I enjoy creating wearable art in the form of jewelry and accessories. Using a variety of materials and techniques, I design each piece by myself, and create each one by hand. I have a background in art, and have always loved all things creative.  I discovered beadwork as a way to combine my love of creating with a fascination for jewelry.  I also love doing intricate work:  combining those tiny beads to create designs is an amazing creative process!

A special feature of Mella Bella Designs is the influence of my Ukrainian heritage. I design and create beaded jewelry pieces inspired by vintage traditional Ukrainian embroidery patterns.  I love being able to express my Ukrainian heritage in such a special, creative way.  My grandmother was a very creative person, and taught me all about my Ukrainian heritage; she made beautiful embroidery and beadwork, and remains in my heart as my inspiration. I also have a collection of Ukrainian Easter egg (Pysanka) shell jewelry.   My family has been creating “Pysanky” for generations. I preserve the beauty of these decorated eggs after they’ve broken, by turning them into wearable, lasting, one-of-a-kind creations.   Parts of the egg shells are permanently set into jewelry components, sometimes resembling miniature mosaics.

Many of my designs feature floral motifs; this stems from my love of flowers, which was also nurtured by my grandmother and her beautiful gardens (and now I’m an avid gardener, too!) Some of my creations appear “vintage inspired”, because I love the look of that aesthetic. As I design each piece, I select and combine different techniques to make it unique. Bead looming, bead weaving, stringing, crochet and wire wrapping are just a few of the processes I use. I add texture by combining beads with mixed media, like wire, fibre, leather, metal and clay.

The variety of materials and combination of techniques I use result in unique, one-of-a-kind wearable creations. 

Thank you for visiting Mella Bella Designs!  I hope you enjoy looking at my creations ~ there is a special one waiting for its new home with you, or someone you love!

 - Melanie Ferguson, Artist/Owner, Mella Bella Designs