Yup, this highly embarrassing video can only mean one thing: it’s Pinterest Challenge time (not sponsored by Pinterest or anyone else — a fun idea dreamt up by Katie Bower to encourage us to stop pinning and start doing). My favorite part is the outtake. Yes, I joke that I’m going to pee on myself at one point. Graceful? Not exactly.
The Pinterest Challenge started over a year ago when Katie called me with the idea that each season we should make something inspired by the many beautiful things we’ve pinned. The point was simple: stop collecting ideas and actually try a few. We had a blast with our first Pinterest Challenge last summer, followed by a fall edition filled with ornaments and a winter edition where I tackled a beanbag-ish pouf for Clara’s reading nook. Now we’re excited to share the summer edition (spring slipped by — how is it July already?). So get ready to roll up your sleeves and join this DIY celebration.
The only rule is to create your own take on something you’ve pinned and credit the original creator who inspired you, whether that’s a company or a personal blog. We especially love projects from sites that include “Pin It” buttons, since those creators clearly welcome being shared. The project can be anything — large or small, decor, sewing, cooking, or something else entirely. In past challenges John and I made a clothespin light fixture for the laundry room, I crafted dozens of homemade holiday ornaments, and I bravely faced my sewing fears to make Clara’s pouf. This time I’m aiming to paint a piece of art.
I haven’t shared many of my art attempts here — just one a while back — but art has always been my first love. I studied at an art university in New York City and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts, though I rarely mention it. For Christmas John gave me a generous art supply gift card, and until now those materials have been patiently waiting in my closet. I’ve pinned several ideas, and while I’m not certain which direction I’ll take, I’ll post the full process and results when I (fingers crossed) finish the challenge next Tuesday. Meanwhile, here are a few things that are currently inspiring me:
- Fabric by John Robshaw — I’m attracted to repeating geometric patterns, perhaps because my dad used to doodle similar motifs.
- Clara’s artwork — she once painted a fearless piece that hangs above my desk. Her spontaneity always inspires me.
- A clever DIY project I spotted that used a toothpaste lid to stamp a charming grid of irregular circles.
- Kristen at KFD Designs — her color palettes and compositions make me swoon. I asked permission before pinning her work out of respect, and she graciously said it was fine. Her commissioned pieces are beautiful and serve as a strong muse for me.
- A DIY project created during a previous Pinterest Challenge — I love that our challenge inspired someone else, and that in turn motivated me.
- An easy watercolor card tutorial — the joyful colors and imperfect brushstrokes speak to my aesthetic and feel accessible to try.
Other artists and resources I’ve been admiring include Michelle Armas, whose work I find especially inspiring, and a practical post about making abstract art that has encouraged me to pick up the brush again. There was a time when my room was covered in watercolors, acrylics, and oils — I’m eager to reconnect with that creative energy, even if the first attempt is a little rough.
We also invited a few friends to guest-host and join the challenge this time: Kate from Centsational Girl, who created cozy sweater pillows for her challenge entry, and Michelle from Ten June, who previously crafted clothespin vases. It’s been lovely to collaborate with others and see what everyone creates.
So consider this an open invitation: try a version of something you’ve pinned and share the results. We’re giving everyone the weekend to work on projects and will reconvene next Tuesday morning (the 10th) to reveal our creations. We hope this becomes another fun share-fest like previous seasons. Drop by next Tuesday to see what we’ve made and to submit links to your projects so we can all enjoy them. Maybe we’ll even pin a few favorites and keep the creative loop going.
P.S. One more time: despite mentioning Pinterest many times, this challenge is not sponsored or paid for by Pinterest or anyone else. We’re simply a group of idea-lovers who decided it’s time to stop collecting and start doing.