gus on the go
Ever since I saw these fantastic photos of basset hounds running, I’ve always wanted to learn how to capture Gus in motion. Lucky for me, this week my photo class focused on shutter speed. So I dialed it up to 640 & headed outside with some treats Sunday afternoon.
I still have a ways to go on nailing the exact right ISO & aperture, however I was really pleased with what I managed to catch. I love the one on the bottom right where his ears look like a Pippi Longstocking hair-do.
Like to see where I spend my time away from catching fireflies? Then sign up to receive blog posts like these in your email inbox HERE
flower filled fool’s fun
A few weeks ago, Tessa & her friend were looking for something to do Saturday night other than watching a movie, cruising facebook or painting their nails. After some brainstorming, I suggested a little mischievous fun. I remembered one night in middle school when I convinced my best friend to help me with the art of tee-peeing a few of the cute boy’s homes in our neighborhood. It was an exhilarating experience & a night I will never forget. In that same vein… I proposed they make giant tissue flowers & attach them to the front doors of nearby friend’s homes. They liked the idea but must of been hungry for some sweets so they made oreo pops instead of the flowers.
Then they wrapped them up in iridescent cellophane & attached a sweet note & placed them in their friend’s mailboxes. They had a great time being sweet pranksters & no doubt made memories that will trump any movie night.
I do love unexpected lovely surprises… maybe that’s why I’m so smitten with the recent trend of yarn bombing.
And here’s our very own Yellow Door artist Jennifer Xerri of Starlily Creations yarn bombing Royal Oak store, Saffron.
So you probably wonder where I’m going with this? Being that April Fool’s Eve is on a Saturday night this year, how fun would it be to pull off some pranks that would brighten your friend’s or neighbor’s day?
Since I don’t crochet or knit (and I suspect with the time it takes to yarn bomb – you might get a visit from a policeman ;-) I thought flower bombing could be the next best thing.
Imagine seeing this when you open your front door to get the Sunday paper on April 1st?
The neighbors may think that the land of Dr. Seuss paid a visit. These tissue pom pom flowers a fairly easy & quick to make. I did a simple tutorial on how to make them in a previous post.
Cheers to making mischievous & merry memories this April Fool’s Day.
(fancy flower photos compliments of instagram – early bird setting ;-)
Love finding new ways to make days brighter for your family & friends? Simply subscribe to this blog and we’ll email you a few of our snazzy ideas.
I’m going with cut copy
Looking for a fun spring anthem? I believe I’ve found mine thanks to these hipster Aussie boys.
A review reads, “Cut Copy have never been able to figure out whether they’re indie rock experimentalists or ‘80s dance purists. So they’ve become both. With Cut Copy, you never know for sure what’s going to happen, but you do know with a fair degree of certainty that it’ll be beautiful.” -Ryan Reed
Before you hit play, I must warn you this tune does make you want to sing out loud with much enthusiasm… and it will replay in your head all day long ;-)
Like discovering catchy tunes that you can sing along too? Simply subscribe to this blog and we’ll email you our latest and greatest music finds.
celebrating dena
With a sad, yet happy heart we’d like to celebrate Miss Dena Gillespie as she is moving on to pursue her Dancing Wired & Blissfully Wired business full time. For the past six years, she has been the heartbeat of our Rochester catching fireflies.
My personal relationship with Dena actually dates back to 1995 when we met working at an after school childcare program in Ann Arbor. We were the queens of cool craft time with the kids & Dena was the gal who inspired me to start selling goods at local craft shows.
Here we are sharing a booth at the Dixboro – Artisans on the Green show.
As the years passed by our paths continued to cross. So when we had the opportunity to bring Dena on as the manager for our new Rochester location in 2006, it made perfect sense. Her humorous personality, artsy eye, caring heart & team player mentality transformed that old train depot into the fun & whimsical shop it is today.
Whether Dena was modeling scarves & sunglasses, coming to work in costume or dressing up for special events, she always had fun with it & inspired her team to join in the festivities. Many good times & memories were made over the years.
Dena was also active in our charity events & definitely made days brighter for many seniors & kids by delivering loads of valentines.
Lucky for us, she likes to laugh because she’s been in her share of funny holiday videos & silly blog postings throughout the years.
And it’s not a coincidence that Dena celebrated the very first time HOUR Detroit voters named us Best Gift Shop as well as our latest consecutive win this past year.
Thank you Dena for sharing the past six years with us. Your terrific talents will be dearly missed but you’ll always be part of the catching fireflies story. We wish you all the best in your next chapter of life.
my march resolution
Resolutions don’t have to begin in January, right? Well at least that’s what I’m telling myself.
I’ve owned a digital Nikon SLR camera for over 7 years. I bought it to take pictures of our products in a light booth for our website & had a photographer friend dial up the manual settings for our shooting conditions. Beyond that, I really haven’t done much with it. I’ve always wanted to learn more, but never carved out the time or energy to make it happen.
After attending the Creative Connection last fall, I was re-inspired to pursue this skill. Plus seeing all the pretty pictures on Pinterest continues to make me drool. I want to take photos like that! So I signed up for an online class at Big Picture Classes this March & am spending 8 weeks learning about mastering the manual mode.
Lucky for me Tuesday & Gus can really focus on a treat when I hold it right above the lens :-) Most of these shots were captured in aperture mode which allows me to focus in right on the subject, but I can control how blurry I want the background to be.
It was so glorious last weekend I bought pansies for my flower boxes & ended up picking up a hyacinth too. Something about the intoxicating smell of these posies makes me incredibly happy. Our house definitely got a big dose of plant perfume last week. For more of my class homework, I took a daily picture of this purple lady as she put on her spring show.
I’m looking forward to the next 4 weeks of class & sharing the fruits of my new found hobby with you.
Like to see where I spend my time away from catching fireflies? Then sign up to receive blog posts like these in your email inbox HERE
Irish Blessing Giveaway
With St. Patty’s Day right around the corner, what better time to give away a lovely Irish Blessing? This clever quote collage is designed & hand crafted in right in Royal Oak, Michigan by a.i. paper design. They are called ransom quotes because the “quote” is written with a variety of elements, including dictionary definitions, silk & organdy ribbon, rubber stamps, glass stones, word clippings, brass findings, game pieces, buttons & more.
So how can you get this Irish Blessing ransom quote for free? ($85.50 value)
We’ll draw a lucky firefly fan’s name on Wednesday, March 21, 2012 and the winner will be listed on this post.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Have fun, good luck and thanks for playing!
Don’t want to miss out on future fantastic firefly giveaways? Be sure to stay in the loop by signing up here and we’ll email our fun-filled blog posts to your inbox!
3 cheers for spring!
There are many times when I’m not so sure how a display window idea is going to turn out. I wanted to make some tissue pom poms & work them into a flower theme… however after making my first few, I was inspired to turn it into a cheer leading theme.
I can’t think of a better thing to cheer for… although maybe I’m a bit biased since my name is April ;-)
I will say these fluffy flowers are a lot of bang for your buck. I got this multi-color pack of tissue for 6 bucks & it made all of the flowers in my window. I would recommend using a higher grade tissue as it’s not prone to rip as easily when pulling apart the petals.
Want to make your own colorful garden? You don’t need a green thumb, just some scissors, wire & tissue.
For our second window I was inspired by the latest Ruche look book… I just turned up the color on our kites.
Now we just need 55+ degree days, sunny skies & daffodils popping up to say hello. Let’s hear it for S-P-R-I-N-G!
Like to see what goes on behind the scenes at catching fireflies? Then sign up to receive snazzy blog posts like these in your email inbox HERE
our inspiring favorites
One of the benefits of working at catching fireflies is that you get to be surrounded by all things happy, positive & fun. Here are a few inspirational gifts that our team likes.
I love the Curly Girl products. They always have such cute quotes on them! This happens to be my mom’s favorite so this will be a great gift for her! Its such a cute idea and I love all of the fun colors. $14.95
This is a special something to wear and remind you to enjoy life and all of its twists and turns. $12.95
I have given this quote to a few people, my kid’s babysitter and a teacher. It’s such a great sentiment for someone who brings happiness into your life! $33.50
Natural and green, that’s the way to clean. No nasty smells and fumes.Cheaper too!
Bought this book for my daughter, who was expecting a baby. She loved it! $15.95
I love this magnet. It’s a great gift to give someone when you find out they are having a baby. I’ve given several out as a “congratulations on your pregnancy” gift. Brings a smile (and sometimes a joyful tear) to the new expectant mom! $5.00
I gave this to my girlfriend who’s a teacher to put on her desk at school. The kids are always picking “flowers” for her and now they have a special place to put them. $23.50
I’ve always loved this quote by Henry van Dyke & it happily hangs in my dining room as a constant reminder of the many blessings that surround me everyday. $265.00
I bought this book to inspire me to go to new places and see the world. I have seen a few and I read the book. Also a great hint to leave for your loved one… I love going on new adventures. 19.95
I have given this set of bracelets as a gift for birthdays or just because on numerous occasions. A stylish gift with positive message for the one you give it to and those they pass it on too. Love this set of 3 bracelets! $10.95
I’m always amazed to hear about achievements made at young ages and inspired equally by those who wait until later in life to accomplish great things. A fun read that can show you there’s still time left to make a difference by following a dream. $9.95
I am a big fan of candles anyway, but this one is really nice…I especially love it because of the cute artwork :) $17.95
Do you like seeing what team catching fireflies is loving? We’re happy to share some of our favorite finds. Simply sign up to receive these blog posts in your email and you’ll be in the loop & get our latest scoop.
walking on a dream
I can’t remember where I first heard this song by this eclectic duo, but I found myself humming the chorus all afternoon long.
A review reads, “This is the sound of the Noughties – electro enough without being harsh, interesting without being over-cool, quirky without being weird. Empire Of The Sun have cracked the perfect blend of fond reflection and sexy new frontier frisson. If this is what the future sounds like, then it’s going to be beautiful.” -Sophie Bruce
Like discovering dreamy tunes that get you humming? Simply subscribe to this blog and we’ll email you our latest and greatest music finds.
silverware at your service giveaway
When I first spotted these quirky characters, I couldn’t help but to grin a bit. And the cool thing is they came to be because some college kids couldn’t find work due to the recession in 2010. They thought it would be funny to start selling little people made out of forks and spoons. So thanks to their creativity & talent we have a family of Forked Up friends to help bring a little humor to your kitchen.
So how can you get this helpful & humorous duo for free? ($60.90 value)
We’ll draw a lucky firefly fan’s name on Tuesday, February 28, 2012 and the winner will be listed on this post.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Have fun, good luck and thanks for playing!
Don’t want to miss out on future fantastic firefly giveaways? Be sure to stay in the loop by signing up here and we’ll email our fun-filled blog posts to your inbox!
