Introductions - Mel Draper, Owner/Artist

Mel Draper is the other owner, and a very key partner, in Nature Inspired Handcrafts.

Many many years ago when going to college in Arizonia Mel and his wife at the time made their living by creating, making and selling unique jewelry and accessories. They used the lost wax process which involves different precious metals, a lot of equipment, and as much time.

For some time Mel had been thinking of getting back into the business but has been busy working full-time as a Registered Nurse. This summer he came up with the idea of starting a home business mainly because of our daughter. Yes, Mel and I were married and parented our daughter but have been divorced for 16 years. Who would have thought then that some day we would be in business together.

Back to our daughter though - Valerie and her fiance neither one seemed to be able to find jobs so Mel thought this would be a way to get them motivated and earning. They and my younger son thought it a great idea but none have at this point managed to buckle down and put the work needed into starting a new business.

Mel's business knowledge, hard work, and financial backing are at this point keeping the business growing but eventually he hopes to be more active in the creative part of the business and not so busy building and remodling to make a comfortable place, for us all to work, our studio.

Tomorrow I'll share more about our studio and some of the projects we've created and are working on.