I have been addicted to Pinterest for quite some time and you probably all know about it already. But just in case you don’t, here’s the deal…
Pinterest is a website that allows you to “pin” photos you find on the internet and it keeps the original link so that you can go back to that website later.
For example: a craft photo can lead to a website tutorial with full instructions. Or a picture of food can link you to the recipe.
I have always been one of those people who rips photos out of magazines for ideas and inspiration. I have tons of file folders filled with “DIY Garden Ideas”, “Garden Pathways”, “Recipes to Try”…etc. Well, Pinterest replaces that in an easy to find format that is completely digital!
It is a great way to design a garden or redecorate your home. Just create a board and start pinning your ideas. Very cool.
You can scan a photo or you can pin directly from a website you find while surfing the internet. You create “Boards” to pin to and that keeps all your thoughts, ideas and inspiration organized. AND you can follow other peoples boards and pin their ideas.
Many people are concerned about the copyright issue. And that IS a problem. Pinterest tries to get around that by linking back to the original work, but sometimes links are lost and some people do not attribute photos properly. But even having a link does not diminish the fact that the photo is being re-used. So it is not a perfect medium in that respect at all.
Also, Pinterest can QUICKLY become a time suck if you are not careful. One pin leads to a board with lots of interesting pins which leads to a person with the same interests as you…and “Oh look something shiny!”…and so…and so on. So BE CAREFUL.
The only weird thing with Pinterest is that you must be “invited” in. You can request an invite HERE.
You can follow my boards by going HERE. (I am listed under T Loe)
Have fun! But don’t blame me if you don’t get any work done.
About the Author
Theresa Loe blogs here about taking the garden full circle while striving for a more local, fresh-from-the-garden lifestyle. She is a TV producer, video host, freelance garden writer and a wrangler of chickens and children. (Not necessarily in that order.) For more information on these topics, you can subscribe to her free monthly newsletter.
Theresa Loe is the award- winning Co-Executive Producer & Canning Expert on Growing A Greener World TV. She blogs here about Living Homegrown®, local and fresh-from-the-garden. 
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
I think we are going to need a 12 step program for pinterest addiction…lol I love it and get lost in all the great ideas I find. I know its very easy to just collect ideas and never use them and there in lies the challenge.
Excellent point Patty! But then, I had the same problem with my file folder technique. At least with Pinterest, I can see all the ideas in one place. I am hoping it makes it easier to find and use.
So many times I have spent time looking for an idea that I know I tore out of a magazine, but I can’t remember where I filed it!!! Ugh!
I guess time will tell if we really DO the projects. LOL
Question Theresa – I started to sign up for Pinterest, but they wanted all my Facebook info and i got all nervous. I don’t have any deep dark secrets on Facebook, so it’s not a major concern, but I don’t want any potential Pinterest postings purloined for Facebook. That doesn’t happen, does it? I’ve been on Pinterest before because I saw I was getting blog traffic from there and found many Pinterest-ers had pinned some of my images & posts. I don’t know anyone else on Pinterest — you’re the first I’ve been able to ask any questions of.
Hi Jim-
There are lots of us garden writer’s on Pinterest – some are very active. I will send you a fb message with names for you to look up.
But as for the Facebook connection, I did the very same thing! I didn’t want to link to my facebook or twitter. Finally, I linked with twitter and they never once tried to post. They did ask me occasionally if I wanted to, but you must give permission. Just say no.
Later, I also linked with my facebook account and again — Pinterest never posted. In fact, after you get set up, I believe you can go to your profile and “un-link” if you want to.
I have been on for quite some time and pin a lot. Not once time have I ever had anything posted anywhere.
So, I can say with confidence that it is okay to sign up. I had the same fears as you.
See you there!
~Theresa
Thank you — I’ll sign up today!
Teresa – Oh my goodness, I just signed up for Pinterest & am easing into it slowly for that very reason – addiction! With Twitter, Facebook, a business to run, my own garden to maintain I’m a little hesitant I won’t do it justice. Some of boards are impressive!
Nell-
So glad you are on Pinterest! It is fun for sure.
~Theresa
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