Before the days of virtual pinning on Pinterest, I learned the technique of actual pinning during my days at Ralph Lauren. Twice a week, my team met with Ralph to present new lifestyle ideas for The Home Collection. Armed with a full box of T-pins, up went magazine tear sheets of fabulous, faraway places, articles of clothing, inspirational words – anything and everything was fair game. The department’s massive pinning wall, once covered with all sorts of bits and pieces, would always paint the most beautiful picture!

I still use this method for organizing my thoughts, visually. When the elements are combined, the look unfolds and develops, usually in a way that I had not originally imagined. From pinning random finds like an old brittle snippet of seaweed, to a palette of paint chips that seem perfect for the season, they all help build my stories for decorating, gardening, and entertaining ideas for Connecticut Country House.

As much as I love my Pinterest boards, I will always use the real thing as my main catchall for all kinds of crazy, and not so crazy, snippets of ideas.

Happy pinning!

Love, Nora

6 Comments

  1. Jane on February 22, 2016 at 11:07 am

    Hi Nora ! I haven’t explored this, but do you print off Pinterest photos to add to your wall? We are building a new house and I’ve been pinning so many ideas and now need to pare down the ideas. It’s frustrating that I can’t have the favorites in one place to create the board to obtain the “feel.” Thank you.

  2. Andi Biagi on February 22, 2016 at 11:23 am

    I love this technique too- it’s the best way to build and the best way to edit!

    • Nora on February 22, 2016 at 5:20 pm

      Absolutely! Love, Nora

  3. Jane on February 22, 2016 at 3:32 pm

    Hi Nora! I love this approach. I haven’t explored this but do you print photos from Pinterest? We are building a new house and I’ve been pinning like crazy but now that I’m ready to narrow down my choices, I’m frustrated that I can’t visually see them Side by side and/or in a notebook or board so that I can really study them. Your website is inspiring and just my style. Thank you for sharing so generously!

    • Nora on February 22, 2016 at 5:19 pm

      Hi Jane!

      Yes, that makes a lot of sense to print out “the best of” and play around with the various combos. It can get pretty overwhelming on Pinterest otherwise!

      And I am so happy you like the site! Thank you!! Please let me know how you make out! Love, Nora

  4. Mary Lou Cummings on February 23, 2016 at 1:07 pm

    I think many people with artistic inclinations keep actual pinning boards for visual
    Inspiration. I know I do. There’s just something about getting lost in thought when
    we gaze at all these snippets, so carefully clipped or collected for future dreams and artistic endeavors.

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