Crafted in small batches with big heart

MsheldonDesigns was founded by Melanie Sheldon after seven years of youth work at YMCA North Staffordshire and a surface pattern design degree from Staffordshire University. While completing the Peter Coates MSc in Entrepreneurship, Melanie transformed her side hustle into a studio that now delivers workshops where guests design their own customised cups before she applies every vinyl detail by hand.

Her surface pattern and textile practice is rooted in the energy of European cityscapes—especially Berlin—plus graffiti motifs, botanical elements, geometric structures, and flashes of pop art colour. Those influences debuted in silk satin scarf collections and digitally printed wallpapers for fashion fabrics and interiors, giving the studio a playful yet refined design language that now informs every personalised order.

Pop-up shops in Hanley, fashion show placements, and on-campus activations have helped the brand grow a loyal community that spans bridal parties, independent retailers, and corporate teams. Each project begins with digital sketching to capture lettering, motifs, and colour palettes before moving into vinyl cutting, careful application, and premium packaging. The process is intentionally hands-on so every keepsake feels like it was made for one person—because it was.

Melanie's mission is to create joyful, personalised rituals while keeping the door open for community learning. Workshops continue to blend her youth work background with design, giving people space to create something meaningful—whether that's a single keepsake for a milestone birthday or merchandise for a national event. Long term, the vision includes a dedicated studio storefront, UK-wide workshop tour, and a vending machine stocked with ready-to-customise pieces.