The faint mix of bacon, spray paint and the unmistakable scent of hard work? That can only mean one thing: it’s Pinterest Challenge time. (Not sponsored by Pinterest or anyone else—this idea was dreamed up by Katie Bower as a push to stop pinning and start doing.) So let’s get to it—together.
Katie and I launched this seasonal challenge last summer as a way to pick one pinned idea and make it our own. The goal is simple: recreate or reinterpret something you’ve saved on Pinterest, credit the original inspiration, and share the result. The project can be big or small, decorative or practical, sewn, painted, baked or anything in between. The first time around John and I tackled a clothespin light fixture for our laundry room, and in the fall I made 38 handmade holiday ornaments. Each round has been a fun nudge to convert inspiration into finished work.
This winter’s edition is my excuse to attempt a truce with my notoriously temperamental sewing machine. I’ve been promising a homemade beanbag for the little one’s closet for months, so this challenge seemed like the perfect moment to finally try it. I’ve pinned plenty of beanbag and pillow ideas, and while I haven’t settled on a final shape or fabric yet, I plan to share the whole process and the finished result—hopefully not a lumpy mess—by next week.
If you’re wondering how to play along: pick any pinned project that inspires you, put your own spin on it, and link back to the original creator or source—whether that’s a store or a personal blog. Then share your finished project on the designated day so others can see what you made. We want this to be an encouraging, creative, community-driven event that motivates people to stop saving ideas and start making them real.
We like to invite guest hosts for each challenge, and for this round we’ve teamed up with two talented bloggers who joined us in past events and impressed us with their creativity:
- Erin from The Great Indoors, who created a playful art project during our fall challenge
- Cassie from Hi Sugarplum, who crafted a beautiful wreath in the previous challenge
Here’s the plan: take the weekend to work on your project, then come back next Wednesday morning (the 14th) to share photos and links to your finished work. We’ll gather everyone’s projects in one place so readers can browse, get inspired and maybe pin a few new favorites. The goal is to celebrate creativity, offer fresh ideas for do-it-yourself decor and crafts, and build momentum so more pins become real-life projects.
One small clarification: although we mention Pinterest often because it’s where many of our ideas originate, this challenge is not sponsored by Pinterest or any brand. We’re just a group of craft-obsessed people who enjoy turning inspiration into action—sometimes while binge-watching our favorite shows.
If you’re sewing a beanbag, painting a side table, making ornaments, or trying a recipe you’ve pinned, we’d love to see it. Share your take on the idea, credit the source that inspired you, and join the challenge to help turn inspiration into finished projects. See you next Wednesday!