Thursday, March 10, 2011

Today's Featured Artist --- Attebery Design

 Today's featured artist is Preston Attebery of Attebery Design.

Tell us a little about you.

Well my name is Preston Attebery, I'm fifteen years old and I live in the Atlanta metro area. Yes, I'm still in high school yet running a business named Attebery Design and I love it. I get so much joy by creating, talking, and doing business for my customers. I wake up early on my Saturday mornings getting a head-start on my busy business day.


How long have you been in business?

December of 2010 marked a year in business. That first year is always tough when your fourteen and have no idea what your doing, but I made it out alright.

How did you get started?

In the 6th grade I starting selling one dollar drawings to classmates. The official beginning of Attebery Design started when a friend referred me to webs.com. Since then I've been selling my art to wonderful customers from Atlanta to London.

What is involved in making your craft?

First comes inspiration, thank God for all He gives. Once I get a spark of inspiration I create the general concept in my mind and before you know it, the pen hits the pad. (sometimes it takes a little more planning) You don't know what you really are going to create until its finished, and that's what I love about art.

Now that the easy part's over, I have to market, photograph, describe, and post my new creations. I take a short trip over to Kinkos, then to my deck to photograph my drawings giving a nice wood-tone background. Now to the computer where I edit and post my drawings to etsy, facebook, and twitter.

What is your favorite thing to make?
I can't narrow it down! Of course for me its drawing, but I just love drawing roses and hands. The stunning natural beauty of an elegant red rose is just so great to capture in a drawing. I use a pencil, a sharpie, and a ballpoint black pen to turn a blank page into a shining beaut. Also, hands really capture my attention. I make sure the little wrinkles and curves of the hand are apparent to give the drawing such a life-like feel.

Do you have set hours to work?

I sure dont. Whenever I get time, I work. Whether that's between classes (or during classes neglecting my work) or before and after school. The time when I get the most work done, as I said before, is on Saturdays.

What are your future plans for your business?

I plan on unveiling a completely new, fully-functional website to accommodate my customers better. So that will be a load of work for me to cram in on my Saturdays.

What does handcrafting mean to you?
It means plainly making things with your hands no matter what that is. Its expressing yourself creating things beautiful. Its knitting, drawing, woodworking, taking pictures, and painting.

Where do you sell your crafts at?
I sell my crafts on etsy! Thanks so much for etsy.com!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/patteberyAlso, I sell my art on my website: http://www.atteberydesign.webs.com
and at craft shows in Georgia.

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Handmade Spotlight - Spring Cleaning

Find all your spring cleaning supplies at ArtFire. Here are a few featured items to get you started.


Thank you for joining us!
Deena Davis
www.byyourhands.blogspot.com

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Tuesday Tutorial - How To Make a T-Shirt Grocery Bag

Check out this clever video on how to make an upcycled reusable grocery bag. LOVE IT!

They look very quick and easy to make.







Thanks for visiting!
Bette & Deena
www.byyourhands.blogspot.com

Monday, March 7, 2011

Organizing - Peg Racks

Keeping things up and off the floor is one great way to help stay organized. Today I want to share some great peg racks that I found while browsing the web.

This first one is made by Sly Pond Primitives. This would be great for displaying decorative items as well as hats and jackets.


How about getting that baseball gear neatly organized? JonFine at artfire has the answer.

Need a shelf with some pegs?? Firecrackerkid has what you need. (It's on sale right now too.)

What about your beach house? Need something to hang the towels on? This Surfboard Hook Rack by SundayTreasures would be perfect!

How about your jewelry... does it need a lift? This necklace holder from SpiritRanchCreations on artfire.com is very cool!

Hope this helps to inspire you with your organizing habits.

Have a great week!
Deena Davis

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Blog Party Sunday --- Show Off Your New Handmades

Are you crafting for Easter? What did you make this week?

Share something from your shop, website or blog. It doesn't have to be for sale, just handmade by you.

The rules are simple:

1. Follow our blog

2. Handmade items only.

3. You may list up to 3 items.

4. Family friendly items only.

The   success of this link party depends on the participants so spread the   word to your friends, visit the shops, post about it on your blog, in a   forum or on your favorite social networking site, grab the button and   put it on your blog or website.

Just click on the Add Your Link button at the end of this post and add your items.

And if you would like to add a link to the party you can grab this button below.