Meet the Maker

Hi, I’m Mel — the maker and artist behind Two Fantails Design.

Based in Dunedin, New Zealand, I create colourful, playful pieces inspired by my love of art, colour and making things a little bit fun.

Two Fantails began while I was pregnant with my daughter, when a Pinterest rabbit hole led me to polymer clay earrings. What started as a creative escape quickly became something much more — a place for me to experiment with colour, patterns, painting and new ideas.

Over the years, my style has evolved and so has Two Fantails. Today, you’ll find everything from colourful everyday earrings and individually handpainted designs to bracelets, necklaces, keyrings, badge reels and other little handmade treasures.

My favourite part of the process is the handpainting. Watching a blank piece slowly come to life with colour, detail and a little sparkle is one of my favourite parts of creating. Many of my pieces are made in small batches, and some are completely one of a kind, which means there’s always new ideas taking shape on my craft table.

Why Two Fantails?

The name Two Fantails comes from a special family story.  We like to believe that my maternal grandparents return to visit us as Fantails.  My sister, mother and I are frequently visited by a pair of Fantails at each of our homes, we fondly refer to these visits as Nana and Grandad checking in on us and their great grandchildren.

That little family connection became the inspiration behind the name Two Fantails Design and makes it much more than simply a business name to me.

Art made wearable

At the heart of Two Fantails is a love of creating things that feel bright and cheerful, individual and a little bit different.

I’m drawn to bright colours, interesting patterns, playful shapes and the tiny details that can turn something simple into something special. I want the pieces I create to be fun to wear, comfortable, and full of personality.

Everything is designed or handmade by me here in Dunedin, with plenty of creativity, a love of colour and, quite often, a little glitter along the way.

Thanks for being here and supporting my little creative corner of New Zealand. I hope you find something that adds a pop of joy to your day.

Mel x