Mellie, from Shoreham-by-Sea, got involved with Grace Eyre after being referred to its employment programme and then, through a job coach, was helped to start a jewellery business, using her own homemade creations.
She was supported to create business cards and with pricing and display, and then to promote her products through Instagram and sell them at fairs. She has also taken part in previous exhibitions with Grace Eyre. She plans to start selling again soon through Vinted and Etsy.
Following her involvement with the Grace Eyre employment programme, last year Mellie started working part time at Grace Eyre as a project assistant for Travel Buddy, which trains people with learning disabilities to travel independently, and has recently started a new role as a support worker, supporting collage and textiles sessions at our Montefiore Road site two days a week. She likes her new role as she loves to meet different people, who are keen to try new things.
As well as jewellery, Mellie makes detailed artwork using crystals and beads. She gets inspiration online and also connects with other artists on forums. She creates her work by laying the beads out and trying different colour combinations, then using a magnifying glass to help her produce the extremely fine detail. She also enjoys macramé and is trying wire work next, as well as new jewellery designs.
Questions to Mellie:
What do you like doing?
I like being alive! I like making jewellery. I also like living in Shoreham – it’s a beautiful place to live. I enjoy browsing through the markets, they’re on twice a month.
What do you love about your art?
I really enjoy doing it, it relaxes me. It’s my business, I come up with fresh ideas for each season. For different people and different cultures. I like to try a bit of everything.
Come along to view some of Mellie’s and other Montefiore Artists’ work at our Montefiore Artists Open House Exhibition. We’re open every Saturday and Sunday during May between 12:00 noon and 4:00pm at Grace Eyre, 36 Montefiore Road, Hove, BN3 6EP.