Thursday, October 13, 2011

31 Days Blog to Biz / day 14 - A gutsy junk challenge for you



I'm going to challenge you to push yourself out of your comfort zone today. 

Are you up for it?


1. Choose an unlikely something or other.

2. Walk around the house with it.

3. Then put it to work in a way you've never seen done before.  Don't worry if it isn't a prize winner. That's not the point.







The point is YOU stretching your OWN imagination and not fearing what someone else will say.

Introducing... my funky fall mantel. :)

I test my own bravery by asking myself, "Did it make me laugh?" This one passed the brave test just fine...

"A crusty old sawhorse upside down on a mantel... what kind of decorator is she?!?"

A gutsy one.

Look. I'm doing all the talking here. And I know you're sitting there listening and drinking it all in. But you need to do one more thing to make this here new career thing happen for you.

You need to take charge and do something different. You want change? You have to change something to get that change.  And have the guts to take a chance.

Sitting and taking notes will not get you there. Please roll up those sleeves and DO something. DO THIS. Ok?

Decorating not your niche? That's fine! Do something that takes extreme guts in your world. That's all that matters.

Come back next Wednesday prepared to share your gutsy project because I'm going to throw up a link feature for ya.... oh yes I am! 

Don't have a blog? Then come prepared to share your story in comments. Better yet, fire up the picture on FJI Facebook  during the event so we can visit you that way, ok?

See?!? You have no excuse not to do this.

And hey... these photos were shot in MANUAL. Talk about outside of one's comfort zone!!!

Got the guts to play outside of your comfort zone?

'She's Got Guts!' link party
Wed Oct 19

Got the guts to link up? :)

All 31 Day posts to date can be found HERE.

Day 6 - my big announcement (offer something)
Day 10 - an unexpected lesson (ask for advice)
Day 11 - what equipment should YOU get?
Day 14 - A gutsy junk challenge for you - this entry









Enter to win $50 from The Rusted Chain  HERE! 


Win FOLK for 1 year! Go HERE to enter (and order) until Fri 11pm Pacific.
Deadline to order this issue - Sat Oct 15

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38 comments:

  1. AnonymousOctober 13, 2011 at 11:05 PM

    I love it! I can't wait till tomorrow, I'm on a mission! Thank you for challenging me... (I think)

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  2. Tammy DemoreuilleOctober 13, 2011 at 11:30 PM

    Love the new arrangement!! Can't wait to see what's next. :)

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  3. UnknownOctober 14, 2011 at 3:24 AM

    Ok, I'm heading to the ReStore after work today to find a random object... then I'll have almost a week to find something creative to do with it! If I can't think of anything by then... I need a new hobby haha!

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  4. SueannOctober 14, 2011 at 3:29 AM

    I do have the guts but I haven't been stretching them muscles enough!! Will do boss!!
    Great mantle by the way
    Hugs
    SueAnn

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  5. SImple and Serene LivingOctober 14, 2011 at 3:44 AM

    I love it. I have always loved trying to find ways to use funky objects. So, yesterday I actually did something out of my comfort zone and shared what is going on in my personal life on my blog. As a former counselor, I always helped others with their personal lives and kept mine quiet. It got a great response and drew me closer to my readers. I think I must have anticipated today's assignment 8-)
    Laura

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  6. UnknownOctober 14, 2011 at 3:57 AM

    I took your advice the other day and I decided to challenge myself. I took my "worlds ugliest bathroom," challenged myself to redesign it and make it beautiful ....for free! I thought to myself, " Good designers didn't become "famous" by starting with pretty rooms." Right? I'll be at your party, hopefully showing of a fantastic bathroom!

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  7. Vintage HomeOctober 14, 2011 at 4:04 AM

    great job on the mantle!...wonderful inspiration!...you the bomb!

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  8. Vintage HomeOctober 14, 2011 at 4:04 AM

    http://www.fieldstonevintagemarket.com/faq/

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  9. Leena Milligan LanteigneOctober 14, 2011 at 4:06 AM

    I have the guts, boy howdy do I have the guts, but I'm not sure how to do the link thing from my blog to yours. DUH I know, but can you explain? Thanks! Hugs, Leena

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  10. BethOctober 14, 2011 at 4:16 AM

    I think my whole decorating scheme is considered unconventional by lots of people, or maybe it really IS done in bad taste! ;^)

    I will have to see what I'm can come up with. Leaving today for a weekend camping trip to a county wide flea market this weekend. I'll have to see what inspires me there. Wish me good junk!

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  11. Vintage HomeOctober 14, 2011 at 4:18 AM

    http://www.earthday.ca/pub/campaigns/upcycling/en/rules.php
    ok so Barb @ hodgepodge is blogging about this and the prizes are tools...in case you are interested!

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  12. Jessica @ FourGenerationsOneRoofOctober 14, 2011 at 4:32 AM

    Oh it looks soooo good! I love the upside down sawhorse :)

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  13. Joyce - Quilted NestOctober 14, 2011 at 4:37 AM

    There's no one like you Donna. You've got the touch to be sure!

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  14. AnonymousOctober 14, 2011 at 4:37 AM

    I am so excited! I don't have a blog (yet) but will share something on FB. Thanks Donna, for giving us unbloggers a way to share. I luv your mantel!

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  15. JaneOctober 14, 2011 at 5:12 AM

    The sawhorse looks wonderful on the mantel and makes a perfect rustic container. I really like what you added to it too. Such great textures. It looks great!
    Jane

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  16. Lori @ Katies Rose Cottage DesignsOctober 14, 2011 at 5:15 AM

    I LOVE it !!! Okay I am going to take the challenge because I have tons of random stuff around here :)

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  17. Laura @ Our Prairie HomeOctober 14, 2011 at 5:24 AM

    That's awesome! LOL I think I may have to link up my cow tank turned table, but I'm sure I have the "guts. I'll have to think about that one. ;) Have a great weekend, Donna!

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  18. AnonymousOctober 14, 2011 at 6:06 AM

    I personally love what you did. There is no such think thing as junk when it comes to reclaimed old wood! It can look stunning all to it's own! I will have to try this with all of you! Hugs and have a good weekend. Tammy

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  19. Holly KennedyOctober 14, 2011 at 6:12 AM

    You are so clever!

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  20. Becky@Beyond The Picket FenceOctober 14, 2011 at 7:05 AM

    Thanks so much for this challenge, can't wait to give it a try and post results later. I am loving the whole series and am learning lots--thanks sweet Donna.

    PS--You so look likr the Avon model I have been seeing on commercials--another job perhaps??

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  21. heOctober 14, 2011 at 7:33 AM

    I definitely need to step out of my comfort zone. You are right. Sometimes you have to step out and take that leap of faith no matter what anyone says.

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  22. Anita @ GoingALittleCoastalOctober 14, 2011 at 7:47 AM

    The saw horse upside down was a great idea! Looks wonderful fill with all of your stuff. The hydrangeas are beautiful.
    ps. who is AK? ;)

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  23. Ellisa at home sweet nestOctober 14, 2011 at 8:12 AM

    Thank You Donna!
    This is exactly what I needed to get my brain moving in a more original way! I am loving your series and getting alot out of it! See you here on Wednesday!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Rosemary@villabarnesOctober 14, 2011 at 8:29 AM

    OMG, Donna. I've been doing somewhat of a series lately on redesigning with parts that will blend in perfectly with this. I think you will like my "Funky Junk" links this weekend, and I will definitely be a part of your latest challenge.

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  25. MarianneOctober 14, 2011 at 12:27 PM

    Oh that is so cool! Fun a linky! I just put a project up that might have qualified. Hmm let's see if I can come up with another one. Wednesday huh? That doesn't give me a lot of time, but I am up for the challenge. Bring it on! Woman.
    Upside down sawhorse, you crazy junker!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Pieced PastimesOctober 14, 2011 at 12:45 PM

    Your mantel turned out great! Love the sawhorse upside down and filled with your found objects. You have such a great eye for placing things. If time permits, I will attempt your challenge.

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  27. ann albaOctober 14, 2011 at 1:50 PM

    OMG I have a Vally-girl screaming in my head OMG
    I love it .... I want It.....
    have a god one.
    ann.

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  28. ElsieOctober 14, 2011 at 2:34 PM

    Are you kidding Donna? Your talking to someone that has half of a church window on her mantel and hoes without handles for shelves on her porch. Not to mention the plow tines for hooks
    and the vintage metal dollhouse for gardening tools. Me......use something out of the ordinary, maybe I should use some ordinary...LOL...then my family would think
    I had lost it. They know I love my junk.:)
    I love your mantel, that is my kind of decorating. S-W-E-E-T!!!!! I'll save the rest of the story for your "She Got Guts Linky Party".

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  29. raggygirlvintageOctober 14, 2011 at 3:16 PM

    You are awesome Donna and I love how you are taking us along your journey and encouraging us to think outside the box, er sawhorse!!
    Tracey

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  30. chris zimaOctober 14, 2011 at 4:11 PM

    Donna, how pretty! Ms FJI always makes me smile. Have a great and wonderful w-end :)

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  31. Katalina JewelryOctober 14, 2011 at 4:22 PM

    Upside down sawhorse...brilliant! My favorite designs are when an object was used for something other than what it was intended for. I just did a project that I think will be perfect for this challenge...I'll be back Wednesday(and every day until then; I don't want to miss any of your posts)!

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  32. Gwen @ The Bold AbodeOctober 14, 2011 at 5:05 PM

    AHA! You have been secretly reading my blog, haven't you? Don't deny it... BE BOLD!

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  33. Christina at I Gotta Create!October 14, 2011 at 6:23 PM

    Oh YEAH!! Love it! You're on! And love the gutsy saw horse move - it looks great :) Makes me think of an arc. (?)

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  34. The LadyBugs GardenOctober 14, 2011 at 9:24 PM

    I love the mantel redo..I need to do mine up.
    Stephanie

    http://theladybugsgarden-stephanie.blogspot.com/

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  35. Dana @ Cooking At Cafe DOctober 15, 2011 at 11:45 AM

    I've got guts.
    I think.
    Well, I have until Weds to look for them ;)

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  36. Mellissa and CarmenOctober 16, 2011 at 7:04 PM

    Sounds like a fun challenge!
    I have already got out my paint and drill!!!

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  37. AnonymousOctober 19, 2011 at 4:01 AM

    Hi, Donna
    I been working on my house and I been thinking what I can do to step out of my comfort zone.

    Vanessa

    ReplyDelete
  38. The Little Chef*October 20, 2011 at 4:58 PM

    if you like to cook, please check out my blog & tell others! Thanks(:

    kbcakathelittlechef.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete

I love your comments and read every one of these! For more interactive feedback from me, I'd love it if you'd join my FJI Facebook page where communication is always current and incredibly fun! Thank-you!