You may have seen some of our amazing collaborations with DIY superstar Jenni Radosevich including our Embroidered Graphic Tank Top and Neon Gem Sandals. Read on to learn more about one of our favorite blogger contributors, Jenni!
Jenni from I Spy DIY.
How did you discover your love of crafting?
I have always been a crafty girl and growing up in Wisconsin I always created my own style: thrifting clothes, making friendship bracelets and covering everything I owned with tie dye and puffy paint (I was not afraid of multiple pops of color). When I moved to New York on a tight budget, I continued to make the trends I was seeing in magazines and on the runway. I got a great response from my coworkers at InStyle, which lead to a story in the mag, then a column, and then a book, I Spy DIY Style and ISpyDIY.com.
The I Spy DIY studio.
What’s next for I Spy DIY?
I am jazzed to be partnering up with Darby Smart to release new DIY kits every other week for the next year! I think its a great way to evolve the DIY tutorial so readers can get the same material I am working with. I am also teaching Craft Classes in I Spy DIY Studio, which I such a cool way to get off the computer and make cool stuff with rad people in real life.
Jenni’s Darby Smart Kit.
What is the most difficult part of running your own business?
There are a ton of fun things about having a crafty job, but I think the most difficult is the pace of websites and making sure that you are constantly coming up with new projects and inspiration for others. I also think social media has become an untamed beast. People are forgetting to unplug and enjoy life instead of just Instagramming about it.
Jenni’s DIY Pineapple Pillow.
What is the most rewarding part of I Spy DIY?
I LOVE seeing readers make my projects, it still amazes be that people read about my projects and are inspired to create them. It’s pretty cool. If you make one, make sure to tag me on Insta (@ispydiy), I want to see it!
Jenni modeling her DIY Ribbon Necklace.
What is your all-time favorite DIY project?
Ohhhh, If I had to pick just one it would be my chain and rhinestone wrapped bracelet. It was one of my first jewelry projects, and it came out when wearing a stack of bracelets was the must thing to do, so it really took off on the internet and put me on the map as a DIYer.
One of Jenni’s favorite projects, her Chain and Rhinestone Wrapped Bracelet.
What’s currently on repeat on your playlist?
I am OBSESSED with Sam Smith. Obsessed. I listen to “Latch” approximately 47 times everyday. It is my instant mood lifter. That man can sing!
Where do you find your inspiration?
Everywhere! I love Pinterest. I love window shopping for ideas. I am a magazine connoisseur. Once you change your mentality for buying to DIYing, you find inspiration all over the place.
Jenni’s DIY bracelets and phone case.
What is your favorite fit of AEO Jeans?
I have been searching for great pair of Boyfriend jeans and AEO nailed theirs. Great fit and great distressing… stay tuned for an amped up version soon.
Jenni’s customized Thick Strap Sandal with our jeans.
What is your best DIY tip?
Start with a simple project, like a bracelet. Once you experience the excitement of making something, the instant gratification of wearing it, the compliments, and being able to say you did it yourself, you will be hooked.
Once you start crafting, you’ll be hooked!
What’s always in your purse and why?
I switch purses so often I am lucky to get out of the house with the essentials! Keys, wallet and iPhone always make the transition from bag to bag, and if it’s a good day, there will be some powder and a pen in the new bag. And lipstick, I also have between 5-7 lipsticks in everybag… but never the color I want. My DIYed phone charger is always handy, and my Frend’s headphones are usually slung over the strap.
Jenni’s DIY Phone Cord.
What’s next on your life to-do list?
More travel! San Fran, Mexico and Abu Dhabi are all on the list.
Jenni in Mexico on vacation.
