This drawing is just one out of many funny Moleskine drawings by designer Lee Crutchley. Do you think this will be scariest thing you’ll see during the new year?

A photographer’s contact sheets may be one of the most overlooked parts of shooting film. Everyone sees the final print, but it’s the contact sheet that’s evidence of trial/error and a window into the thought process involved in setting up a shot. The Contact Sheet by Steve Crist is an in-depth look at the stories behind rolls of film from 40 internationally renown or up and coming photographers. Each feature is a pairing of a contact sheet with the final print and the scoop behind it.

It’s actually a really rad concept and showed me there’s a lot you may never know at first glance of a photo. Like say, oh I don’t know, how the fashion shoot for the first topless swimsuit was inspired by female Japanese pearl divers. Did I get your attention and make you want to see this book yet? The Contact Sheet is another excellent coffee table book for both discriminating tastes and photographers with a true appreciation for the art. If you want to go spelunking for the inner meaning on some amazing and iconic relics of time, I’m thinking you’ll dig it.

© 2009 Elliott Erwitt/Magnum Photos/Courtesy of www.ammobooks.com

© 2009 The Estate of Jeanloup Sieff/Courtesy of www.ammobooks.com

© 2009 David Doubilet/Courtesy of www.ammobooks.com

Haik Avanian‘s mom wants to turn your old sweaters into scarves and hats. The project is called Reknit, and for those of us that have favorite sweaters that don’t really fit anymore (or that have a few holes in them) it’s is a dream come true. The downside? It’s a little pricey – it costs $99 for the sweater transformation. [via peachpout]

I guess it’s debatable whether this is really MJ. But I like to think it proves that the King of Pop was also the King of Partying. [via Lifelounge]

Few things give me the heebie-jeebies, but wallpaper is one of them. Perhaps it’s because my mother consistently overdid the floral prints, but I can remember denouncing the décor at an early age. Then I saw Scrapwood Wallpaper and had a change of heart. Inspired by reclaimed materials, Dutch designer Piet Hein Eek created these gorgeous plank patterns, and I think they would liven up any boring room. There are six unique options available, all of which are printed in high-res on FSC certified paper. Already bidding my naked walls farewell.

I love going to museums, but as much as I like kids, I don’t enjoy tripping over strollers or trying to read about jellyfish over the cries of an unhappy toddler. That’s why I’ve been attending cocktail hours at museums, a space where 21+ kids at heart can enjoy art and culture (along with some wine). In San Francisco, notable events are the California Academy of Science’s Nightlife and the Exploratorium’s After Dark evenings. If you need a break from holiday shopping, look for museums in your city that offer a sophisticated way to let loose.

You’re in line for groceries and wouldn’t you know it, it’s going to be a while since you needed some food in your life at the precise moment as everyone else. You reach impulsively for your smartphone because by now it’s a Pavlovian response and with email, status updates and apps galore, your phone is the big ticket to instant gratification. There’s no reason to be bored nowadays…or is there?

It may take some willpower and while we know that’s a finite resource, I’m thinking you’re willing to trade for something even better, like an incredible new idea or a solution to what’s been bothering you. Well then good citizen in this age of distraction, opt-in to boredom – at least now and then.

Photo by Cara Bendon

Our minds are amazing things. And while the number of things we can feed them to process is impressive, what’s really cool is what happens when we leave them be. Give your mind a break from consumption and it doesn’t just sit idly; it gets wildly creative and makes things happen. It’s really no secret, but giving yourself a breather is essential for finding your creative genius. Think of it this way. If you were locked in a room with art supplies and nothing else to do, what would happen? You’d draw, paint, write or come up with something totally unique. It might not be the best thing ever, but you’d be creating nonetheless. It’s why so many people report their best thoughts striking in the shower, on airplanes or long car rides. But you don’t need to limit yourself to these infrequent moments (I know you don’t shower nearly enough anyways).

The next time you find yourself not knowing what to do, consider it an opportunity. Take in your surroundings and allow yourself to have your own thoughts, instead of reading the transcripts of others. I think you’ll find that the boredom wasn’t so much ennui, but an occasion to fill some idle time without any help. Give your brain some quality time to process all the input you’ve given it and it will reward you by showing that it’s a lot cooler than you ever gave it credit for. C’mon, have you really lost all ability to entertain yourself?

Need more reminders? View the entire How To Be Creative series here.