The ocean is always calling. Even as a child, I had a love for sea life, especially sea turtles and dolphins. 

So that’s what makes this announcement extra special for me. You can now find my sea turtle necklaces at the Bald Head Island Conservancy in North Carolina!

I love and believe in the mission of the BHI Conservancy – inspiring people to be better stewards of beautiful coastal environments, ensuring conservation for future generations. Gift shop purchases support conservancy, education, and their sea turtle protection programs.

How are you celebrating World Sea Turtle Day?

If you find yourself in the Yellowstone area, make sure you stop by the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center. They’re a not-for-profit wildlife park and educational facility who is committed to the conservation of habitat and wild species in the Yellowstone ecosystem.

It was an honor to work on a number of custom designs for them, inspired by their resident bears, wolves, eagles, and river otters!

Did you know that the lotus flower symbolizes strength in adversity?

For a virtual tour of my studio and to learn more about Chinese symbolism, please visit https://www.facebook.com/watch/asiastore.asiasociety/243987820170700/.

You can also view it below (YouTube):

In honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, join AsiaStore at Asia Society for a virtual visit to my design studio where I create modern, inspirational accessories inspired by the world around me, travel, exploring the wonders of nature, and my own Chinese heritage.

Virtual Design Studio With Melissa Lew
Tues, May 12 at 3:00 PM EST

Follow them on Facebook at AsiaStore at Asia Society and tune in on May 12th!

Happy Earth Day! My work is strongly influenced by my Chinese heritage, especially the culture’s deep respect and esteem for nature. Nature is my muse, and you’ll see this reflected throughout all of my work – from the design, to the production (use of eco-friendly materials).

One of the most amazing sights is the monarch butterfly migration in autumn along the East Coast. I’ve been lucky to see this on a couple of occasions while vacationing in Cape Charles.

Inspired by my love of butterflies and exhibits at the Delaware Museum of Natural History, I created this free downloadable coloring book page. I hope you enjoy it!

Delaware Museum of Natural History Coloring Page Download

If you love wildlife as much as I do, please visit the museum’s website at https://www.delmnh.org/delmnh-at-home/ for ways to virtually experience the museum and exhibits from the comfort (and safety!) of home.

This free coloring book page was inspired by some of the beautiful features of the Gamble House – the dining room window, crane statue, pond, and lanterns. The Gamble House, an iconic American Craftsman home influenced by Japanese architecture and nature, was built in Pasadena, California in 1908-1909. This page is available to download below – I can’t wait to see your finished piece!

Click to Download

A few more free coloring pages inspired by some of my favorite things! Please see below for links to download and let me know if there’s anything you’d like me to design.

• Thank You Mandala – Safely say thank you to essential workers by coloring this in and posting on social media!
• Dogwood and Lily Mandala – Special request for Easter
• Spider and Web Mandala – Special request

Even though museums and attractions across the country are closed at the moment, there are still ways to experience them virtually. USC Pacific Asia Museum recently launched their virtual learning initiative, PAM@Home. Inspired by the beautiful magnolia trees and artwork, I created a new coloring book mandala page, free for download below. I hope you enjoy – and please share finished work and tag me on Instagram at @mlewjewelry.

USC PAM Inspired Coloring Book Page – Download Here

Follow them on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/usc_pam/.

“This time of year, Washington comes alive with pink cherry blossoms. It’s a gentle reminder that in the hustle and bustle of political and performative life, Mother Nature marches to the tune of her own drummer.  The same can be said of Melissa Lew…” [Read more]