Hi, I’m Melinda. A singer/actor turned maker. Welcome to my crafting diary where I share a little about my life, and a lot about the things I create and learn along my handmade journey.

My Lola/Grandma (I’m Filipino-Chinese) and Mama taught me to crochet when I was six years old, and my Mama taught me sewing basics back then as well. I dabbled in various arts and crafts over the years, and I eventually learned to knit. I fell in love with knitting, and am still loving it after nearly 20 years. Knitting has also helped me reconnect with the other crafts I enjoyed during my childhood. For me, handmaking is meditative, calming, meaningful, and can be challenging in a good way. It helps me focus and relax at the same time. I love the peaceful process of making each stitch and the feeling of accomplishment when I’ve completed a project or learned a new technique. And it’s so rewarding when something I’ve made with my own hands provides a little comfort or makes someone smile. Knitting helps me slow down, which is healing for me, so I’m thankful I can always have it with me for a little portable calm.

Most of my professional life has consisted of making music. I had an amazing and fulfilling career as a musical theatre performer, full of dream-come-true experiences that I’m deeply grateful for. I found the love of my life and have friends I call family thanks to theatre. And even though I’m not on stage these days and lean toward quieter, calmer activities as I get older (I was a licensed massage therapist at a resort spa for a little while, which was just as therapeutic an environment for me as it was for my clients), I still love singing and playing the piano, especially with my little sister when we can. I also enjoy drawing, hand lettering, baking, cooking, reading, watching favorite shows/movies, relaxing, and learning to simplify life. Most of all, I love spending time with my husband, my parents, and our families.

Thank you for visiting!

p.s. I have lots of nicknames (Merle, Mel, Lin, Lind, Dood, Chuabacca, Chewie, Chua Pet, just to name a few), and I love them all. But the one I’ve loved the longest was given to me by my Papa and Mama. They call me Mendi. ♡