delicious dishes, plates and bowls
This is the 3rd time we've exhibited next to R. Wood Studio during the Atlanta Gift Show and this year I finally broke down and indulged in a few of Rebecca's hand molded place settings and serving dishes. The color tones, organic shapes and feel of these pieces are just amazing. I can't wait to start using my one-of-a-kind set on a daily basis.
And just another reason I love being around other artists… look at her handmade polar fleece skirt! I would never in a million years look at that woodsy fabric pattern and envision her creation.
Simply by adding a few hand stitched polar fleece birds and flowers – it becomes an interesting wearable art piece. It makes me want to troll the polar fleece isles at the fabric shop when I get back to Michigan.
Unexpected inspiration – it's a wonderful thing!
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Detroit Free Press Feature 1.11.09
(excerpt)
Doing good can start at home. Resolve to ditch the plastic bottles and go eco-friendly with a kitschy new stainless steel water bottle, $13.95 at Berkley's Catching Fireflies 3117 W. 12 Mile. It's 100 percent recyclable.
Ferndale-based Twig Natural Soap Company and Green Daffodil Soy Candle-works is about to celebrate its first anniversary. The all-natural soy-based candles gain new fans daily, according to Siouxsan Miller, co-founder with Anne Simonetti. The hand-poured candles blend heavenly scents like almond or vanilla with an environmental conscience. Visit www.siouxsan.com. (also available at catching fireflies)
rare bird finds feature 1.7.09
brilliance: uncommon women inspirational quote book
"It's a new year and it's time for a new you. I don't know about you, but I definitely need some inspiration! This book showcases the brilliant insights of women. $14.50 at Catching Fireflies."
Thank you birdies for sharing this inspiring book with your fans!
Newsday 1.7.09
Frames for (Pregnant Pause) Sonograms – Beth Whitehouse
Forget the fridge – there's a better place to display your sonogram photo. A.I. Paper Designs sells four new designs of frames made from Masonite, handmade paper and ribbon. They say "Little Miracle," "Ultra Cute," "Love at First Sight" or "Under Construction," $29.50 each. Available at Fern's Creative Thimble in Huntington Village or catchingfireflies.com.
you will laugh out loud
Hallmark has hit a home run in with these two goofy characters. I just got an e-card featuring these guys from a friend and it gave me a grand giggle. So I visited their website and laughed out loud at their dialog for the day. It's a must visit if you need to add a little happy to your busy schedule.
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valentine’s day sneak peak
My sweetie Steve really only has to work at our catching fireflies stores a couple times a year… during inventory. And how do we lure him to count for a few hours? With food of course! Rochester gal, Megan made this oh-so-tasty mexican dip that he couldn't even wait til noon to eat. It's only 3 ingredients: 1 can of Hormel Chili (no beans) 1 block of cream cheese and 1 can of Campbell's Fiesta Nacho Cheese Soup. Just mix them all together and heat it up in a small crock pot. So Yummy!
After all the counting was done, we made way for all things red, pink & purple…
…including these romantic massage oil candles.
Talk about some sweet treats made with love… heart shaped measuring cups, spoons and cookie cutters. (soon all to be available at www.catchingfireflies.com)
And there's no better time to start crafting a romantic poem for your sweetheart's card.
Stay tuned for more valentine treats!
valentines… super sized
Now, wouldn't it be fun to find a giant 3 foot Valentine on your front porch or office cube? I cut these large hearts out of pink insulation sheets you can find at any Home Depot. Just trim them with a fun edge, write a sweet message to your favorite friend or mate and surprise them just because.
The smallest acts of thoughtfulness (well in this case, not so small) can leave the biggest impressions on one's life. Share the love.
miss matilda jane
Attention all mothers of lovely little girls. There is an amazing sale going on at Matilda Jane. I knew the talented designer behind these fun frocks back in my art fair days. She used to paint adorable kids furniture and since then she's found grand success in the flirty fashion world.
A portion of her story reads, "I wish I could say I started because I could not find any cute clothes for my kids, but surely that is not a problem. The world is filled with talented designers. Afterall, someone has to dress my two darling boys ‘cuz Matilda Jane isn’t looking all that great on boys lately!!
I wish I could say I am a 'designer'. I pretty much consider myself just a girl who can’t stop her brain from spinning. It is crazy. I just get an idea and go with it. Inspiration? I am not sure, it just happens. You know, wake up in the middle of the night and 'Whoa, I have a great idea!' It just happens."
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a recipe for a fun new year’s eve
Make some tasty hors d'oeuvres, dips & desserts like stuffed baby red potatoes, chili cheese dip, spinach artichoke dip, cream cheese strawberry blossoms, and Oreo balls. (making all this only took 2.5 hours minus the Oreo balls I made ahead of time)
After a few fancy frozen drinks, disregard your inhibitions and jam out a few tunes on Rock Band.
Pretty up some plain party hats and head bands. (even the guys got into it!)
Reign in the New Year with silly novelties, noise makers and champagne!
Mix in all your favorite friends and you're guaranteed to have a grand time.
Cheers to dog-gone good start to 2009!
great finds from Jamie Greathouse
Meet Jamie Greathouse of Shelby Township, Michigan. She creates clever eye spy bags that'll keep your kids entertained during long waits (like at the doctors, store or while traveling). We're proud to carry her original rectangle style that contain 27 unique charms & findings that beg to be found.
She also has lots of other whimsical styles available on her etsy site.
I had the chance to chat with her about her delightful creations…
What inspired you to start creating art and how did you turn it into a business?
I've been creating art for as long as I can remember! My mother made her living in the art world, and I was raised surrounded by fine craft and the creative process. I was happy to give up my day job when I became a mother, and it was only natural for me to branch out into a creative business of my own. I have satisfied both my need to be with my children and my need for a creative outlet. It was easy to turn my passion into a successful business once I found Etsy!
What do you most enjoy about the creative process?
Most definitely I enjoy the design phase. I love to sit with my sketch pad and my kids and come up with new ideas for I SpyBags. Drawing out the patterns to scale, testing them, and working out the kinks is so much fun. Most prototypes end up in the toy box, but every once in awhile I come up with a design that I simply adore. Once that part of the process is done, I find the sewing and assembly to be a little boring! Another thing I love to do is search for the trinkets that go inside. I have become quite addicted to seeking out the very finest, coolest, most interesting (and affordable) miniatures out there. I have hundreds to choose from, and even though there is NO reason for me to keep buying more, I just can't help myself! Recently, I stumbled upon a local retiree from the vending business who let me have a gander at some inventory from the 1970s. It was great. What can I say?
What is one thing that make your items unique?
My designs are what make my items unique. All of my figurative I Spy Bags have a unique personality and originality that you don't see with other products of this nature.
And we're not the only ones that think she's great… some of her bags have been featured in Real Simple, People.com and more!
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