First, a big, soggy internet kiss to everyone who left such kind words and enthusiastic reactions to yesterday’s announcement. We’re genuinely thrilled to share this new chapter with you — there may have been a few happy tears involved.
On a seasonal note, can you catch that fresh scent in the air? It’s time for the spring Pinterest Challenge again. This challenge isn’t sponsored by Pinterest; it was dreamed up by Katie Bower to get us off our pinboards and into real projects. The idea began almost two years ago when Katie called to suggest that we each create one project each season inspired by something we’d pinned. Thus the Pinterest Challenge was born. So break out your paint-ready flip-flops (yes, some of us actually have those) and let’s get into some spring DIY.
The only rule is simple: make your own version of a pinned idea and credit the original source—whether that’s a brand like Anthropologie or a personal blog that sparked your imagination. We especially enjoy ideas from sites with “Pin It” buttons since it suggests they embrace Pinterest traffic. Projects can be anything: a small craft, a decor update, a sewing project, a recipe, or a larger furniture or outdoor build. The goal is creativity, not perfection.
Looking back at past challenges, John and I have tried a lot of different things: we built a clothespin light, crafted homemade ornaments, I faced my sewing fears and made Clara a beanbag pouf, we experimented with homemade art, built a leaning chalkboard, and added hallway board and batten. This spring, with the season in full swing, we decided to tackle something that’s been on our to-do list for over a year: window boxes.
We think a few front window boxes will be just the thing to soften the long, boxy facade of our ranch-style home. They’ll add dimension, curb appeal, and a touch of greenery that can make the front of the house feel warmer and more lived-in. Plus, now that our house is on the market (for all of one day, haha!), attractive window boxes might catch the eye of prospective buyers more than another piece of indoor art or a furniture makeover would. If they work well here, they’ll be easy projects to replicate in our next place.
I’ve pinned a couple of window box ideas for inspiration: one was purely eye candy from a higher-end retailer (this picture — lovely but pricey), and another was a practical tutorial for building them ourselves. We’ll keep hunting for ready-made boxes within our budget, but if we can’t find something suitable, a DIY build is definitely on the table.
We’re already out scouting options and gathering supplies, so it’s on like Donkey Kong. You might also be curious who’s joining Katie and me as guest hosts for this challenge. We thought it would be fun to invite different friends to co-host each time—people who’ve previously taken part and produced great projects—so we’re excited to have:
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Emily from Sparkle Meets Pop, who dazzled us with glittery results last time
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Renee from Red Bird Blue, who inspired us before with a clever iPod dock
So here’s the deal: consider this your friendly, pollen-blown invitation to join our spring Pinterest Challenge. Put your own spin on a pinned idea and link back to the inspiration. We’ll regroup next Wednesday morning (the 8th) to share our projects. You can browse past challenge submissions for ideas and motivation, then drop in next Wednesday to submit a link to your project and see what everyone created. In the meantime, what are you thinking of making? Will it be a recipe, a craft, sewing, painting, furniture, or an outdoor update? Whatever you choose, we’d love to see your take on it—no need to strip down for the yard work, unless you’re really committed to a proper spring clean.