Pin-spiration

Recently, I've been pretty much addicted to Pinterest.  For those of you unfamiliar with this nifty new app (or website, actually), its a virtual pin board where you can pin any web-based image that inspires you.  You can organize your images on different boards and then clicking on any images links directly to the site where it originated.  My friend Sally & I both have 3-ring binders full of tear sheets from magazines, print-outs and anything else that is home-decor inspiring.  Pinterest is essentially the virtual version of this.  Not to mention that it also catalogs the boards of your friends so you can shop their inspiration too.  Definitely will suck you in. 

I recently read how Pinterest if counter-intuitive to creativity because its encourages one to be inspired...but that's as far as you get.  Rather than creating or doing, you tend to continue finding newer & better ideas without ever producing.  This is so true.  I'm a serial pinner, but rarely have I actually gone back and turned an inspiration into reality.  Until last week.

Project #1: Reindeer Footprints

I'm always on the lookout for cute and low-mess holiday crafts for the kids.  I like to avoid glitter, lots of paint & liquid glue...I know, I'm a party pooper.  And our version didn't turn out exactly as I wanted thanks to a smeared footprint due to an independent toddler...which is case-in-point why I avoid the above mentioned items =)

Pinspiration:                                                       My Creation:

Project #2:  Shutter Christmas Card Display

I saw this a while back & loved it.  I found a set of wood shutters at Habitat ReStore for $5.  I sanded, primed, painted & distressed one of them and LOVE how it turned out.  I wish I had done both of them but I was worried that it may not turn out...and I wanted to have a back-up. 

Pin-spiration:                                                                                 My Creation: