Melanie Hayden:                                   Glitz & Glamour Goddess!

Melanie became intrigued by beading several years ago after a friend showed her the basics.  After going to her first bead show, she was truly amazed at the huge variety of beads and jewelry findings available. She enjoys the artistic nature and creativity involved in designing her jewelry. Sometimes a pendant—or even just a single bead—can inspire an entire piece.  Melanie's favorite materials to work with include natural stones such as turquoise, garnet, onyx, topaz, quartz and pearls, crystals and hand-blown glass beads.  All of her striking pieces are made of either sterling silver or vermeil (gold over sterling silver).

In addition to jewelry, Melanie likes to dabble in other creative endeavors. Her hand-made greeting cards are popular at The Playful Garden, and she recently added a line of "glamour gourds"—exquisitely-painted gourd birdhouses with beaded perches.

When she isn't designing jewelry, Melanie works full-time as an IT manager (and mom!) and enjoys taking care of her darling infant daughter, Alyssa.

Check out more pictures of Melanie's jewelry on our Facebook site!