Humorous gear-inspired merch & illustrated ropework education for riggers, climbers, cavers, and rope nerds.
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The little cave salamander is curious and simply can't be contained by its frame.
I'm especially proud of this painting because I find salamanders surprisingly difficult to draw. One tiny change in shape and suddenly you've got a frog… or a lizard!
This piece is part of a series of larger, carabiner-framed scenes I created for this year's NSS Convention. Each one begins as a hand-drawn illustration on wood. I rough-cut the shape before recruiting my husband for the finer scroll saw work. Then it's back to my workshop, where I sand every edge and prepare the surface for painting.
Working on wood has its own challenges. Because it's naturally porous, paint can bleed or wick into the grain. Preserving the contrast between the natural wood and the painted areas took some experimenting, but I'm really happy with the technique I've developed.
Once the painting is complete, I apply multiple coats of a water-based polyurethane to seal and protect this speckled little explorer for years to come.
Details
Original hand-painted artwork
Size: 10" tall × 6" wide
Ready to hang with an attached sawtooth hanger
Titled, signed, and dated on the back
Each original is one of a kind and will never be exactly replicated.
It's hard to beat a vibrant desert sunset.
This original painting invites you to pause for a moment and enjoy one; framed by one of the most recognizable pieces of outdoor gear. Whether you see the carabiner as a symbol of past adventures or as a little portal to your next one, I hope this piece brings a bit of the outdoors into your home.
Each wooden carabiner begins as a hand-drawn illustration before being carefully cut, sanded, painted, and sealed by hand. Even within this sunset series, no two paintings are exactly alike. The natural grain of the birch plywood subtly influences each piece, making every original unique.
After painting, I apply multiple coats of a water-based polyurethane to protect the finish while allowing the warmth and character of the wood to shine through.
Details
Original hand-painted artwork
Hand-cut from 1/2" birch plywood
Approximately 10" wide × 6" tall
Ready to hang with an attached sawtooth hanger
Titled, signed, and dated on the back
Suitable for indoor display (outdoor exposure will shorten the life of the finish)
Looking for something smaller? Check out this listing or my other carabiner paintings.
This large flying bat is part of a series of hand-cut bat silhouettes, each painted in its own unique color palette. No two turned out quite the same, and that's part of what made this series so much fun to create.
This fiery, bold version earned the nickname "Batrog" because it has a bit of a Balrog-inspired look… minus the flames, doom, and evil tendencies.
Each bat is cut from 1/2" birch plywood, allowing the natural grain and character of the wood to become part of the artwork. I love letting those subtle variations show through, making every piece truly one of a kind.
After painting, I apply multiple coats of a water-based polyurethane to seal and protect the finish for years to come.
Details
Original hand-painted artwork
Hand-cut from 1/2" birch plywood
Approximately 19.5" wide × 10" tall
Finished with multiple coats of water-based polyurethane
Suitable for indoor display (outdoor use will shorten the life of the finish)
Each original is one of a kind and will never be exactly replicated.
For those of us who love the outdoors, a carabiner is more than just a piece of gear. Sometimes it's a reminder of where we've been, and an invitation to where we'll go next.
This painting is a smaller version in the sunset carabiner series. This is a vibrant mountain scene with a few small bats flying around the sky. Titled, “Mountain Sunset in Carabiner” this small wonder will add some color and joy to any wall in your home.
Each wooden carabiner and scene is individually drawn, cut, sanded, painted and sealed. Every one is different and unique. The back is named, signed, and has a sawtooth hanger making it ready to hang on a wall in your home.
This piece measures approximately 5.75”wide x 3.5” tall. Made of 1/2” birch plywood, the texture and natural variance of wood is noticeable and part of the charm. These are finished with multiple layers of water-based polyurethane and suitable for indoor use. (Outdoor use may limited the life of your carabiner.)
Interested in something larger? Check out this listing for a similar yet original painting from the series.
Some views are worth pausing to enjoy.
This original painting captures the warm glow of a mountain sunset, framed by an essential piece of gear… a carabiner. For those of us who spend our weekends chasing cliffs, caves, mountains, and campfires, it's a reminder that sometimes the best adventures begin with a simple connection.
Each wooden carabiner begins as a hand-drawn illustration before being carefully cut, sanded, painted, and sealed by hand. The natural grain of the birch plywood becomes part of the finished artwork, ensuring that every piece has its own character. No two are ever exactly alike.
Once the painting is complete, I apply multiple coats of a water-based polyurethane to protect the finish while allowing the warmth and texture of the wood to shine through.
Details
Original hand-painted artwork
Hand-cut from 1/2" birch plywood
Approximately 10" wide × 6" tall
Ready to hang with an attached sawtooth hanger
Titled, signed, and dated on the back
Each original is one of a kind and will never be exactly replicated.
Display your love of bats with these adorable wooden bats. Each bat is cut to shape, sanded, painted by hand, then finished with a protective clear coating of polyurethane. Every bat is made by me (Mel) and has its own friendly, cartoon-inspired personality.
Hang these little guys nearly anywhere in your home. They can fly to roost in a cozy corner against the ceiling or boldly perched for all so see.
Two sizes available in various shades of grey or brown. They are a limited collection so grab yours before they migrate to another home.
The best stand-to-pee device on the market! The pStyle is a personal urination device (PUD) that allows for your to pee while remaining fully clothed, which is a game changer in many situations. The trough design make it the easiest to use without making a mess.
Hiking at altitude with no trees around? Use the pStyle.
On a caving trip and unable to exit the cave? Use the pStyle.
At a festival and the porta-potties are disgusting? Use the pStyle.
International travel, working off a windmill, boating, camping, rock climbing… you got it… use a pStyle.
Yes it actually works and it’s not messy… sure I suggest trying it in the shower first to get the hang of things, but once you’ve tried it a couple of times you’re ready for the field.
In addition to the pStyle, I also make a case and holster for convenient carrying and quick access. Because when ya gotta go… ya gotta go! Check out that listing HERE.
When you gotta pee but you’re wearing a harness or too far from a cave entrance… avoid disaster by using a stand-to-pee device. Using a stand-to-pee device is a total game changer! So much so that I designed a washable case and a holster for ease of use and quick access for my favorite model: the pStyle.
Need the pStyle? See this listing.
Want the Case and/or Holster? Read on!
The Holster & Case are a two-part system that you be use separately or in combination.
First, the travel case: The Case is made of 100% cotton flannel, features an elastic opening and a reflective tab with a mini carabiner. Use it alone by clipping it to a loop to your gear, or add it to the inside of the Holster for repeated use and quick access. Machine washable. (Bonus if you need a pee-rag the Case is super soft and ready to dab.)
Second, the Holster: The Holster is made of Cordura fabric on the back and a mesh front for quick drying. There are velcro tabs on the back that can attach to a backpack waist belt , shoulder strap, harness belt, or any molle strap.
How does the combination work? Anchor the Holster to your gear, and then slide the flannel Case inside. Thread the tab trough the opening in the Holster and anchor it to keep it slipping out when you remove the funnel. With one hand you can reach in the Case and extract the funnel for use. Then return it to the flannel case, pointy end first. It’ll dry quickly and be ready for use the next time you’re ready for a potty break. Ready for wash the Case? Use leave the Holster in place and unclip the tab and remove the entire Case for washing.
If you’re initially weirded out about using a pee funnel yet strangely interest to know more, then check out this website! My friends Rebecca and I participated in an interview to tell our story with Maz, an advocate and host to a great resource about these secret gems.
If you have a preference of the flannel print, just let me know in a “Note to seller” section at checkout. More details and a video of the holster in action coming soon!
“Froggy” available in Unisex Fit sizes.
After a flood of requests, Froggy has officially crossed a rebelay from the article and made it onto a shirt.
Originally featured in the NSS article:
“Optimizing The Frog System For Rescue: Rescuers’ Perspectives”, this hand-drawn MELGARITA illustration is now available as a limited screen printed release — complete with a QR code on the sleeve linking directly to the article.
For the Frog system fans, gear nerds, and anyone who appreciates a properly dialed setup. Only 85 shirts are being printed, and once they’re gone… that’s probably it.
Whether you’re grabbing one at convention or locking in your size ahead of time, this preorder is the best way to make sure you don’t miss out.
Features
Original hand-drawn “Froggy” illustration
QR code printed on sleeve linking to the NSS article
Screen printed using breathable water-based inks
PVC- and phthalate-free inks
Soft-hand print built to last
Printed on an ultra-soft Bella+Canvas tri-blend tee
Lightweight, breathable, and absurdly comfortable
Printed on a mustard-colored tee that feels like a second skin from day one.
Limited release — no guarantees this design returns in the future so hop on it :)
Sizing
Unisex Fit: S–2XL
Care instructions:
- Wash inside out to maintain design best
- Machine wash: cold (max 30C or 90F)
- Do not bleach
- Do not tumble dry
- Iron, steam or dry: low heat
- Do not dry clean
Available in Unisex and Women’s fit.
Don’t you think more things should glow in the dark?
This fresh MELGARITA design features an original hand-drawn cave and bat illustration screen printed with glow-in-the-dark ink on an unbelievably soft tri-blend tee.
Debuting just in time for the 2026 NSS Convention in Indiana, this limited release is available for preorder now so you can lock in your preferred color and size before they disappear into the cave.
No promises this design returns later… I’ve got too many ideas waiting in the wings.
Features
Original hand-drawn artwork (never AI-generated)
Glow-in-the-dark screen printed design
Ultra-soft Next Level tri-blend tee
Lightweight, breathable, and field-ready
Water-based inks for a soft hand feel
PVC- and phthalate-free inks
Long-lasting breathable print
This shirt is ridiculously soft, dangerously comfortable, and ready for everything from cave trips and gear checks to campfire hangs afterward.
Limited release — once they’re gone, they’re gone.
Size/ Fit
Unisex: S–2XL
Women’s: S–2XL
Care instructions:
- Wash inside out to maintain design best
- Machine wash: cold (max 30C or 90F)
- Do not bleach
- Do not tumble dry
- Iron, steam or dry: low heat
- Do not dry clean
Some layers are made for cold weather. This one is made for convention evenings, campfires, road trips, and the moment the temperature drops just enough to reach for a light layer.
This original MELGARITA design features a hand-drawn carabiner filled with cave formations and underground textures, brought to life through a multi-color screen print on an lightweight long sleeve hoodie.
It’s breathable, layerable, ridiculously comfortable, and quickly becomes the thing you throw on for everything.
Perfect for:
cool summer nights
post-caving hang outs at the Mexican Restaurant
keeping the bugs off at camp
long drives home
“just in case” layering
Features
Original hand-drawn MELGARITA artwork (never AI-generated)
Multi-color screen printed design
Lightweight hooded long sleeve
Soft, breathable, and easy to layer
Water-based inks for a soft-hand feel
PVC- and phthalate-free inks
Durable screen print made for regular wear
Printed on the unbelievably comfortable Next Level lightweight long sleeve hoodie — soft enough to become your favorite travel layer almost immediately.
This is a limited release debuting at the NSS Convention, and quantities will be limited both online and at the event.
Sizing
Unisex Fit: S–2XL
More Details
Hoodie: Bella + Canvas 3512
Fabric: 52% Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton 48% poly
Color: Heather Navy
Hello & Howdy! I’m Mel-
also known as Melgarita
Born from the brain of a technically trained rescuer with a doodle addiction. Melgarita is your guide through the imaginative and knot-filled realm where technical rescue meets artistic exploration. This is a place where ropes, critters, and clever systems come to life through illustration, storytelling, and handcrafted design.
Not every adventure begins underground... but once you've experienced the hidden world of caves, it's hard to forget.
The quiet beauty of stalactites, stalagmites, delicate draperies, and even the wonderfully named "cave bacon" has a way of staying with you long after you return to the surface.
"Formation Carabiner" captures a glimpse of that underground world through a familiar piece of gear. Stalactites and stalagmites slowly reach toward one another while layered cave formations transform this wooden carabiner into a portal to places few people ever have the chance to see.
Working on wood has its own challenges. Because it's naturally porous, paint can bleed or wick into the grain. Preserving the contrast between the natural wood and the painted areas took some experimenting, but I'm really happy with the technique I've developed. Each wooden carabiner begins as a hand-drawn illustration before being carefully cut, sanded, painted, and sealed by hand. The natural grain of the birch plywood becomes part of the finished artwork, ensuring that every original has its own character and subtle variations.
Once the painting is complete, I apply multiple protective coats of water-based polyurethane to preserve both the artwork and the natural beauty of the wood for years to come.
Details
Original hand-painted artwork
Acrylic on hand-cut birch plywood
Approximately 10" tall × 6" wide
Ready to hang with an attached sawtooth hanger
Titled, signed, and dated on the back
Suitable for indoor display (outdoor exposure will shorten the life of the finish)
Every original tells its own story through the warmth of wood, the texture of paint, and the adventures that inspired it. No two will ever be exactly alike.