How I Test

For me, function comes first. If a product works well, looks good, and makes life smoother, that’s a win.

I’ve been testing products for years for big names like Consumer Reports, Bob Vila, HGTV, and more.

My approach is always user-focused—I want to know how something actually works for real people in real situations, not just how it performs under perfect conditions.

Because I’ve studied user experience (UX), I lean on the philosophy of Don Norman: good design should make life easier, not harder.

That means when I test a product, I’m looking at how intuitive it feels, how well it solves a problem, and whether it adds real value to the crafting or DIY process.

I use products the way you would at home—sometimes with limited tools, sometimes with upcycled or imperfect materials—and I pay attention to things like durability, ease of use, flexibility, and of course, whether it actually makes the project more enjoyable.

While function comes first for me, I also appreciate when a product is well-made, pleasant to use, and looks good doing it.

At the end of the day, my goal is to give honest, practical feedback so you can feel confident about what’s worth bringing into your home or craft space.