a sweet thank you

I’m happy to feature artists that I like on my blog.  What better way to spread the word about talented people who follow their bliss?

But I was truly surprised to find this special treat in my mail box today from an artist I featured. 

Thank you for the sweet handmade note and stylish letters.  I wish you all the best Deb!

500 years of art in 2:52 minutes

Need a little dose of culture, but haven’t the time to make it to your local art museum?  Not to fear, take in 500 years of female portraits in Western Art in a matter of minutes.  It’s rather mesmerizing and quite soothing… just like an art museum.

I’ d like to thank Lynn for sending me this link.  I invite you to share some of your favorite finds… just email them to: studio@aipaper.com

downtown berkley… then and now

The city of Berkley, MI turns 75 this year and this prompted a local gentlemen to do some research on our great little town.

He came across this photo from the 1920’s (before Berkley was even named a city) and was kind enough to share it with us.

…look familiar? (yeah, that’s us in the turquoise and purple)

I’m so glad our store is located in such an old building.  It makes the perfect backdrop for our quirky collections.  I think that’s what drew me towards our Rochester location too, which is in an old train depot.

Fox 2 News 6.6.07

I was so excited when Hour Detroit Magazine asked if I’d be willing to do a segment on Fox 2 for their Best of Detroit Party.

I gleefully said YES! So I chatted with Lila Lazarus about some summer gift giving ideas.

oh my that’s awesome feature

Wendy from Oh My That’s Awesome blog thinks our scallop handbag is pretty awesome… so awesome that we’ve already sold out of them temporarily!

Here’s what she had to say… "I can’t get over how cute this purse is from Catching Fireflies. In fact, I had the webpage open in one of my browsers last night when a friend who was over having a cocktail got online to check her email, saw the picture of the purse and gasped, "Oh, that’s so cute!" I replied, "I know! And it’s on sale! For only $27.37!!" Then she fainted from shock and excitement and I had to get the vapors out."

Thank you Wendy!

Daily Tribune Best of Detroit 2007

Thank you Daily Tribune Readers for voting us one the BEST GIFT SHOPS again.  We’re thrilled that you think we’re so swell.  We couldn’t do it without fabulous customers like you!

party pooches

Meet Jill Beninato… pet photographer and altered artist extraordinaire.   She lives in Virginia Beach, VA with her husband, daughter and four crazy dogs. She has a BFA from the Maryland Institute, College of Art in Baltimore, MD where she studied fine art and metal smithing.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE these Artist Trading Cards (ATC) she posted on her blog.

They make me want to chop up a picture of Samson and give him a ridiculous party hat.

A portion of her bio reads, "Dogs and kids are a real source of inspiration for me – they are so “in the moment” and honest with their moods and expressions. 

My style is typically candid shots, on location, using natural light whenever possible. I love photography and feel lucky to be in the position to meet so many great people and a lot of really cool dogs who make me laugh, as well as, teach me daily what life is really all about."

See more of Jill’s lovely work on her website, www.sitstaysmile.com and on her inspiring blog.

vinyl style – jeff davis

Meet Jeff Davis of Vinylux. He’s creating hip art and reducing land fill waste one record at a time.

Part of his mission statement reads, "While literally billions of LPs still exist in the world, most are slated to become garbage before too long. Vinylux products take advantage of these obsolete piles of records and give new life to this neglected, but not forgotten, material.  Over the past 4 years, we have recycled about 200,000 records – about 50,000 pounds of vinyl and cardboard."

Some of Jeff’s items we carry include motown record bowls and LP coasters.

"Jeff Davis graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design in 2002, with a master’s degree in Industrial Design.  It was at RISD where Vinylux began, as part of a graduate thesis project.  His work generally focuses on turning our familiar relationships with everyday objects into re-imagined experiences. Jeff has been making objects, furniture, and designing environments for over 15 years."

turin brakes brings the sunshine

Ahhhh… summer – driving 45 mph with the windows down, laying in the hammock reading your favorite magazine, having dinner on the deck and enjoying the soothing sounds of Turin Brakes.

I love their song, They Can’t Buy the Sunshine. Enjoy these great lyrics and kick-back grooves.

A review reads, "OK everyone calm down– summer’s officially here. Go swimming, catch fireflies…hell, even go to Lowe’s and buy those plastic tiki torches that give suburbanites the illusion they’re constantly in the Carribbean, because British folk duo Turin Brakes’s third album Jackinabox wants you to enjoy your summer, at any cost."  – Adam Moerder

Are you in search of some new sounds? Subscribe to our blog and you’ll have the happiest ears on your block!

stop by skirt spot this summer

It’s June… and for me that means I get to start wearing fun and flirty skirts almost everyday.  They’ve become one of my favorite summer accessories for many reasons:

1. You can get away with wearing brighter colors and louder prints.

2. They’re very comfortable and far more attractive than shorts.

3. Throw on a simple tee and flip-flops and you’re set to go.  Add a cute cardigan or jean jacket and you’re good for the evening.

4.  People will comment how cute you look and before you know it, you’ll have at least a dozen summer skirts in your closet like me.

We carry a small selection of skirts at our Berkley Store and you can find loads of sweet styles on Skirt Spot (be careful, this site can be very addicting)

p.s.  sandals not your style?  try mixing in a pair of playful skimmers.

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