Blogger Interview: How About Orange

Anytime we’re looking for some clean, chic projects to try at home, we head straight to How About Orange. Jessica, the lovely blogger behind the site, is also a graphic and textile designer, and we love seeing her cute sewing projects and origami creations. We were lucky enough to grab an interview with Jessica and snag all of her DIY tips and tricks. See what she has to say below!

Origami Kittens

How did you get started as a blogger and a DIYer?
I work full time as a graphic designer, but I’ve always liked getting off the computer and making things by hand now and then. When I started How About Orange, I had visions of creating a booming Etsy shop and the blog would help to promote it. However, I found running a shop to be super tedious; you have to love it or you’ll want to shoot yourself. So I closed up shop to prevent bodily harm, but kept blogging about little DIY projects and useful tips. It’s fun to share ideas and connect with people.

Where do you find inspiration for your DIYs?
In some cases I find a sad old chair or an empty wall that I know would be great with new fabric or a painted design, so the makeover urge kicks in. Sometimes I find things for sale that are either way too expensive or else easily made at home (like these paper balls or felt trivets), and I like the challenge of figuring out how they’re made. And of course, seeing the nifty things others are creating and posting in magazines or online provides inspiration, too.

Which of your DIY projects is your favorite?
Our reupholstered Steelcase office chairs. I sit on one all day long. 

Have you noticed any upcoming DIY trends?
Washi tape, chevron patterns and ombre are everywhere. As well as objects partially dipped in paint, embellished with glitter, or decorated with triangles or other geometric patterns. Neon is on the upswing, too.

What advice would you give to DIY beginners?
There’s nothing new under the sun. The same old techniques have been used on DIY projects through the decades. So follow some tutorials to learn basic techniques, and then you’ll know how to create anything you want going forward.

What are your must-have DIY supplies?
My absolute essentials are an X-Acto knife with lots of new blades, a metal ruler, and a self-healing cutting mat. And also double-sided tape, glue, and a sharp scissors. Well, and paintbrushes, a staple gun, sewing machine, needle, and thread. And… I should stop now.
Thanks, Jessica! See more of her projects at How About Orange.

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