Pinterest, the creative online “pin-board”, hosts art, design, fashion, food, and crafts, inspiring students and spurring them on in creativity.
Junior Bailey Schmitt finds herself consumed in the bustling world of Pinterest, using it to constantly explore new ideas for the past three years.
“It really broadens my horizons. I get to try so many new recipes and crafts that I never would have thought to do or been able to come up with on my own,” Schmitt said. “If I’m struggling with finding an outfit even, I just go on Pinterest and find inspiration.”
The virtual program has encouraged creativity since its launch in 2010 and according to Pinterest, is the third most popular social networking site in the world, generating 27% more revenue per click than Facebook.
Upon joining, members can create “boards” for planning projects, outfits, parties, weddings, meals, and events by pinning from a multitude of pictures and links.
From what to wear to where to travel and anything in between, Pinterest helps its community explore, organize, and redesign everything that they love in order to pursue their passions and sometime share in them with others.
“I had this crazy good desert that a friend made me recently and she told me that she found them on Pinterest. Now, I definitely think that Pinterest is a cool way to make normal things not so normal anymore,” senior Juan Gomez said.
People on the site can enlighten their minds without lightening their wallets.
Pinterest offers homemade recipes, crafts, and handy, helpful projects in order to allow users to create without the worry of money. Many find that through “do-it-yourself” (DIY) projects, they are able to conserve money that they would otherwise spend on store-bought items.
“Last year for Christmas, I was stuck on what to give my teachers,” Schmitt said. “I really wanted to show that I cared but at the same time, not spend a lot of money. As always, I looked on Pinterest. I found this amazing pumpkin spice cupcake recipe… they were so good and so, so, so simple and all of my teachers were very appreciative.”
According to Pinteres, most active users are female, making up for around 80% of the site’s visits.
“I don’t get on Pinterest,” junior Kyle Mealey said. “I think that typcially it is a pretty femenine thing. The girls in my youth ministry and my sister are all on it though. My mom even loves it.”
The “Popular board” on Pinterest displays current trends in a multitude of categories. Trending items   often change regularly as seasons, holidays, and ideas cirulate.
In fashion, messy waves, autumnal tights, and statement necklaces reign though with the changing of the seasons also comes the changing of the style.
Cheesy, buttery vegetable recipes continue to arise in culinary sections, offering simple, healthy recipes to pinners.
“Dream-wedding” boards are plastered with lantern-filled trees, lace-covered tables, and creative alternatives to the traditional guest book providing ideas for brides and dreamers alike.
“My wedding board is totally my biggest board on Pinterest. I love all of the dresses and decoration and it makes me really excited for when I start planning my wedding in the future, “ junior Alex Koke said.