My names is Tina Sanchez.  I was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico and after graduating from high school, my parents sold our home and moved us to North Carolina.  I went to college for an Executive Secretary Degree. 

After working for a car dealership, I decided to follow my dream of becoming a police officer so I put myself through the police academy at night while working full time during the day.  I graduated with high honors and was hired on with the Hickory Police Department in North Carolina in 1992. 

In 1997, I was having problems with my hips so thinking that it was the gun belt resting on my hip bones, I went to an orthopedic surgeon.  He told me that I had hip dysplasia and that I would have to have both hips replaced but that they wouldn't do it for at least another 15 years.  In the summer of 2000, a friend got me into computers and set me up with ICQ (a chat room) and email.  One night after I got home from working my shift, I found that I had a message from a guy I dated when I was in high school.  After talking, we decided to move me back to New Mexico and get married.  We got married on Valentine's Day 2001. 

In January 2008 I lost my mom.  We were very close.  I went into a deep depression and after the second time in the hospital, I walked into my first quilt shop and took my very first class.  I enjoyed it so much that I took another.  I'm now making custom quilts, totes, purses, and so much more.  Since then I have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, have nerve damage in my neck and lower back, among other ailments. 

I finally was found 100% disabled in 2010.  I finally had my first hip replacement in April 2011.  While doing some craft shows, I met a couple that have become very dear friends of mine and my husband.  He makes flutes and she makes everything else.  He taught me how to do inlay with stone in wood.  She has taught me how to make beaded hatbands using a loom.  We share our trade secrets with each other.  I also make jewelry, one of a kind pieces, using real stone, glass beads, and sterling silver.  I do however use other metals as well.