As a broad ranging artist, I love to embrace many diverse avenues of creative projects and practices. I feel that each unique experience with creativity contributes to my artistic identity, like a faceted gem. My work is a tribute to the endless peaks my imagination can soar, especially when it finds a new style of getting to create in a new exciting way. The possibilities of imagination and creativity combined are so limitless. From the tactile joys that I experience with sculpting clay, fabric or leather to the happy smiles I get with painting meticulous small details onto things while combining color. My newest inspirational joy for me is crafting fine garments including millinery hat making and haberdashery as well as puppet designing and construction. Costumery has fueled my passion for creating extraordinary works of colorful enjoyable wearable art. Bringing craft art into the world of “high art”.
I am very Inspired by the whimsical worlds that are created from the works of Jim Henson, Brian Froud, Mr. Fred Rogers, Baz Lurhman, Terry Gilliam, vintage Walt Disney, Mythical storytellers, magic makers, enchanted world creators!
I love to infuse life, wonder and whimsy into every piece I create and bring that same feeling of enchanted charm and magic into each unique piece as they come to life.

One of the most exciting aspects of creation I am working on now is the with puppetry and story telling. I have chosen try my skills of crafting a fine garment on a little sized model. Implementing all of the learning that has added to my diverse skill set to create curious little creatures with finely constructed garments. I have written a play and a performance piece to accompany the puppets that is inspired by the changes of seasons in nature as is the cycles of life. It is called “Seasons of Splendor, Natures regal attire.” Puppetry is also allowing me to explore the art of world building design including sculpture, painting, doll making, character design, story telling and costumery. Each puppet will also have a Melissae serving as the higher self, and each wears a series of Victorian era tea gown jackets that match the season their puppet is representing. Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter, and The Great Beyond.

My diverse range of creations includes fantastical floral headwear that I make and vend at art fairs and festivals all around the US. I hope to travel overseas eventually and get to create art abroad.