Did i hear something about a Design Challenge?
Tuesday, Jul 26, 2011 49 Comments 
Have you ever wanted to wallpaper your cat (don't, i tried, unsuccesfully) or gold leaf your blankey (weird, but could be amazing...although the fact you have a 'blankey' is questionable)?
Regardless, now is your chance, my friends, to finish that crazy home project that you keep putting off because you are too 'busy' or 'constantly watching the reality tv' or 'not-goal oriented'. I think i'm a combination of the first two, so, I was talking to my new friends, Sherry and John from YoungHouseLove.com, Joey and Lana from JoeyandLana.com, and Katie and Jeremy fromBowerPowerBlog.com and someone had the genius idea of throwing down an official Pinterest challenge; a design challenge to force ourselves to finish a project that we promise ourselves we will, inspired by a pinterest picture.
Ah, look at those lovely ladies (and watch that video, written by Sherry and Katie, who are ridiculously adorable and hilarious...and don't forget to watch the bloopers at the end).
Here's the challenge, if you choose to accept it (which i did): choose a picture on pinterest that inspires you do to something to your home to improve it. It could be as small as decopaugeing a doorknob (seriously don't recommend it) to turning your closet into a guest bedroom (I did and they complained of 'clausterphobia'...pussies) - as long as it has to do home design/decor and it can be done within the week. The four of us are doing it and while there isn't necessarily a winner, the idea is that we are actually forced to finish something. I'm pretty sure i'm the worst when it comes to this, but now that its public, it will be done.
I, Emily Von Henderson, will finish a project by next tuesday, 8/2, at 7am pst. I will share it with you, whether its effing amazing or totally embarrassing. I am at the mercy of this deadline and won't eat or sleep until its done. I will however shoot a makeover show, write a blog and cuddle with bearcat, so if i can do it, so can you. just saying. this is a lot of underlining and bold type, but i'm feeling it.
Now, its your turn. Join in on the challenge, comment, link your blogs in the comments and challenge yourself to actually finish the project by next week. Mine will involve 30 pounds of vintage brass chain that i got at an architectural salvage store that I have been hoarding (playing with, sometimes spooning) for a couple years now, you know, as you do.... I've got some ideas, but i'm not exactly a welder, so we'll see.
I'll give clues on twitter and facebook throughout the week as to what it is and how its going, so follow me on twitter and 'like' 'secrets from a stylist' on facebook (not the emily henderson fanpage, that's kinda inactive....because i can't do 'fanpage'). And retweet this post, we want to see how many people we can get to actually get something done. Besides finishing the RHONY series, that doesn't count. I'll tell you how it ends: they all basically suck.
And in case you think the Pinterest family has paid us, the answer is 'nope', they had nothing to do with it. Just good old fashioned inspiration, now known as 'pinspiration'....which reminds me a bit too much of that thing one does (not me, please...gross) when you work out... but if 'that' happens too, then good on you. But please shower before posting.
Good luck my friends.....i'll be thinking/tweeting/facebooking/myspacing/and friendstering about you all week....
I will not, however, be 'linking you in'. because i still don't get it. and don't want to.
Bring it on. And yes, i'm feeling the pressure....
Reader Comments (49)
Love this! I really hope someone makes one of those awesome beaded chandeliers (like this bad boy: http://pinterest.com/pin/26621890/) because I want someone to figure it out for me and write a tutorial. Anyone interested? Thanks.
Can't wait to see what you do, Emily!!
Great idea and fun challenge!
Love this! Great idea and video. Currently debating if I have the guts to take on a project and finish it in a week. Can't wait to see what you ladies do!
Challenge Accepted!!! I'll be taking inspiration from this image: http://pinterest.com/pin/51119329/ and re-purposing a piece of mass-produced wall art that I have (I still like it, but I'm sick of seeing it everyone elses houses too!). AND off course I'll blog about it @ www.yearofserendipity.com
Great idea ladies! How can I turn down a challenge from my favorite bloggers all in one place?!
what's your pinterest name?!
Great idea! In fact, my most recent blog post was about some of my favorite pinned projects from there. With 99 pins just on my “Inspired DIY” board, I know I can find something else to do! So, to this challenge I say…bring it on!
Just saw this on YHL. What an awesome challenge. Can't wait to see what you fun lovin ladies come up with. Emily I love your show. It always comes out amazing!!! :)
THATS HILARIOUS! and I love YHL! Count me in! Can't wait to see what ya'll do!
I second Shunta's question! You're tough to find.
Not sure what I'm gonna do---off to search Pinterest!
OMG...you are hilarious. The closet/guest bedroom comment made me LOL. Obviously you have some mad design skills, but I love your writing style, too. Fun challenge! :-)
KB said I should post a comment on "ding-a-lings?" ....Sounds like a fun Challenge! Can't wait for Tuesday to see what you gals come up with! What a fun group.
Katie thinks you like ding a lings... can't wait to see what you make!
I like ding dongs. I'm also excited about this challenge! :)
super fun! pin picked, http://pinterest.com/pin/71951364/, going to blog about the outcome! thanks for the extra push and motivation!
Haha, the "linking you in" thing made me laugh out loud - I totally agree! Can't wait to see all of your challenges! x
This has been on my to-do list for 2 months! I WILL organize and style my tiny bathroom before the end of the week - http://pinterest.com/pin/80690104/
I'll be posting my progress on my blog!
Jenny Steffens Hobick
I love this idea- I'm definitely a "do-er," but I've had the hardest time finishing an 8 drawer dresser inspired by this pic: https://pinterest.com/pin/42989061/
I'll post about it on my blog Ofallthefish.com
Good luck to everyone!
The "sometimes spooning" comment was hilarious!
I wish I could pin that room Emily was sitting in in the video, with the bird lamp and the velvet chair! Then I would use that for my inspiration. But it's really my vanity area that needs help, so thinking I'll go seeking some inspiration to pin for that one....
OK - first of all that video, while awkward, was so darn cute! I have to admit I'm a tad jealous of Katie and her freaking gorgeousness. Love this idea - now off to look at my pins and figure out if I can actually finish a project in a week. :)
Can't find the secrets from a stylist page to like on fb? Any help?
Ohhh, how fun! I have so many unfinished projects around here and another reason to surf Pinterest! I'm definitely in. Hmmm, what to tackle.
I like ding-dongs...the devil -er- Katie told me to do it! Seriously, I'm interested to see how this goes...sounds great!
Hello! Found your site through Katie B. I'm loving this challenge and definitely accepting it!!!
Here are my ideas....
http://rufflesandsuch.blogspot.com/2011/07/pinterest-challenge.html
Can't wait to see yours!
I'm in! I am ADDICTED to pinterest!