Phewish! As I come up for my first breath of air after a weeklong design bender, I find myself overwhelmingly pleased with the heaps of samples strewn about my room. Having tried on dozens of outfits I'm perfectly pleased discovering how everything looks together. Now that both the Spring and Summer collections are designed and merchandised, I get to prepare them for next Monday's photo shoot with the beautiful photographer, Sequoia Emanuelle, and models Zoe Jakes and Auberon Shull.

Even though I'm too tired to stand at this very moment, the collection wouldn't be complete with out some jewelery. Soooooo, Ariel Yabek of Ariel Jewelery Designs and I are sipping some her Sensuous Homemade Chai (see the recipe below) while we whip up a collaborative collection~ soon to be available online at Melodia Designs.

So many wonderful creations to share so stay tuned....

~Melodia xo

VALENTINE'S WEEKEND SPECIAL:

Find the Perfect Pair! Buy any item and enjoy 30% OFF the next.

Offer applies to Regular priced TOPS & BOTTOMS, as well as our SALE RACK.

*Offer expires Sunday the 14th at midnight PST
Discount is applied to item of equal or lesser value xo

★ ARIEL'S MAGICAL CHAI ★

I have always been enchanted by the rich aroma and exotic flavors in homemade chai. I find that a truly good recipe is hard to find as they are often coveted and kept secret. Well, with permission and a blessing, I have a treasured recipe to share with you that has been passed on to me by my dear friend.

Ariel struck me to be an old soul from the first moment I met her. Her rich and elegant sensibilities are apparent in her styling and in her creations. Not only does she make a sensuous tea, Ariel makes opulent jewelry as Ariel Jewelry Designs.

Ingredients:

Black tea bags or loose leaf Indian Black Tea (any Black tea will do)
fresh ginger
green cardamom pods
cinnamon
clove
nutmeg
cayenne
shredded coconut
raw cacao
maca powder
white pepper
raw can sugar or raw honey (or any sweetening product you wish)
milk or any milk-type product you wish

Carry on & make your tea <here>

I imagine I share a common obsession with you, Assuit. For nearly a decade I have lusted over the beauty of this textile and have plotted making a stretch replica that would honor the history depicted in the designs while meeting the demands of my dance and movement collections.

Short of 'embroidering' an actual piece of tulle with metal thread myself, I have made great lengths to research how to authenticity make Assuit. Thanks to the hands on coaching of Dawn Devine and my learnings from her book The Cloth of Egypt , I did my best to create an accurate 'blue print' design following the perimeters of actual Assuit making. I was inspired to design the patterns on this cloth based on research of traditional designs; for example, the prominent hijab (diamond) motif which would protect the wearer from evil.

continue reading (here)

A rare opportunity to learn from this most inspiring friend and amazing artist right here in San Diego. Zoey Jakes is holding a workshop on Valentine's Day, and I'll be there to dance, vend, and celebrate with our beautiful dancing community.

Learn all the details <here> and then join us that night at the North Park Observatory for a wild good time with Beats Antique!

Thanks for reading along with us Luv.

If you've any encouraging words, feedback, or suggestions you'd like to share, please tickle us with a note at:

service@melodiadesigns.com

Your contribution is what makes Melodia Designs such a special place to create.