Hi, I’m Brittany (aka Pretty Handy Girl).
I am a licensed general contractor, artist, graphic designer, web designer, photographer and lover of doing everything myself. I’m also a night owl who likes to sleep in on the weekends.
I despise stereotypes and am working hard to break down the stereotype that women aren’t handy. This site is for anyone who wishes they were handy and could make their own repairs, upgrades or become a true do-it-yourselfer. You’ll find detailed tutorials (about home improvement, home repair, decor, craft and sewing) to help you over the newbie hump.
How the heck did I get to be handy?
I grew up in Northern Virginia, the oldest of three daughters. My parents added onto our home three times during my childhood. During renovations, my mom and dad let me swing hammers and “help” them build. They instilled in me a belief that I could do anything a boy could do — if not better.
Fifteen years ago my husband and I bought our first house in Raleigh, NC and I learned how to fix things — one broken toilet at a time. In 2003, a leaky pipe turned into a major kitchen renovation. We fired the contractors and I took over the task of building back our kitchen from bare studs by myself.
Over the years I’ve amassed quite a few power tools. I enjoy the surprised look on faces when I explain that they are actually my power tools and I don’t usually let my husband (affectionately referred to as Pretty Handsome Guy) touch them.
Want to know more about me? Read this post filled with oodles of mundane facts about the girl behind the blog.
A wish to empower
My mantra is that if someone can do it, then there is a 95% chance that I can do it too! Join me as I show you some of the accomplishments and pitfalls of doing it yourself!
I love to hear from my readers
I enjoy answering questions, comments or getting feedback! I love getting random sweet notes in my inbox letting me know if I’ve encouraged you. Please, feel free to email me at: PrettyHandyGirl (at) gmail.com *Remove the (at) and replace it with the @ symbol.
Brand Awareness Campaigns
I DO NOT ACCEPT PAYMENT FOR LINKS. I DO NOT ACCEPT GUEST POSTS. I WON’T PUT YOUR LINK ON MY BLOG FOR FREE. Are you still reading? Do you want your product mentioned on my blog? Great! Let me ask you a few questions first. Is it DIY or home related? Can I write a valuable post or tutorial around your product? Do you have a budget for sponsored posts? If the answer to all of these is YES, feel free to contact my agent: whileyouwriteagent (at) gmail.com.
Please forgive me if it takes a few days to respond to your email. Being the owner of two businesses, this blog, and running after my two boys keeps me “pretty” busy.
You can also find me on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and Google+.
You May Have Seen My Work In:
Hi there! I was just wondering if I could use your picture of the nickel and glass saucer light you said you bought off craigslist? I have the exact same one and want to sell it. You’re picture is better than the one I have of it sitting on the floor, lol.
Thanks!
Shy, sure 😉
I just wanted to say your website is great, we just bought our first home a few months ago and there are many projects we have to undertake ourselves. Your tutorials are great! Keep it up!
Thank you. Glad I could inspire 😉
this is awesome! are you still in no va? do you offer any in person classes? thanks! Roby
Roby, I live in Raleigh, NC. Sorry, no in person classes right now.
Hi, Brittany!
Just came across your blog today, and WOW! I love it!
Just wanted to let you know I’ve linked to your site from my blog, which is the link I’ve provided.
Cheers!
Thanks Jennifer.
I would like some advise on how to keep all the various tools in good working condition. Drills, hammers, ect. Both the hand tools and the electrical ones.
Hi Brittany and All,
I love this blog and the power it gives women to be able to do what they want because they can!
I am doing some research about powerful women such as all on this blog and would love it if I could use your voice to drive my research.
please email at v.stalteri1@gmail.com me if you would be interested in being a part of this online focus group or taking a quick survey.
Keep it up ladies!
In the Spring 2015 Do it yourself. we loved the kitchen. What color paints did you use on the cabinets that was on page 106?
The cabinets are Oxford White by Benjamin Moore and Copen Blue by Sherwin Williams
What color paint did you use on the kitchen cabinets in the Spring 2015 Do it yourself magazine.
Diane, they are Copen Blue by Sherwin Williams
Morning! Love your blog. Question about rooting clippings. What do I do if I am on vacation and not at home with rooting mixture, baggies, rooting soil, etc. Sometimes I see a beautiful plant just begging for me to take a snip. What do I do with the clipping then? Thank you. Marianne
Marianne, maybe wrap the stem in a wet paper towel or peat moss and bring it in a ziploc bag home. Although, technically you aren’t really supposed to bring plants across state lines. And you may get some questions from airport security. 😉
Great Blog, Im making a canvas bag and finding difficulties with the stitching over canvas and the zipper. What needle size and thread are you using ?
Michelle