catching fireflies fun and unique gifts

wedding wishes like no other

Recently our Rochester team member, Bess celebrated the marriage of her son.  For the rehearsal dinner, she took a package of Flying Wish Paper and put together these wonderful little packages for all the guests...

The wedding party loved the idea and had a great time sending their wishes for the new couple up to the heavens.

Do you like seeking out sweet gifts that bring bright smiles? We're happy to share some of our clever ideas.  Simply sign up to receive these blog posts in your email and you'll be the best gift giver around!

rare bird finds feature

I absolutely adore this charming, whimsical little birdie clock.  The bird on top ticks back and forth, and the birdie on the bottom flies as the clock's pendulum.  $57.95 at Catching Fireflies  During this fine month of September, you can save an extra 15% (coupon code: ARTIST) on any of the clocks by this designer - yay!

Thank you birdies for whistling about our tweet deal:)

victoria with roses feature

Terramundi Pots 2.10.09

Wedding Gift Idea: I just recently read about Terramundi Wedding Pots. Once the first coin is dropped into your money pot, you must continue feeding it until it's full. At that time, you smash the pot while making a wish. Included with your pot is a special slip of paper, on which you'll record your wish and the date and then drop into the pot along with your first coin. What a great way to save up for that expensive honeymoon you never got to take! I love the idea of arranging a date night every Friday with champagne, chocolate, and an old movie. Agree that each of you saves $15 in spare cash every week and puts it in the jar every date night. At the end of five years you'll have saved $7800!

Thank you Victoria for sharing these wonderful wedding gift ideas.

abundant blessings

Meet Susan & Connie.  These two women are friends, colleagues, moms, volunteers, optimistically active members of our global community and the creators of the Blessing Bowl.

Their business began with a simple holiday gift eight years ago.

Susan, mom of four children, created the original Blessings Bowl for friends and teachers who had touched her life during the past year.  Starting with beautiful, unique bowls, special paper and ribbon tailored to the bowl and the friend, she wrote poems expressing her gratitude for the special gifts these people had given to her life. 

And then she asked each recipient to think about and write down the blessings they had in their own lives, furthering the spread of awareness and gratitude.  The response from her children’s teachers and many friends convinced her that others in the world wanted to give ~ and receive ~ this kind of gift, also.

A blessing bowl is more than just a gift.  It's an opportunity to express, in your own words, how an important person has impacted your life. This is the perfect gift when you are seeking something personal, meaningful, and truly touching.  We offer the original polished aluminum style and the the crackled glass style.

Do you enjoy learning about women who have an idea, then follow their dreams?  Then don't miss out on upcoming inspiring features.  Sign up to receive these blog posts in your email inbox today!

artworks by karen fincannon

I first met Karen Fincannon when I was selling my handmade wares at various art shows around Michigan.  I'm proud to say I have an eclectic collection of her fanciful artworks including floor cloths, sculptures, ornaments and tiles.  She truly is an amazing talent and is always creating new and wonderful goodies. 

A quote from her artist statement reads, "I am originally from Hamburg, New York and have also lived in North Carolina and Michigan. I received a BFA with a concentration in Photography from SUNY-Potsdam, and now work and live in Tucker, Georgia, with my husband and two crazy cats.

I have loved looking at and making art my whole life. Whether it is clay or paint or fabric or metals, there is always something new to discover. I am truly fortunate to be able to spend my days making discoveries through art!"

Currently we carry an assortment of her sculpted hearts that read true, happily ever after, believe and laughter.  (more styles are available at our stores) Each heart has a wire on the back for ease of hanging on a wall.

money pots make marvelous gifts

If you're ever in a quandary of what to buy someone who has everything...  search no further - a money pot is your answer!

Here are just a few reasons why they make the perfect gift...

-         they’re handmade in Italy and hand painted in London (anything European is cool by default)

-         they have been traditionally used in Italy for over 2000 years and their design has remained unchanged. The British Museum houses examples of these ancient money pots (hip history)

-         once the first coin is dropped the money pot must be fed until full upon which time it must be smashed while making a wish. It is customary to replace the pot and spend the money on 'good things', they bring good fortune (timeless tradition)

-         since there are a variety of colors and designs to choose from, you can give money pots to celebrate a new baby, anniversary, retirement, wedding, graduation, birthday, house warming, engagement … the possibilities are endless!

 

       We offer the blue-purple wash , black dot and white-silver dot online and other varieties at our stores.   If the pots are filled with a good mix of quarters, dimes and nickels they hold up to $500.  I love the idea of slipping some cash into one before giving it as a gift... what a nice surprise!

Money pots are sometimes used to house a candle or a plant once smashed. The best way to break your money pot is to get a chisel or the back of a hammer and place it inside the money slot - slowly lever the top and you should be able to pop the top off - you can now use the money pots to house a plant, sweets or pens.

artful time pieces that'll warm your heart

Meet Duane Scherer of Royal Oak Michigan.  He is a talented local artist that makes telling time a little sweeter.  A portion of his artist statement reads, "He designs time pieces that are truly eclectic by combining many different elements and styles to create a wonderfully inspiring collection of work. Duane connects and finds joy in a variety of materials. He loves to explore the endless expression hidden within them."

                                          

We love his heart themed and love bird designs... what a thoughtful gift for a special someone to let them know how sweet it is to spend time with them.

We carry a large variety of Duane's clocks at both of our stores and well as select styles online.

fun flirty flowers

Receiving fanciful flowers always make a girl smile.  Here are some fun options to surprise your sweetheart with this Valentine's Day or any day.

Todd Oldham makes carnations cool again with his oh-so-sweet ice cream cone bouquets.  Yummy!

Cottage Living Magazine shows you how to get crafty with clever take out boxes.

I received a beautiful mixed arrangement from Pro Flowers during the Holiday season and it lasted a full 2 weeks!  They send the posies to you straight from the growers and avoid the middlemen...which are why they stay beautiful for so long. (plus isn't that a cute vase?)

chocolates too pretty to eat

Surprise your sweetheart with these unbelievably realistic glass chocolates.  There'll be no calories to worry about and they make wonderful little art pieces to collect.  catching fireflies doesn't carry these lovely candies, but many galleries across the country do.

Patty and Dinah Hulet are the creators of  Hulet & Hulet Glass Confections. In their home studio on the rural coast of northern California, they have been perfecting the recipes for these treats for some time. They strive for the perfect balance of color, texture and design to lavishly translate the sinful decadence of gourmet chocolate and candy into the tasteful persona of art glass.

love always knows the way

These beautiful handcrafted pewter heart compasses make a unique and sentimental gift for a special occasion or event.  The hearts are designed by Rhode Island artist, Jim Clift and the compasses are actually functional.... so next time you're feeling a little lost... just follow your heart.