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:
Rebecca @ the lil house that could says
Hm I just so happened to have purchased canvases that are awaiting some paint! And since I finished summer classes this weekend, maybe I’ll actually have time to do them :)
And I’m mad that I couldn’t watch that video with sound! Though it was pretty funny when I could read your and Katie’s lips screaming “EMILY HENDERSON!” I made up everything else I thought you were saying…
Rebecca @ the lil house that could says
Oh and I forgot to mention that I love that you’re all sitting in such designerly spaces :) I noticed Katie’s stack of Pottery Barn books back there!
YoungHouseLove says
Isn’t that funny? We didn’t chat about what would be behind us at all, but I love that it was frames and bookcases and all that fun stuff. And how awesome is Emily’s giant blue chair and Katie’s woven one (you can see that best when she’s running around screaming omgeeee).
xo,
s
Rebecca @ the lil house that could says
Yes I love your gallery wall and that you chose that for your background! I’ve actually had a slew of frames hanging around for months to do mine in our entryway. I debated tackling that this weekend to link up but we want to finish the molding first. Nail gun + frames on the wall= bad mix. And it’s really funny that you didn’t discuss it! I’d probably be the moron to sit in front of a window or something and ruin the video… :)
YoungHouseLove says
We all were just looking for well lit spaces, so Katie was facing a window as was Emily, and we somehow discovered that the hallway got lots of light from the nearby sliding door. It was so funny when we saw everyone’s chosen background. Katie and I also laughed that she wore white and I wore black. Typical. Haha.
xo,
s
Liz says
My girlfriends and I are avid YHL readers and Pinners! We are all accepting your challenge this week!
Sooo exciting!
Molly says
Can’t wait to see your pinterest-inspired lined drawers!
Shannon Burke says
Hysterical!
Anna says
Your haircut is adorable!
Liz says
I’ve been doing this on my own for a little while now so I’m SO GLAD you guys started a public place for it! Can’t wait to participate! And the video is hilarious. Love it!
So here’s what I’ve been doing: Anytime the mood strikes to make something from Pinterest(usually food related because there are so many yummy things on Pinterest) I move it over to a “Success!” board so I can keep track of all the “Pins” I’ve completed.
YoungHouseLove says
That’s so much fun!!!! I want to do that. It should only take me a minute since it’s so few. Haha.
xo,
s
Emma says
Great idea Liz!
shannon says
Oh i love that idea! Totally borrowing that idea from you Liz!
Sara K {SaigeWisdom} says
what a FUN-tastic idea! I’m so IN. My own pinterest board “DIY’s for Down the Road” is busting at the seams – the roads stops here. Although I’ve already recreated this cupboard bench – http://pinterest.com/pin/11414945/ – inspired from another blog I follow. I definitely have my fair share of YHL pins. Thanks for the summer challenge!
Molly says
My girlfriends and I are avid readers of YHL, Bowerpower, and constant pinners. This latest post has made my morning, more like my week!
I will be attempting a YHL-inspired pinterest challenge and will be repainting my very first piece of furniture: an old portable kitchen island that is showing its years. Can’t wait for the big reveal!
http://pinterest.com/pin/80407816/
Liz says
We posted nearly the same comment! We are such YHL/Pinterest nerds! No, we don’t talk every day…
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, I don’t know. I’m beginning to think you’re the same person…
xo,
s
Andrea says
You ladies are so cute. :)
Emma says
Wow! I’m in girls! I have about 70 pinterest pins waiting to come to life. What a great idea. And Congratulations YHL for your big fish Emily Henderson! Your new light fixture project looks super awesome BTW.
YoungHouseLove says
How crazy is that? She tweeted us after we mentioned her in a post and now we’re “internet friends” (thud, I just fainted).
xo,
s
Whitney Dupuis says
Hahahahahaha! That video was awesome! Great idea too. Hello my name is Whitney and I have a pinning problem. I need to jump on board with this pronto.
Thanks to both you and Katie for making me laugh out loud – literally!
Lesley says
ditto the Pinterest obsession.
But, thanks even more for the link to your photo albums. I think that is a much better path for me and all my pics of the kiddos. Gracias!
Angela M says
great video! love the quirky fun! emily ROCKS!
Rachel says
This is such a great idea! Can’t wait to see everyone’s projects.
The video totally cracked me up. Ya’ll are hilarious.
Ashley W. says
Love this challenge! Unfortunately most of the stuff I’ve pinned is for my family’s future home (we are currently crammed into an apartment), but I’m sure there’s something I can get started on.
Love Em Henderson! How’d you get her in on this!?
YoungHouseLove says
We randomly mentioned her in a post about a month ago and she tweeted us to thank us (yeah, I stopped breathing for five minutes). Then she actually emailed to ask if we could team up on something (more not-breathing occurred). Katie and I had already started talking about The Pinterest Challenge idea (and inviting other bloggers each season to get in on it) so it was as if it was meant to be! Still can’t believe she said yes.
xo,
s
polkadotcupcake says
i’m in! i’ve posted SO much amazing stuff, i will try something!
Hilary says
you guys are hilarious! I’m just a little bit obsessed with pinterest (understatement of the century) so I’m in!!
Shunta says
OMGOODNESS!!! So, why are like so many of my favorite things coming together in one! I am on pinterest & google reader (reading my blogs!) non-stop at work (hope my boss isn’t reading this! HA!) and I pin like crazy!! This is so exciting!! And I will accept the challenge as well. Although a lot of what I pin are ideas for future babies so I’ll be better at this challenge whenever that time comes. So excited!! YAY!!!
Jamie says
OK. That video was hilarious! I’ve actually done a few projects from pinterest already? can I post those or do I have to do a project starting this week only? My hubs makes fun of my dedicated (read waste) time on Pinterest. But last night when we were trying to lower our 7 month old’s crib…my husband was frusterated because he stripped the screw…I informed him that I read on pinterest that if you put a rubberband over the screw and use a screwdriver it would help to assist the screw out. It worked…I am now “pinterest-redeemed”.
YoungHouseLove says
We’d love to see a project that you’ve done “with us” this week, but if you can’t squeeze that in I guess linking to another pinterest “victory” from the past is cool beans too. We’re not strict. Haha.
xo,
s
tia says
Oh how fun! I have been thinking about the pinterest ever since you mentioned it and finally succumbed to the temptation last night! Of course pinterest immediately suggested I follow you!
Lisa says
When I saw your supplies for making the clothspin chandelier, I was honestly surprised you opted for wood rather than bright colored clothspins. Was there any reason. I think a clothspin chandy for the laundry room is a great and fun idea.
YoungHouseLove says
We figure we can paint or stain them this way- so they’re more flexible!
xo,
s
Leslie says
Love this challenge and loved your video! I’ll see if I can’t find a pinned project to work on this weekend!
Noel says
This is awesomeness! The Pinterest challenge reminds me a little of this pin, which I pinned a couple of days ago because it is so me!
http://pinterest.com/pin/77417962/
So I LOVE this. And I need this! I’ve pinned like crazy on my classroom board especially, but still haven’t attempted anything and school is only 1 month away. And even with all my great home inspiration…my house still looks the same as it did before my Pinterest addiction!
Thanks for more much needed inspiration!!! Can’t wait to get started!
Jess says
In the words of Barney Stinson, challenge… accepted.
I literally started my blog yesterday (the hubs said I needed a hobby), so this will be a great first few posts! Now, I just have to decide what to DIY… upholstered headboard? dining room chandy? console table?
CarliJean says
ok, I died when you pushed your hair up in the outtakes and said EMILY HENDERSON!?!?!? :D It was so funny. SO FUNNY. Ok. Thats all.
Except I, like Kimberly (up there^^^) have a imagination relationship with you. Like we hang out all the time and have coffee, and my springer spaniel is Burgers BDFL. (Best Dog For Life) Can you tell I moved and have like 2 friends where I live? :P
Keep it up guys!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, BDFL had me giggling.We’re imaginary BFFs. It’s official. And Kimberly too!
xo,
s
CarliJean says
OMG OMG OMG, Sherry responded to my comment!!!! :D
YoungHouseLove says
Hahahaha. Stop making me snort laugh.
xo,
s
Laura says
Ahhh! I am so excited for this!! I just hosted a baby shower and found most of the decor inspiration on Pinterest. It was so much fun putting my own little spin on everything I found. I can’t WAIT to make something for next Tuesday. Now comes the difficult part…which one project can I focus on?? There are so many to choose from!
Angie says
Hell to the yeah! Count me in! Now which one of those fifty bazillion pins am I actually going to DO?
Jennifer says
Loved the video! Apparently my 3 yr old did too because she is dancing around the room singing “Oh My Gggg”. Can’t wait to start the challenge, I never need an excuse to loose an afternoon on Pinterest :D
Julia @ Chris loves Julia says
I am soooo stoked about this! I am so grateful that you made it all official and made it a challenge. I know JUST what I am gonna tackle.
Chris loves Julia
Elizabeth says
OMG! OMG!!!!!!!!
I am so excited about this project! And I think I must try to find something on Pinterest that I can work on too!!
JimmerD says
You guys are so fun. :-) I think you should consider an amendment (or a part II! “Keep It Cool the sequel: the dark side of pinterest”) to your video where you start out like you’re in a recovery meeting… (“Hi, I’m Katie/Sherry. And… I’m addicted to Pinterest. But it’s been three months since I’ve actively created anything from my 6,425 pins…) (Ok, that started to sound like half AA-meeting, half Catholic confession, but you get the idea! :-)
Looking forward to the fun projects!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- we totally need Pinterest Anonymous.
xo,
s
Kelly says
I LOVE IT!!
how do I follow Emily on Pinterest???
YoungHouseLove says
Hmm, good question. I just did a search for her and it was another gal with the same name. I wonder if she’s “style by emily henderson” or something. Maybe pop over to her blog for that info? Or she’ll drop in here and we can all go crazy?
xo,
s
Trianna says
she is here http://pinterest.com/em_henderson/
kelsey says
omg you and Katie are ridiculous,in the best sort of way of course :)I cant even imagine you guys coming up with the script? LOL
btw your hair looks great sherry!
Marissa says
I’m game!!!! This will a nice little push to get stuff done!
Ohhhh where to start? Which Pin should I pick!?
Gaidig says
What a great idea! I have 2542 pins, and while they certainly aren’t all for making things, there are plenty that I really should make or use as inspiration to make something.
jen says
omg you just made my morning!!
Can’t wait to see what you guys come up with :)
Steph @ BirdHouse Family says
That’s my favorite video of yours yet! And Emily Henderson is so great, this is super exciting! I hope I can participate, although I’m out of town at a conference all week so won’t have much time to work on a project. Maybe I can find something simple to try.
Kelly says
How did you get Emily Henderson in on the challenge?! OMG! (yes, I meant to steal that from your video) That video happens to be why I love this blog so freaking much. I’m ready to partake in the challenge! Can’t wait to see your chandelier!
YoungHouseLove says
We randomly mentioned her in a post about a month ago and then she tweeted us to say thanks (and we flipped out). Then she actually said we should team up on something (insanity) so Katie had already come up with The Pinterest Challenge idea, so we asked her to join in on the fun. Amazingly enough, she was game. Still pinching ourselves!
xo,
s
Diane says
Love this idea! My Pinterest stats are pretty bad too–211 pins, one completed project! I just started writing a post about my first Pinterest-inspired project, so I’ll be sure to come back next week. :)
Carrisa says
I guess this is just the push I needed to DIY my own sunburst mirror.
Shunta says
I have your name on pinterest, but can you give us the names of the others so we can follow your pinning?
YoungHouseLove says
We were just commenting that we can’t find Emily. Here’s Katie’s: http://pinterest.com/katiebower/ Oh man, can’t find Lana’s either. Maybe pop over to their blogs for that info?
xo,
s
Trianna says
emily is here http://pinterest.com/em_henderson/
Gloria says
Ahhh!!! I can’t wait to see it finished! I have a light makeover to add to this challenge too.
I have to say, the pushpins in the photo of the four of you looks like weird acupuncture, and after seeing the trailer from the Final Destination 45, I just don’t know how I feel about this.
YoungHouseLove says
Bwahahaha, acupuncture can be safe when performed by a licensed professional. Or by Katie Bower in photoshop. Haha.
xo,
s
Hillary says
This was pretty much the funniest video ever. Kudos to you guys!
Lindsey d. says
Ooh, I will take this challenge, despite the fact that I’m doing my first triathlon this Saturday and then spending Sunday morning volunteering at a triathlon for kids (sponsored by the group that is putting on my tri).
I’ve been dying to get some acrylic paint and bubble wrap to try this out — http://pinterest.com/pin/70716919/! I’ve already got a big canvas just dying for some color!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh my gosh. I love it so much I pinned it. Can’t wait!
xo,
s
sangeetha says
Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!!! the video was too funny, girls!!!!!
Erin C. says
Best video ever. The only things I’ve made from pinterest so far are FOOD. They were all delicious, and my husband now indirectly loves pinterest because of it. I am going to try to make some art for our dining room wall this weekend though..count me in for the challenge!
RMILLS says
Yes, its me again. . . about not being able to view you guys images on YHL. I also follow you guys BabyCenter stuff and I have no problem seeing the pictures over there. Do you all use the same program for that site? Just curious!Thanks Riki
YoungHouseLove says
They host their own photos over there- so they’re on a different server. So sorry for all the trouble! Didja see the comment yesterday about it possibly being your anti-virus software blocking us for some reason? There are settings you can apparently alter so you can get pics back if that’s the problem. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Lizzy says
if you are at work, perhaps you are blocked from seeing certain pics? for example, i am at work and can see pics on YHL but security settings prevent be from seeing pics on BowerPower, photobucket, etc.
if that’s the case – it may just depend where the pics are stored (i.e. photobucket, flickr, etc.) and what your security settings are.
Erin says
Seriously, so excited! Currently working on an idea I pinned. Should be done by Tuesday for sure!!
Colleen says
I’m IN! This is exactly what I needed, its an INSANE week at work, we’re launching the new look and feel of our brand, but I’m gonna need some inspiration to get through it! Awesome!
Taylor @ TheProposalEnthusiast says
This is such a great idea. I am guilty of pinning without acting as well. I’m definitely going to make something!
Melissa says
Bahahahaha that video was so funny…my coworkers probably think I am nuts cause I literally LOL’ed! I can’t wait to see how the clothes pin chandelier turns out. I am in the process of finding baskets that will work with our bathroom for a look like this http://pinterest.com/pin/70815358/
So far I have gone to 3 stores and the baskets are just not quite right. Any suggestions on where to get some nice inexpensive baskets?
YoungHouseLove says
We got some almost exactly like that from Linens N Things a long time ago- so maybe try Bed Bath & Beyond or even a craft store like Michael’s (sometimes they have 50% off basket sales).
xo,
s
Melissa says
Thanks! I plan on taking a trip to Michael’s later today so we will see what they have to offer. :)
Dina says
I love that picture… what a great idea! I just wanted to chime in and say I found baskets like that for very cheap at Home Depot (or maybe Lowe’s… I can’t remember which). A set of three was something like $20. I think they may be less expensive there since it’s not where you’d expect to look to find them! They were in the aisle where all the track shelving is.