It's Monday!

Whine and grumble all you want about Monday but this is a special day here on the EtsyBloggers Street Team blog. This is the day each week that we share with everyone one of our team members. We use their own words from their Etsy profile page and shop minis because we all know that pictures tell the real stories.

Today you are meeting Melissa Meman who has two shops on Etsy.


Welcome to Melissa Meman Designs! My "handmade" journey began many years ago in a small southern town. I am the youngest of five children and we grew up with our mother making most of our clothes (and many other things) by hand. Our father was a house-painter, but also a farmer and we lived off the land as much as possible. My sisters and I have always been involved in some craft or project for as long as I remember...I think my first endeavor was crocheting which I still love! Currently, I live in Maryland with my husband and son. My mission is to create jewelry designs with a unique, eclectic flair. I mostly work with "one-of-a-kind" designs, but am working on a few "limited edition" pieces, and love custom work. I am always trying to incorporate new techniques into my designs. I utilize a mix of materials - gemstones, artisan-made glass beads (lampwork), precious metal findings and wire (sterling, Balinese, Thai Hill Tribe and Indian silver; bronze; gold-filled; and gold-vermeil), freshwater pearls, coral and other organics, Austrian crystals, Czech and German glass...the list goes on! Most of my designs are created with a "wrapped" link technique, usually utilizing sterling silver, gold-filled or bronze wire. I absolutely love this style, not only for its beauty and versatility, but also for its strength and durability. I occasionally utilize a strung method with beading wire and sterling or gold-filled crimps. I have been making rosaries for about 3-4 years now and strive to the same high standards as with my jewelry pieces. It is my hope that they will become your cherished heirlooms. My rosaries incorporate wrapped links with sterling or bronze wire, and as such, are much more durable than traditional single-loop rosaries.

I encourage you to take a moment today to browse these lovely shops. You can also visit Melissa's blog, say hello, leave a comment and let her know the EtsyBloggers sent you.