Blog Inc. book launch

Last night I attended the launch party for a book by one of my favourite bloggers. 

Joy Deangdeelert Cho of the blog Oh Joy! has recently released the wonderful book Blog Inc. which I am currently reading. If you're thinking of starting a blog, or currently have a blog and are looking to grow it, I say get your hands on a copy of Blog Inc. right... NOW!

Blog Inc.

The launch party of Blog Inc. was held at one of my favourite home wares stores West Elm in nearby Emeryville. The launch party was just as pretty as Joy's blog. Gorgeous paper creations by the super talented paper artist Chloé Fleury were featured throughout from the book display, to the book signing table and fun photo booth. You really must check out Chloé's website. Her work is just amazing. Anyway, back to the launch party...

The book display with paper creations by Chloé Fleury

Paper pie truck

So cute

Just like Ava's paper computer - only better!

The party was catered with tasty little bites: dainty cucumber sandwiches, gravalax sandwiches, blue cheese popovers, chicken masa cakes, tiny smores sandwiches, housemade caramels... All washed down with the most refreshing cucumber mint agua fresca.  Mmm... delicious.

Tasty

Must find a recipe for cucumber mint agua fresca. 

The highlight of the book launch was a Q&A session with Joy herself. Joy spoke about her life as a blogger and designer, the evolution of her blog and how she became a blogger in the first place. The floor was then opened up to questions from the guests. 

Joy gives us the lowdown on running a successful blog

After the Q&A session we were treated to a viewing of the launch video for Blog Inc. This animated video features Chloé Fleury's paper creations. The very same ones that were on display at the party. I think this has to be one of the cutest animated videos I've seen in a long time. You can view it here.

Now for the most important part of any book launch: getting your brand new book signed by the author. Oh, and posing for a photo :)

Say cheese! 

Signing & chatting to guests

Now remember earlier I mentioned the words "photo booth"? Well, the book launch featured the cutest photo booth set and props I've ever seen. Pretty much everything, give or take a few small accessories, was made entirely of paper. I had a couple of turns in the photo booth. I messed up one of my first shots. Oops! Here's a look at the photo booth and my cheesy photos.

The photo booth set

What's a party without a photo booth?

My first go. I forgot to pose in the second shot!

My second go in the photo booth. I seemed to drop props between each shot! 

Now that you've seen the launch party you're probably wondering just what Joy's book is all about. Blog Inc. is a fantastic guide for bloggers (and would be bloggers), taking the reader through all the aspects of blogging from choosing a platform and name, to design and content, through to increasing readership and seeking sponsors. Joy is one of a handful of bloggers out there with a large enough following to be able to make a living through her blog. Her experience and expertise (as a graphic designer and freelancer as well as a blogger) make her advice indispensable. Although I've been blogging for quite some time now I still consider myself a bit of a newbie and I'd really like to work on skills to make my blog look a little more professional. Joy's book has inspired me to get off my butt and get to work. 

Now, if only I wasn't doing all my blogging at 2am...