I’m so thankful you’re here! I hope you’ll stick around so we can get to know each other! As you might have guessed, I’m Melissa, and making pretty things is simply my favorite. I love to make people happy, be it with a pretty wreath, a big party with fabulous decorations, or a yummy dinner. I’ve loved crafting since I was a child. Every year, I made homemade Christmas ornaments for my family. Some of those are a little embarrassing when I see them now, but my Grandmomma and Momma still use them on their trees.

When I was a sophomore in highschool, I met a boy named Hank who stole my heart. He was my first date, and I knew pretty quickly he was the one for me. We dated through high school and college, and were married 6 ½ years later in a beautiful Christmas themed wedding. He worked as a CPA, and loved taking treats, goodies and scrumptious foods I cooked to work with him to show them off. He bragged on me all the time. It was cute.


Nine years later, we had our first daughter, Hayden Kate. She looks just like her Daddy, but prettier. Three and a half years went by with that little one toddling about and stealing our hearts before our precious Lila Grace came along. Things weren’t perfect, because life is hard and real, and people are human, but still our family was pretty special.


On March 1, 2015, our world as we knew it was shattered. Hank had driven separately to church that morning after a late night. He was killed in a car accident on his way there. Hayden was just nine years old and Lila Grace was only six. I’m not gonna lie, it was tough. Some days, it still is. We had to learn a new normal, and to live life without him here. Life for us will forever be defined as before or after Hank’s accident. It’s been two and half years now. We have settled into the this new life. The girls and I are a good team and I know Hank would be so proud of us. I’ve grown. I’m no longer afraid to make big changes in life, because I know now that we can do it.


And so, that brings us to why we’re here. I had worked at a bank for 18 plus years (yeah, that’s right, creative me working at a bank!) It wasn't as bad as you might think, though. For the most part, I loved it and made some amazing friends there! But a couple of years ago, it was obvious it was time for another big change. My girls are busy, and they need me around more than ever. And frankly, I want to free to be there for them and free to spend my time making pretty things and memorable events. Life is beautiful, and I want to celebrate it and create beauty to share with others. I had always wanted to open my own business doing something creative, but fear stopped me. So, I finally said "Carpe diem! Let’s do this!"


And now you're here and I absolutely cannot wait to share with you the things I create, to share my family and this crazy, crazy mom life with you! Take a look around my shop here or on my website - and definitely follow me on my blog where you’ll usually find me talking about everything from how to make a wreath, the joy of essential oils (yeah, I’m an oily gal!) to bow making (oh how I love to make bows!). And I’m sure I’ll throw in some of my children’s shenanigans! In it all, we’ll talk about how to find and create beauty in life and in your home. Because life is beautiful and it’s short and we don’t have time to waste in the one we’re gifted with. So, cheers to doing what you love, and loving what you do!


Visit my website at melissamadethis.com to subscribe to my blog and get a discount code for shopping. Be sure to check out the shop and see my latest creations!