Spotlight on Talent: Kelly Massey

Kelly Massey is the artist behind Pretty Penny designs, a line of handmade wearables that are all original screen printed, sewn, and designed. I instantly fell in love with her scarves when I saw them, in all their colors and darling prints! So, would you like to visit Kelly’s world for a while with me?

There’s something about the handmade screen printing process, I can almost feel all the hard work and passion that artists have and put into their work. It’s so inspiring! The scarves and clothing are made using soft bamboo, organic cotton and upcycled fabrics, creating simple wearable designs in luscious bright and saturated colors. I got the chance to talk to the lovely Kelly and she was kind enough to give me a little bio of her life so far and how she began designing and screen printing.

“I’ve been making art my whole life and knew early on that without some sort of creative outlet, I just wasn’t very happy. I briefly went to art school straight out of highschool and studied drawing and painting. After a year I decided that I was “too young” for art school and spent several years exhibiting my art and moving from place to place. Now I live in Los Angeles with my fantastic husband Aric who is a writer and my amazing daughter Frances who is seven. I fill up every spare moment in my life with screen printing and sewing.”

Kelly explains her process:

“My process is to prepare the screen by painting directly onto it with a very tiny paint brush, rather than doing a photo exposure like most screen printers. It is labor intensive but makes me happy. Then I screen print my pattern all over a piece of yummy knit fabric. Next, it is made either into scarves or sewn into leggings, a dress or a top.”

Kelly’s intricate process and attention to detail is so impressive, and I love that you know you will be getting beautiful work from her that is most importantly great quality, made with lots of love and care. Since her designs are handmade, your piece will be unique and feel so personal – unlike the mass produced fabrics and prints you get in stores. It’s so inspiring to hear stories about women who follow their passion and overcome obstacles to do what they love and what makes them happy, don’t you think? If you love Kelly’s screen printed wearables, make sure you head over to her shop to see more!

Thank you Kelly for sharing a part of your life with us today!

(images: pretty penny designs)