http://blogs.laweekly.com/style_council/art/public-displays-of-art-echo-pa/

I am creating a sidewalk gallery “Art Hop” in Echo Park and would love for YOU to be a part of it! A one day event that will turn the neighborhood of Echo Park into a fun, playful and engaging artistic landscape! Imagine, gathering with your group of friends on the corner of Echo Park Ave. and Delta St.  Bundled up in L.A. winter gear, not quite sure what adventure you’re about to get into, you’re handed a map.  On this map you discover the sites of chain link fence galleries, driveway theaters, a hands on crafting station, performance art, intersection musical performances, outdoor movie screenings, sculptures, parking lot mini concerts and other various creative & mind stimulating public displays of ART. Before the adventure begins, you and your friends head into Chango for a hot cocoa or latte, with a side of scone. If you’re an artist, musician, an Echo Park Ave.  business owner or resident, neighbor, friend, all of the above (or none of the above) and want to get involved or support this community event please email me! heather@ArtNeedsFreedom.com

(flyer design by Dale Dreiling)

I was the “Maid of honor” for one of my best friends.  After research, searching the web, wedding magazines, married people,  and my mom, I soon became present that I would be the one to organize the bachelorette.  Yup, first timer!

The bride wanted 1- a night about relaxing & spending quality time with her girlfriends (no bar hopping & boozing, no strippers or Vegas), 2- affordable for all her friends to attend, & 3- Butterflies, because butterflies are very symbolic in their relationship.

To create this relaxing, memorable, FUN, and personalized experience I chose to design a “Girls Night In” spa day with butterflies in the theme.

I designed & handcrafted invitations for the guests, with instructions to bring two towels and a bath robe, and a gift for the bride.

When the day came, I transformed my house into a spa with candles, cucumber lemon H2O, tranquil music, healthy finger food (dairy & soy free, as the lovely bride was allergic).  The dining table was covered with a tablecloth and a placemat (a graphic magazine page) for each girl to do their manicure.  In the middle of the table I displayed flowers, lotions & oils, body sprays, nail polish and remover, cotton balls & Q-tips.  I also had tubs to soak their feet.

I incorporated handcrafted paper butterflies with inspiring quotes on them that I hung on the walls.  For each guest, there was a mini spa package I put together (a manicure set and soft flip flops) with other inspiring butterfly quotes, which created a game.  I duplicated 2 of the quotes, 1 on the manicure set matched 1 of the butterflies on the walls.  The girls had to go around and see if the quote on their package matched one of the butterflies on the wall, if so they won a prize.

I also hired an esthetician to do in house mini facials in one of the upstairs bedrooms.  She even set up a massage padded table.  Each guest had a 15 minute facial, longer for the bride.