When the glassblowing industry cracked, artist Melissa Main turned to the sea for inspiration.

The Mattapoisett resident, a native of Berkley, graduated from Massachusetts College of Art and Design with a degree in glassblowing.

She spent the next three years honing her skills while working for a glassblower in Westport.

“I started selling my own stuff and going to craft shows,” said Main.

But, the economic downturn took many creative jobs with it.

“A lot of people went out of business,” said Main. “It got a little slow, so I started making jewelry.”

Main, a single parent with a four-year-old daughter, relocated to Mattapoisett and began experimenting with river rocks, sea glass, and shells that she found washed up on local beaches.

“I do more organic shapes,” said Main. “I just start putting things together.”

Trial and error has been a big part of developing her jewelry collection.

“I started with making smaller jewelry. As it got popular, I started making more with sterling silver,” she said.

From $5 earrings of bead and glass, Main’s work has evolved as she’s tried different techniques.

Living in a small, winterized beach house near Mattapoisett Harbor, Main is truly creating a cottage industry. The artist works in her kitchen and basement, developing pieces that are increasingly more sophisticated while still youthful.

Pieces of found glass and tumbled stones are suspended amidst simple, angled pieces of sterling silver. Main has also experimented with hammering silver for a more modern effect.

Participating in craft shows has expanded her creativity and opportunities, said Main.

“You’re with people who have similar interests and ideas,” she said. “Some of the shows are slow with buying, but something else comes out of it – a connection with someone, an idea.”

Besides craft shows, Main sells her jewelry on the website Etsy, and is also trying to get her pieces in local shops.

Main admitted that approaching businesses is nerve wracking, but her first try, at Wareham’s Old Company Store, met with success.

“I definitely consider my work as more beachy,” said Main. “This has been a good place to sell my stuff.”

While Main waitresses part-time, she would like to transition to art full-time in the future. She also wants to get back to glassblowing one day.

“I miss glassblowing. It’s addicting. Eventually, I want to get more glass that I make into my jewelry and incorporate both of the things I like to do,” Main said.

Melissa Main’s work can be seen at www.melissamain.etsy.com. She can also be reached at main.melissa@gmail.com.