Queen Melody MacDuffee by hook and bead

Melody MacDuffee is a creative genius.

She developed a crochet  technique, called ‘crochet overlay’ that creates a kaleidoscopic effect.

Her book: Crochet Overlay Jewelry

is a collection of stunningly beautiful crocheted pieces that will inspire awe.

Melody teaches people how to crochet pieces that are like mandalas, with exquisite geometric progressions. You can see how mathematics and artistry have melded so harmoniously in her work.

I met her a few years ago, when we were both teaching at a national conference of the Crochet Guild of America. Unfortunately, when you’re teaching a full slate of courses, you don’t get to spend a whole lot of time with other teachers, who are also run off their feet.

But, even in the brief conversation I had with her, I knew that she was definitely a very special person.

As well as being a gifted crochet designer and teacher, Melody has a passion for beading and teaching beadwork.

It has been fascinating to see where her love of beads has taken her.

It has lead her to become an African Queen! Yup!

Melody has created a small foundation in Ghana that is doing great work.

(and that has resulted in her being recognized as an African Queen).

She is working together with a small but dedicated group of bead makers, bead designers and wire workers to create a sustainable bead industry in Ghanna.

The bead makers use recycled glass that they pound into powder and then they individually sculpt the beads.

Melody writes all about the process of the bead making, as well as the impact on the beadworkers lives at: Soul of Somanya

I am so pleased that Soul of Somanya now has an etsy shop so that people can easily buy the Soul of Somanya beads.

Once again, it’s creativity, compassion and crafting in action to make the world a better place! Yay, Melody! and Yay! Soul of Somanya!

Images: Copyright Leisure Arts and Soul of Somanya