Unleashing Creativity: The Summer Pinterest Challenge and My Dive into DIY Art

Sometimes, a little nudge is all it takes to transform digital dreams into tangible triumphs. If you’ve ever found yourself scrolling endlessly through aesthetically pleasing pins, saving countless ideas for home decor, craft projects, or delicious recipes, only to realize weeks, months, or even years have passed without a single idea coming to fruition, then you understand the universal struggle. It’s a common modern dilemma: the paradox of abundant inspiration leading to creative paralysis. And that, my friends, is precisely why the Pinterest Challenge was born – not sponsored by Pinterest or any other corporate entity, but organically dreamed up by the brilliant Katie Bower, with one simple, powerful mission: to make us stop pinning and start doing.

This annual, seasonal challenge serves as a much-needed catalyst, a gentle (or sometimes not-so-gentle) push to move from admiration to application. For many of us, myself included, it’s a welcome slap of reality, reminding us that the joy of creation lies in the act itself, not just in the aspiration. And yes, speaking of reality, a certain highly embarrassing video kicks off this summer’s edition – proving that even when we aim for elegance, spontaneity (and perhaps a bit of dehydration) can lead to hilarious outtakes. My favorite part involves a momentary lapse in composure, threatening bladder control, a testament to the unscripted nature of real-life creativity. Elegance is my middle name, truly.

The Genesis and Evolution of the Pinterest Challenge: From Pinboards to Masterpieces

The Pinterest Challenge is more than just a seasonal activity; it’s a movement towards mindful creativity and practical execution. It all began over a year ago when Katie Bower and I connected, sharing a mutual frustration with our burgeoning Pinterest boards and dwindling ‘done’ lists. The idea was simple yet profound: commit to making one inspired project each season, drawing directly from the wealth of gorgeous, curated content we’d accumulated online. It was an instant hit, a refreshing antidote to the passive consumption of digital content.

Our inaugural Pinterest Challenge last summer was a resounding success, igniting a spark of creative energy we hadn’t realized was dormant. This momentum carried us through our second challenge in the fall, where we embraced the cozy spirit of the season, and into our third installment in the winter, tackling more ambitious indoor projects. Each challenge brought new discoveries, unexpected triumphs, and a growing sense of accomplishment that far surpassed the fleeting satisfaction of a new pin. As for spring, well, it charmingly got away from us – how is it July already? But we’re back, psyched and invigorated for the summer edition. So, dust off those crafting supplies, put on your most comfortable (or celebratory, if you prefer slap bracelets and bodysuits) attire, and let’s get this DIY party started!

Decoding the “Stop Pinning, Start Doing” Philosophy: Rules and Creative Freedom

The beauty of the Pinterest Challenge lies in its simplicity and inherent flexibility, fostering a sense of creative freedom while providing just enough structure to encourage action. The core principle is straightforward: take inspiration from something you’ve pinned and give it your own personal spin. This isn’t about replication; it’s about interpretation, innovation, and infusing your unique style into an existing concept. Whether it’s a minor tweak to a color palette, a complete reimagining of materials, or a scale adjustment, the goal is to make it genuinely yours.

Crucially, a cornerstone of this challenge is the commitment to ethical inspiration: always link back to the original creator of the project that inspired you. This acknowledges the hard work and ingenuity of others, whether it’s a large company like Anthropologie or a personal blog that got your creative gears turning. We especially love to draw inspiration from sites that feature “Pin It” buttons, as it signals their enthusiasm for sharing and being part of the Pinterest ecosystem.

The scope of projects is wonderfully boundless. There are no limits to what you can tackle: it can be big or small, a grand home renovation or a modest craft. From elaborate decor projects to intricate sewing endeavors, innovative cooking experiments, or even beyond – the canvas is yours to choose. In previous challenges, John and I embarked on diverse creative journeys. Our very first challenge saw us constructing a charming clothespin light fixture for our laundry room, a testament to turning everyday objects into functional art. The next time, I bravely tackled the festive spirit, crafting 38 unique homemade holiday ornaments. My most recent venture saw me confronting my long-standing sewing fears head-on, somehow managing to create a beanbag-ish pouf for Clara’s cozy reading nook in her closet – a project that felt like a significant personal victory against my sewing demons!

My Artistic Endeavor This Season: Rediscovering the Brush

For this summer’s Pinterest Challenge, I decided to return to my first love: art. Specifically, painting. Not a wall, not a piece of furniture, but a bona fide piece of art for the sheer joy of creation. While I’ve only really blogged about one previous painting attempt in recent years (this guy, a somewhat whimsical experiment), it’s high time I picked up the brush again. My academic background is rooted in art; I actually attended an art university in NYC and hold a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, a qualification I’ve regrettably underutilized in my professional life.

Thankfully, serendipity played a role in nudging me back to my artistic roots. As part of my Christmas present, John thoughtfully gifted me an awesome art supply gift card. The irony? All those wonderful supplies have since sat untouched in my closet for the past six months, silently mocking my procrastination. This challenge feels like the perfect opportunity to liberate them and finally put them to good use. I’ve already curated a collection of inspiring art pieces on Pinterest, but I’m still debating the exact style or technique I’ll pursue. The beauty of this open-ended approach is the freedom to experiment and let the process guide the outcome. I’ll be sure to return with all the exciting details and, fingers crossed, a completed masterpiece next Tuesday. In the meantime, allow me to share what’s currently fueling my artistic fire and inspiring the pants off me (figuratively speaking, of course – rest assured, I’m still wearing pants):

A Kaleidoscope of Inspiration: Fueling My Artistic Vision

1. The Geometry of John Robshaw Fabric:

   I’ve long been captivated by the intricate patterns and vibrant colors found in fabric designs by John Robshaw. There’s something deeply appealing about his repeating geometric motifs. Perhaps it’s a nostalgic connection; my dad used to doodle similar little repeating geometric things, which might explain why I’m so drawn to them. The precision, rhythm, and subtle imperfections in Robshaw’s work offer a fantastic starting point for exploring abstract patterns and color blocking in my own painting. It’s a reminder that inspiration can come from the most unexpected, yet personal, places.

2. Clara’s Uninhibited Art:

   My daughter, Clara, is a boundless source of inspiration, particularly when it comes to her art. She once painted me something with a truly reckless abandon – an unbridled explosion of color and form that I’ve always cherished. You can read more about that particular masterpiece here. It hangs proudly right over my desk, serving as a constant reminder of the pure, unfiltered joy of creation. Her fearlessness with color and brushstrokes is something I aspire to channel, letting go of perfectionism and embracing the spontaneous.

3. The Ingenuity of a DIY Grid Project:

   Pinterest is a treasure trove of clever hacks, and one DIY art project particularly caught my eye. The creator ingeniously used a simple toothpaste lid to create a grid of charmingly irregular circles. This brilliant use of an everyday object to achieve a unique texture and pattern is incredibly inspiring. It challenges the notion that you need expensive tools to create impactful art and encourages me to look for unconventional methods. You can delve into the details of this smart project here, though the original link refers to wine cork stamps, the concept of using household items for stamps remains a potent source of inspiration.

4. Kristen of KFD Designs: A Professional Muse:

   Kristen over at KFD Designs is a constant fount of artistic inspiration for me. Her work is truly captivating, and I actually felt compelled to email her to ensure she was comfortable with me pinning her art. As a legitimate professional artist, I didn’t want to inadvertently insult her by treating her masterpieces as mere “pinspiration” (as if I could ever replicate anything this awesome!). She was incredibly gracious and sweet, assuring me she didn’t mind at all. While she creates stunning commissioned art for those seeking her distinctive style, for me, she serves as a powerful muse. Her exquisite color palettes, in particular, consistently leave me drooling with admiration.

5. Circular Inspiration from a Fellow Challenger:

   What’s truly wonderful about the Pinterest Challenge is its ripple effect. I discovered another fantastic DIY art project that was actually created for a previous Pinterest Challenge with us! This felt like a full-circle moment: our little challenge inspired her to create something beautiful, and in turn, her inspiring result motivated me. It’s a powerful testament to the collaborative and supportive nature of this creative community, where inspiration flows freely, constantly renewing and expanding.

6. The Expressive Strokes of Watercolor:

   While this specific pin was a watercolor card project, the vibrant, happy colors and the characteristic rough, imperfect strokes immediately spoke my language. There’s a certain freedom and organic quality to watercolor that I find incredibly appealing. The way the pigments blend and bleed, creating unpredictable yet beautiful effects, is something I’m keen to explore. It’s a medium that embraces imperfection, aligning perfectly with my desire to create without the pressure of strict adherence to form.

Beyond the Pinboard: Unparalleled Artistry and Our Creative Community

My quest for artistic inspiration extends beyond these specific pins. Michelle Armas, for instance, is an artist whose work I find unparalleled; seriously, a total girl crush situation is happening there! Her bold use of color and abstract compositions resonates deeply with my aesthetic. Additionally, this insightful post about making abstract art on Oh Happy Day has genuinely excited me to tackle this challenge head-on. It’s a reminder that art doesn’t have to be intimidating; it can be an accessible and joyful process. Sure, I might “bomb” it – that’s always a possibility when venturing into creative territory – but at least I’m not sitting around wishing I could get back into painting! There was a time when my room was literally covered with watercolors, acrylics, and oil paintings I had made. Ah, to be young and artistically prolific again, haha! This challenge is about recapturing that uninhibited spirit.

You might be wondering who else is joining me and Katie Bower (aka: The Esteemed Bacon-Eating Pinterest Challenge Founder) in this summer’s creative adventure. To keep things fresh and foster a broader community, we thought it would be fun to invite different folks to “guest host” with us each time. This season, we are absolutely thrilled to welcome two incredibly talented individuals:

• Kate from Centsational Girl: Kate previously Pinterest Challenged some homemade sweater pillows, turning old garments into cozy new decor. I had such a fantastic time finally meeting her at Haven! Her eye for design and ability to elevate everyday items is truly inspiring.
• Michelle of Ten June: Last time, Michelle crafted some clever clothespin vases, showcasing her ingenuity and flair for DIY. It’s always a joy to see what she comes up with. Fun fact: Clara once put her hand on Michelle’s belly at Haven and, with uncanny accuracy, announced what was inside (a boy!). So far, Clara maintains a 100% accuracy rate of rubbing bumps and predicting what’s inside – quite the talent!

Your Turn to Create: Join the Summer Pinterest Challenge!

Now, here’s the part where I extend my arm with a crooked smile, brimming with both excitement and a true paranoia of utterly “bombing it” in the art department. Despite my anxieties, I humbly and enthusiastically invite you to join in on the fun! This is your opportunity to pick something from your overflowing Pinterest boards and give it your own unique spin. We believe that everyone possesses an innate creative spark, and this challenge is designed to help you ignite it.

We’ve carved out the entire weekend for everyone (including ourselves!) to dedicate time to their chosen projects. Then, we’ll reconvene bright and early next Tuesday morning (the 10th) to proudly share our completed projects. We are genuinely hoping this edition will transform into the same über-fun, inspiring share-fest that we’ve joyfully soaked up for the past few seasons. If you need a dose of inspiration or want to see the incredible diversity of projects from previous challenges, check out all the amazing linked-up creations from our first challenge here, our fall edition here, and our winter projects here.

So, mark your calendars! Drop in next Tuesday to feast your eyes on what we’ve managed to create. More importantly, we encourage you to submit links to your own completed projects so we can all celebrate and explore each other’s work. Who knows, we might even find a few new things to pin from your creations – and thus, the delightful, vicious cycle of inspiration continues! In the meantime, what are you planning to tackle this time around? Is it a delectable food creation, an intricate craft, a practical sewing project, a bold painting, or a transformative furniture piece? We are genuinely eager to hear about your ideas and what you guys think you’ll do! Share your thoughts in the comments below and let’s get inspired together.

Psst- One more time, for the people in the back: regardless of the fact that I say “Pinterest” about thirty times throughout this post, please understand that this challenge was not paid for, perked, or sponsored by them or anyone else. We are simply a couple of eye-candy obsessed gals who are genuinely sick of coveting beautiful things and are downright ready to roll up our sleeves and actually *do* them. Well, at least one of them… for now!