Michelle & Me

Thanks for stopping by. My name is Michelle Kirkham and I have been a "Maker" for over 4 decades, it's just in my blood. I love to try new projects and revive older techniques. 

I started crafting at the young age of 4, in my backyard by painting rocks I found in my driveway and then asking my dad what you'd use to glue rocks together? I've made a lot of things between then and now; given many homemade gifts for birthdays and holidays, created wedding jewelry for friends, and decorated my own home with my creations. My first job at 16, was in our local fabric store. I had already been sewing for 4 years by then and took to learning the business, various fabrics, notions, and trims like a natural. I am so proud to look back on those years which allowed me to make several dresses for school dances, trendy vests, boxers as shorts, hair scrunchies, and all the other 80's/90's fashions, in addition to my own prom dress. 

In an attempt to stay within our wedding budget, I made all of my bridesmaid's dresses, church decorations, centerpieces for the reception, and altered my wedding gown. After marriage I left the craft world, seeking better money to allow us to buy our first home. I then began sewing curtains and crocheting blankets.

After the birth of my two boys I did what all creative moms do and made cute outfits and adorable Halloween costumes. I went back to part-time work when they were a bit older as an assistant craft manager at a local craft and seasonal shop for a few years. 

We moved from New Jersey to Virginia in 2007, and I became a veterinary assistant for several rewarding years, but paused my creativity a smidge due to my hectic schedule. It was during those years that I missed my creative outlet and began making again and started my first Etsy shop in 2013 called The Mercantile Shoppe. I'm still running that original shop, which holds an overload of crafting supplies and opened a second Etsy shop in 2020 to showcase my own handmade creations, called Michelle & Me, just as this is. 

Michelle & Me is a reflection of what I enjoy creating. You will see: Handmade Jewelry such as anklets, bracelets, earrings, and necklaces; Wristlet Key Fobs made of cork fabric, cotton material, faux leather, and ribbon; Hair Accessories including barrettes, bobby pins, clips, and scrunchies; and some other items thrown in for good measure. 

If you've made it to the end of this, well a big Thank You to you! I'm honored that you'd take the time to read my back story.

I'd be happy to work with you, if you are interested in having something unique made. Simply message me via the Contact Maker button.