Lisa Spinella, is the face behind Tickle and Smash. New England born but a long time transplant to the Bay Area – I opened up a shop on Etsy and happily joined a world of handmade, DIY, crafters with vision and voice.

From a family of seamstresses and designers in a textile driven community, I grew up surrounded by design and sewing. It wasn’t till years later after exploring acrylic painting and a fine art discipline that sewing and the fiber arts became a staple in my life again.

After having spent years working and volunteering within the Bay Area art community, I began in 2011 my new business as Tickle and Smash.

Originally an artist and large scale figurative painter; I reveled in my newly unexplored venue of texture, fabric and line. Self trained – I studied couture sewing technique, silk screening practices and pattern design. I then fell in love with the possibilities that only ribbon and string could give me.

I allow my materials to dictate how the fabrics, patterns and colors work together. The reveal and wonder of a completed project is the reward I seek. Its difficult learning the skills and practices necessary to start a business but becoming more involved in the arts community in San Francisco has been a gift. The support and encouragement of the artists and craftsmen whom have shared their experiences and personal growth with me, continue to inspire.

etsy store: http://www.etsy.com/shop/TickleandSmash