Another Unsuccessful Attempt To Keep It Cool
Alert: Regardless of the fact that I say Pinterest ten million times (drinking game, anyone?) this wasn’t paid or perked by them or anyone else. We’re just eye-candy obsessed gals who love a good pin-fest. Sometimes while eating Oreos.
You guys know my Pinterest addiction runs deep from this heartfelt post of yore. So when Katie called me to say that she thought we should challenge ourselves to make one thing each season that’s inspired by all the amazing stuff that we’ve pinned over there (and call it… wait for it… The Pinterest Challenge) I thought it sounded like fun. It’s a welcome slap of stop-pinning-and-start-doing. Because I’ve pinned 738 things. And I’ve done four (this one, this one, this one, and this one). Well five if you count this haircut – but I outsourced that.
Look, Katie even whipped up a spiffy little graphic:
Oh and because Katie and I geek out whenever we’re together (even just virtually for a little self-issued challenge) we got more than a little goofy and decided to make this video to explain the whole idea of the challenge. And there’s a pretty exciting cameo in it (and I’m not talking ’bout Burger- although he does try to steal the show). So don’t scroll down before watching the video unless you’re a fun-hater and you wanna ruin the surprise (or you’re at work so you can’t watch videos – well I would still watch it on silent before scrolling, but that’s just me):
Ah outtakes. They’re my favorite thing ever. I’m working on a theory that outtakes are the window to the soul. My soul’s apparently a total nerd, but hey, nerd is the new jock. Anyway, I told you Katiekins and I go crazy when we team up, so you were adequately warned. Or maybe it’s just the camera that makes it impossible for me to act normal (as demonstrated here). That’s another theory I’m working on. Camera-induced-insanity.
But back to my Pinterest project. John and I were brainstorming a chandelier or hanging pendant light for the laundry room and came up with the idea of using a mega-amount of clothespins to create some sort of shade. And what do you know, when we searched Pinterest to see if anyone else has tackled something similar, the perfect pinspiration (har-har) popped up in the form of this project (originally from here)…
…. and this project (originally from here)…
What are the odds? Not one but two clothespin light fixtures to use as a jumping off point. Oh happy day.
So far we’ve installed a $5 light kit from Ikea…
… and have picked up these materials for the shade part of the pendant:
We’re definitely going to put our spin on things (so it might end up looking like sort of a hybrid between the two amazing fixtures above) but we’ll just have to see where we end up. I know I’m weird, but sitting on the floor playing with various clothespin patterns sounds like a good time to me.
Oh and did you catch the part in the video where we invited you to partake in the challenge along with us? First, here’s the “us” breakdown:
- Katie from Bower Power
- Emily from Style By Emily Henderson
- Lana from Making a House A Home
So here’s the part where I extend my arm with a warm smile and a wobbly curtsey and humbly invite you to join in and do your own spin on something you pin. You know, if you’re into that sort if thing. We figured we’d give everyone (and ourselves) the weekend to work on stuff and reconvene next Tuesday morning (the 2nd) to share our projects. We were hoping this thang (yes, I got twangy on you) could turn into a fun little creative par-tay for anyone else who wants to get in on the fun, so just drop in next Tuesday to see what we’ve done – and submit links to stuff that you’ve done so we can see what you’ve been up to. Maybe we’ll even pin it. And so the vicious cycle continues…
Psst- We’re talking about how photo albums are dead to us over on BabyCenter today. Check it out and tell us what you do with all your pics.
Update: If you want to get in on another challenge (with prizes), we just learned that Rebecca over at BetterLifeBags does one every month. So be sure to check that out too!
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Here is a how to guide for a simple chadelier using what appears to be a magical substance from the hardware store called “strapping”. Darn awesome!
http://hayestone.blogspot.com/2011/05/from-laundry-room-to-ball-room.html
Isn’t that cool? Love that project!
xo,
s
Challenge accepted :)
http://peoplejustfloat.blogspot.com/2011/07/challenge-accepted.html
Love it! Good luck!
xo,
s
I’d love to follow Emily H on pinterest! What’s her username (if she’s ok with sharing it :)?
She’s at Em_Henderson. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
You and your projects amaze me! I recently discovered this site and I can easily say that it’s probably the best thing i’ve ever stumbled across. Your photos and blogs can keep me entertained for hours. I literally have to drag myself away from the computer to get things done. My boyfriend and I are in the process of buying a house and I keep showing him pictures of your paint projects (painting wood paneling)and telling him… “See we CAN paint wood paneling” and “We CAN paint kitchen cabinets!” So thanks for all the great ideas, keep them coming!
I actually have created some art from a pin I loved this week! I would love for you to take a look at it…how would I go about this?
If you upload it to flickr you can send us a link to it, or you can upload it to our Facebook page. Can’t wait to see!
xo,
s
Nice – just the inspiration some of us need!
I do have a request though… that you make it a regular challenge as I’m completely going to miss this one.
The weekend will be totally taken up with finishing our new kitchen (see http://www.duckeggblue.co.nz), but I’ve been trawling through Pinterest to find a crafty artwork to make to “personalise” the blank walls over the next couple of weeks.
We definitely have plans to do a fall edition too- and then hopefully seasonally from then on!
xo,
s
Challenge accepted and half-way completed! Who knew all I needed was seeing another person working on a Pinterest project to get moving on my own!
I was inspired by wall decals from Pottery Barn (pinned here: http://pinterest.com/pin/31745881/), so I drew elephants on scrapbook paper and cut them out. I LOVE how they look, but am perplexed as to how to attach them nicely to the wall. All that’s currently coming to mind is rubber cement, but that seems icky (possibly corrosive) to have on nicely painted walls. Do you have any suggestions?
I would try wallpaper paste or even some Mod Podge maybe? Good luck!
xo,
s
This is so awesome! I literally just started a project that is the baby of a couple of my pins on Monday! I can’t wait to see what everyone else is doing.
Wait, it’s pronounced “PIN-trist”??? OH! That makes waaay more sense than PINE-ter-rest like I’ve been saying, lol.
Maybe that’s why they hate me and won’t accept my invitation. I sent a request like 6 times. Anyone else have this problem?…
Oh man! I heard they’re getting faster and you can get on in a few hours sometimes. Otherwise try asking someone on our Facebook page for an invite! Folks are usually really nice about that!
xo,
s
haha, I pronounced it like you Nikki. Email me if you still need an invite: cwfrosting.by.caroline AT gmail
You guys are hilarious, Brit accent and all. Found you on homepodge. Totally up for the challenge. Gonna find you ladies on Pinterest now!
I heart Emily so I love this challenge. And the video was entirely too funny! You had me laughing out loud over here which was not a good thing since I was at work supposedly doing “work things”! Anywho, good luck!
ooooh Emily, haha, so LOVE her!!! Count me in!
Oh my GOODNESS!!! We are sooooooo excited about this challenge :) Off to browse our pinboards for the perfect project. Busy weekend ahead of us!
Loved the video. Thanks for the laugh!
This made me laugh…you guys are too much :) I hope to join in the fun!
This is an awesome idea! Aaaand I just happen to have this Friday off from work. Plus, I’ve been looking for the push to start blogging again (oh, my poor, neglected, little blog). So, I think this will be the push I need to get it going! Thanks, guys!!
Just got my Day 1 of the Pinterest Challenge done. Thank you for this motivation!
I don’t want to forget to send the links, so I’m just going to do it right now over here! I hope you guys don’t mind!
http://www.kleighfordblog.com/2011/07/pinterest-challenge-day-1.html
Looks awesome! Be sure to link over to it when we share our challenges on Tuesday so everyone else can check it out then!
xo,
s
Here’s my submission for the Pinterest challege – I made a coffee table out of a wooden pallet!
http://hernewleaf.wordpress.com/2011/07/28/diy-rustic-modern-pallet-coffee-table/
Gorgeous!!! Definitely submit a link on Tuesday’s Pinterest post so folks can see your fantastic job!
xo,
s
I’m a pinaholic these days and I’ve been working on something for my classroom from a pin idea. I got super giddy when I realized I had “accidentally” participated in the challenge. I hardly ever get my Martha on, so this is big time for me. :)
HOW FUN!!! I just moved into a new house, and I’m completely addicted to pinterest. I’m going to paint my piano to make it more fun (and more turquoise). Here’s my inspiration: https://pinterest.com/pin/48498961/
Love this! I joined pinterest after reading your post and am now completely addicted, I’m going to attempt my own version of this:
http://pinterest.com/pin/64692704/
On a large scale for above the headboard in the bedroom
and/or this:
http://pinterest.com/pin/59638844/
Have been meaning to frame the mirror in our bathroom since we moved in 6 months ago! This would be so good as a monthly feature, I am so guilty of planning so many things and never getting round to them.
Love your blog btw, I started following a little while ago and have been reading your archives recently, you moved to a new place around the same time as us so it’s so inspiring to see what you’ve done (although I must admit my house still looks like yours did about a month in!)
Fun projects! Love them both. Good luck! And thanks for the kind words.
xo,
s
Love this. I’ve basically started this challenge (not as officially) with myself. I shared with you a few months back how we copied your over the couch Ikea frames, and since then it’s been so fun i’ve dont a lot of other things like hair/makeup/clothing/recipe ideas, the inspiration is endless;)And your video seriously died laughing watching your video, so fun!
THIS VIDEO IS ahhhh-mazing!!! I just had a great stomach workout..from laughing.
Seriously though,This video is a prime example of one of the reasons I always like to check your blog and BowerPower first before others, even after a long break. So imagine that….reading one blog entry after another for an hour..and I still think you are cool.=) Good luck with this challenge and realize that if you or Katie did projects with your followers that like to do home-improvement stuff they(we, I) would geek out like that too. =)
I was planning on making a quilt similar to yours this weekend, so I guess count me in! Maybe this will be good motivation to actually finish it (and start!).
Guys, where do we submit our own pinterest challenges?? You may have addressed that and I missed it…do we wait till Tuesday to do it? Thanks!
On Tuesday we’ll share ours and everyone can share links to theirs in that post! Can’t wait!
xo,
s
Hmmm…. I would like to do something like this, but I don’t have enough time to amass the necessary supplies (I can’t pee that much in a week!). So then I thought about trying this, but I would need about twice as many corks as I currently have (and I can’t drink that much wine in a week…although I guess that would help with the peeing).
Both great projects- but I see what you mean about having to amass things. Haha.
xo,
s
So I am super excited about the pinterest challenge…extra motivation to do the project I was thinking about!! So I did it this weekend, almost done, BUT I don’t have a blog and I am not sure how I would post a link of the final product.?? Thoughts? I am technically challenged, haha
You can upload pics (and a description) to a free photo place like flickr and then link to that!
xo,
s
Count me in! It will really be the first thing I actually complete! And here’s my “pinspiration” – http://pinterest.com/pin/81215444/
So pretty!
xo,
s
AHH just completed mine today! And I probably won’t have internet on Tuesday-going to Jersey (shout out to Sherry) with my grandma.
So here is my post on my blog!!!! Hope you enjoy!!! I’ll try to post on Tuesday too so I’l “officially” be in the challenge!
http://passiontravelbeautydesign.blogspot.com/2011/07/diy-pinterest-challenge.html
xo
I love it!! Especially with the pooch in the after pic. Perfecto!
xo,
s
yeah. so I am totally in. Late on the comment train, but I *just* got started on Pinterest. And hello, hooked! I hve to get my act together pretty quick though to get something up by Tuesday…I am going to have to get my act together here pretty quick!
ooooooooooo, sounds fun, I’m in!
Yay! I love this challenge! I’ve recently become obsessed with Pinterest and have issued your challenge along with your cute video on my blog See Cate Create! Good luck with your project! I know it will be fabulous and I’m excited to see how it turns out! Now I’m off to figure out which one I’m gonna try! You and your family are adorable! Such an inspiration! Keep up the great work! :)
Challenge complete! http://onboardthegravytrain.blogspot.com/2011/07/pinterest-challenge.html
Thanks so much for the motivation. I can’t wait to see what everyone comes up with!
Those look so pretty!
xo,
s
I love the idea of a Pinterest challenge – because without one, I may never create something based on my pins. I’m going to try to participate next week.
When making this video, do you three just talk about what you wanted to say prior to the video making, then one person edited it and made it flow? I’m just curious as to the thought process of the video. Which was very well done by the way. Or “bee te dubs” as Sherry would say :)
Oh yeah, Katie and I sort of came up with a script on the fly and we all recorded our parts and John edited them together like the video ninja that he is. Haha.
xo,
s
So much harder than I thought it would be. Thanks for putting up the challenge!
http://sunshineplussmiles.blogspot.com/2011/08/husband-is-out-of-closet.html
Woah – that’s good progress though! Sometimes I think closets are the hardest because everything that comes out ends up in giant piles all over the house!
xo,
s
Here’s my project. I challenged a few friends to join me. Can’t wait to see what they came up with. Thanks for the idea!
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2336252289227.138509.1337432981
Wow- gorgeous!
xo,
s
This seriously just made me laugh out loud. What a fun little video. I’m going to follow all four of you. I have been working on a project from Pinterest and I just don’t have it done yet! I wish I’d known before today!
I just found out about this but I am so in. I’ve already done like 5 pins!
This is great!!
I actually started “Thrifty Thursdays” on my blog before i heard about this little challenge- all inspired by pinterest. So far i’ve created two projects and have two more in the works… never ending cycle!! :]
http://thependletonhouse.blogspot.com/2011/08/jalapeno-popper-dip.html – my first thing I made that I found on Pinterest. I loved it! :) The whole break down is on my blog with my version of the recipe. It’s just the beginning of things that I want to make!!
Finally finished my lampshade makeover. It took SO LONG…so many little circles….
http://swingncocoa.blogspot.com/2011/08/felt-lampshade-diy.html
FYI, Today is Emily’s birthday!
Haha, oh yeah. Did you see our dorky mugs in her birthday video?!
xo,
s
Nope, only watched a little of it — will have to watch it all the way through now!
Btw, your jabs at Emily’s style in the Pinterest challenge video were hilarious!
Yeah I am so excited for this challenge because I am pin-a-holic not a get the project done-a-holic and this is a great as any time to get started….
Could you add a twitter utton for those of us addicted to tweeting vs fb-ing? Id love to share this with myfollowers & also follow it easier that way, twitter offers easy integration if you check out their website, no savyiness required with technical coding, no worries =) and of course i should say thank you for posting i love the info & pictures. Just came across it from pinterest via chrislovesjulia.
If you click on the title of each post and then scroll to the bottom, there it is for ya! Hope it helps.
xo,
s