Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life
-Pablo Picasso
 
Hi, I am Gina Rothman of “Secretroomtreasures”  I am the artist behind many of the creations that can be found in Once upon a canvas.  I have been imagining and dreaming up designs ever since I can remember. I was raised by an inspiring mother who was incredibly artistic and filled our home with beautiful things that she created. Designing and making beaded jewelry and art has been my passion since my teenage years. Then as life would have it, I was blessed with 4 beautiful children and as I was left to the task of raising them as a single mother.  By trade I entered the world of iron working and am proud to have built my career in this field.  As you can probably guess, much of my passion was put on the back burner while just doing “life”. As my children grew older and began to have families of their own, I re-kindled my own passion for beading and have been going full force ever since.  Every piece I create is a true labor of love and meant to bring joy, comfort, and even healing to everyday life.  Each day is a gift and I believe in finding the things that we can celebrate. My wish is that my jewelry can be something an individual can wear and truly feel how special they are.

I am inspired by the vibrant colors of the ocean as well as things that can be found throughout nature. The ocean while it can be calming it can also possess depth and things beyond our imagination.  Sometimes inspiration can come at the oddest of times or from the simplest of objects.
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One technique that I truly pour myself into in Bead Embroidery. Each bead is hand sewn and placed in such a way to give life to the piece. Intricate patterns are created, and stones, beads, pearls, and crystals are placed to create a one-of-a-kind piece.  Most of my beads are sourced from The Bead Gallery in Vacaville, CA. But many hours are also spent sourcing beads online, and from local bead stores both locally and abroad. 
 
More recently I have expanded my offerings to include more functional items that can be used every day. Cell phone accessories, badge reels, and the ever-popular glitter tumbler. I hope you can come in and experience all that Once upon a canvas has to offer, and I would love to share my art and passion with you.  
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