Artist Melanie Stimmell Van Latum

06/18/2026

People often ask where the ideas for my paintings come from.

The truth is...it’s probably a combination of an otter named Ernie, my grandmother’s rose garden, fantasy novels, faraway places, a lifelong obsession with beautiful things, and entirely too many animals. 😆
Behind every fairy queen, crowned creature, and moonlit garden is a collection of experiences that found their way into the work over the years.
I thought it might be fun to share a few things you may not know about the artist behind the paintings.

I’d love to know—which one surprised you the most?
(And yes, the otter story is real.) 🦦✨

06/17/2026

I have a problem... my snail mail club keeps getting heavier. 😅

When I started Dragonfly Post, I thought I’d be mailing a simple collectible postcard each month.

That would have been an envelope and postcard…

Then I added a story from the studio...

Then I added a collectible heraldry card

Then glitter stickers

Then a handmade exhibition zine with a silk tassel in a clear protective sleeve

Then a custom vellum wrap and 2 pink heart stickers to keep it all together.

So, yes, each letter requires two stamps but I don’t mind because July’s edition from the Hall of Virtues is going to be a beautiful one. ✨

Link in bio if you’d like to receive it.

06/14/2026

OK. It’s official.

I am completely obsessed. 😅

What started as a collectible postcard and a letter from the studio has somehow turned into silk tassels, wax seals, heraldry cards, glitter stickers, tiny paper relics, custom vellum wraps, and whatever other adorable thing I can dream up next.

Every month I tell myself I’m going to keep it simple…

And every month I end up adding “just one more thing.” ✨

Honestly, I think I love creating these little surprises almost as much as I love creating the paintings themselves.

July’s Dragonfly Post is looking especially magical. 🤍📬

06/09/2026

Soft Pastel will always be a favorite!!!

06/09/2026

A fun little surprise this week ✨

Bold Journey recently interviewed me about my artwork, Moon Medallions, Dragonfly Post, and why I've found myself creating more handmade, story-filled pieces over the past year.

We talked about craftsmanship, collecting, symbolism, the Court of Crown & Creature, and why I still believe there's something special about things made by hand.

If you'd like a little peek into my creative process and the thoughts behind the work, I'd love for you to read it. 💕

After years of creating large-scale oil paintings and pastel works, Melanie Stimmell has expanded her artistic practice through handcrafted “Heirloom Relics,” including her Moon Medallions and Cameos. Blending sculpture, painting, symbolism, and storytelling, these intimate works invite collecto...

06/07/2026

✨ Preparing a small gathering of Opal Fairies for their new caretakers.

Each Moon Medallion begins as clay, then slowly takes shape through drawing, sculpted details, and layers of oil paint before finding its way into the world.

I thought you might enjoy a little glimpse behind the curtain. 🤍

FantasyArt