Hello I am the Melanie Stutt- the “Mella” behind “Barn Yard Frames by Mella.”
I operate quite simply, with a shop set up in my parents barn, (hence “Barn
Yard Frames”) I gather my materials from pretty much everywhere; old fences
are a popular donor, as are fallen sheds and farmers burn piles. I gather,
hord and store whenever I get the opportunity.
Growing up on a cattle ranch where a team of horses is still used
for a lot of the daily chores, the old western, rustic way of life has always
been a part of me. Proudly displaying, preserving and sharing that heritage
has also been something I take pride in. It's in the charm, elegance, hardships
and details that we can truly connect with and understand another way
of life.
After completing a six month joinery program at TRU (then UCC)
in 2005 (which included my 1st year apprenticeship) and working three years in
a custom kitchen and commercial millwork shop, I realized uniform, industrially
produced products made from manufactured wood products where not paralleling
my lifestyle or outlook on life.
I made my fi rst barn board frame in 2005 as a birthday gift for my best friend- it was a mirror frame
and I fi nished it on her living room fl oor while she was at work. I've made quite a few more frames over the past
years; most of which have gone to fund raisers free raffl es, donated prizes and gifts. I create
mostly picture frames and mirror frames. I also do some complete with mating and local photographs. I do
custom frames as well for original pieces people may have. I enjoy building the frames and am glad I can do my
part to give another dimension to our quickly fading heritage. I hope you can enjoy my frames as much as I did
creating them for you