- #gillybedesigns#mellasoap#oldhaagallery#oldhamuseum#yell#shetland
- 16 August 2023
It is wonderful to see these two artists in the same exhibition. Mella Soap recently teamed up with Gilly Bee Designs to create the beautiful label designs for her wonderful products. Good to see the artwork as well as the finished product.
Gilly studied textiles at Manchester Polytechnic and for her degree she specialised in knitwear design.
After her studies, she worked for 2 years on a square rigged ship, often based in Bristol, but also sailing the seas where once they were caught in a Storm Force 12 in the Irish Sea ... a memorable night. It is where she met her husband.
They then bought a derelict croft on the Island of Lismore where they lived for 22 years raising a family, some sheep, the odd pig and hens
They came to Shetland 8 years ago on 43ft sailing boat that had been both home and magic carpet for adventures. Shetland struck a chord with so many of her experiences, the sea, the culture,people, traditions, island life and weather. She makes work influenced by all of this life experience, one the sea, by the sea, watching people and creatures living on the edges of the most northern isle in the UK.
Melanie lives and works in Haroldswick, Unst. After many years of studying and working all over the world, Melanie came home to Shetland in 2016 and turned her passion for making soaps and skincare into a business.
Using only the best, sustainably sourced ingredients Melanie has created a range of palm oil free soaps, skincare and soy wax candles inspired by nature and the stunning Shetland coastline.
Melanie loves collaborating with other makers and small businesses and recently teamed up with Gilly B to create her beautiful label design.
For more information visit WWW.MELLASOAP . CO.UK