Melonie Stanger, the heart behind Mel of the Mountains, has lived a life as diverse as the North Georgia mountains she calls home. From snake handling to radio announcing, studio recording to software engineering, and even running a bakery for 16 years, Melonie has embraced every challenge with passion and skill. Her true calling, however, lies in the ancient craft of brain tanning hides, primarily deer hides.

As a tanner, Melonie is dedicated to preserving and revitalizing this time-honored tradition. She shares her expertise through workshops, teaching others the art of making buckskins—soft, durable leather that connects them to their ancestors.

Residing in Blairsville with her husband of almost 30 years, Melonie is also a proud cancer survivor as of March 2024. Her unending curiosity and resilience are evident in her journey and her commitment to lifelong learning.

Through melofthemountains.com, Melonie offers a wealth of knowledge on brain tanning and crafting with buckskins. The site is a valuable resource for those interested in traditional crafts, wilderness skills, and sustainable living, providing tutorials, guides, and workshops led by Melonie’s skilled and passionate hands.