Hey! That's Handmade! - "ellembee"

Hello, people! It's about time for another handmade feature, don't you think? So today, I'll be introducing you to Lisa of "ellembee" on Etsy.

I know most of you readers are women, and what woman doesn't like new clothing?! Yes! You read right! I've found some fabulous handmade clothing to feature. Aren't you excited? I'm excited to show you, but first, let's get to know Lisa and ellembee a little better.

*How long have you been screen printing and working with clothing, and how did you become interested in it?

"I just started screen printing about 5 months ago. I was a bedding designer in California for the past 4 years, until I got laid off in January. I moved back to Michigan, where I grew up, and had to find a way to make some money! I had taken a screen printing class in college, so I knew the basics. I looked at some how-to videos on Youtube, and read a few books on the subject, and just sort of fumbled my way through figuring out how to do it!"

"Floral Tank in Robin's Egg Blue"

*From where do you draw your inspiration?

"I get inspiration from the weirdest places! Usually, I'll glance at something and think it's something else. That sounds weird. lol. For example: the other day I was driving and I saw this billboard that had a huge key drawn on it. But the drawing was pretty bad, and I couldn't tell right away what it was, and it sort of looked like a city skyline to me. A few seconds later I realized that it was a key, but I thought that a skyline would look really cool printed on a shirt, and now that will be one of my designs coming out on a hoodie for my fall line."

"Twigs Long Sleeve Hoodie in Gray"

*What is your personal favorite of your collection and why?

"I have a love/hate relationship with lacy indigo. The design that I originally thought of for that shirt looks totally different. I sort of happened upon the way it ended up looking, and I think it turned out great. That shirt is my best seller, and I think it's the most original in my line, but because of the bleaching process that I do, and the intricacy of the design, I mess up a lot of them that can't be sent out, (that's the part I hate!)"

"Lacy Indigo V-Neck Short Sleeved Shirt"

*Things are tough these days, especially for many of us "starving artists". What do you do to stay positive in such a difficult field?

"I LOVE working for myself! I love the fact that how much money I make is completely up to me; I take full responsibility for my income. With amazing places like etsy.com and the local craft fairs that I do, the sky is the limit. I find myself working 14-hour days, 6 and 7 days a week, and it doesn't even faze me, because I love what I'm doing! I love my job!"

"Diney the Dinosaur Onesie"

*Lastly, is there anything else you want my readers to know?

"Just that I think they'd be really happy with any of the items in my line! When I got started, I really wanted to be able to affect the way someone feels with my clothing. I love going into a dressing room at a store and trying on an outfit that looks so cute on you, and makes you feel so good, that you have to jump up and down! (Am I the only one that does that?!) Anyway, that's how I came up with my slogan ellembee- hand printed clothes that'll make you jump up and down! I love that I get to help people feel good about themselves!"

I'd jump up and down to own anything from Lisa's Etsy shop, ellembee! Make sure you stop by and check out her full line of fabulous clothing. I know you'll want to add a piece or two to your wish list!

Thanks so much, Lisa, for letting me share your work with my friends. Best of luck to you!