About

Hello, my name is Hester van Overbeek and I like to make things.

I’m a Dutch native living on the English South East coast where I work as a DIY author and blogger. Almost every Thursday I post a craft tutorial on my YouTube channel Handmade home showing you with a simple to follow tutorial how you can make your own home accessories, do decorating jobs around the house, and how to make wooden furniture.

My philosophy is that you don’t need much money or carpeting skills to make your house into a cosy, stylish home. With a simple idea, a little try and error you can create wonderful unique masterpieces.

I hope this blog inspires you to start making. Feel free to leave a comment or follow me on social media, find my links in the top right corner of this page.

Besides making tutorial video's I also write DIY books (find more information on them here.) For the books I photograph all the steps, style and art direct the photo shoots. Would like me to do the same on your project please contact me on hello@hestershandmadehome.com or fill in a contact form here.

My story so far:

I spent my childhood making things and redecorating every room possible, I must have been the only toddler in the world wanting to be a interior designer! But somehow this passion got snowed under and I became a makeup artist travelling the world on photo shoots.

When the opportunity of redecorating a beach house came along the spark was lit under the interior design flame. Hester's friends were very inspired by her makes and when one said they would love to learn how to make interior pieces them self the Hester's Handmade Home blog was born. One thing lead to another and Hester is currently writing her 4th craft book for Cico Book! 

I love filming and interviewing creative people and am currently working on an online travel show with a crafty edge called Cities of Craft. Have a look at our pilot episode here. 

I often get featured in publications, either with my work, house (previous beach house and my current fixer upper) or with special written tutorials. I've had features in Mollie Makes, Red online, Ideal Home, Ikea family magazine, Reloved, Modern Gardens,  Metro, Lonny, Brit+Co, Libelle and many more. Have a look on my media page for some images.

Frequently asked questions:

• Have you had any technical schooling? Nope! I'm trained as a makeup artist and hair stylist :) I've been making since I was little and all my DIY skills come from my parents and family. My dad taught me how to work with wood and my mum showed me everything fabric related
• Who films your tutorials? It's all me and my trusty tripod
• What camera do you use? A very old Canon 60D, it's completely covered in paint splatters, saw dust and concrete powder. It might be time to upgrade soon but I love this camera
• Who designed your logo? It's by the brilliant Clare Youngs www.clareyoungs.co.uk
• What tools do you recommend? I love the Ryobi Tools and especially their one plus range as they are all battery operated. Perfect for my workshop that doesn't have any power outlets.
• Which paints do you use most often? I really like Annie Sloan's chalk paints, they don't need any priming or sanding before hand so perfect for an impatient person like me
• Where is your accent from? I am Dutch, from the Netherlands a small country in Europe you might know for its windmills and tulips ;)
• Can you give me advise on an up cycling project? Of course! Just email me your question and I'll be happy to help.
• How did you get your book deal? I just thought it was a brilliant idea I should do a book so I made a little mock up and send it off to a publisher. Luckily they thought it was a good idea as well :)
• You look tall, how tall are you? I'm 180 in cm or 5 11' in english