A new purse and new friends: Recap of the #12MonthsofDIY challenge
Sometimes creativity allows friendships to flourish. We’re recapping the DIY and craft ideas we made for this year’s #12MonthsofDIY challenge and reflecting on the wonderful relationships we’ve built.
It was just over a year ago around this time we jumped on the opportunity to collaborate with a group of strangers from across Canada on something that became the #12MonthsofDIY challenge. When we joined, it seemed like a fun way to get to know other Canadian bloggers in the DIY and home decor area. Little did we know that we would not only make 12 fun and interesting projects for the blog but would create friendships and build relationships with 12 wonderful, talented and inspiring women from across Canada.
What is the #12MonthsofDIY Challenge?
The premise behind the #12MonthsofDIY challenge was simple: we would all independently create something using the same material (which changed from month to month). From Mason Jars, to paper, ribbon and more, it was fascinating to see the variety of crafts made using the same material.
In retrospect we can’t get over how many projects we were able to make. Although we have a number of favourites, the one that stood out for both of us was April’s project for which we took an old leather jacket with a broken zipper that we found at our local Value Village and transformed it into a stylish new leather purse that Sonja still uses on a daily basis. We just loved putting Sonja’s sewing skills to the test to create something new!
🧵 Interested in more sewing ideas? Check out our sewing projects index for free patterns, tutorials and inspiration.
We have to send a huge thank you to our fearless leader Christina from The DIY Mommy. She provided guidance, kept all of us on track made the challenge super fun.
One of our favourite aspects of the challenge was seeing our community on Instagram participate as well! Each month we invited our followers to share their projects which corresponded with that month’s material and we were so impressed to see everyone’s DIY ideas!
Although the challenge is finished for now we look forward to continued collaboration with these amazing women. If you don’t already, stop by their respective blogs and sign up for their mailing lists to get e-showered with inspiring craft, DIY and home decor ideas each week. You can check out their projects, one of which of their favourite they’ve also picked and you can explore below.
From the top left they are:
- DIY Vintage Succulent Centerpiece from Vin’yet Etc.
- DIY Daisy Frame Art from Lifeovereasy
- Pottery Barn Inspired Burlap Lamp Shade & Owl Bookends from Woman In Real Life
- Vintage Inspired DIY Vinyl Office Sign from Heather in Heels
- How to Make an Infinity Scarf from Fresh Crush
- Mason Jar Oil Lamps from Life Is A Party
- Thrift Store Patio Table Tray Makeover from Time With Thea
- Felt Wall Organizer from Love Create Celebrate
- Vinyl Otomi Chargers from PMQ for Two
- Make a Giant Reclaimed Wood Clock from an Electrical Reel from The DIY Mommy
- Gold Straw Himelli Plant Holders from Brooklyn Berry Designs
It’s been wonderful making new connections and getting to work with each of you.
Have you collaborated on a project that turned out better than you could have accomplished on your own?
I can see why the purse is your fave – such a great and creative project! you guys really did such fun stuff, leaving me very inspired:) it was such a treat being part of the group and I can’t wait to see what we get up to in the future together:) wishing you both, and your entire family a very Merry Christmas:)
Thank you so much Heather! We really enjoyed connecting with and getting to know you. It felt like getting together with a bunch of good friends each month to craft. I’m missing it already!
All of your projects are so lovely and unique. It was a joy to work with you both and to meet you online and IRL (Sonja). I hope we can collaborate in 2017! xo Jo
Thank you so much Joann! We loved and were inspired by all of your creations. And the bonus was getting to know you and your blog. Looking forward to collaborating again soon.