Dare to DIY Blog Parties

I just have to say that this is something I'm really excited about. Really.Excited. Like, going on vacation excited. Watching the premier of New Moon excited. SHOPPING AT IKEA EXCITED.

I love all the wonderful people I’ve met through blogging. There are a ton of awesome, creative people out there, and some of them even stop by NewlyWoodwards once in a while.

I don’t know why either…. But I’ll take it.

Do you ever wish that you could hang out with other bloggers in person? You know – talk, shop, drink coffee, craft, DIY…

Unfortunately, we don’t usually have that opportunity. But, trust me, I’ve considered just hopping on a plane and going to another state to hang out with a blogger. It would have been a surprise to the gals I visit, but they’d come around. =) I don’t know what Ryan would think if I just started jet-setting for blogger visits.

So, why don’t we do it through the blogosphere? Let’s DIY through Thanksgiving and Christmas – and let’s do it together.

I’ve recruited the help of some awesome blogger friends (in no particular order - although Emily is at the top because she was so supportive and helpful when I was running the ideas by her for this)
Emily at Imperfect

Laurel at Ducks in a Row
Shannon at Shannanigans
Carrie at Brick City Love
Joi from Nuestra Vida Dulce
Jenny at Words on Wendhurst
Jess at Alex and Jess
Kellie at KellieBelle’s Karma
Lauren at Lauren Makes
Mandy at Moody Girl Projects
Allison at Allison and Jared
Stephanie at Living Life Shiny Side Up  
Ashley at Little Moments 

Jen at Notes from the Heartland
Laura at The Meckleys
Kelly at At Home with the Pooles
Kelly at Casa de Edgewood
Leigh at The Kesler Expressler
Meredith at La Buena Vida
Rachael at Mrs. Adventure
Kylie at Laughter.Life.Us.
Keri at The Ronks
Jen at Our Home in the Country
Ashley at Johnson & Johnson
Sara at Russet Street Reno
Tammy at Yarborough House
Mary-Carolyn at Longbrake Living
Jami at Blog?
Grandma Jan at Minnesota Musings
Leigh at Popcorn Ideas
Kristen at Miss Prissy Paige
Jenny at Anything Pretty
Christy at Life is Dancing in the Rain
Nikki at Nikki's Nacs
Erin at Domestic Adventure
Rhonda at Soul Searching and Sweet Tea
Trisha of Whimsy Art Studio
Sherri at Design to Shine

Will you join us?
Double dog dare you....


Dare to DIY Parties

The plan:

Each week has a corresponding "Dare to..." challenge. See them all below. You may want to prepare ahead for some of the themes.

What to do:
Each Sunday evening, I will post a McLinky on NewlyWoodwards (and cross my fingers that someone participates). Post about your take on the challenge and link it up. Then, visit at least one other blog and comment!!! This is the important because we want to meet new blogger friends and get inspired. This is a PARTY, it’s not only about self-promotion. Tell us about your project, but make sure to praise others as well.

On Tuesday, to help you plan, I will post inspiration for the next week’s theme. Also, search Flickr, Google and other blogs to find inspiration. And, if you have already done something that fits into a theme, link it up on that day. In other words, you don't have to do something during the week if you have something that fits the theme.

On Friday, I will post a few of my favorites from that week - provided there are more than a few. =)

I love finding new inspiration on blogs and I think this will be a great way to celebrate the blogging community leading up to Christmas. =) 

Party Date: Monday, Nov. 16

Dare to… be thankful!

Take some time making your own DIY Thanksgiving project. It could be a fun Thanksgiving advent calendar, a banner or something completely unique. Post about what you made, how you made it and photos in its new home.

Party Date: Monday, Nov. 23
Dare to… entertain!

Show us your table! If you are not hosting Thanksgiving, take this opportunity to make your table look great. Bring out your dishes and napkins and set your table. I promise you that it will make you smile every time you walk by. Get creative and use new things. Or go true DIY and make something totally new.

Party Date: Monday, Nov. 30

Dare to… eat cookies!

As we begin to attend holiday parties, share your favorite cookie recipe for all to enjoy. It’s like a digital cookie swap. Share the recipe and a review of the cookie. If you can, add a picture. And don't worry about the extra calories. At Christmas, cookies are calorie-free.

Party Date: Monday, Dec. 7
Dare to… give homemade gifts!

Nothing is more special than a gift made by you. Try out something new to give this year - ideas include bath and body items, kitchen gifts, hand-sewn clothing or home decor. 

Party Date: Monday, Dec. 14
Dare to… deck the halls!

Make something new to deck your halls. Did you find something in a catalog that you wish you had? Wreaths, stockings, pillows or advent calendars? Make it! Inspire us all to do the same.

Party Date: Monday, Dec. 21
Dare to… have traditions!

Everyone has traditions for the Holidays. Tell us all about your favorites or start a new tradition to share.

So, will you Dare to DIY with me?

Use this code to put the button on your blog and get the word out…. I double-dog dare you.

<a href="http://newlywoodwards.blogspot.com"><img alt="Dare to DIY" width="240" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2631/4079810980_0374bbceb4_m.jpg" height="160" /></a>
(Oh, and don't forget to comment on this post if you are planning to participate. I'll just keep updating this post to include the folks that wish to be involved.)