Book Binding with Jen O'Sullivan

I had a fun new experience yesterday when I attended Jen O’Sullivan’s one-day book binding workshop at Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. Jen O’Sullivan, founder and principal photographer of Jen O’Sullivan Photography in Beverly Hills, shared her knowledge and expertise of traditional and non-traditional methods of book binding with me and a class of about twenty-two other students. We learned and practiced various stitching methods and walked away with several mini-books for our use and inspiration.

Learning a few binding methods is beneficial for student projects, professionals creating presentations and everyone wanting to create fun in everyday life! If you are interested in finding out more about this and other workshops offered by Jen, go to http://www.jenosullivan.com, and click on the workshops tab.

Go create and by happy!

Finding Creative Inspiration

At times, creative inspiration comes quite easy. You begin thinking about a project and your mind begins racing with ideas. Sometimes it's hard to turn the ideas off. At other times, you need a little nudge to get the ball rolling.

In thinking about this past week I have had inspiration overload! It's not a bad thing, but it started me thinking about how a single object, a certain shade of color, an article of clothing, or an interesting shape or texture can be the starting point in creating an amazing invitation or the inspiration in designing an event's fabulous decor.

Inspiration is everywhere around us! We just need to take the time to see it, experience it, and appreciate it! Here are a few things that have given me creative inspiration this past week -

• The Brewery Artwalk . . . the brewery artwalk takes place twice a year on North Main Street in Los Angeles. Over one hundred resident artists showcase their amazing talents at this open studio event. From paintings, photography, sculpture, jewelry design and other mixed media, you can experience all types of art as well as talk directly with the artists. Art comes in many forms and can add a great element of interest to your special event.
  
  

• Music that moves me . . . many tunes from U2 and Michael Jackson move me. I've loved music all of my life. I've moved beyond the piano and flute lessons from my childhood, but that was the start of my love for music. Music inspires! Find lyrics and beats you can't stop dancing to and incorporate them into your affair!
  


• Halloween costume creativity . . . I was amazed at the creativity shown by the children who rang my doorbell last night for trick or treating! I was inspired that many of the children were wearing well designed, adorable handmade costumes. From ladybugs to robots, it's great to see the dreams and creativity of children! What are your dreams for your wedding or special event?

Go and find what inspires the creativity in you!