Yup, the faint smell of bacon, spray paint, and sweat can only mean one thing: it’s Pinterest Challenge time. This seasonal event was dreamed up by Katie Bower to push us to stop pinning and start doing, and it’s just what I needed to jump back into some hands-on projects.
It began last June when Katie suggested a quarterly challenge: pick a pinned idea that inspires you and make your own version of it. The goal is simple—create something each season inspired by your pins. I admit I’ve saved hundreds, maybe thousands, of ideas over the years, but actually making them? Far fewer. The Pinterest Challenge is a friendly shove to change that pattern.
We had a blast with our first Pinterest Challenge last summer and followed it up with another in the fall. Because the projects were so much fun, we decided to do a belated winter edition. Technically it’s still winter for a little while, so why not celebrate with a DIY weekend?
The only rule is to put your own spin on an idea you pinned and credit the original creator who inspired you. Projects can be big or small—home decor, sewing, cooking, or anything else that gets your creative gears turning. For example, the first time John and I tackled a large project: a clothespin light fixture for the laundry room. Another time I worked on dozens of small items, making a variety of homemade holiday ornaments.
This season I’m taking the chance to make peace with my sewing machine and finally attempt a beanbag for the kiddo’s closet. I mentioned this idea months ago and kept promising I’d get to it—so now’s the time. I’ve pinned plenty of beanbag inspirations and fabrics, but I’m still deciding on a shape and material. I’m cautiously optimistic that my finished piece won’t be a lumpy, misshapen mess. If all goes well I’ll share photos and details once the project is complete.
We also like to invite guest hosts for each challenge, and this time we’re joined by a few talented makers who have previously contributed clever projects to our events. Their enthusiasm and creativity help make each challenge more fun and diverse. Collaborating with other bloggers and makers has always been a highlight; seeing different interpretations of the same inspiration is part of the excitement.
So consider this an open invitation: pick a pinned idea, make it your own, and join in. We usually give a weekend to complete projects and then regroup to share results. For this round, the plan is to work over the weekend and reconvene midweek to showcase our projects. The goal is a casual, encouraging share-fest where everyone posts what they made and links up their projects so the community can see and celebrate the results.
Participating is easy and rewarding. You don’t need a perfectly finished or professionally styled outcome—what matters is trying, learning, and sharing the process. Whether you convert a pinned idea into a fully executed item or a charmingly imperfect first attempt, it’s the doing that counts. Plus, seeing friends and fellow makers take the plunge inspires others to pick up a paintbrush, sewing needle, or glue gun.
We love how these challenges create a sense of momentum: a few people start, others join in, and pretty soon there’s a cascade of creative projects to admire. It’s practical, social, and a little bit addictive in the best way. If you’re a habitual pinner who rarely follows through, this is the perfect excuse to choose one inspiration and actually make it happen.
Finally, a quick reminder: despite saying “Pinterest” a lot, this event is not sponsored or affiliated with any company. It’s simply a community-driven craft challenge created by people who enjoy collecting great ideas and, more importantly, turning them into real, handmade things. So grab a project, get to work, and come back next week to share what you’ve made. We can’t wait to see your take on a favorite pin.
One more time, just to be clear: this challenge is an independent, community-run creative event. No sponsorships—just a group of makers sharing inspiration, projects, and a love of DIY.