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

  1. Tamryn says

    that last bit was so funny… I had to watch it again :) thanks for the laughs Sherry & Katie+1. hugs Tam

    Reply

  2. Jessica says

    That video is completely AWESOME! If you ever need a third wheel to add to your bestie duo, count me in.
    Your art inspiration pins reminded me of something I saw on my other favorite blog. Here are two projects that may be right up your alley – one of them is a piece of art the whole family made:
    http://mycakies.blogspot.com/2011/04/painting.html
    The other is a mixed media project that is just really cool:
    http://mycakies.blogspot.com/2012/01/our-handmade-christmas-gifts.html

    I only wish I could finish our patio project in time for the challenge – your patio was for sure our inspiration, only ours is taking 10x as long :)

    Reply

  4. Laura says

    Sherry – I am so with you on the “whitest legs” thing. My legs practically disappear into the background when we’re at the beach haha. I love my jeans all year round too. And I love that picture of you for the Pinterest Challenge! It’s interesting, artistic, and you look lovely as always!

    Reply

  7. KatieV says

    OK–just so you know–I love you/YHL. And now: did you know you said “actually” at least once in each of those 6 points? I find it endearing. :)

    Reply

  10. heather says

    This one time I saw this room I really liked, and we are *eventually* going to incorporate some of the items into our house. Kind of. A little. Sort of. Okay, maybe not really but I maintain this is a giant Pinterest challenge. Plus, I never finished my rug and I’m almost sure at this rate it never will be. I think I’m in the Pinterest Challenge Penalty Box anyway because of it.

    Reply

  11. Heather says

    I’m excited about the challenge and trying to think of something to do! This would be my first time joining in on the fun. :-). Could it be something we tried before and failed at, so we are trying it again? I’ve got a small crafty item in mind…

    Reply

  12. Meg @ Revamp Homegoods says

    LMAO! My 2 year old son was watching with me and had to give the “pretty” ladies each a kiss and then you guys started dancing and he said…”whoa!” Too funny. Super excited for this leg of the challenge!

    Reply

  13. Jessica says

    I’m in love with Michelle Armas too! Her paintings are amazing, and my first grown up art purchase. I think your photo for #4 is accutally one of hers.

    Reply

  14. Katie Young says

    Perfect timing! I have embarassingly enough had all the supplies for making an upholstered headboard since the last Pinterest challenge. This challenge, plus the gorgeous headboard you just made, have inspired be to make it a priority this week to get ‘er done. Thanks!

    Reply

  15. Michele @ Moonfield Lane says

    Oh, you guys. While the video was hilarious, I must say I’m disappointed that it wasn’t inspired by a certain rapper bearing the name of a certain candy-coated chocolate candy : )

    Can’t wait to get started!

    Reply

    • Sayward says

      YES. Next video intro: You and Katie up to your necks in a tub full of m&ms. You do all the perky talking, while right next to you Katie houses the m&ms like she’s in some sort of high stakes, hands free eating contest.

  18. Gabriella @ Our Life In Action says

    So sorry for the multiple comments but just had to share…I am so stoked about this challenge that my mind is spinning with possiblities.

    I actually just called my husband and asked if we had any rebar….to which I was greated with a long silent pause and then “what???” Poor guy! At least he can’t say things are boring with us. ;-)

    Reply

  20. Keisha says

    I about peed my pants watching that video. You girls are hilarious! :)
    I just finished painting a headboard and two nightstands, so I don’t know if I’m quite ready for something else this week. Painted the nightstands white and the hardware turquoise, turned out super cute!!

    Reply

  23. Tracy says

    You girls are crazy! I love it that you have each other to be silly with! Not many girls have one of “THOSE” girlfriends :)

    Reply

  24. JessiBee says

    OMG. If it’s wrong to watch a short girl get knocked down by a pregnant lady repeatedly I don’t wanna be right. I am still wiping away the tears…so hilarious!

    Reply

  26. michaela says

    How fun! I’ll try to craft something up! Michelle texted me telling me Clara called it was a boy…SO great. You’ve got a smart little girl on your hands :)

    Reply

  27. k says

    unrelated to this post or the pinterest challenge, but i have clearly been reading waaay too much YHL, beacuse i had a dream that you gave birth to a second baby but hadn’t told anyone or blogged about it, and you and john had been photoshopping your head on other people’s bodies to hide it for the last nine months! like that photo of you and katie at the pool was actually fake, and let me tell you readers were livid! hahaha

    Reply

  28. Cher says

    Love the video- it’s your best yet! Now, time to put my thinking cap on and figure out how to make something out of 4,283 corks.

    Reply

  30. Ofelia, México City says

    Maybe Im wrong, but I think I saw one pic at Nate Berkus show with you and Kate (centsational girl), so you met before already. AM I right?

    Reply

  31. Krissy says

    Woohoo, perfect timing! I’m going to try making those white chocolate dipped strawberries with blue sugar for a party tomorrow!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      It’s been a whole year! So I don’t think it grew that fast. I also have gotten zero trims. Oh man, that’s so bad. I need one desperately!

      xo,
      s

  36. JenWoodhouse.com says

    Yay Pinterest Challenge! Hoorah hoorah shish boom bah!

    (I thought a Pinterest Challenge cheer was in order).

    I’m nesting again, so I have a ton of projects on my list… can’t wait to share!

    Reply

  37. norrey says

    I love your video. It made my day. I laughed so hard. It is so nice to see two young women being so silly together. Keep it up.

    Reply

  41. Maile says

    I am SO in. Thanks to all of you for inspiring the rest of us to get a move on! I’ve had stuff sitting in my Pinterest “queue” forever so I’m excited to get started.

    Reply

  42. Le says

    Laughed so hard that I cried…in the office. Please please make the outake a feature of all future Pinterest challenges. Love the belly bump.

    Reply

  43. Christina says

    I saw this great idea to make prints of leaves or other thin, textured things with a jellyroll pan of store-bought gelatin, printing ink, and paper. I bought all the supplies two weeks ago, but they’ve just been sitting in the corner of my living room, still in the bag. This gives me a reason to get on it this weekend!

    Reply

  44. Michelle says

    Oh my gosh! You guys are MANIACS! Loved the video outtake style. Seriously, no more youtubing cute baby animals for a smile. This one will be my go-to. “You guys took that baby to the market!”

    Reply

  45. Trish says

    Same here..It’s hilarious in slow motion to watch their faces when Sherry is falling!
    Sherry and Katie make my day! Love it…

    Reply

  46. KellyA says

    Yay! I totally called that we’d been seeing some awkward footage related to this challenge soon. Now, I only have about 15 half finished projects to choose from!

    Reply

  48. Katie says

    Hahahah Sherry. I think you two underestimated the amazing-ness that was the lawnmower shots. I couldn’t stop laughing. Made me think of my bestie who lives a few hours away ‘sniff’ we’ve had similar rides on quadbikes and trailers. Here’s to long distance best friendships.

    Reply

  50. Hannah says

    Yay! I’m so excited that this challenge is back! :) This time around, since we’re limited on our budget, I don’t think I’m going to craft something or cook anything. But rather, I’m going to test out some of those cleaning solutions with around-the-house-stuff that I see all over the place. I think that counts, right? :)

    Reply

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