Young House Love

Home Decorating & DIY Tutorials

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It’s Baaaaaaack…

Yup, this highly embarrassing video can only mean one thing: we should never be on camera it’s Pinterest Challenge time (not sponsored by Pinterest or anyone else, just dreamed up by Katie Bower to make us stop pinning and start doing). My favorite part is the outtake. Yes I’m saying I’m going to pee on myself at one point. Elegance is my middle name.

The whole Pinterest Challenge thing started over a year ago 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 gorgeous stuff that we’ve pinned (and call it… wait for it… The Pinterest Challenge). It’s a welcome slap of stop-pinning-and-start-doing. And we ended up having such a great time with our first Pinterest Challenge last summer, our second one in the fall, and our third one in the winter that we’re psyched to be back with the summer edition (oops, spring got away from us – how is it July already?). So put on those slap bracelets and bodysuits (what? that’s not your choice celebratory attire?) and let’s get this DIY party started!

Pinterest Challenge Banner

The only rule is to do your own personal take on something inspirational that you’ve pinned (and link back to the original creator of the project that inspired you, be it a company like Anthropologie or a personal blog that got your wheels a turning). We especially love to pin things from sites that have “Pin It” buttons at the bottom of their posts since it indicates that they enjoy popping up on Pinterest. The project can be anything: big or small; decor or sewing or cooking related – or beyond! The first time around John and I made a clothespin light fixture for the laundry room, the next time I tackled 38 homemade holiday ornaments, and the last time I faced my sewing demons head-on and somehow made a beanbag-ish pouf for Clara’s reading nook in her closet.

This time I thought I’d paint something. Not a wall or a piece of furniture, but a piece of art. I’ve only really blogged about one attempt that I’ve made in the past few years (this guy) but it’s high time that changed – especially since art is my first love. I actually went to an art university in NYC (I have a bachelor of fine arts – which I never use!). Thankfully, John got me an awesome art supply gift card as part of my Christmas present (and all the supplies I got with it have sat unused in my closet mocking me for the past six months). I’ve already pinned some ideas, but I’m not sure what style I’ll end up going with – but I’ll be back with all of the deets when I (fingers crossed) complete the challenge next Tuesday. In the meantime, here’s what’s inspiring the pants off me (figuratively speaking – no worries I’m still wearing pants):

  1. Fabric by John Robshaw. My dad used to doodle little repeating geometric things, so maybe that’s why I’m drawn to them?
  2. Clara art. She painted me something with reckless abandon (more on that here) and I’ve always loved it. It hangs right over my desk, so it totally counts as inspiration.
  3. Here’s a cool DIY art project that I saw on Pinterest (she actually used a toothpaste lid to make a grid of charmingly irregular circles). You can read all about it here.
  4. Kristen over at KFD Designs is always inspiring me. I actually emailed her to make sure she was ok with me pinning her art since she’s a legit artist and I didn’t want to insult her by pinning it (as if I’d ever be able to do anything this awesome). She was so sweet about it and said she didn’t mind at all. She does commissioned art for anyone who wants to get this look, and as for me – I’m just using her as my muse. Haha. The color palette definitely has me drooling.
  5. Here’s another DIY art project that was actually done for a Pinterest Challenge with us. So I thought that was awesome – our little challenge inspired her to make something, and in turn, her result inspired me! Full circle, baby.
  6. Here’s a watercolor card project, but the happy colors and rough imperfect strokes are definitely speaking my language.

As for other places that I’ve found art inspiration – Michelle Armas is unparalleled (seriously, total girl crush going on) and this post about making abstract art over on Oh Happy Day has me feeling excited to tackle this challenge. Sure, I might bomb it, but at least I’m not sitting around wishing I could get back into painting! There was actually a time when my room was covered with watercolors, acrylics, and oil-paintings that I had made. Ah to be young and artistic again, haha. Oh and you’re probably wondering who else is playing along with me and Katie Bower (aka: The Esteemed Bacon-Eating Pinterest Challenge Founder). Well, we thought it would be fun to ask different folks to “guest host” with us each time, so we’re thrilled to have:

Pinterest Challenge Faces

So here’s the part where I extend my arm with a crooked smile and true paranoia of bombing it in the art department and humbly invite you to join in on the fun by doing your own spin on something you pin! We figured we’d give everyone (and ourselves) the weekend to work on stuff and reconvene next Tuesday morning (the 10th) to share our projects. We’re hoping this’ll turn into the same über fun share-fest that we soaked up for the last few seasons (check out all the amazing linked-up projects here, here and here). So just drop in next Tuesday to see what we’ve done – and to submit links to stuff that you’ve completed so we can all check it out. Maybe we’ll even pin a few things. And so the vicious cycle continues. In the meantime, do you have any ideas what you’ll tackle this time around? Is it food, craft, sewing, painting, or furniture related? Would love to hear about what you guys think you’ll do!

Psst- One more time, for the people in the back: regardless of the fact that I say Pinterest about thirty times, this wasn’t paid or perked by them or anyone else. We’re just eye-candy obsessed gals who are sick of coveting things and downright ready to do them. Well at least one of them… 

Comments

  6. Claire says

    Oh my gosh, that video is hysterical. I had to go back and watch Sherry get slammed about five times. I was actually laughing out loud. I think I need to watch it again…

    Reply

  13. miriam says

    I’m no BFA, but I do have a bunch of acrylic paints lying around from the class I took for my college Arts requirement… maybe I’ll do a large-scale canvas for over our bed.

    Reply

  14. Alice H says

    This was so funny! Poor baby Bower took a hard hit when it knocked you down! LOL!

    Did you use your phone when recording on the water slide? If so, which case/cover do you use?

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Katie actually has a waterproof case for her Flip Video – which is what we used. It was awesome! As for Baby Bower- that’s totally why I wimped out and didn’t want to bump her hard at all. Instead I just got laid out. Hahah. She kept telling me to hit her harder and I was like “no! the baby!” – but maybe I’m just a wimp…

      xo,
      s

    • Alice H says

      I also liked when you were “smacking” the baby! LOL! And thanks for the info about what you guys were using on the water slide.

  19. Lynn @ Our Useful Hands says

    Thanks for the push ladies! Now I have a chair project that has been mentioned 3 times already this week in our house and I am taking this Challenge as a personal…challenge to get ‘er done. See you Tuesday.

    My best, Lynn
    *you guys totally make me get misty eyed for my BFF that lives all the way in Michigan. Good times…good times.

    Reply

  20. Alina says

    Yay! I just created an account on Pinterest, so I’m totally in! I just pinned (last night actually, haha) the toothpaste art, so I’m going to bring all of the stuff I need to the cottage! Where there’s a pin, there’s a way!

    Reply

  21. Andrea Atkins says

    CANNOT WAIT! I’m sure my husband will love another excuse to distract myself with Pinterest. :) If he gets something good out of it though- no harm no foul, right?

    Reply

  22. Kelley says

    This is great! Besides, it’s too hot to do anything outside anyway! Looking forward to it, as always! :)

    Friendly Feedback: I missed the date of the link up on the first read through. Maybe bold type to have it stand out a bit? (I just don’t want you to be bombarded with “When is it?” comments and e-mails…)

    Reply

  24. Pam says

    Dear Sherry and John………I just recently found your Blog and have been catching up from the beginning. I love it, I love it, I love it. I too am a fixer upper, uber crafter and a flea market/Yard Sailer… Plus the occasional dumpster diver ! Thank you so much for inspiring me….my light bulb has been going off over my head like crazy lately !!!………… and thank you for making me smile. Keep up the fantastic work and many many good wishes to you both !!

    Reply

  25. Ashlee says

    I’m sure Bob is out there in internet land, licking his snarky chops at the idea of another art related post…

    Reply

  27. Beth says

    You are insane in all the right ways – that video made me laugh until I cried. Repeatedly. Cheers for a new Pinterest Challenge!

    Reply

  28. Nicole @ Post Grad says

    HAHAHA I just snorted at my desk. That outtake is the best ever! “I’m in the AIR. Who has leverage in the air?!” haha

    So excited for Pinterest Challenge!!! :) I look forward to this all season!

    Reply

  30. Teresa @ wherelovemeetslife says

    You know I opened Pinterest up as soon as I started reading this… and I think I am going to check out some old stuff I pinned last year and see if I still like them! Oh and your video is hilarious… seriously, you guys have too much fun ;)

    Reply

  31. Amanda S. says

    I’m hoping that you will eventually change the photo of yourself that you use each time for Pinterest Challenge- you have so many BEAUTIFUL photos of yourself all over your blog, but the one you choose to use for P.C. is such a weird one- the camera takes up half the shot, which doesn’t make sense for a head shot and you are looking weirdly off to the side. Hoping for an updated photo next time around. :D

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Maybe next time! Katie makes the banner and just keeps our photos the same so it’s less work. It’s just not something I think about, I guess! And I think I like hiding behind the camera- kind of like how I enjoy hiding behind my laptop. Haha.

      xo,
      s

    • Kay says

      To each their own…I LOVE that photo and don’t think it’s “weird” at all! It’s cute and you look gorgeous in it Sherry! The video was hilarious. Seriously one of my favorite I’ve seen.

    • Jacqueline says

      I was the same… Sherry is gorgeous as always, but I when I see it I just think why on earth is she holding a camera?!

      Same I always wonder why Katie talks with such a southern accent when she’s from NJ?

      The wonders of YHL. :-D

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Haha- Katie was born in NJ but only lived there a short time. She’s been a southerner for decades now, so I think that accent took hold! As for why I’m holding the camera- I took that photo into a mirror. Haha. So without the camera that photo wouldn’t exist.

      xo,
      s

  32. Ashley says

    OMG!!! I just cried watching that video I laughed so hard! Thanks for making me laugh on a day when I really needed it!!!

    Reply

  33. Erin C. says

    omg I am crying with laughter… like eyeliner-running-in- my-office-crying. First, because of you two dancing on the lawnmower, then dancing in the yard, then the chest/belly bump gone wrong. bahahaha..
    Can’t wait to do something for this challenge!

    Reply

  34. Lauren@FilingJointly says

    Does it count if I pin like…a pair of Marc Jacobs sunglasses and then convince my husband to let me buy them and then take a picture of me wearing them and link to that?

    No? Yeah, didn’t think so. I’m not very creative/artistic.

    It’s fine though, because I am REALLY GOOD at doing the monkey bars at the park. You win some, you lose some.

    In other news, since it is my half-birthday, which is totally a thing, I am doing a HUGE fancy designer giveaway on my blog this week. I’ll post it here in case your readers want to check it out.

    http://www.filing-jointly.com/2012/07/i-am-turning-285-this-saturday-that-is.html

    That video is hilarious by the way, LOVED the outtake.

    Reply

  36. Lauren says

    You can do it!!!!!

    IF the Pinterest thing doesn’t work out, or if you’re looking for something more structured, look for a BYOB painting class (Groupon has stuff ALL the time). Not sure about where you live, but in Houston there are a TON of these little art studios popping up. It’s a great way to spend a night with the girls, and you get to paint your own canvas and take it home. I’ve gone twice and LOVED it!

    Reply

  37. Sayward says

    OMG the BEST part of this video was at the end when you guys started dancing and you dance-spanked Katie’s unborn baby.

    … And then I got to the chest bump outtake. I watched it three times in a row. I’m laughing so hard that I launched into full fledged crying mode. I can barely type this comment. You have no idea how hard I’m laughing. Don’t worry, I can’t chest bump either.

    P.S. Jeans in Georgia in late June??!!?

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Haha, I know I’m crazy about my jeans. I have the whitest legs ever. My veins are bright purple through my paleness. Pants are a must. Haha.

      xo,
      s

    • heather says

      High-five sister from another mister. Rarely am I *not* in pants, or at least anything above my knees. No thanks. Thankfully I can get away with it more because of our climate!

    • heather says

      hahahaha – the second I read “clammy legs” my brain went right to “swamp ass” and I cracked up laughing. Totally inappropriate? Yep. Maxi dresses are my saving grace when it gets hot because they let in air, cover the legs and are comfortable as all get out(or knee length skirts). Oh, and by hot I mean 80-85 and humid. Anything above that I consider a scorcher.

  38. Riva says

    I used to be able to count the number of times a web video made me LAUGH OUT LOUD on one hand. Not anymore. Katie’s baby bump knocking Sherry out means I now need both hands to count the number of times a web video has made me laugh out loud.

    Reply

  40. Ali says

    Would it be a lot of trouble to add a source list for your back patio? No worries if it would be a lot of work. I love the look you created with the patio outdoor space!

    I checked your source list for the house and didn’t see the mirror hanging over your master bed. Where did you find it? I love it!

    Was the closet you hand stamped – painted in Clara’s room a pinterest challenge?

    ~ Ali

    ~ Ali

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      That mirror was from Hobby Lobby! As for the patio source list – we have to add it! The blue drum stools are from HomeGoods and the red chairs are from Jossandmain.com and the metal chairs and table were left here by the previous owners. And the grill is from Home Depot I think! And the rock box was something we DIYed.

      xo
      s

  41. Louise D says

    yeaaahhh !
    Would it be possible to sent me “The Pinterest Challenge” banner so that I can speak about it on my blog ?
    I hope it woul bring some other french participation…
    Thanks.

    Reply

  43. Jen@The Decor Scene says

    Nuts I can’t see the video at work. I’ll have to see if it will come up on my smart phone or not. Off to look. Now I have to go to Pinterest and try to pick one project. I think I know which one I want to do, but hopefully I have time to do it. Here’s hoping. I love all the inspiration that comes out of this challenge….plus more pinning of course. haha!!! :) As always thanks for hosting this awesome challenge and link party. :)

    Reply

  44. Sarah says

    I’ve been wondering when this was coming up! I actually follow through with pinterest projects rather frequently, but I love seeing what everyone comes up with. & since I was just about to start my hubby’s golf themed birthday cake inspired by a pinterest pin I’m going to say that counts as my pinterest challenge creation :-)

    Reply

  45. Amie says

    I have a friend’s twins’ first birthday party this weekend! I’ve been dying to make them cute summer dresses. Same pattern, completely different fabric. So they will match, but not be twinsy! I have been (im)patiently waiting for another Pinterest Challenge. Everyone is so creative.

    Reply

  46. Cori says

    I was just thinking my walls could do with one more painting, and interestingly enough, my inspirational pin pic looks a lot like your #4 (side note, I just checked out Kristen’s blog, and she is incredible! Thanks for sharing her with us!). I have all the supplies, but we’ll see if I actually have time to complete this between all of the holiday festivities going on. I’ll try!

    Reply

  47. Kellie says

    Woohoo! I am so pumped for this challenge! I have approx. 17 things I shall attempt. I had surgery on my wrist a couple weeks ago, and I was hoping that you wouldn’t have the Pinterest Challenge while I was all lame and not-movey. But I think I’m up for it now!

    Reply

  48. Kristi says

    Dude wait until you see what I am crafting. It’s not on pinterest…yet. I’m not really making it for the pinterest challenge either. It involves the ever famous embroidery hoops and some drop cloth business. I’ll share when I’m done but it may take awhile. I have limited free time!

    Reply

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