Unique like YOU - Designs by Ella Mella
A few short months ago, I was looking for designers of children's clothing and came across Ella Mella Clothing - custom designs on t-shirts and dresses.
Well, I dig anything custom and handmade! I love something that takes time, effort and love! When I saw Ami's stuff I fell in love...I told her about our idea for our spring special 'Dream a little Dream' and she created a few designs and sent me a bunch of clothing that we incorporated into our photo shoot! You can see those on our Tales of a Dream blog www.talesofadream.com
For my daughter I wanted her to design a custom camera dress and I told her I'd like it to look similar to a vintage Nikon.
I simply adore the dress Ami made for my daughter Malina...it's something I wouldn't be able to find in a store. She even added the "mommy's assistant" in the back. Malina loves the dress, it's super comfortable and fun!
Make sure you check out her website www.ellamella.com
First I forwarded some pictures of cameras I liked and then Ami started drawing...once I was happy with the design, she went to work and carved it out of the linoleum block.
After it's done being carved, the ink gets put on and then she stamps it onto the fabric.
Then the fabric gets cut out to the shape of the design and it got sewn onto the American Apparel dress I picked out! Add the cute Ella Mella tag and voila it's done!
“No two Ella Mella items are alike. You are unique & special therefore your clothes should be too!”
"I have had a life-long passion for anything artsy. You name it and I have probably tried and loved it. Though while being pregnant with my daughter Ella, my creative juices went into over drive (as did my hormones) and I started dreaming up designs for children's clothing. The designs flowed freely, and at times would keep me up at night. I had to get them out...
We called her "Ella Mella" early on because of her rambunctious personality. A little wild and crazy, yet flexible and steady. My clothing line had to reflect these qualities and what better name then the girl who inspired it all. And Ella Mella tees were created.
The printing process basically came down to weeks of trial and error... When trying to decide what technique I wanted to use to print my drawings onto my tees I couldn't help but to be reminded of my AMAZING school art classes and the fun linoleum prints we used to make. I knew this was the technique I wanted to use, a way to make every tee a work of art, and I couldn't deny the uniqueness and strong character that the linoleum block gave to my drawings. I began carving away and then carving some more. Almost two years later I continue to love this process and the flexibility it allows me.
I hope you enjoy these as much as I do!"
XOXOOX
Ami Dodd
owner/designer
Ella Mella
camera stamp used directly on a shirt! We just love this whole outfit...shirt by Ella Mella and pants by Quirky Threadz!
Ami is a married, has two beautiful children and lives in Centreville, VA