Pages

Monday, January 9, 2012

mission impossibilities ...

The Imagine the Impossibilities link party is live (click here) and closes Friday, Feb. 3 at 12 AM (CST)

Introducing the first annual "Imagine the Impossibilities" challenge ...




I’m throwing down the gauntlet. 

Yes, you read that right … the gauntlet …

… and inviting … well, considering the whole gauntlet thing, more like challenging ... you, my dear readers ... to join us in our “Imagine the Impossibilities” challenge …

And what is it, you may ask?

At it’s core  is the concept of starting off the new year by tackling the challenge that challenges you the most …

You know, the one that’s been holding you back from moving forward …. that thing there in the back of your head … nagging, nagging, nagging ...

… the one that you may think you need to call in the big guns – the professionals – but in truth, you can really do it all by yourself …

Because, really, if you can kick off the first month of this brand new year by tackling --- and conquering --- the project you fear the most, then the rest of 2012 should be a piece of cake ….

Last week I shared my 2012 project list.   In all honesty, I knew there was no way all those projects --- and their multitude of sub-projects -- could possibly be completed in 2012 …

… it eventually would all come down to a question of time .. and finances .., and fear …

Yes.  You read that right … fear ... 


and this project …

2012 Impossibility.vaulted ceiling
… elicits the greatest fear.  Bone chilling, spine tingling fear …

And in my mind’s eye, this project …


2012 Impossibility.vaulted ceiling
… painting the master bedroom.  Or -- more specifically -- the vaulted ceiling in the master bedroom was going to be pushed back to 2013 at the earliest.  And maybe even 2014?

It’s been holding me back from redecorating our master bedroom for years …four full years, to be more precise …

But no longer will I succumb to fear …

I’m throwing down the gauntlet … I’m going to “Imagine the Impossibilities” … and I’m going to paint that vaulted ceiling.  All by myself.  No professional help needed …

Though, I could use your help.  And support.  And (did I mention that whole gauntlet thing?) I’m challenging you, dear reader, to join me and my fellow blog friends to ….



… “Imagine the Impossibilities” with us …

Here’s what you need to do …

(1)  Post your “Impossible” in the comments section.

(2)  Grab an “Impossible” button from the sidebar.

(3) Follow along each week as we all post about our progress and feature some “Impossible projects.”

(4) Join us on January 31, for a giant linky party at all six blogs so we can all share our “Impossibles.”


I will be posting my “Impossible” along with my blog support group:

Kelly from Eclectically Vintage who will purge and organize16 years worth of “stuff” …

Karianne from Thistlewood Farm who will attempt to bake bread …

Stacey from A Sort of Fairytale who will sew a purse …

Andrea from The Cottage Market who will organize her craft room …

And Karah from  The Space Between who will make a gallery wall using only one screw in the wall …

… oh, and me.  Linda at It All Started with Paint … who will finally paint that vaulted ceiling …


Stay tuned for more ... 

... we will all be posting about our progress along the way ...

like in this post here ...

...and lessons learned ...

And be sure to check all the links above to learn more about my fellow "Imagine the Impossibilities" blogger plans ...

And mark your calendars for our January 31, 2012 link party extravaganza!

And go ahead and grab the button ...


And make sure to click here for updates on my progress and features on those who have joined in on the fun!

I've linked up:

66 comments:

  1. I can't wait to see how your vaulted ceiling comes out. I am so looking forward to getting started on my gallery wall. What a great idea and fun challenge!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Linda- My impossible is to build the chunky mantel that is in the Pottery Barn catalog. I made a smaller version and well it is too small.
    Dusting off the power tools and moving the reindeer and snowman out of the way! Great idea! laura@imnotatrophywife.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi Linda- is there a code to post the challenge button? laura@imnotatrophywife.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. That vaulted ceiling looks tough! But, I'm sure you can do it! I'll be linking to your party....I just need to figure out WHICH impossible project I'll be tackling!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Linda,
    I want lots of pictures of you swinging from a chandelier while you are trying to reach the uppermost corners of that room! You can do it!
    Kelly

    ReplyDelete
  6. I love it! I need a video! You can do it! Let's trade....I would so much rather paint than bake bread! LOL!

    ReplyDelete
  7. my impossible has been on my to do list for awhile. It's just to do something with the extra entertainment center we have. I see all these cute projects and think mine will NEVER be that cute. So I don't try. But...I think I will. :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. That seems like a fabulous way to start off the new year - good luck!

    ReplyDelete
  9. wow my friend! that is some feat! can't wait to see the final results! how exciting! you know i will be watching for the BIG REVEAL!!!! sending tons of supportive hugs!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Cool idea. Bust out those long poles and get that ceiling gussied up. I have a long list of my own...now I just need to do it.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Thanks for visiting my blog and telling me about the party. I'll be there or be square... I know, corny but I couldn't help it.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I am trying to make letters for my kitchen that read 'gather' out of rusted metal banding. It is beautiful and the letters will look amazing, but it is proving to be very difficult to work with!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Catherine, please email me at itallstartedpaint@gmail.com so we can put you on our reminder list.

      And so that I can have my blog friends stop by...

      So happy you are participating!

      Linda
      itallstartedwithpaint@gmail.com

      Delete
  13. I too have the same no paint master bedroom for 10 years! My husband has been bugging me to paint it, but I just haven't been to find the right color and if I do, will I love it or hate it?!?!? Plus our master also has a vaulted ceilings, should those be painted too? I can't wait to see your reveal! Lots of luck and hugs :)

    ReplyDelete
  14. Linda, my first impossibility is painting my kitchen cabinets white, and my second is painting my master bath, bedroom, and sitting area. The bedroom is vaulted just like yours and I don't even have a ladder tall enough to get up there yet!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Christy,

    Right now, my plan includes a really, really long extension pole! I forgot to mention that I'm afraid of heights!!!!!

    Linda

    ReplyDelete
  16. Wow, what a great challenge! Count me in! My impossibility is building our fireplace. First goal was to have it done for Xmas, my husband had to have surgery in November though so it was put on hold.... for years 6 to be exact money was the hold up...not knowing how to tackle the project as a DIY.... my husband wanted to hire someone, I know we would spend a ton more if we did that. Anyhow I bought the firebox in the fall.. its still wrapped in plastic in my living room! Got my husband on board, bought lumber to frame up the wall yesterday! Hoping to actually start it this week!

    ReplyDelete
  17. I LOVE this idea!!! Count me in for sure!! Maybe I need to start a blog so that I will get more of my projects completed.... I have a never ending list but one at a time I always tell myself. I love hosting parties....it MAKES me get my projects done so I can show them off. I will say MY IMPOSSIBILITIES are to paint a few furniture pieces....And to learn how to bake bread and cinnamon rolls like my mother in law. I can't wait to see how everyone does!!!

    ReplyDelete
  18. What a fun idea. I am finally (FINALLY) going to get pictures/art and knick knacks framed and winnow my "empty frame" collection down to 5 or fewer frames. OH and (overachiever who accomplishes nothing...I know) I am going to sew something for goodness sakes. On my sewing machine.

    Gulp.

    Bernadette @ www.b3hd.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  19. OK, My foyer...impossibly high ceilings and walls... bare walls in dire need of family photos...ugly staircase railing...front doors need painting...yep I'm gonna do it!

    ReplyDelete
  20. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Love this idea! I'm tackling my laundry area which is functional,but has been decoratively neglected. It's just too easy to close the door and put off any beautification. Can't wait to get started!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Wait a minute, this actually requires planning doesn't it...I'm in trouble. Actually, now that I think about it my backyard is a bit overwhelming. I'm having troubles committing to it, but it's got to be done. Once the weather warms up, I'm on it. Thanks for the kick in the butt!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Oh I definitely want to join up! Thanks for visiting my blog and inviting me! I have 2 giant projects this year--a very outdated family bathroom that needs a complete overhaul...and a 1960's kitchen with a dollop of '70's and 80's thrown in, that is getting completely redone this summer. To keep my sanity I'll focus on the bathroom first. I need to survive THAT before I begin the kitchen nightmare.

    ReplyDelete
  24. I'd love to join the party! I have a very brown dining room I'm tackling this month, it's just the motivation I need. I'm hoping to paint and we'll see what else I come up with! Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Ok Ok, twist my arm. I have a guest room that is drab. Needs furniture spruce up, wall paint or molding, bedding, curtains, whole nine yards. I've ignored it far too long. You think I have enough time? Hehe.

    ReplyDelete
  26. I'm making over my kitchen pantry. I had already planned to organize it, but your challenge has inspired me to not only organize it, but make it the pantry I've always wanted! Excited to see how everyone does!

    ~Jess @ makingoverthemartins.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  27. Thank you so much for the challenge. I had to sleep in it to decide what my impossibility would be. I am going to build something useful. I got a Kregg Jig for my birthday, in July and it's still in the box. I want to build something from start to finish without help from my husband. I'm thinking a sofa table....

    ReplyDelete
  28. I want to learn to knit with beading!! I am so excited about watching and commiting to this challenge! Glad to have found you and I'll be following along! blessings ~ tanna

    ReplyDelete
  29. Hands down that is a project. But I think your right tackle that and the rest is a piece of cake.
    Bristol

    ReplyDelete
  30. Oh my goodness!!! I would be frightened to death to paint something like that. I do NOT like heights!!! Good luck on doing it, I will throw my support behind you. As they used to say "You go girl!"
    Hugs, Cindy

    ReplyDelete
  31. This really gives me no excuse not to at least try to recover the glider in our nursery. I've never done anything like that before but I did get a sewing machine for my birthday last year and this would be a great way to learn how to use it!! I'll be following along.
    And, FWIW, I totally think painting your bedroom is do-able, although I know exactly what you mean - we had cathedral ceilings in our old living room and I put off painting it the entire time we lived there!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Hi Linda ~
    Sounds like a GREAT
    challenge! I have a
    looong list for 2012,
    too, so it shouldn't
    be hard for me to
    link up a few.....

    I also want to paint
    the vaulted ceiling in
    our MBR, but I'm going
    to let YOU do it, first!

    xx Suzanne

    ReplyDelete
  33. Ok, that ceiling is seriously intimidating! Safety first...I am thinking bike helmet, knee pads and some rappelling equipment!
    The project I thought I would do really pales in comparison, but I will come up with something for this fabulous party. Meanwhile, I wish you good luck!

    ReplyDelete
  34. I'm all in! And this is my challenge: http://apartmentthriftychic.blogspot.com/2012/01/imagine-impossibilities-challenge.html

    I love this, thanks for hosting!

    Megan

    ReplyDelete
  35. Hi Linda, Thank you so much for inviting me to your challenge! I will be making a dress... a garment that I will actually put on my body!! Can't wait to see what everyone does. I love that palette wall! Cheers! Anna http://awarmhome.blogspot.com/2012/01/imagine-impossibilities.html

    ReplyDelete
  36. Ok I have had a long think, and I'm finally going to take up the challenge. I've just posted about it @justpaintitwhite.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  37. You Go, Ladies! I am going to try to get through menopause alive.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Im in! My impossible will be painting our kitchen cabinets! Ill be getting started this weekend!

    http://www.thisheroesnest.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  39. Update on my impossibility! It's in progress!

    http://thebullock5.blogspot.com/2012/01/building-fireplace.html

    ReplyDelete
  40. What a great challenge! My first project for the year is our master bedroom and because I broke my leg just before Christmas, we are having to hire out the painting of the room. To offset that expense, my impossible project is going to be painting the nighstands/chests...not a difficult thing really, but certainly a challenge on one leg!

    ReplyDelete
  41. O.K. I finally decided what my impossibilities project will be...I'll be tackling a board and batten project on my own. :)

    ReplyDelete
  42. I look forward to seeing the end result! I have 2 challenges this year. One is to re-paint my kitchen table (which isn't a super hard task, but I am going out of my comfort zone with color and going to try making my own chalk paint) the other is to paint our kitchen cabinets (before I do this, I need to convince my landlord that it is a great idea though).

    ReplyDelete
  43. Hi Linda! I'm so excited about this challenge, what a great idea! That vaulted ceiling sure looks high, but I know it'll turn out great :) Can't wait to see the progress each week!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Katie, the vaulted ceiling is all I see each and every time I walk in that room. If something was on the floor in front of me, I would trip right over it!

      So glad you're in on the fun. If you've posted a post about it, send me the link so I can feature you this weekend.

      Linda

      Delete
  44. Hi Linda,

    My impossible is to revamp my 1948 laundry room!

    What a fun challenge to get everyone into gear!

    --Katie
    @ Creatively Living

    ReplyDelete
  45. Linda,
    Thanks for stopping by my site! This is such a fantastic idea. I have one of those master bedrooms as well waiting to be painted, I wish you luck with yours. My impossible challenge for this month is to complete my children's bathroom.
    Amy
    @homehappyhome

    ReplyDelete
  46. Thanks for inviting to the 'challenge'! I believe I will post about my craft room and getting it organized. It will be much easier than that vaulted ceiling of yours, although I have several of those in my house as well! Blessings from Bama!

    ReplyDelete
  47. I'm linking my homeless home office. It's almost done!

    :)

    ReplyDelete
  48. I just might make the "deadline" for my guest room. Maybe, just maybe. I'll post the challenge on my sidebar. I think I can, I think I can....:)

    ReplyDelete
  49. I guess my impossible is getting my guestroom/craftroom functional. I need to find a place for everything and everything in its place so that I can actually use it and/or have guests in it. That would be a wonderful present to myself. I may just take that challenge, and maybe the whole gauntlet thingy. It just may take me all of 2012 though to get it done!

    ReplyDelete
  50. I just completed (maybe not complete yet, still have some tweeks!) my challenge and really want to boast about it! What a great place to show off!
    thanks so much.
    Sandy

    ReplyDelete
  51. I just completed my challenge this afternoon. Starting Jan 1, I purged, organized, and deep cleaned my entire house. I am talking attic, garage, and all closets! All while planning and executing my 4 year old's birthday party. This afternoon I painstakingly went through the house and touched up scuffs, cracks, and spots with paint. I am exhausted! Thank you for hosting the challenge, what a good idea!

    ReplyDelete
  52. Linda, I am responding to your commented on my blog about this great project. Thx for making me aware of it. WOW, is all I can say about tackling your bedroom and it's vaulted ceiling. As I mentioned in my post, my daunting project is completing my 3rd floor bedroom/office by January 28th for company....too much to do but hoping to get it done. I've linked up your button in the post. Heather
    PS. Your newest follower. Thx for being mine!!!

    ReplyDelete
  53. ok - finally responding to your email invite - inbetween 12 inches of snow (not common here!) and playing landlord, I'm signing on...its really an extension of my word for year - Begin - and one of the to-do's on that list...learn photoshop! so it won't be as impressive as your vaulted ceiling paint projects...or some of the other projects that call for daring decorating gumption...but its something that I've tried to tackle for awhile...here's the link to my word for the year post - http://fourcornersdesign.blogspot.com/2011/12/begin.html

    ReplyDelete
  54. Changed my mind about the guest room. I'm at a loss but decided to complete my guest room. It's been a long time coming but we are almost there. You motivated me to sew table skirts and organize the mess. Now to find fabric for a valance.......thanks for the kick in the pants. :)

    ReplyDelete
  55. Ok, I totally did it! My dining room blah-chandy that was hung at hillbilly height was taunting me- day in and day out. "Look at me! I'm icky and all wrong for you!" It was like a college date flashback! I was fearing the electrical aspect of changing it so I faced the music...called in a pal to help me and we swapped ugly for fabulous! See you at the par-taay!
    Kerry at HouseTalkN

    ReplyDelete
  56. Hey Linda...Thanks for the invite to your link party! I am having a hard time deciding between my master bedroom makeover or laundry closet makeover. Either way they are a task I am anxious to finish! See you next week at the party!

    ReplyDelete
  57. Check out my "impossible" here http://www.413sparrowlane.com/2012/01/accountability-people.html I am excited to join in, because it is exactly what I need! Some motivation!
    Follow Me!
    ~Misty
    www.413sparrowlane.com

    ReplyDelete
  58. OK here was my impossible, http://theshabbychick.blogspot.com/2012/01/my-new-laundry-room-reveal.html I sure hope AI am doing this right. Thanks for hosting this great link party...Have a great week

    Pattie

    ReplyDelete
  59. Thanks for the invite Linda, I can't wait to see how your ceiling turns out! I've had a hard time trying to figure out my "impossible" but I think this is the perfect excuse to finally unpack everything in our house (living here almost 5 months) doing a deep clean, organize everything, and finally get pictures up on the walls. And depending on how adventurous I get, I might even paint my rug that's been nagging me everytime I walk into my living room. Anyways, you can read all about it here.

    http://www.ourdiydiaries.com/2012/01/impossibilities-challenge.html

    Thanks for the invite!
    Jen

    ReplyDelete
  60. I resisted at first, but I'm giving in and taking up the challenge. I'm tackling my living room at long last which means I am picking a direction for my whole house remodel. Seriously a big step for me.

    Thanks for the deadline. I needed it.
    Sincerely,
    Eldarose from http://re-inventedstyle.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  61. Woohoo! I just recently finished one of my impossible tasks, faux painting a hideous floor. http://postcardsfromtheridge-angela.blogspot.com/2012/01/diy-faux-painted-tile-floor-aka-just.html I'll link up on the 31st. Thanks for hosting the party. I just found your blog and am now following.

    Angie

    ReplyDelete
  62. I've added another item to my "3rd Floor Bedroom/Office makeover". Come over and take a look....

    http://larissahill.blogspot.com/2012/01/lost-and-found-nesting-tables.html

    ReplyDelete
  63. A noble effort indeed. What makes this blog so relevant is that it doesn't have to be a sub woofer that someone is dealing with. This method applies to anything that might be 100+ pounds with these similar dimensions. Who knows how many back's and ego's you have saved. The world is indebted to you my kind sir.

    ReplyDelete