Candy of Taylor and Demolish has been one of our favorite DIY bloggers for quite some time now. From pearls to glitter, we love seeing the different ways she embellishes her clothing – her projects are so unique! The NYC girl is a familiar face in the M&J Trimming store, and we always get excited to see what she makes next. We were lucky enough to get to chat with Candy about her DIYs. Keep reading to see her interview!

How did you get started as a blogger and a DIYer?  
My DIYing skilling started when I was a kid.  I will never forget the night my mom took me to Toys-R-Us when I was 8 years old to buy a Barbie doll for Show’n’Tell.  The night before Show’n’Tell, I made a necklace from baubles from old barrettes and a shoelace.  When it was my turn to present, I decided not to show off the doll so I stuffed it into my bookbag and presented the necklace.  To this day, my mom still doesn’t know I wasted her money (but I guess she will now lol).  Now looking back, I know it was at that moment that my destiny was determined!

My blog didn’t happen by chance.  I planned my blog an entire year before the launch.  I came up with the name, saved and bought my DSLR, created a business plan, planned a ton of DIY projects, and promoted it before I even launched.  It’s the businesswoman in me.

Where do you find inspiration for your DIYs? 
Tumblr!  There are so many great streetstyle, runway, destination, and random pictures that I am able to find hidden DIYs in.  It’s like a massive treasure chest!

Which of your DIY projects is your favorite?
My favorite always changes, but for now I will have to go with my DIY chained collar tips. It’s the most ridiculously easy thing I’ve ever made.

Have you noticed any upcoming DIY trends?
Since the summer is almost here, I can’t wait to see all of the DIY cutoff shorts that will hit the streets of NYC.  Stencil tribal prints, stencil floral designs, dip dyed, studded, distressed…the possibilities are endless so I have a ton of these in the works!

What advice would you give to DIY beginners?  
Invest in a giant sketchpad. I always write out what it is I am going to do or sketch out what I am going to do.  It is crazy how many mistakes you can avoid with a simple plan.

What are your DIY must-haves?
Studs and spikes!  I always walk around with some in a ziploc in my handbag.