From time to time, I profile fellow artisans from Artfire and etsy. Today’s artisan profile belongs to Gail from Melissa Meman Designs. Melissa is a fellow member on the Starving Artists Jewelry forum. If you’d like to chat with like minded, seriously talented artists, join us. 
Etsy shop link: http://melissamemandesigns.etsy.com and http://melismaticrosaries.etsy.com
Name: Melissa Meman
Where else can we find you and your work?
http://melissameman.com
http://www.1000markets.com/melissamemandesigns
http://www.artfire.com/melissamemandesigns
Blog: http://pinkzinnias.typepad.com
Flickr: http://flickr.com/photos/pinkzinnias
Location: Frederick, MD
Where did you start and how did you learn to make the products you are creating today?
self-taught…fell in love with ornate glass earrings they use to sell at Pier1 Imports in the early ’90s…found a bead store and started making them! After many different phases, styles, settled in on my current style based on wire-wrapped links and other wire coiling, weaving and wrapping techniques.
What are your favorite materials?
sterling, copper, and bronze wire, gemstones, vintage and czech glass, artisan lampwork
What are your favorite pieces to create?
I love creating earrings, usually because they are quicker. I can create a design, then move on to something else faster! I also love creating my rosaries.
What inspires you?
Patterns in vintage fabric, colors in nature, swirly wrought-iron architecture, lots of talented jewelry designers
How do you describe your design style?
Eclectic. I try to incorporate lots of different style elements.
What artists have influenced you, and how?
Eni Oken, Iza Malczyk, Sharilyn Miller and many more wire and metal artists.
How do you spend time when you are NOT creating?
Having fun with my hubby and 8 year old son, singing, gardening, cooking, reading, working a 9-5 job as a project administrator for an environmental engineering firm.
SPECIAL FOR SIMPLY SHINY READERS: Melissa is offering a 20% disount on a purchase from her shop. Just enter “Shiny” at checkout (on www.melissameman.com) or contact her for revised invoice on Etsy or Artfire.
Thanks Melissa!
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Beautiful jewelry!
Sarah
(SuaVoce)
I’ve given you a One Lovely Blog Award. Stop by my blog to pick it up. http://worthburning.blogspot.com/
Wonderful creations- her style is SO sweet and romantic!
Love those Tangerine earrings!
Thanks for the insight!
Your work is beautiful. I’m in love with that aventurine pendent. I’ve tried and tried to do that pattern without success. Just wonderful.
Lois
Thanks so much Kristy for the feature, and Lois, Heather, Sarah for the kind words! They mean more than you know