the owner and crafter of this loving Philadelphia-based operation. As the granddaughter of a seamstress and a cutter-of-men's-clothes, sewing has always been in my blood, but it was not until 2023 that I decided to hone my skills and effort into this small business to share with you!

Hello & welcome

to Ellis by Design. I am Alaina...

My Craft Journey

The idea began when I adopted my first kitten, Chives Ruby, and wanted a safe and sustainable toy to make her feel comforatble at home. This was the impetus of my first and most popular product, the hand-sewn cat-nip kickers. From there, I've expanded into other pet toys, jewelry bags, totes, and a variety of other products through custom orders. I am always looking for new ideas so if there is anything you do not see here, please consider reaching out to me via the contact form!

FAQ

Do you have a physical store?

Although we do not have a brick and mortar location, you can often find us at local craft fairs and other in-person events. To stay up-to-date, follow us on Instagram @EllisByDesign.

Is this your full-time job?

Nope! While I feel blessed and excited to share my talents with you all, my "day job" is as an elementary school counselor in Philadelphia. I am also a photographer for engagements, graduations and special events, which you can follow at @lainaellisphotos.

Do you take custom orders?

Absolutely. I am available to take custom orders, just use my contact form for more information.

What actions do you take toward sustainability?

I thoughtfully and proudly source craft materials, including recycled and thrifted fabrics, stuffing and zippers. I also continuously improve product design based on customer feedback, with sustainability in mind. For example, we updated the design of our best-selling cat-nip kickers to be refillable/reusable.