Hi Nicola, Sara is slowly returning to work and we’ve set the following dates for the outstanding Summer School call and drops…

The rescheduled AMA call will be on the 3rd of October at 3pm BST.
The Week Two Insta Drop will be released at 8pm BST on the 27th September
The Week Three Insta Drop will be released at 8pm BST on the 4th October
The Week Four Insta Drop will be released at 8pm BST on the 11th October

Hope that helps
Claire x

Hi Rosie, Sara is slowly returning to work and we’ve set the following dates for the outstanding Summer School call and drops…

The rescheduled AMA call will be on the 3rd of October at 3pm BST.
The Week Two Insta Drop will be released at 8pm BST on the 27th September
The Week Three Insta Drop will be released at 8pm BST on the 4th October
The Week Four Insta Drop will be released at 8pm BST on the 11th October

Hope that helps
Claire x

Hello Jennifer, Sara is slowly returning to work and we’ve set the following dates for the outstanding Summer School call and drops…

The rescheduled AMA call will be on the 3rd of October at 3pm BST.
The Week Two Insta Drop will be released at 8pm BST on the 27th September
The Week Three Insta Drop will be released at 8pm BST on the 4th October
The Week Four Insta Drop will be released at 8pm BST on the 11th October

Hope that helps
Claire x

Hello Leann, Sara is slowly returning to work and we’ve set the following dates for the outstanding Summer School call and drops…

The rescheduled AMA call will be on the 3rd of October at 3pm BST.
The Week Two Insta Drop will be released at 8pm BST on the 27th September
The Week Three Insta Drop will be released at 8pm BST on the 4th October
The Week Four Insta Drop will be released at 8pm BST on the 11th October

Hope that helps
Claire x

http://www.instagram.com/leeleesgarden

Hi Dalit, I’m afraid I don’t, some accounts don’t have access to it yet and there seems to be no reason for it. Sorry 💜

Sara was unwell ans had to reschedule the call. We’ll be in touch with a new date soon 💜

Just came back to add that I posted that little thread before going to sleep, and I just woke up to see it got 1.8k views, almost 60 replies and about 50 new followers 😱
So if you’re not sure if it’s worth writing something like that on Thread — DO IT! 🙌🏻

For a reel I put up today, I was struggling with the caption and wrote two. I asked chatgpt to tell me the best of the two and give me an alternative. I also asked for what text to add to the reel. It was so helpful. I made some edits, but I am just blown away by this stuff.
http://www.instagram.com/leeleesgarden

Thank you x

https://www.instagram.com/p/C-8Rpg6AXFJ/

Here’s my shameless (yet pretty uncomfortable) self-promotion: https://www.instagram.com/p/C-59NudIm3-

PS: That “Sell Your Sh*t” class sounds pretty awesome… I’ll definitely keep my eyes open for that!

here is my quote from last week. I enjoyed doing this. Nice change from posting a traditional photo

https://www.instagram.com/p/C-4PIBnOBME/?igsh=aTZobTN6Y3U5MGQz

https://www.threads.net/@kimberlyjanebest/post/C-4N-WWOv5R/

Also, somehow I accidentally deleted this post from my grid 😂. It’s back now! https://www.instagram.com/p/C-xTA6EuKzP/

So here are two threads I just shared. https://www.threads.net/@kimberlyjanebest/post/C-4Lw3eOQnQ/

https://www.threads.net/@kimberlyjanebest/post/C-4L0sBO13N/

Enjoy

Hi Anja, Sara asked if people would prefer the drops in September or now and most people said September so they could concentrate on the prompts. So yes it is correct that it’s empty 💜

I just took a look and saw how many people have connected with your lovely thread there xox

I feel like I’ve just entered very late to the party. My name is Lucie and I have a wedding floristry business called Coco in the Country. The business is based in Lincolnshire but I work in all areas of the UK curating clients wedding florals for their happy day.
Many moons ago I did the insta retreat, well when I say I did it, I don’t think I completed it, as it was one of those times I just couldn’t juggle everything.
I love instagram, but fall into the trap of not finding my rhythm with it, especially when in a busy wedding season. However as a lot of clients find me through instagram I decided that I needed an overhaul of how to effectively get the most out of it whilst also enjoying posting again.
I’m very much looking forward to finding you all and the process. You can find me @cocointhecountry

This morning I woke to the most comments I’ve had in a while. 😀 https://www.instagram.com/p/C-tUFdLS7HN/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

My gut to start moving back to more of a personal, creative inspo Insta account seems to be spot on and as I’m doing these challenges Instagram is suddenly more fulfilling and feels authentic again. As I shift my business back to a hobby and eventually close it, I think I’m going to try and consolidate shop related grid posts and explore broadcast channels. Has anyone used those?

I just wanted to thank you for taking the time to answer my question on the Ask You Anything Call. Your advice makes a lot of sense, and I can feel myself getting caught up in the numbers again even though my sensible brain knows this isn’t helpful. And you’re right about the quality of my videos – I probably could do better and this is one thing I am struggling with because videos just aren’t my thing. A couple of things from the call: the peacock worm reel was from last year and is just pinned to the top of my reels page; the hydrangea photo on my latest reels post is only the cover shot so the reel doesn’t look out of place on my grid – the actual photo isn’t in the reel so I’m not sure what was going on there; and I looked at my stats in the Instagram app and my reach is down by 78%. I know I shouldn’t focus too much on the numbers but it feels like ever decreasing circles and it’s quite disheartening. On the flip side, Instagram is super-low stakes for me – I don’t have a business that depends on my reach – so I guess I need to get out of my own head LOL and remember it’s just a place to share images and that Instagram doesn’t owe me anything. So thank you again for taking the time to look over my account and for answering my questions. Best wishes, Jennie xx

https://www.threads.net/@2365522592/post/C-u5RZFxjRQ

https://www.instagram.com/p/C-ulBYWsBdK/?igsh=MXJ5NnhzcGVpMHEydw==

https://www.instagram.com/p/C-tFf4BI8uK/?igsh=MWNua2hleXZkbDJ6MA==

I have to say that the challenge is definitely helping me to be less “scared” of Instagram. Before I had overthought it a lot. Now, I just go with it and share. As well as I use photos that have been sitting in my library for when the right time comes. But when this that?
It really cheers me up.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C-qaeX8oEmF/?igsh=MXFib2QxN2VwYmI3eg==

You’re most welcome. I hope it works for you too xx

Ohhh, thank you, Sara! I had so fun much fun with this, and I feel like it unlocked something about how I can + want to share these tiny chapters of my creative life with others. ^.^

Perfect! Thanks so much 🩵

I love both. Following along. And I’m sorry about your mother’s diagnosis: do reach out. My mother-in-law has Alzheimer’s and we live with her. We’re walking with you x

SO gorgeous. What a fun way to interpret the prompt.

Hi Lydia, you can resubmit your question next week 💜

I joined Threads way back when it arrived, but I don’t really use it for much! I’m going to give it a go though, looking forward to what Sara has in store for us with this one! 🤔

You can find me here at: https://www.threads.net/@kay_tranquilocreative

Thank you for the lovely comment. I’ll change Meet the Maker to maybe About?

Wow, your account is amazing! I’m not really sure how to use threads yet, but inspired by seeing this.

What a simple, great idea. Very cool, thanks!

Is there a limit on video length for Threads?

Laura @Vegan_Relais_Paramita

I have ALLLLLL the same questions. Mine are from 2018! I ended up making a Reel with the old ones to do my intro post from the other day.

I really love how you’ve handled this, Elisa. It’s so fun to see the Qs on there and get the answers. Thanks for the inspiration!

I LOVE this, Kate. What a great example of how to do this well! Brilliant.

I love all the info in those last three in that Highlight. It makes it all so clear to me. Amaszing work! I sort of like #meetthemaker but only the first few letters show on my Instagram so it appears as #meetth as the title for the Highlight, which I might have skipped over if I wasn’t actively coming to take a look. What a gorgeous business you have xoxox

I think it’s all very beautiful, Dalit! I would love to know more about what that term means to you: ‘lessons from a flower’ Do you mean that we can learn from flowers? Everything you’ve already put on here makes me very curious and I love it!

I’m Naomi, owner and creator of These Two Hands – a collection of nature-inspired, handcrafted homewares and gifts made from natural materials by me and 85 other small independent female makers. I have an online shop and a small physical shop in Bristol. I got very poorly at the end of July for 10 days with severe tonsilitis and then was away in Cornwall with no phone signal, so I’m very behind with summer school, but I’m starting to go through all the content today and I’m hoping it will help me get my mojo back! I find it so hard to post at this time of year especially as there are no new collections to launch and I’m juggling looking after my daughter with the shop. Reels take me absolutely ages to make with not much success in terms of views and I seem to lose followers every time I post, which puts me off posting! But I’m determined to face the fear and start sharing again. Look forward to being part of this community and rediscovering some love for Instagram. You can find me here: https://www.instagram.com/thesetwohandsuk

It’s so much fun, and it takes away some of the stress of creating curated content for Instagram or other platforms.

And the algorithm seems to be totally random there, one post could get 50k views and the next one only 12 — which I honestly find kinda liberating.

I’ve been using it more regularly in the last week or so and the account is already growing.

Let’s be Thread friends: https://www.threads.net/@wolleyhandmade

I’ve been hanging out on threads for a while now and love it there. I find I don’t post as much but spend a lot of time consuming the content on my feed. The algorithm is cool and serves up posts I actually enjoy. It did start to go a little rogue but I simply posted saying what I wanted to see more of and my feed reset again. I couldn’t believe it worked 😁
Anyway you can find me here: https://www.threads.net/@byjenniferjordan

Jennie xx

Hi Dalit, I think your About highlight is very clear and it’s so delicately beautiful too xx

https://www.instagram.com/martiandcompany

I’m with you on this one, Kate!
I meant to do something like this for quite some time, and it feels so good to do it finally!

And then I can add them anytime I need to update them — such a great challenge!

https://www.instagram.com/wolleyhandmade/

I felt sure it was me just not looking in the right place.

Ive really enjoyed these workshops. Small enough to fit in with my daily routine, certainly gentle enough to give every challenge a go. I can’t aim for the kind of perfection I want, I feel equal measures of ashamed and pleasure of completion of some of the tasks I’ve done! I pressure myself doing it dirty allows me to do it better next time. I hope I can access this programme even when Im finished in two weeks time

Yes I certainly had total overwhelm in the insta retreat on both occasions I tried to follow it. After working through things it very useful identified, Im now feeling a lot better and brave enough to start on it again!

I’m more than happy to have these summaries in September. Thanks

@amandarusselldesign

Hey Claire, do you have an explanation for the fact that it’s working only on one of my accounts regardless I use my tablet or phone?
@dalitpessach – doesn’t have this option
@lessonsfromaflower does

My tomato search didn’t show much up so I tried your vintage tea cup and found some gold too. Thanks for sharing 🙂

So much for a quick feedback. I hope this helps! Either way, I’m looking forward to more drops of wisdom from you, Sara!

@amandarusselldesign

I love your post! The right amount of everything important to you. Your large flower arrangements are amazing 💖

Yes, you post is there. Lovely photos and feed!

Here’s my re-introduction: https://www.instagram.com/p/C-dr-mpoXAM/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

It’s only had about 80 views in the two hours since i posted it though, so not sure what i’ve done to enrage the wrathful algorithm(!) Would love your thoughts on what i could do better as feel a little stuck in the mud at the moment!

Not sure why this comment got published here, but it was intended for the previous lesson 😅

I found this interesting, because I realised that as much as I love cozy pictures for my niche (knitting), with lots of little elements, for other topics I prefer a clear subject with a lot of negative space (or at least, my attention is grabbed by that).

Also, I realised I really hate when you can see horizontal pictures shared in a portrait orientation. Especially in Reels, I find very annoying when the video shown is horizontal and you just have black or white borders above and below.

My IG: @wolleyhandmade

https://www.instagram.com/p/C-aE-pPo02F/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Thank you so much Sarah for your detailed answered 🧡

I tried all window of my house but couldn’t find one with a decent reflection that would actually show up on the phone camera.

I was able to capture a reflection only when it was dark outside and by leaving the lights on (which I usually avoid), and I posted it about half an hour before midnight – challenge done!

https://www.instagram.com/p/C-YkLQQIs7I/?igsh=MXJ4NjN3aTJudmdxcg==

I will try to explore this reflection thing more at my parents house to see if it’s just my house that is placed at some weird angle 😅

Instagram.com/ahouseintheloire

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C-ZgQ34t9lP/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Thankyou it worked – the arrow 🙈

I’m Sarah, a brand designer and creative mentor. Originally from Edinburgh, I now live in the Scottish Borders with my family and have just started working from a little studio – hope to share some BTS this week!

I’ve been on holiday so haven’t had the chance to explore the materials but did manage my first post of the challenge today. It was fun to let go of the business side of things and simply be creative.

You can find me here:
https://www.instagram.com/thesearethedays.co/

And here:
https://brandseasonssubstack.com/

Yes as soon as I typed this I realized I had already instinctively unfollowed a bunch of accounts I didn’t resonate with anymore. I’ll keep checking “Following” though as it was fun to remember who I’d actually followed previously!

Ooh the yarn one will be amazing! And a hummingbird! Clearly the universe is on board with your insta goals to send such magic!

Hurray! This is the best news! And you can NEVER make and post too many of these! Plus, once you’ve banked a lot of them, you might find you can start to reuse and stitch some of the past ones together into new content, like ‘summer moments’ or ‘a year in cups of tea’ etc.

Think less of the algorithm as a solid thing that gets replaced, and more as a huge supercomputer that occasionally gets a tiny software update on a tiny part of it. Really huge changes are few and far between. So when something seems suddenly fundamentally different, it’s usually a glitch, a server outage or just a random quirk of our content that day!

A good use of your time, but as far as I know the feature is supposed to be available to everyone! What do you see when you try to access it?

Hahaha it’s ok, you’re allowed to say nice things about the algorithm here, I swear! I’m really glad it was a useful exercise! It’s not going to make or break anything if you keep following them, but I firmly believe we need to curate a home feed that nourishes and inspires us, every time. So I’d start from there.

Oh my goodness, you made magic!! I love this so much!!

No window sill required! Show us what you do have! Flooring? Carpet? Will we see your feet in shot? Maybe a cat??

hahaha ok, but – hear me out. Mayyyyybbbbbe your mess is a point of connection? Maybe you make an ‘expectation vs reality’ post where the first is a beautiful desk and the second is your reality. Maybe you put it on Stories and say, ‘I was supposed to show you all my beautiful workspace today but, uh…👀 ” and get lots of fun replies and people saying “omg me too!” and “relatable” and “wait what’s that book second from the bottom on the left?”. Maybe? Because I’ve seen it happen before…

That’s because you ARE! 🥰

Yes! Maybe it’s easier because you’re an even better photographer now? 🥰 Love your photo and that beautiful book. Makes me want to flip through all of the pages and know all the back story to it!

Good questions! The reflection isn’t usually visible until you clamber up to take the shot, so if you haven’t actually got as far as that yet, I’d recommend testing that out. Maybe even walking around your home, resting the edge of your phone against the glass with the camera engaged, and seeing if you can find what you’re looking for. This window in particular is South-facing and the main picture was taken mid afternoon on an overcast day. Internal lights off. Failing all of that, maybe play with a mirror in place of the window?

I’ve been way behind already as I’ve been really busy with work and also planning my sister’s hen (bachelorette) party for this weekend… wow I did not think that would be so much work.

Anyway, I am Rhona and I’m a jewellery designer maker from Glasgow, Scotland. I make wedding rings and statement jewellery, and I have just moved into my own studio after 10 years of sharing, so I have plenty of updates to share. I just haven’t gotten around to sharing much yet…

Nice to meet you all!

https://www.instagram.com/rhonamccallum/

Hi Deryn, as far as I’m aware everyone has this feature and it isn’t available on desktop. It has been around a while now, so if you can’t see it it might be worth checking if there are any app updates.

Also might be worth checking if you are in the right place on the app, as there are two places you can tap on Instagram and they look the same. One on your profile page and one on the home feed page. The home feed page is where you should find this feature, it has a mini down arrow next to it. There is a image on this page which shows the home page and the arrow so you can see if it looks the same. 💜

Hi Shandrea, I’ve added the chat file now 💜

Hi Lucy, unfortunately this feature is only available in the app on phones and tablets. 💜

Hi Karin, there are two places you can tap on Instagram, one on your profile page and one on the home feed page. The home feed page is where you should find this feature, it has a mini down arrow next to it. There is a image on this page which shows the home page and the arrow so you can see if it looks the same. 💜

Hi Jenni, why not use a table, or any surface and the same set up with a book or mug. You could try find a mirror and create the reflection with that. 💜

Ah thank you! Eighteen years! That’s amazing!

I’m Katie Pulsifer, a Master Certified Life Coach and Instructor. I am deeply grateful to be in this community and inspired by all of you and your stunning, creative & healing contributions.

I split my time between Maine, USA, and the US Virgin Islands, chasing sunshine and ocean waters.

I’m learning my way around IG with a beginner’s mindset (mishaps and laughter included) as I share my passion of helping people believe in themselves with the world. https://www.instagram.com/katiepulsifer/

Wondering – would it make sense to curate/unfollow accounts that don’t interest me anymore from a reach/engagement perspective? I can only imagine that holistically, IG might be confused about who I am and why I’m on Insta..

Ah, thanks! 🙂 I felt like it added to the London atmosphere!

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C-UynHNoecy/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

I hear you, it was the same for me.
btw your video is so cute, calming and comforting 🧶
I have the same doubts and maybe we can ask Sara:
Does people still read reels ‘ caption?
Would it be better to write directly on the video ? (sorry for my English, I hope you get what I want to say 😆)
Anyways I have noticed that I often don’t read the caption in reels, mainly because it’s uncomfortable to read with the video in the background.

it’s really beautiful 😍

Hi Karin, I’m sure it’s not you, the app can do funny things at time! It might be one to submit for the AMA call with Sara on Thursday so she can have a look at it. 💜

Hi Toni, the content pillars are things you make posts about. So for Sara it is slow living, french countryside etc. Hope that helps, if you want some help defining yours, pop what you do in your reply and we can all come up with some thoughts. 💜

Hi Sarah,

Sorry to hear this, it’s unfortunately a Google setting so we can’t change it. I’d suggest picking a country close by and then working out the time difference from GMT and using one of the timezones that is the same, there seems to be one in there for Auckland, which might work. 💜

Had the realization today that the next time I dye yarn, that capturing the steam coming up off the dye pans would be a great subtle movement video. I also really want to start capturing more active video of my dye process.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C-TdrGfyAbJ/

Here’s my reel: https://www.instagram.com/p/C-TSBqdKxYw/

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C-TJkh-ob1f/?igsh=MTZobjBwcmFvYWhlYQ==

Liked the bus and bike at the end!

Taking the video took me a very small time and was a fun creative way to put a new reel out in the world.

BUT.

It took me way too long to write the caption. I know that probably no one’s gonna read it anyway, but I wanted to share some personal stuff (how I overcame knitter’s block) and I got lost into that.

I’m a bit frustrated with myself knowing I spent this much time writing something long (for an IG caption) while the actual challenge for today was short and easy. I need to get better at this.

Here’s my reel: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C-SngfbIANy/?igsh=YnljejVkbnpkMTlx

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C-SIWBwMki2/?igsh=MXdrM2MxbWxoYzFwNA==

I love the planner. I’ve moved from the UK to New Zealand. It doesn’t have the NZ location or time zone. I’d love to know what you suggest.

Thanks for the answer, Claire! 🙂 I understand that the videos need to be private, but I was struggling to figure out if we could only watch the embedded videos on the course page or if we could actually access it in Youtube itself since we do have the link to the private video. I realise now that it was only because I was looking at the replay on my phone before – on desktop, I see the option immediately now 🙂 So no need for audio files from my side 🙂

Is there a way to “star” or favorite some of the lessons so it’s easy to go back to the ones we find most helpful? 🙂

Thx a lot ❣️

Thank you 😊

Thank you!!

Thank you 😊

Thank you ❣️

Thank you ❣️

I have the same experience, never see the notes people say they have just posted.

ok thanks 🙂 that makes sense 🙂

Hello from another in the fiber arts world! :). Your designs are beautiful.

LOVELY!

Here is mine, I’m inviting people to have a little tidy up of their desk and spend 30 minute a day doing something creative.

Hi Bianca,
Same for me too – I am based in France on https://www.instagram.com/derynabrahams_art/ If that helps work out what’s happening. Will try from desktop too.

Happy Birthday! 🎂

Only just catching up as I was travelling this week. But excited to start with the prompts. I was in the Insta Retreat a few years back but feel I may need a refresher recap!!

My name is Sarah. Originally from the northwest of England and now based just outside of London in Kingston Upon Thames.
In a past life I worked as a touring wardrobe mistress for a theatre company but when I started having my children I went back to my love of photography and styling, food and flower faffing and posted my photographs to my instagram @aslowgathering

I’ve been lucky to get freelance work through this over the past few years but I’m horribly inconsistent and will sometimes not post anything for months and months!
I’m hoping to gain a new improved love for this little app and avoid the usual feelings of overwhelm and imposter syndrome!

Anyway, here’s a post I put up so you can see the little note I left about it! I also found the perfect music to go along with it (name and everything!)

I often forget about the notes feature, so this was a fun challenge – and I love Sara’s ideas on how to use it in different ways!

https://www.instagram.com/p/C-LNhgZuxtI/?igsh=NHZod3VuMG5sbDhj

Thanks Claire!

🙂 🙂 🙂

Happy Birthday, Nicole!

Elisa yeah I hear you about the overthinking to create an aesthetic post! Also just saved the audio from your post haha!

Ooo I love this tip, thank you! Now I have to remember to use it haha!