Spotlight Sessions: Andrae Still

Get to know another amazing Philadelphian

Hand holding a bottle with Back Yard Krafts logo and custom metal bottle opener made from recycled chain.

Building big dreams in his own Back Yard. 

Some Spotlight Sessions are about giving people their flowers for what they’ve already achieved. Others, like this one, are about watering the roots. When I met Andrae Still, I saw someone not just making beautiful things out of scrap metal and wood—but also rebuilding himself through the process.

This isn’t a story of overnight success. It’s a story of faith, function, and a man with a welder’s torch in his backyard and a vision in his heart. Andrae recently took the leap to go full time with his business, Back Yard Krafts, and I caught up with him to talk about that journey—what fuels it, where it’s headed, and why giving back is always part of the plan.


🧰🛠️ BUILT TO LAST ⏳🌟

Drae, I think I told you a little bit about the platform. It’s a chance to give creatives their flowers, to uplift the people who are coming up and working hard at their craft. That’s why I wanted to feature you. I see your dedication and your heart—not just in your work but in how you show up for others. So let’s start there. Tell me about your business, Back Yard Krafts. How did it all begin?

ANDRAE STILL: So I’ve always worked with my hands. I’ve been an automotive technician since high school—my dad owned Masters Touch Auto Repair in Mount Airy. That was 15 years in the shop. But around 2018, we met a welder, and I’d already been messing around with woodwork. I made some shelves that were totally uneven—but I made them, start to finish, and they did what they needed to do.

Collage of handcrafted metal and wood pieces by Back Yard Krafts, including coffee tables, ashtrays, and bottle holders.

Once I started seeing how metalwork could come into play, I’d be walking through Target or Walmart and thinking, “I can make that.” And at the shop, we had so much scrap metal from car repairs, I just started experimenting. Then COVID hit in 2020, and I had more time to be home and creative. My wife’s best friend asked me to make something for her spa. I doubted myself, but she believed in me—and when she loved what I made, that really flipped a switch.

I love that. It’s not just about talent—it’s about taking the time to build something real. What made you decide to actually go to school and study welding?

ANDRAE: Honestly, someone asked me to weld a part on their motorcycle. I probably could’ve figured it out, but I didn’t want to be responsible if something went wrong. That’s what pushed me to get formal training. I like learning, too—I’ve always admired the idea of going back to school just to learn, like the older guy I met at CCP studying automotive just because he could. I wanted to really understand the craft. So in November 2024, I got my welding diploma.

You’ve done a lot of vending events, and I’ve seen how people respond to your work. What do you get out of those moments?

ANDRAE: It’s a good feeling to create something and see people react to it in person. Even if they don’t buy, you can tell when they appreciate it. That alone is encouragement. And sometimes people get inspired—like a musician might see my work and feel like, “Yeah, I should go home and finish that song.”

The stuff I make, it’s junk turned into something cool. And when people connect to that, it pushes them to create, too. Sometimes the compliments and the conversations you have at events are more valuable than the sales.

Speaking of giving back, I remember you doing free toys for kids around the holidays. Why is that important to you?

ANDRAE: I was lucky. I had both parents, we went to the beach, we did picnics. But I learned not every kid gets that. Some kids never even been to a park. So I try to offer those moments, those smiles, however I can. Whether it’s a toy or just being kind. One woman I remember—used to come into the shop with her music blasting, just full of life—she always had something kind to say. That stuck with me. I try to be like that: just be a light in the world.

And you do it without trying to go viral. That’s what makes it genuine. What are some of your personal goals for Back Yard Krafts?

ANDRAE: Right now, it’s about getting the name out. But longer-term, I want to teach people—especially folks who are afraid of tools or sparks—how to use this equipment safely. An intro class to tools. Familiarity builds confidence.

And honestly, the business is tied to my personal growth. I used to waste time just sitting around. Now, I’m out in the backyard building, and in doing that, I’m also building myself. Patience, honesty, attention to detail. It all feeds into the brand.

You’ve been doing this full-time since January. How’s the journey been?

ANDRAE: Rough. I’ve been getting my butt kicked a bit. But I’m seeing progress. Like, I met this Uber driver, told him about what I do, and he started sending me pics of the stuff he was building just because we talked. That was powerful.

We also finished a big project—a mobile bar for a client. People are recognizing our style now. That feels good.

I saw you were in the Philadelphia Flower Show. That had to be huge.

ANDRAE: Yeah, that came from a WHYY networking event. I almost didn’t go. I was tired, wasn’t expecting much. But I went, and met Rashawn from Bloom Bold Co. She followed up—and I was part of her display. My Instagram was even included. That exposure meant a lot. It helped me realize we’re really onto something.

How can people support what you’re doing?

ANDRAE: First—just tell people about Back Yard Krafts. Word of mouth goes far. Check us out online, follow and share. We’ve got a newsletter. And of course, if you buy something, that’s amazing—but even just remembering us, that matters.

You mentioned earlier a personal motto: “Die Empty.” Can you share what that means to you?

ANDRAE: Yeah. It’s the title of a poem I’ve been working on. The idea is, give everything you’ve got before you go. Leave your love, your knowledge, your energy here. Don’t hoard it. I want my kids and wife to know I gave them all I had. That’s how I live.

That’s beautiful, man. Is there anything else people should know about your brand?

ANDRAE: Just that it’s rooted in repurposing—materials and ourselves. We’re all going to be reshaped throughout life. I want Back Yard Krafts to reflect that. We use upcycled stuff—scrap metal, wood, used car parts. About 85% of what we make is reclaimed. And if I can turn that into something meaningful, maybe others can do that with their own lives, too.

Back Yard Krafts bottle opener, ashtray, and bottle holder displayed on a wood table with leather and brick backdrop

🔧 FEATURED PIECES FROM BACK YARD KRAFTS

🔩 Timing Chain Bottle Openers
Hand-welded from reclaimed timing chains, these rugged openers are designed for durability and style. “The bottle opener for those who swing the hammer,” as Andrae says — perfect for hard workers winding down.

🚬 Engine Pulley Ashtrays
Made from salvaged car pulleys, these industrial-style ashtrays double as conversation starters. Some include handmade rests for cigars or incense.

🍺 Shock Spring Bottle Holders
Repurposed from old car suspension parts, these sculptural holders grip your beverage like a high-performance upgrade for your shelf or bar. Grit meets design.

Follow Andrae Still on Instagram & You Tube: @BackYardKrafts, visit metalwoodcrafts.com, or check out YardMadeKrafts on Etsy.


🔩❤️ MADE TO MATTER ♻️🔥

Some folks make art. Others make meaning. Andrae Still is doing both. As he says, we’re all being rebuilt—and watching someone take that truth and weld it into something real? That’s what Spotlight Sessions are all about.

Until next time, keep showing up for your dreams.

What do you think? Hit the links for more info, and leave your comments below.

Spotlight Sessions is a series conceived of and developed by artist-educator Andre Saunders to highlight inspirational local people with personal, community-focused interviews. Read Andre’s previous Spotlight Session, a conversation with Toya Wiley on grief, growth, and the power of choosing yourself.

⭐🏆📕 Congratulations to Andre on the immediate success of his latest book, Honest Becoming Me, where he shares his artistic journey in an interactive format that encourages young readers to find their voice. Read all about it in Philly ArtBlog’s insightful interview showcasing Andre as a dedicated and multi-talented Philly creative.

SAT JULY 19 | 1PM  Andre will be the Spotlighted artist at Center City’s Barnes and Noble bookstore, where he’ll delve into what makes us artists and how our art makes us more of who we are. A must for hip-hop and poetry fans, perfect for anyone seeking to better express themselves through creativity.

And be sure to check out Andre’s latest music project “Better Late Than Never”, a deft, layered introspective with unforgettable rhymes and hooks. 🚀

Flyer for Barnes & Noble author event featuring Andre Saunders on July 19, 2025

About Andre Saunders 7 Articles
Andre Saunders is a Philadelphia musical artist and a resident poet for LaSalle University's Writers Matter Program where he brings workshops, motivational speeches, and entertainment to city schools. He's certified in the Future Corps Leaders Program, and trained in a full suite of youth and professional development skills. Andre has released three official albums and performed alongside many established and legendary artists. In 2024, City Council awarded him a citation recognizing his many talents and achievements.

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