Meet Featured Artists Dale and Kimberly Edwards of Redbird Designs for Your Nest!

What is your business’ name? Redbird Designs for Your Nest and we are Dale and Kimberly Edwards!

What sort of items do you make? Our philosophy is “Handmade Items from Our Nest to Yours.” Kimberly makes flowers from recycled materials, including common kitchen and other household items. She also makes mason jar crafts and beautiful yarn necklaces. Dale does oil paintings and other artwork on Readers Digest book covers.

When and how did you learn your craft? Kimberly, who has always been driven by creativity, taught herself to knit about 12 years ago using the book, “Stitch ‘n Bitch.” She began making soda-can flowers two years ago, and the idea for more elaborate blooms ‘grew’ from there. Dale, who is a graphic designer, took up oil painting about four years ago in the basement of their home.

Where do you get your inspiration from? Kimberly: “I’m inspired by looking outside the box. I like to take everyday and common materials and use them in a unique and creative way.” Dale: “I like to take complicated images and strip away the details, leaving simple, almost stark, graphic images. I’m inspired by wide-open spaces and utilitarian buildings.”

How did you get started doing this as a business? The business side of our arts and crafts passion began when Dale was invited to take part in Art in the Arboretum. His success from that show led to participation in other events. At first, Kimberly would join Dale at the art shows as his companion. However, it was only a matter of time before Kimberly’s talents were recognized and she was also invited to take part in shows. Now, we enjoy doing arts and crafts shows together.

Do you have any advice for other crafters/artisans just starting out? Network and build relationships with other artisans and crafters. That has helped us tremendously. Also, learn to pack your vehicle efficiently.

Anything else you would like to share? Don’t be afraid to try different venues. We’ve done church sales, farmers markets, craft shows, art exhibits and other shows, local and out of town. The more you put yourself out there, the more business you’ll attract.

Redbird Designs has a booth at Design Archives in downtown Greensboro. Dale regularly writes on his blog – daleedwardspaintsinhisbasement.blogspot.com – and is on Etsy under the name Tatestreet. You can see Dale’s artwork and Kimberly’s creations on the Redbird Designs Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/Redbirddesignsforyournest

Redbird Designs for Your Nest will be a featured artist at the First Friday Indie Market on September 5, 2014.  The market is located on the corner of MLK and Elm St in Downtown Greensboro, NC and is open from 4-9 pm.