Melania La Via

Beadworker

Beads and floral compositions

Melania creates bespoke beaded, lace and embroidery compositions, jewellery and accessories
Her craft stems from a deep-rooted passion for Sicilian traditions
She never stops studying and innovating with new techniques

Melania La Via was born in Catania, Sicily and still lives there. It is a land rich in traditions that she loves. Melania has a degree in music and teaches cello, but her passion has always been making objects with threads and beads just as her grandmothers and aunts used to. "They spent whole afternoons making lace and embroidering, and I watched them, always amazed at how simple threads could become tablecloths, skirts, corsets, lampshades,” she says. In order to acquire new skills in needlework, embroidery and lacework, Melania practised a lot and developed her knowledge through self-study. She branched out into making jewellery by attending a goldsmithing course in Milan. Her activity began as a hobby, but as more and more clients asked for her works, she decided to give her passion a more professional turn, and formally set-up her practice to promote and revitalise ancient local traditions.

Interview

Why do you love your craft so much?: It is a passion but it is also a great opportunity to express creativity, to work at the right pace and to have great satisfaction. I would recommend to young people to rediscover handicraft, as it is also a form of therapy. Work, passion and small steps always lead to results.
How important is the choice of the right materials?: The quality of the threads and the beads is fundamental to make beautiful and long-lasting products. I have carefully selected my providers to be sure of always having a wide range of excellent materials available. With the pandemic, unfortunately, some of my providers closed their activities and I had to find new ones.
Who are your customers?: I have many, they are different from each other and they are based all over. My accessories are unique, never standardised, which makes a difference to my clients when they wear my pieces or set up a showcase.
How long does it take you to create an ornament?: It depends on the object, but it can vary from a few days to a few months. Time is also a variable when I am asked to restore lace or precious fabric. I love bringing clothes and accessories back to life.

Melania La Via is a master artisan: she began her career in 1990 and she started teaching in 1998