“Mélina Be Creations look and feel so organic and natural. But everything she makes is also so well made I know it will last a lifetime.”
HANDCRAFTING ARTIST
Artist Mélina Bernhardt has been exploring creative possibilities in textile for nearly two decades. Weaving, felting, knitting, sewing, jewelry making, leatherwork and basket making are integral parts of her creative expression. She especially thrives when finding new ways to combine these art forms to create one of a kind accessories, wearable art and home decor. She prefers to use natural fibers such as cashmere, opossum, alpaca, silk, organic cotton, angora and bamboo; reserving synthetic fibers for sparkle or texture.
Working at Lambspun of Colorado for almost 15 years taught her most everything she knows about Fiber Arts. Some of her most influential artists and friends are Laura Macagno-Shang, Sarah Neubert, Sandy Dunn and Donna Bathory.
NATURAL FIBERS AND SUSTAINABILITY
Color and texture are the two major sources of inspiration for the art that I create. Whether I am knitting, weaving, crocheting, sewing or making jewelry, I am always seeking out ways to blend colors and textures in unexpected ways. My work is also very inspired by nature. I sometimes use wooden sticks I’ve found in nature for my tapestry weavings to create rugged looms. I use natural fibers as much as possible and I often incorporate hand-dyed fibers into my pieces. Because nature has been a huge source of inspiration in my art, I make a conscious effort to take a sustainable and environmental approach. One way I achieve this goal is by re-using all my packaging or making my own. Also, this environmental mindfulness carries over into my efforts to diminish my carbon footprint and to support local businesses. As such, I purchase my supplies at local stores.
Mélina at work
I recently had the pleasure of working with Passion House Media on my Piccola Series and studio. I am excited to share it with you.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSCIOUSNESS
If you buy something from me I will package it in second hand paper products. With all the gifts my family has received in the past I have a collection of bags, wrapping paper, ribbon and strings to nicely package my creations. This is important for me as I don’t want to contribute to purchasing new products - often made in China - that pollute our environment. We tend to forget that even paper products that are harmless when biodegrading can be harmful and polluting in their manufacturing.
Have you ever heard me say, “buy local, support local?” I believe in supporting your local economy because the money you spend circulates seven times in your area. Since I preach this to my potential customers, I also practice this rule when buying my supplies. Ninety-five percent of my supplies were purchased locally. When I travel to France I bring back material from there too. I always strive to better myself and my business habits to live the most sustainable lifestyle possible.
FAIR PRACTICES
Sliding Scale & Pay it Forward!
I believe no one should be left behind! Art and making art is so important to me, that I am passionate about making it accessible to everyone. We all go through hard financial times. I would like my wearable art and classes to be affordable for everyone. That’s why I have always offered a Sliding Scale & Pay it Forward method of payment. Don’t be shy, reach out and we can work something out together. Thank you to all who have been Paying It Forward. Without you it would be very difficult for me to offer a Sliding Scale method of payment.
“Practicing fiber arts and crafts has always had a meditative quality for me and I enjoy sharing this practice with others. Teaching has been an excellent way to share my love of creating with others. I truly enjoy teaching. My students have often told me that they appreciate my patience. I believe that my twenty years of experience creating has helped me to clearly see where a student is at, and precisely what they need to learn to further their personal crafting journey.”
