Firefly Girl Studio Classes November Session

The classes are back, and they're going to be awesome inshaAllah!  Just in time for you to have fun creating during the winter holidays!

Some classes have two sessions, so we're flexible on timings/dates for you.
Each class must be signed up and paid for 4 days prior to it's first session, to allow preparation of materials and course outlines/worksheets.
Classes marked with an asterisk * signify Prima Art Educator classes for the first time in Pakistan!

Yes, Prima inspired classes by me for all the local crafters! :) So if you wonder how we can attend those classes like they show on the Prima Facebook Page or Blog, seek no further, you're going to join em with me and we'll get to use some of the newest and coolest Prima product releases out in the market.

Classes are in Karachi, Phase 5 DHA.

These classes will surface for online sessions starting 24th December.

To REGISTER, please email fireflygirl.studioclasses@gmail.com with the Class and Session you are interested in joining! :)

Basics and Design.
 2 hr class.
 1500/-
 Compositions and Aesthetics
 Essential tools.
 Basic crafting techniques
 Exercise to assist topics covered.
This class is essential to those new to Paper Crafting, or feel they lack the essential foundation to make their work stand out. We cover Basic Design, compositions, introduce you to varying products across available in the market, local fixes, and talk to you about what is worth investing in, and where you can kick start your paper crafting passion.
12th of November
 Session One: 11-1
 Session Two: 3-5


Inkology.
 3 part class.
 4200/- or 1700/- each
 Introduction to types of Inks
 World of Distress
 Mists and Sprays
 Alcohol Inks
Conclusive written test, access to mentioned products and practical application.
Inkology covers the core to the world of paper crafts and mixed media through various inks, stains and other media. The 3 part class covers the different inks, their properties, their uses and practical application. We explore the techniques apt to each ink type, discuss product alternates and test their uses, incorporating them into our projects. This is more theoretical, and vital to anyone wanting to increase their knowledge to explore paper crafting with an intense approach.
 Limited Seats.
13th of November
 Types of Inks, their uses, their properties
 Session One: 11 to 1
 Session Two: 5 to 7
14th of November
 World of Distress (Using Ranger Inc, Tim Holtz products: inks, stains, and more . Different techniques and uses, experimental approach)
 Session One: 3 to 5.30
 Session Two: 6 to 7.30
15th of November
Mists and Sprays, Alcohol Inks
 Session One : 11-1
 Session Two: 3-5

Stampology
 3 hr class.
 2000/-
 Heat Embossing
 Powders and Pearls
 Rendering Stamped images
 Must take Inkology as a prior module.
 Conclusive test, access to mentioned materials and practical application.
 Limited Seats.
 Studying stamping techniques, types of stamps and the variety of projects possible to produce.
17th of November
 Types of Inks, their uses, their properties
 Session One: 11 to 2
 Session Two: 4 to 7

Introduction to Mixed Media with Finnabair Art Essentials and Prima*
 3 hr class.
 3000/-
 Basic materials & techniques inclusive of art mediums, color sprays, stencils and more
 Practical application
 Learn to use Prima’s Art Essentials, learn to layer, explore various mediums, and apply them to collages and mixed media art pieces.
16th of November
 Session One : 11-2

Mixed Media Art Journal*
 with Finnabair and Prima
 3 hr class
 5000/-
 Create your own Mixed Media Art Journal
 Materials provided. Additional materials based on preference to be acquired.
 16th of November
 Session One: 4-7

Mixed Media Art Tile*
 With Finnabair and Prima
 3 hr class
 5000/-
 Create your own Mixed Media Art Art Canvas 8x8 inches in size
 Materials provided. Additional materials based on preference may be acquired.
18th of November
 Session One: 3-6

Polaroid Inspired photo Holders*
2 hr class
 2500/-
 Make and Take
 Materials provided. Additional materials based on preferred project may be required.
Create adorable photo holders to don your special moments. You will create a set of 3 photo holders and will create the coordinating embellishments to match. All materials, including Prima products provided.
18th of November
 Session One: 11-1
20th of November
 Session Two: 4-6

The Ornate Shadow Box*
 3 hr class
 6500/-
 Make and Take
 Materials such as 8x8 shadow frame provided. Additional materials based on individual project may be required. 1 4x6 photo to commemorate required.
19th of November
 Session One: 4-7

Tiny Treasures Gift Boxes*
 2 hr class
 1500/-
 Make and Take
 Dress up two of your own mini gift boxes. Experiment and play with embellishments and create based on preferred theme.
21st of November
 Session One: 5-7

Mini Album magic*
 3.5 hr class
 5000/-
 Create your own mini album. Start to finish.
 Chipboard bases and selective materials provided. Supply list based on personal preferences issued for variety and individual tastes.
23rd of November
 Session One: 3-6.30

Constructing Keepsake Tags*
 2 hr class
 2000/-
 Craft and take home your own whimsy tag. Dress it up with a concept. Select one word you want to work with. Access to Prima paper, stamps and flowers. Additional materials to be acquired based on preference.
25th of November
 Session One: 5 to 7

Tea in Transit, for every Chai Addict*3 hr class
3500/-
 Assemble and take home your mini tea bag dispenser using adorable Prima products. Whether you want to gift it to someone or want a pretty way to access your tea bags. You don't want to miss this!
 Materials provided.
27th of November
 Session One: 4 to 7

Bloom Inspired Art Tiles*
 3 hr class
 3500/-
 A fun class incorporating Jamie Daugherty Bloom Stamps and other Prima products. Construct an art piece on an 8x8 art tile. Personal medium of choice for coloring required (water colors, acrylics, coloring pencils, etc) basic materials for mixed media provided. Additional materials for embellishments to be brought based on individual requirement. Tile, access to Prima Art Essentials, Bloom stamps, adhesive and stencils included.
28th of November
 Session One: 4 to 7

Upcycled Utilities*
3 hr class
 3500/-
 Make the most of what you have lying about at home. Upcycle an existing box, container, basket, tin or pail. All materials provided, just bring something to alter! We're going to go all Prima on it!
1st of December
 Session One: 4 to 7
To REGISTER, please email fireflygirl.studioclasses@gmail.com with the Class and Session you are interested in joining! :)

Sparkle with Prima (Lulupu Blog Hop) Day 10

Hello Hello!

Thank you for paying my little space a visit as part of this super fun blog hop hosted by my friends over at Lulupu. I'm super excited to be sharing my bits and bobbles contributing to the amazing projects lined up as part of Sparkle with Prima. Before me was the Goddess of shabby chic and vintage, Mallika over at Aola Handmade Cards.

This is probably also my first post in a long while, and it's super cool cause I get to share one of the many pretty things I'll be experimenting with in the coming months as a Prima Art Educator for Pakistan. I have been on wheels for 5 weeks traveling for a little home away from home holiday. I got back day before yesterday, so please pardon the photos.

Alright, let's get to it.

I thought about what I wanted to craft for this hop. I had received an entire box of Prima goodies to play with (which by the way are still packed and in the process of going up in the craft space) prior to my holiday. And I had no time lost in deciding that it'd be fun to do something to commemorate the festival of lights, Diwali. I wanted to do this for all my crafty friends celebrating this festival. I read about it, and it was a little exciting working with a conceptual project.

I didn't want to take Diwali to a literal interpretation with candles and lights.. instead I worked up some crafty goodness keeping in mind the essence of Diwali. It celebrates new beginnings, comes around in autumn, and favors the good vs evil. Keeping these in mind I pulled up Prima's beautiful 'Epiphany' collection and got to it. This is an 8x8 mixed media canvas tile. It has been ink stained and layered with some of the cool new Finnabair Art Extravagance Specialty Paste, Clear Crackle. I stenciled it on with Prima's spin wheel set. It turned out pretty cool in between the ink layers. I used some of the Finnabair Mica Flakes and crused glitter.

The gorgeous resin bird is from the Ingvild Bolme collection. It's so prettttttaaaay! I popped open some lovely hues from the Color Bloom Sprays to accent the over all piece in tones of natural colors with a touch of fairy dust. Love these Color Bloom Sprays. Their nozzle, compared to others makes helps keep your hands clean. Super easy to use. The colors and consistency is just right, and the pearl like finish looks magical! <3

You can see some details up close, I've layered up with some inspiring words that tie up the new beginnings and Diwali. They give hope, make you feel happy...

The flutters within are all cut from the Epiphany collection. How lovely is it to imagine a changed world, with new beginnings, metamorphosis and the colors of gorgeous autumn?

I hope you all enjoyed this project. I look forward to some more craft therapy in coming months :) Thank you for stopping by. <3

Please hop over to Kripa at The Colour Press now to see the gorgeousness she's cooked up! :D

V

the call for urgent services on stingy budgets...

I am just thinking out loud.. This isn't to offend anyone.

But, why does everyone on every forum post the need for event planning, gifts, party favors and other things for birthdays.. Baby showers and bridal showers.. As well as anniversaries URGENTLY. I mean.. Don't these things get marked on the calendar ahead of time? Why the 11th hour?

And further.. Why must it be on a budget or inexpensive if it is urgently required. Someone's going to go into overdrive to get stuff sorted for you.. Is going to double time the efforts because someone else was lazy... And further it's probably a bespoke service!

Why do we hold back on paying where the money is due? To be wholely honest, I stopped bargaining with shop keepers and street vendors about 3 years ago. Unless I feel like the person is evidently taking me for a ride, I pay my bill as requested.

I love that our craft and design market has saturated and grown... But it's unfortunate that the psyche of consumers hasn't. Those who know the value of your work deserve to own it.. I didn't mention price.. I used the word value. And I didn't use the word afford, I used the word own... Both for a reason.

To My Bright Star

I do and will always love you.
For you are my brightest star,
My light to flutter filled days.
My greatest blessing,
For you transform my world in a thousand different ways.

-V

socia media.. easypaisa.. and other things

Often home run businesses.. Especially those that grow as a hobby are targeted to speculation and consumer rights.. One bad review.. Weighs often more than 10 good ones. And sometimes you have to go beyond the left and right to move forward.

Some of us who work from home do so out of passion. We brought our work to where it is.. With time.. Tireless efforts and immense thought processes. Some of us didn't borrow ideas from the community.. Our proceedings.. Our structure.. It evolved as time passed.

I write here now with an insight... to be able to share why parts of my structure at Firefly are the way they are.

Why I won't offer cash on delivery.
Cash on delivery is more expensive than courier services, firstly. Second, some companies have a billing cycle, in which payments are released in waiting periods. For a business like mine, dealing with smaller items and gifts... We run on revolving amounts. We clear our bills and make our purchases as and when needed. And we rely on payments to run. It's a proceeding. We don't process requests til payments are received. Given the volumes of queries and customers, it would be quite difficult to accommodate several hundred unpaid orders a month.

I also do not believe everyone is as honest about work as I may be.. And am not really ready to deal with customers who decline their orders... I am not going to foot the return bill and I will not have orders processed be returned just because. It's just a perspective. A lot of my fellow colleagues and crafters offer these facilities. They're convenient.. They're hassle free. I however look at things from another perspective and can't quite deal with this considering all the stuff currently on my plate.

Why can't I take easyPaisa?
Imagine. You like an item online.. You pay for it via easyPaisa.. Simple. You wait. Now there are 50 others like you, who pay via easyPaisa. Each at separate times. Each with separate requirements. In my average day.. I hardly have time to sit down and eat properly and pray.. Let alone step out and collect easyPaisa round the clock. If I attend to this all the time.. I'd be taking away from whatever little I have to design..plan..correspond or craft.

I do consider it on orders of minimum 4500/- simply because I'm okay stepping out to acquire an amount for an order that's appropriate in value. For every 200 and 400 rupee request it just doesn't work for me.. At Firefly at least. I understand customers feel the same way about going to the bank... But anywhere on the world abroad.. You pay for your items first. Then they deliver in 6 to 8 weeks!

Why I avoid artwork and images that don't belong to me.
Tomorrow, I do not in any way want to be held accountable for infringing on someone else's intellectual property or artwork. It's just not mine.. To use.. To sell.. To become popular for. I've always held Firefly close to me. It roots from my journal. I would want it to project my ideas.. My creativity. I had folks request TFIOS inspired pieces. I sat to work and developed a few designs. My take on it. I didn't want to use the blue and black clouds or chalkboard. I gave my galactic scrapbook touch... MY approach to it.

Why some things sell and others don't.
Design+Price+Quality

Why I have to put rules in place.
There are too many people I've come to know through my work.. And I've learned that even friends will withdraw from a commitment. Whether an order.. Or a stall booking. It doesn't bother me that who's going to buy it now. It matters to me that someone else could have availed my time.. My design process.. Or availed my platform.. To market their work.. Prepare themselves in accordance with time frames and found success. I can't bend the rules. I do it for one person.. I'm expected to for everyone.

My social media presence.
Going back to the number of people I know and the 'spotlight'... I prefer keeping some parts of my life exclusive to me. Maybe on me time. I systematically go through my mails.. I have particular paperwork I need present when doing so. If I haven't responded I may not have access to my data to avoid missing someone's request or booking.

I don't prefer using the FB profile for business transactions. It's great to share learning.. To connect and network.. But I like my work convos and discussions on my work platform. Keeps me from forgetting requests or orders.

Just because I liked a status.. Or shared a post off my cell phone.. Does not mean I'm available for a deep end discussion on why watering plants is integral.. Or how I need to reply to a work query because I'm online. I work round the clock. I work a lot. And there are times when I'm honestly in the middle of a mindset and cannot switch gears. Maybe I'm contemplating times with my grandmother at a point... And I don't want to respond post 1 am. You wait. You sort of have to become firm because not everyone will always be on the same wave length as you.

Work delays and circumstances.
Some of my work is outsourced.. And there are times I schedule something.. And life has other plans. Technical glitches... Horrid weather.. Or God forbid.. Civil unrest. You just roll with the times. Go with the flow!

I don't see how you're running a business or a show when you can't reply to someone.
I'm just going to smile at this one :) I don't feel the need to justify anything here. Must have done something right to be where I am. Alhamdulillah. I'll just say that some people feel really at ease or inspired meeting with me. And some just completely put off. I respect both. I just can't accommodate everyone or chase after things all the time. I get tired. I feel human. And that's a normal thing?

I'm still learning everyday. I'm growing... Each of us should. :)

Being Me.

Salaam and Hello everyone! :)

I'm not going to begin this post by mentioning how long it's been since I've blogged. Hehe. There we go, I just did.... ANYWAY!

I was inspired to blog today on a little personal something, about being me. A lot of you follow me on Facebook via my personal profile, have heard things about me, or know me as THE Firefly Girl. I'm humbled and thank you for your kindness, your love and utmost respect. I above all, thank HIM for protecting my flaws and granting me the honor among his people, on several levels. Alhamdulillah!

I get friends messaging me how they're thankful to have met me, or how I've inspired their lives, or you to know... what they like about me. And I sit dumbfounded. Wondering, that's how most people are, no? It may be that to the world you're someone, but to someone you may be the world. It makes my heart melt when all these young girls message me saying Varah Baji you inspire me, or Varah Baji I look up to you... or Varah you're my role model, you're such a colorful person. Alhamdulillah Alhamdulillah!

I wanted to share today that I'm a lot like everyone else. I mean, I have phases of being extremely happy and excited about things that add a sparkle to my day, and I have down days. Some days are such down days, I don't know how high of the ground I am. No joke! It's learning. A lot about life. I have a family, we have our family time, we have commitments, we have tragedies and we have happiness. I guess being imperfect is a sign of being normal. I become absent minded when I'm buried in work. I do feel bummed when the project turns out wrong the first 10 times. I don't like certain foods. And I love exploring he world.

The reason I'm sharing this here today is because in the last 6 months I discovered a whole new world for myself. I uncovered the fact that I have grown as a person through my work in the last 4 years, and a lot more through my personal life in the last year and a half. I'm definitely blessed there. I've come back to K-town. And I'm enjoying it. I love being around crafty people, I love meeting creative people and I thoroughly enjoy exploring new arenas for myself. I'm within the comfort of those I love. And I wouldn't trade it for anything else!

I'm probably the world's most impatient person. *guilty* I learned a lot about sabr over the last one year. In the last 2.5 months alone at the current work place, I've learned to be more accommodating, understanding, and have finally nailed the spot where not everything is my fault. I'm a perfectionist at some level, and when things aren't on the agenda or go off, I get upset... I believe in His decree, whole heartedly. And all along the way, I know that He's teaching me more about myself than I had ever imagined.

• I'm taking better care of myself on some levels. (no one else will come do it for me)
• I am more regular with my prayers/meditation time with Him. I've become more punctual actually in regard to Salah times. And I have this weird sad feeling when I miss one or am late. I'm not pious... I'm not Holy. I'm like everyone. Struggling and being Guided.
• I take a few minutes to doodle and write every day or every other day. Even if it's a one liner on Facebook. It keeps me sane! 
• I value my family greatly... 
• I am more attentive to my friends.
• I am generally happier
• I swore to myself that despite being unkind to, I will remain kind. Despite being bitterly treated, I would not become bitter, and despite being hurt or put down, I won't do the same to another human being, ever.
• I attempt to make at least a few people smile everyday (thank goodness for 479 people talking about this)
• I buy what I like when I shop... life's too short to think about that sale later, what if your shoe size is out of stock when you go back? I've found a lot of 'joy' in retail therapy the last few months. I dress well with what I'm comfortable in.
• There is no time to sit and ask WHY. Instead, I'm on more of a Why Not kind of spree. I've basically started over from scratch... and what they say about nothing is impossible til it's done.. It's so unbelievably true! You don't know how strong you are until that's the only choice you have. :) 

There's actually a whole lot more I wish to do and feel I need to reflect and improve on, I'm getting there. A wee bit at a time. :) Just felt like sharing this with you. I'm inspired. And it's all Him. <3

He is beautiful and loves beauty... why not spread it?

Love, V

Submitting to His Master Plan

When Firefly began 4 years ago, it was a very whimsy impulse to just do something and it became my journey. Because it roots from my journal, a lot of my life's individual experiences have always... been encircled with it. When I had my thesis, all of you knew my stress with mission graduation... when I had my travels, you all shared the same excitement when I'd post random travelogues, when I have been ill or distressed, you all have sent in your prayers, when I worked for a fashion house's publications from morning til evening, you all accommodated my weekend replies and even waited for your parcels to ship from Hong Kong.

I never really thought I could manage such a set up from another country til it was the only choice I had... You all have been a part of this larger family that I have yet to meet or be introduced to. And while you all leave me encouraging words every so often, whatever I have here to show for my endeavors is by His immense Grace and further by your support. I wanted to say Thank You.

So recently, another little phase swept over my life, and I have a strong feeling it's going to make Firefly leap into some more changes. I am a textilian.. which means my life at some point is rooted to fabrics, design, texture and other pretty things. While my heart and soul is and will remain Firefly, I have committed to a chapter for my professional career. I am back to work during the week. It is exciting for me, and is definitely something I look forward to. This means that orders here will continue to run, but will need a bit of adjustments. The inflow of requests is huge, MashaAllah, and it puts me in a stump on how I can even consider managing so many orders with a full time role at an office.

Please don't ever feel I have sidelined you, or do not find it significant to accommodate you. I am one person with just too much on one plate. I really love everything about this life we live Alhamdulillah, and my strength to continue is solely the amazing people I meet through my work. My shows for crafters shall continue, I shall continue creating keepsakes and quirky gifts, and I shall continue to inspire as well inshaAllah as long as my life permits me to.

I will revamp my order forms and order catalog, and I will finally put stocking around the city in place. Just to make things easier for all of you in the process. Nothing is constant, but change. I find it kinda magical that Firefly has always led me to where I'm supposed to be... it's kept me connected to 'home' on so many levels. And the journey seems to get better and better MashaAllah.

Thank you everyone for being the most amazing fanbase and support system anybody could hope for. You all are #love

I will update our order status on the website this evening. Lots of you will receive happy mail this coming week! And all my unread messages and emails will also be addressed tonight.

Love,
The Firefly Girl