Naysayers have described it as a platform for women to coo over elaborate cupcakes and cute kittens, but we (and 10 million-plus users who joined within two years of launch) think Pinterest is so much more than that, and the hype over the latest social media phenomenon continues.
What is it? Quite simply it's a virtual pinboard. Create an account and you can quickly create a moodboard of images, whether it be uploading your own, 'pinning' pictures from a favourite website or blog with the specialised tool or re-pinning from other Pinterest users' pages.
You can follow particular pinners and they can follow you (it's 'social' media, don't forget). Fellow pinners can also comment on pins and 'like' certain images. The folks behind the website claim their mission is to "connect everyone in the world through the things they find interesting" - whether that be Bauhaus or Ryan Gosling.
Why join? It allows you to curate a selection of images and separate them into categories or 'boards.' So whether you're decorating your home, planning a wedding or a children's birthday party or want a reference for the season's must-buy items, you can do all of that here. It's also a simple outlet for creativity, a collection of things you love and are lusting after.
Have a look at the Easy Living Pinterest to get some ideas, or why not start pinning?
- A collection of your favourite recipes
- Your travel bucket list
- A gallery of vintage photographs
- Words of wisdom and mantras to live by
How do I sign up? Request an invite from the website - be patient, they can be a bit slow to respond. Once invited you can register your details by signing in through either your Facebook or Twitter account. By doing so you'll be able to see how many of your friends or followers are already using Pinterest and connect with them straight away.
More pinners we love:
Food
Pinterest.com/bonappetitmag Delicious
recipes and food inspiration
Pinterest.com/foodspotting Recommendations
for particular dishes at specific restaurants worldwide
Weddings & Events
Pinterest.com/bridesmagazine Our sister
magazine, Brides: the go-to for stylish wedding
inspiration
Pinterest.com/stylemepretty The Pinterest
page for hit US wedding blog, Style Me Pretty
Pinterest.com/sparkleandhay Inspiring
ideas for a shabby chic theme
Interiors
Pinterest.com/lonnymag Room by room
interiors inspiration from transatlantic online magazine
Lonny
*Favourite board: Lonny bookshelves
Pinterest.com/decor8 The Pinterest page of
Holly Becker, from the amazing Decor8 interiors blog
Pinterest.com/SavorHome Another blogger.
Great interiors ideas mixed in with a little fashion and food
Travel
Pinterest.com/jetsetterphoto Travel images
from across the world, vintage travel posters and celebrity
jetsetters
Design & Technology
Pinterest.com/designmilk Jaime Derringer
of blog Design Milk
*Favourite board: Designer Desktops
Miscellaneous Life & Style
Pinterest.com/sfgirlbybay San Francisco
based life & style blogger
Pinterest.com/melaniexeinalem Cute pets,
celebrity style, lustworthy locks, cool keys and more
Pinterest.com/etsy Crafty boards from the
specialised vintage and handmade marketplace
Pinterest.com/psimadethis DIY and craft
ideas, art, fashion, travel
Pinterest.com/maia_mcdonald Everything
from interiors to beautiful bicycles
*Favourite board: Super talented & swell people
Pinterest.com/katieae Graphic designer at
Kate Spade - need we say more?!
Pinterest.com/anushayspoint Author and
journalist with more than 100 pins
*Favourite board: Feminism 2.0
