SOMETIMES getting carried away can be a good thing.

Just ask the mum and crafter behind Mom’s Little Treasure Box (http://momslittletreasurebox.blogspot.com), a blogshop with a personal and eclectic offering of jewellery for shopaholics.

“Last December, I started making handmade jewellery to be given away as Christmas presents. I got carried away and made more than I needed and to justify this hobby of mine, I decided to start a blogshop,” explains Dinah, a mother of two.

The popularity of many Internetbased cottage industries has been fuelled by the desire to remain at home but still make money. With less overheads and a flexible work schedule, it is indeed a viable option for many stay-at-home and working mums – such as Dinah.

The shy thirty-something crafter who works from home for a multinational IT company declined to have her photo published for this article. It matters not. Like

Oscar Wilde once said: “Art is the most intense mode of individualism that the world has known.”

So head over and see what’s inside this treasure box and get acquainted with the mind behind the designs.

How and when did you start to blog?

I started blogging in 2004 (http://www.mom2ashley.com/blog). I bumped into an ex-schoolmate of mine online and after chatting with her, she directed me to her blog where she jots down her daughter’s developments.

At that time, I was expecting Ashley and started to leave my footprint in the blogosphere. Initially I blogged about being an expectant mother and thereafter, about being a parent and my children’s development.

What were your reasons?

I was surprised at the demand for handmade jewellery in Malaysia alone. Malaysians are more open to online shopping these days and in order for me make my presence known in the fashion blogosphere, I signed up with several Malaysian online fashion review sites which did do wonders to the hits that I am getting at my blogshop. It’s a constant goal of mine to make my presence known to a wider market.

What would you really like to achieve through Cyberspace communication?

My personal ambition right now is that I get to spend as much time as possible with my kids. Being able to work from home on a fulltime basis is ideal for our family.

I would also encourage others who have an interest in making handmade jewellery to take up beading lessons. They are inexpensive, compared with the fun you’ll have and new skill you will pick up after the lessons.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to designing your own handmade jewellery. For mothers who have daughters, making handmade jewellery together makes a good mother-daughter activity.

Any regrets through blogging?

Not at all.

Blogging changed your life?

Blogging has certainly changed my life in many ways! I have made many good friends from blogging. I started digital scrapbooking and my interest in photography grew.

I take pictures of anything and everything to capture the essence of the moment. I learnt how to make wire beaded handmade jewellery via blogging and I am currently trying to learn how to make polymer clay charms. There are just so many people out there who are willing to share their skills and experiences.

The “Blogosphere”. What does it mean to you?

It’s a collection of blogs with the same interest.

Who is your absolute favourite blogger?

I have many favourites. I read all kinds of blogs related to crafting, parenting and photography

Foremost feature in the Blogosphere that irritates you?

Copycats! I absolutely hate copycats. I know of some friends’ blog posts which have been copied wholesale and placed in other blogs. I also do not like people who take pictures from other blogs and put it on their own blog without giving any credit whatsoever.

If there were someone you could influence to take up blogging

If only my two-year-old son could translate his thoughts into a blog. I would very much love to know what’s going in that head of his, as a toddler.