Knoxville — Pull out the craft box, you're about to be inspired!
NBC rolled out a new show Tuesday night called "Making It' that will star comedians Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman. Both are known for their time on the series "Parks and Rec", among other roles.
The show involves a crafting competition that brings together 'makers' from around the country to compete in a series of challenges for a $100,000 cash prize.
Leading up to the big premiere, online crafting retailer Etsy chose to feature some 'makers' of their own in a commercial that aired during primetime.
Knoxville-based beer and glass company Pretentious Glass Co. was one of those chosen for the slot! Since its start, founder Matthew Cummings has sold his creations on Etsy.
The folks at Pretentious Glass Co. celebrated their national exposure Tuesday night by inviting people to clink a few glasses of their own at their beer garden in downtown Knoxville. The team also held some live glassblowing on stage!
Cummings started with sculptures, then turned to making beer glasses after a suggestion from a friend. He and his team create specifically-shaped glasses to actually match different brews.
"When people come in and support the maker-movement and support local craftspeople, you're letting someone do what they love," Cummings said. "No one is in this to make a lot of money, we just want to do what we are doing. To be passionate about it, and literally come in every day and make something and share it with other people."
In the last several years, the business has grown from operating out of a small, closet-size space to a large warehouse and brewery in the Old City in downtown Knoxville.