Firefly Creative Design

Little Bird Baby Shower Invite

2013-04-19T07:38:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter!

2013-04-11T20:34:00.001-07:00

Pony and Puppy Party

2013-04-11T20:32:00.001-07:00

Bike Ride and Brunch Party

2013-03-04T09:35:00.000-08:00

It was a simple girly brunch after a nice bike ride! As always the attention to little details is what makes it charming.

Cookie Design by The Cookie Fashion Hn

Bike Ride and Brunch party: sneak peek!

2013-02-21T19:38:00.001-08:00

Complete party pictures coming soon!!

Bike Ride and Brunch Party

2013-02-15T13:19:00.001-08:00

Tinker Inspired 4th Birthday Party!

2012-10-22T18:37:00.001-07:00

Ooh Lulu! Une fête d'anniversaire à la française

2012-10-09T15:59:00.001-07:00

My niece Luiza turned 7! She and her family spent the entire summer in Paris (how cool right!) Luiza loved her summer there, and to celebrate her mom decided to throw her a French themed party. The colors: of course reminiscent of the French flag.
The French touches were everywhere in the food: delicious pastries and candies, breads, dips, homemade cake...yum! And to set the French ambience: pictures of Luiza during the trip, and paper decorations adorned the space. A carefully planned party, so charming and sweet that would make you say: "Ooh Lulu!
I will try to post some pictures of the party production in a later post.

Father's day Free Printable

2012-05-20T08:41:00.000-07:00

Print this tree trunk .pdf file in card stock, and let your kiddos make leafs using their fingerprints or handprints in different shades of green. After it dries just put it in a frame!

Download the file in this link:
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B03A6Jmd-JS4RjRFUlV1SGhaNms

Puppy Themed Paw-ty!

2012-05-14T16:14:00.000-07:00

I just finished working on this cute puppy party! Happy Birthday sweet Natalie, have a tail wagging time ;)

Jr. Explorer Theme

2012-04-24T12:07:00.000-07:00

Mason celebrated his first birthday with a Jr.Explorer party!

Envelopes with ladybug detail

Invites, envelopes and tags

Butterfly Garden Themed Party

2012-04-24T11:44:00.000-07:00

I used this theme for my daughter's 3rd birthday. It was girly, colorful and modern!

Invites & Envelope Seals

Invite Closeup

Dessert Table Setting

Cake topper designed to match the invites

Mother's Day: Commercialization Of a Sentiment?

2012-04-23T16:48:00.001-07:00

Anna Jarvis, a West Virginia native, is credited with launching the campaign that resulted in the tradition of Mother's Day. At first, people celebrated Mother's Day by attending church and writing letters to their mothers, but as time went by the increasing retail activity associated with Mother's Day enraged Jarvis. She felt that the day's true sentiment was being sacrificed at the expense of commercial profit. Before her death in 1948, Jarvis is said to have admitted that she regretted having started the Mother's Day tradition.
The second Sunday of May became officially Mother's Day, and it is now the most popular day of the year with the highest telephone, restaurant and retail activity. Sons and daughters use this day to honor and to express appreciation of their mothers by purchasing everything from chocolate and flowers to the coveted designer handbags and diamond jewelry.
Do you think we should go back to Anna Jarvis' original intent and stay true to the Mother's Day sentiment; or, should we indulge our mothers by purchasing gifts instead?
Personally I think any gift (no matter how expensive) accompanied by a handmade note, card, picture or letter is the perfect balance of both ideas. I have received many beautiful gifts on Mother's Day from my husband and children, but I must admit that my collection of Mother's Day handmade items is for me the real treasure!
Here are a few cute handmade ideas to inspire you to make your own...

Personalized tree pillow by: Blue Leaf Boutique on Etsy

Mother's day picture bouquet

Mother's day heart card

Sentiment garland by: The Country Chic Cottage (tutorial)

DIY Candle votive by: Homemade Serenity Blog

Mom portraits!

I heart mum t-shirt: idea by The Londoner Blog

DIY handprint flower vase

budded tree branch and bird pendant by: Morgan Prather on Etsy

Ponies & Puppies Party

2012-04-23T14:59:00.003-07:00

I was contacted recently by Sharon from the blog MOM OF 6. She wanted to use my equestrian invite artwork for her daughter's 8th birthday party, and she wanted me to include a puppy in the illustration (a golden doodle, like their dog Bentley).
She used the illustration to create invites, thank you notes, and to personalize goodie bags. Here are the results!!

To read more about this party visit Sharon's blog: MOM OF 6
For more horse/ equestrian party ideas visit my posts:
Equestrian party
Equestrian invite
Party decor: prize ribbons

Easter Inspiration!

2012-04-03T11:59:00.000-07:00

The Easter Bunny will be hopping with excitement after seeing all of these cute ideas!!

Decorated Eggs

Paper bag bunnies

Butterfly table setting

Herb pots

DIY Grocery bag egg basket...click here for the tutorial

Carrots and hummus snack

Nail polish Egg

Easter bunny cracker carrots

Easter egg lunch

Egg Flowers

Animal Eggs

Silk Flowers!

2012-03-18T19:39:00.000-07:00

Check out the tutorial on how to make these elegant silk flowers from Simply Vintage Girl.

My New Obsession: Photo Books!

2012-02-28T11:03:00.000-08:00

OK...I admit I am guilty of digital picture neglect! When my first son was born, I like most moms started taking lots of pictures and printed them regularly. As time went by, and digital cameras entered my life...well I printed less. I bought digital frames, emailed pictures, started sharing on social sites...and TOTALLY STOPPED PRINTING!! Needless to say: I have an enormous gallery of pictures just sitting in digital limbo.
One of my new year resolutions was to do something about those neglected memories. It all started with a coupon in my emails..and now I am obsessed!
Photo Books can be a little expensive, but there are so many companies out there that do them...you can always find a good deal or discount!
This is a great way to keep all those precious moments forever in a quality printed collection. Show your pictures some love and start printing them! in a book, calendar, card, magnet...

Recycled Rainbow Crayons!

2012-02-20T15:47:00.000-08:00

There is nothing better than taking something that is old, and making it new and exciting all over again.

If you have kids I am sure you have an enormous collection of broken crayons sitting in a container somewhere in your house...well it is time to give them new life!

What you need:

-Old crayons

-Silicone mold or muffin pan

-Knife

-Oven

1. Gather all your broken up crayons and peel of the paper labels (Crayola brand melt better than other cheaper brands)

2. Separate crayons into different color families or favorite color combinations

3. Cut crayons into small pieces and fill mold (you might want to spray the mold with oil first)

4. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees

5. Bake 20-25 minutes or until crayons have melted

6. Allow mold to cool; then pop out crayons

TIPS:

-Don't use a silicone mold that you plan to use for food in the future.

-If you are using a muffin pan you can line it up with aluminum paper, so you can reuse it for food.

-You could also melt the crayons in the microwave (use a microwave safe container), and then just pour the melted crayons into the molds. This technique works better if you are planning on making layered color crayons.

Valentine's Printables!

2012-02-07T10:54:00.000-08:00

Here are some freebies for you! print them out in card stock and cut(use scissors or a 1 1/2 round punch) to make labels or cupcake toppers...you can also print them in sticker paper and use them anywhere (how about the tops of play dough cans as a fun treat for your kids classmates!) Just click on the images to access the pdf file!

Valentine breakfast ideas!

2012-01-26T12:45:00.000-08:00

Nothing says I LOVE YOU like food! Start the day by treating loved ones with a special breakfast on Valentine's day...get inspired and start planning!

More Clever Ideas for Everyday Use!!

2012-01-21T10:48:00.000-08:00

Your response to the 25 clever ideas was so positive that I decided to look for more! If you have any tips that would like to share: post a comment!!

If you want to bring a salad in your lunch, keep them from getting soggy by layering the ingredients in a jar. If you layer it just right(dressing in the bottom layer), you can make the salads ahead of time and grab a jar on your way out the door in the morning.

Use a paper towel dispenser to organize your ribbon spools!

Use a coat or towel rack to organize your bracelets and necklaces! I do this myself and it works wonderfully...no more tangled jewelry and you always can see exactly want to have (and actually will wear it).

Use a rubber band to remove a stripped screw!Use vegetable oil to shine leather. Just wipe with a damp cloth to clean any dust, then polish with a drop of oil and a soft cloth.

Sweetie Pie Hearts!

2012-01-17T16:20:00.000-08:00

Valentine's coming up! So I am doing my homework and gathering for you the cutest heart shaped ideas...Don't these pies look yummy? They are made using pie dough and filled with jam!
Check out the recipe from Simply Vintage Girl

25 Clever Ideas!

2012-01-09T10:49:00.000-08:00

As a mom I am always on the lookout for simple clever ideas, tips and tricks to make my life easier! Check out these simple solutions that will have you saying "why didn't I think of that?"

1. Use a straw to easily hull strawberries

2. Rubbing a walnut over scratches in your furniture will disguise dings and scrapes.

3. Remove crayon masterpieces from your TV or computer screen with WD40 (also works on walls).

4. Stop cut apples browning in your child's lunch box by securing with a thick rubber band. I love this! my son now loves taking apples to school (plus you save money by not having to buy the pre-cut ones from the supermarket)

5. Overhaul your linen cupboard: store bedlinen sets inside one of their own pillowcases and there will be no more hunting through piles for a match.

6. Pump up the volume by placing your iPhone / iPod in a bowl, the concave shape amplifies the music.

7. Re-use a wet-wipes container to store plastic bags.

8. Baby powder gets sand off your skin easily! who knew?!

9. Attach a velcro strip to the wall to store soft toys.

10. Look up! Use wire to make a space to store gift wrap rolls against the ceiling, rather than cluttering up the floor.

11. Find tiny lost items like earrings by putting a stocking over the vacuum hose.

12. Make an instant cupcake carrier by cutting crosses into a box lid.

13. For those like me who can't stand the scrunching and bunching: how to perfectly fold a fitted sheet.

14. Forever losing your bathroom essentials? Use magnetic strips to store bobby pins (and tweezers and clippers) behind a vanity door

15. A tip for packing. Store shoes inside shower caps to stop dirty soles rubbing on your clothes.

16. A muffin pan becomes a craft caddy. Magnets hold the plastic cups down to make them tip-resistant..

17. Bread tags make the perfect-sized cord labels.

18. Bake cupcakes directly in ice-cream cones! so much more fun and easier for kids to eat. Check out how to make these here

19. Microwave your own popcorn in a plain brown paper bag. Much healthier and cheaper than the packet stuff.

20. Brilliant space-saver: install a tension rod to hang your spray bottles. Genius!

21. With Valentine's coming up: treat your loved ones at breakfast with this heart-shaped egg tutorial. Aww cute!

22. Turn your muffin pan upside down, bake cookie-dough over the top and voila you have cookie bowls for fruit or ice-cream. Click here for recipe.

23. Freeze Aloe Vera in ice-cube trays for soothing sunburn relief.

24. Gutter garden: Create a window-box veggie or herb patch using guttering. I am for SURE doing this!

.24.

25. Use egg cartons to separate and store your Christmas decorations. I also use them to store last year's plastic easter eggs :)

I Am An Artist: The Art Of Communication!

2012-01-04T10:53:00.000-08:00

People are always tempted to cut corners when it comes to hiring the professional services of people in the communication business. Paying for graphic design, photography or web design can be pricey, but be aware that you will get what you pay for.

Today, we live in a brand conscious world and it is more important than ever to make a good and lasting impression. And to all of you out there who do not own a business: you brand yourself and your family everyday too! With every picture, holiday card and posts in the social media YOU are promoting an image for yourself.

The general perception seems to be that design is all about making something "look pretty" and that anyone can do it. In truth, successful design is all about communication and psychology...yes it goes that deep! Your promotional material, logo, choice of fonts, colors, images, text and even the paper you choose for your marketing material will SAY something about you and your business. Whether you are considering producing a logo, flyer, brochure, holiday card or some other form of marketing material (for personal or commercial use) it is always worth using a professional.

Communication is an art, and also a business! So please respect all of us in this field by paying for our time and talent. Would you work for free? A favor is: can you pick up my mail while i am out of town...NOT: can you design a 4 page flyer for me?

And last but very important: respect our copyright by always giving us credit for our work. Thanks!!

Paper Christmas Trees!

2011-11-30T18:44:00.001-08:00

Need a craft to keep the kids busy when it is too cold to go out?

Check out these super easy paper trees from Parents Magazine

Instructions:

1. Using different-size circle punches, have the kids punch circles from different shades of green cardstock or scrapbook paper. You can also use scissors to cut the circles.

2. Using a standard hole punch, have them make the "ornaments" from various bright colors of paper.

3. Use glue stick to glue green circles together in a triangular shape (to resemble a Christmas tree).

4. Glue small colored dots all over green circles as ornaments.

5. Punch or cut a star for the tree topper; glue to the top of tree.

6. Clip a clothespin to the bottom as the trunk. You can also glue a ribbon hoop in the back and hang them in your tree!

Firefly Creative Design

Little Bird Baby Shower Invite

Happy Easter!

Pony and Puppy Party

Bike Ride and Brunch Party

Bike Ride and Brunch party: sneak peek!

Bike Ride and Brunch Party

Tinker Inspired 4th Birthday Party!

Ooh Lulu! Une fête d'anniversaire à la française

Father's day Free Printable

Puppy Themed Paw-ty!

Jr. Explorer Theme

Butterfly Garden Themed Party

Mother's Day: Commercialization Of a Sentiment?

Ponies & Puppies Party

Easter Inspiration!

Silk Flowers!

My New Obsession: Photo Books!

Recycled Rainbow Crayons!

Valentine's Printables!

Valentine breakfast ideas!

More Clever Ideas for Everyday Use!!

Sweetie Pie Hearts!

25 Clever Ideas!

3. Remove crayon masterpieces from your TV or computer screen with WD40 (also works on walls).

4. Stop cut apples browning in your child's lunch box by securing with a thick rubber band. I love this! my son now loves taking apples to school (plus you save money by not having to buy the pre-cut ones from the supermarket)

5. Overhaul your linen cupboard: store bedlinen sets inside one of their own pillowcases and there will be no more hunting through piles for a match. 6. Pump up the volume by placing your iPhone / iPod in a bowl, the concave shape amplifies the music.

I Am An Artist: The Art Of Communication!

Paper Christmas Trees!

5. Overhaul your linen cupboard: store bedlinen sets inside one of their own pillowcases and there will be no more hunting through piles for a match.

6. Pump up the volume by placing your iPhone / iPod in a bowl, the concave shape amplifies the music.