I have a lot of fun ideas Valentine’s Day coming your way soon. But, I thought I would share some inspiration and ideas for the first February “Holiday”—the Super Bowl! 

Inspiration Boards for a fun Super Bowl party

Okay, I’m having trouble… I’m so busy with things that I CANNOT WAIT TO ANNOUNCE that I’ve had a lot of trouble getting inspired for anything else. Which, if you haven’t been able to tell, has really impacted my blogging.

I just finished having a wonderful visit with my in-laws and am about to leave for a weekend getaway on the Oregon coast. This weekend is a much needed break for me and will be a ton of fun because it is for a dear friend’s 30th birthday!

The Oregon coast is cold throughout most of the year and in January it is sure to be FREEZING. So, we found a lovely little rental that has beautiful views and a fireplace so we can enjoy a cozy weekend near a beautiful ocean. I’m hoping to be inspired… and, to help with the inspiration I plan on bringing a few tools.

I’ve been incredibly inspired by the drawings and ideas coming from Alisa Burke: Redefine Creativity. 

While her blog alone is inspiration… recently I’ve been obsessed with the lovely images found in her sketchbook. It has really inspired me to start my sketchbook again. In the past I haven’t been able to do anything without sketching it out first, but I’ve really gotten out of the habit and feel that maybe it has a lot to do with why I’ve been failing to become inspired. Now, if using a sketchbook is something you’d love to do but have no idea how to start or keep up then head over to Alisa’s blog ASAP! Not only is she giving an online class, but she is also having a giveaway for three free spots in the class!

Image of Alisa Burke’s Sketchbook

I have a terrible camera… but, I still love taking photos. Photos inspire me in so many ways. Heck, just taking photos inspires me. When I really want some beautiful images I bring my wonderful film camera, but it is expensive and bulky. So, until I get the wonderful DSLR that I want I have to make do with my little point and shoot.

Now, if you already have that DSLR but are still not getting the shots you want… then check out Under the Sycamore a beautiful blog with photographer Ashley Ann.

If you live in the Tulsa, Oklahoma area you have the option of signing up for her class “SnapShots: Beginner DSLR Photography Workshops” to learn how to use that fancy new camera. And, if you don’t live in the Tulsa area and just want some great tips check out her SnapShops category on her blog.

Photo from Ashley Ann Photography

Now, if you had a friend that studied to be a chef and is testing out all kinds of recipes for her new blog… wouldn’t you bring her along if you could!?

 

Weekend Reader’s Question: What inspires you and how do you pump those inspirational juices?

Twenty Ten was an eventful year for me. I started this year working really hard towards a goal of moving up in the company at which I work. I was traveling with the company doing hiring and training. And, while I loved that part of the job I hated being away from home and hated coming back to the every day grind of the job. The longer I waited for the position I wanted the more I realized that the position was not for me. I guess that all the comments from people telling me that I needed to be in the event planning field finally got through my thick skull. So, in April 2010 I decided to step down from my role in my company and instead step into the event styling field slowly with this blog.

A Well Crafted Party’s First Post, “Let’s Party” was published on April 26, 2010.

I fell in love with the idea behind the name “A Well Crafted Party.” I really love crafts and creating items with my hands (or computer). And, I really love parties. I thought the whole idea fit me and my goal to a T.

Since that first post in April the blog has grown to have 30 followers, 136 Facebook Fans and over 11,000 page views. While I know that might seem small to some bloggers out there I am overwhelmed with excitement… I never thought the blog could go this far! It makes me really want to continue to create and share on the blog. It makes me want to improve and expand! Thank you so much to each of you lovely readers. I hope that some of these past 90 posts have inspired you in some way. I would LOVE to hear any feedback you may have for me and the blog.

To look back on this year a bit I thought I’d put together a few of my own “TOP of 2010” lists.