a little about who you are

Hi, my name is Laura (although I didn't know that until I was 8, but that is a whole different story for another someday). I am teeheeproductions. I have been carrying that name in my head for about ten years now hoping someday to use it for something like this. Although, at the time I certainly had no vision of where the technology would take us all. The only concerns I have about the name teehee are two: one, it’s too "cutesy" and if you knew me at all you wouldn't put the word "cute" with me; and, two, it could sound like a porn site. I hope not!

I am 57 years old and as corny as it is to say -- I have never been happier in my life. Other than graying, getting flabby - er (regardless of the gym I don't go to as often as I should), sagging neck, aches and pains that surprise me everyday, this is a great time of life. I have a wonderful husband (my second and last), a 26 year old daughter in Arizona, a 26 year old soon to be married step-daughter in California and a 28 year old married step-son with a wonderful wife and precious 6 year old son here in New Jersey.

The reasons for my (can't call it mid-life cause I don't plan on living to be 116 and I am not a senior citizen yet despite my AARP membership) contentment are many. I won't articulate them all here (that's a novel no one wants to read). Suffice it to say I have had enough negative experiences to find myself delighted with what my life is today. And... a lot of therapy and medication (not kidding there). That's why you'll see me pop into threads from time to time with my little rambling stories when I hear someone's familiar trying times = been there, done that kind of thing. Although the biggest lesson I have learned in my life is HOW REALLY WRONG I CAN BE - OFTEN!

2. Surprise us with something about you that you think will shock us!

There is nothing about me that I could surprise anyone here with because we don't really know each other yet. I'll save any surprises for our ongoing friendship... much more fun.

3. What is your main craft/art/collectible?

My main "craft" is fine art, I guess you would call it. I love drawing, painting, designing, and creating. I don't do all the beautiful crafts I see here but have a real appreciation for them. And, I was always the mom who helped out with "artistic" things for school shows, etc. I came up with some really cool themes and creations especially for middle school dances if anyone wants some ideas.

4. How did you start with Etsy?

I spent most of my career in corporate (not liking that at all - but had to earn a living). I am home now as a result of being one of the many people being laid off in this economy. And that is how I discovered "Etsy" and that's how I rediscovered my love of art. Right now I am absolutely consumed with my artwork.

5. Any secrets to share for success? ?

My daily goal is to: start something new, finish something old, and think of a project to calendar. I have never enjoyed working this hard this much. I would love to have a modicum of success dollar wise so that I don't have to go back to work when the unemployment stops. I recently realized how lucky I am to have something to do that I won't grow too old to continue doing (even in a wheelchair in a home somewhere - as long as I have some bit of my mind).

6. Hobbies or pastime when you are not doing Etsy

My hobbies and interests are all over the place. I will say that none of them are "active", much to the disappointment of my husband. I am not a sports fan, I don't run, bike, or anything like that. I love reading, world cultures, constitutional law, and great literature. But, I am as likely to watch C-Span for hours or documentaries on PBS as I am to watch The First 48 or Cops or Judge Judy. The idea of traveling doesn't excite me until I get there if you know what I mean.

7. Where would your dream vacation be? and why?

I had that this year. My husband and I decided not to wait any longer and to go to Italy for 10 days. It is something my husband always wanted to do (he is Italian) but we always (he really - he is more careful about money - thank goodness) put it off for all sorts of practical reasons and then we just did it this year while we could really enjoy it and we did. It was the best vacation we had either individually or together - ever! The food of course, the people, the art, the history, the countryside, the cities - wonderful. I have 550 pictures on my FB account if anyone wants to see. And the Italians have a saying which of course I cannot remember but the essence of it is "live in the moment!" Absolutely - yes plan for the future, learn from and appreciate the past but now is so important.

8. What do you hope to contribute and gain from Hearts and Hands United?

As far as HHU - I hope to contribute a bit of my experience, a dose of my perspective, a whole lot of my support and energy. And what I hope to gain I am already seeing - a new opportunity to meet and get to know some really cool, sweet, creative, funny, sincere people.

9. Where can we find you?

http://www.teeheeproductions.etsy.com/