Crafts Month Celebrations - The Hop

Super excited to be blogging on this today. *given again I got carried away with work and committments that I left out my thoughts and musings.* ANYHOW...

Last year in March, we got approved to be retailers for scrapbooking supplies. MashaAllah, we've been stocking for a bit now. Excited about new inventory shipping and even more excited that this year, mashaAllah.. everyone else is celebrating Crafts Month with us! :) We mentioned it over at the page, and some of our crafty friends thought it'd be a fab idea to do something collectively. *waves to Noveen from All That Sparkle*

Since several of us already decided on what we're doing and how we're going about, it was hard to get everyone into the loop. I figured, I could share everyone's pages and works compiled in this blog post for the Craft Month Page Hop. :)

By the way. Not to be suggestive, but your feedback on these Craft Month projects is super important to all of us. So make sure you visit all the pages participating and leave comments on their work for the theme of the week. :)

I'll stop jabbering and get to the point now.
Below are our themes for Craft Month. And you all are welcome to craft along with us. We share our projects every Tuesday. If you don't have a page, and are just a crafty friend, feel free to send us your work, we'll display it here for all our visitors. :)

Craft Month, Weekly Project Inspiration

Every Tuesday this month, we will share a project, either new or old we have pieced together to go with the theme of the week. The project doesn't have to be a literal interpretation, you can do something conceptual! :)

Upload it on your page sharing that it's dedicated to Crafts Month and the weekly theme, like some of us did on our Facebook Pages :)

March 5th:
Spring, incorporate a Handmade Flower
March 12th:
Memories, incorporate a sentiment (stamped or printed)
March 19th:
Patriotism and the challenge is to incorporate something green, a moon and a star, or something Pakistani.
March 26th:
Love and the challenge is to use stitching. (faux or real is up to you)

Please don't combine the weekly themes or swap them for your convenience.


Craft Month, Page Hop
Please note, only pages with original work have been posted. If you classify as a 'crafter' feel free to write to us!

All That Sparkle
Cartolina
Craft Circus
Firefly
FizY's Art
FLO
Glitter & Swirls
Ghazal Pirzada Creative Studios
Handmade Memories
Kaghaz Kay Karnamey (Magic of Handmade Papermaking)
LimeLight Favors
Pearl.Box
Spectrum It's all about Colors
Violetta

Artèsania by Aisha

Rb's Craft Bin

Under-Wraps
Paper Magic

Süñdús Riaz Äbbásï Rainbow Dazzle

Creative Creations

Zee- Handmade with Love

Favors & More

Whispering Emo-tee's

Splat Designs

Chum Chum

Purple Circle
Spring-Spreading Colors

Rangeen - The Splash Of Colors.

Dazzle Accessories

Phulwari Crafts

Art-ESTHETICS

Paper Magic

Moam- Lighten up your Home

100 Degreez 100 Degreez ~

Rainbow Dazzle

D-Creations

Creative Creations

aura craft

Bedazzled

A to Z
 ɞ Flutters & Fancies ɞ

A r t i l i c i o u s

Handmade Pleasures

Maria's Bookmarks

Prisms and Paintbrushes
R. A. Creation'z

 

The Rules:

Craft Hop participants that fail to produce a project will be removed from the Page Hop.

Hop status gets shared 3 times a day.

Please take out time and visit all these fellow crafters :) Show some lovin!

This is a collective/community effort, you may not be a part of other individual campaigns.

The idea is to bring crafters together as a community and to follow one code. If that makes sense. :)

 

Happy Crafting!

 

The Smile Sunshine Campaign.

March is around the corner, and every loyal Firefly fan knows what that means, it means we celebrate smiles and gift giving with Firefly's birthday! inshaAllah :) We turn 3 this year. *man time flies* And as I do every year, I wanted to do something for my fans. Apart from the special offers and promotional sale, I will be hosting the Smile Sunshine Campaign... and I need you all to support it. Don't think pockets right now, thinking happy thoughts. Items available as part of the campaign are at Pot of Gold prices.

The idea is to promote an exchange of gifts... It's not quite the Secret Pal, but hey, you may not know what your best friend, your mom or your brother are getting you. :) I drafted this to help everyone understand how this works.

 

 

 

1. Find a Campaign Partner (friend, parent, cousin, significant other, grandparent...)

2. Order gifts for them, (we'll ship them over)

3. They order for you (we ship the gifts to you)

4. You share your sentiments upon receiving, and photograph your gifts...

5. Share them on the Campaign Event Page

6. On the 25th, we select 6 of you, (3 paired up campaign partners) and send you Goody Bags, worth over Rs 2500 each! :)

7. Smile Sunshine!

Even our Prophet, Sallallahu Alaihe Wasallam encouraged gift giving and encouraged bringing together people in good spirit. :) So let's keep the smiles going... and the joys of gift giving going! InshaAllah.


The event is here...
https://www.facebook.com/events/346391925479955/


The campaign deals/prices/purchases are open til the 12th of March :)
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.568308413180996.128750.170622579616250&type=3


We draw out 6 names (3 pairs of campaign registrants) for Firefly Goodie Bags (valued at over Rs 2500 each)

Happy Shopping!

Keep me in your duas everybody, and thank you for keeping Firefly as such an important part of your lives <3

my work, my faith, my ethics.

I don't know what it is, but there's been an avalanche of craziness going around over the web and of course Facebook. Back when I started Firefly, handcrafted items and gifts were a completely different dimension. Today mashaAllah, Pakistan is going through a craft revolution, where entrepreneurship and 'scrapbooking' is being done left, right center... Wallet cards too! But that's not what I want to write about...

What I wanted to write about today, is rather a plea. And I hope after reading this, everyone sits back in their seat and thinks for a minute. Islamically, stealing is a condemned act. Whether some one else sees you or not, Allah Kareem is watching. A thief is one who steals, or takes without consent, and usually secretly.

A thief may not be after crowned jewels, a stash of money, expensive electronics or diamonds... a thief may rob you of your intellectual property, whether it's something you spent time thinking about, putting care into wording or piecing together... OR something you designed, created or assembled. Today, this boom of Facebook businesses has also given rise to fraudulent entrepreneurship as well as thievery of another kind. It's depressing, disgusting and out right wrong.

There are several people that surf around and click, 'Like'... whether it's to keep up with the page, to enter their contest/give away, or just appreciate their work. What happens when you like a page that's involved in robbing others of their talent and efforts?

Let's contemplate:

- someone has created a page, and uploaded photos of work you've seen elsewhere. They have stolenn someone else's work and passed it off as their own. You know the work belongs to someone else, you're still there.. a part of this crime.

- that someone will be taking your order, or creating something for you.

- that someone will commit a date or time for your request, or assure you of your order and it's value.

- what guarantee is there, that the individual will not cheat YOU? When they've cheated on someone else?

Oh great, I like a page that indulges in all this...
-what does this say about you? are you endorsing such acts or deeds by fellow business owners? Are you supporting such form of entrepreneurship?

One day you're going to launch your line of work, you're going to start out somewhere, you're going to want to be original... what will you do when something similar happens to you? are you not going to think back and wonder, Oh no, I supported him/her when they cheated that page, or that person... and today it's happening to me.

Forget hurting someone else... you're only degrading your stature in public... people do not know you as a person, they know you as a page owner, as a brand... and if you're involved in such unethical actions, you're sending out bad vibes to your customers, and your fans.

I've had my 'about' 'pricing' and pretty much everything 'Firefly' copied/replicated start to finish. I am humbled you find my work so appealing and my way of maintaining and promoting my work the way I do. I must make you aware however, whatever I have done, created, or pieced out is Alhamdulillah ORIGINAL. Because Alhamdulillah, I took time and thought to come up with it. Just because it worked for me, does not mean it'll work for you just by lifting or doing what I did.

Rizq and Naseeb are all written by Him from above. I am not saying anything about your earning... I am requesting you to consider the WAY you're earning. Yes, money comes... but the barakah only remains when you're honest with who you are and what you do. You can cheat an entire cosmos... but at the end our Rabb will only smile down upon you... because you are cheating yourself... and your children with the 'earnings' you feed them with.

I pray every business gets the success they deserve... and HE knows best.

I pray for hidayat of all those individuals that are out there working without ethics and sleeping soundly without an ounce of guilt or shame... Alhamdulillah to those who have their conscience alive. :) I have utmost respect for others, that work really hard to do what they do. For those who don't... All I can say is, you may cheat someone now, wait til it happens to you. Karma comes around... and Allah Kareem ki Pakar sab se bari hoti hai.

Being inspired, does not allow ANY person a license to do what the other person does JUST because they were doing it. Do it because you want to have meaning, do it because it means something to you. And when you do it, stop with the copy paste. You're only insulting yourself when you mock codes or ethics... or rights of others. I've seen people laugh or snort at the sound of a lawsuit or copyrights. When our educated class responds this way to the existance of such regulations, it's no wonder our entire country falls below and goes into decline.

PS: I know who copies... who replicate and plagiarize from me. If I haven't said anything or thrashed you for it, does not mean there's nothing I can't do. It's called faith in Him. He will handle affairs, and set them straight. You just may not be worth my time... or my energy. Anything positive, is not achieved without hurdles... and nothing great comes easy. May Allah Kareem guide us all.

a friend of mine keeps telling me... don't look side ways... keep looking ahead. And you know what... that's JUST what I'm going to continue to do! :) <3

Dedicated to all my lovelies. Stay blessed.
 

living life. Alhamdulillah

It's been a bit since I got to blog everyone, I'm sorry to those who stumbled across recently, and I haven't yet greeted you. At this time I'm slowly getting used to 'abusing' my wrist and working with my hands again. I had to take a little break.. trust me 5 days feels like forever when you craft perpetually.

February is here, and soon March will... and oh my gosh.. we just have so much happening. So many things have happened in the last few weeks that make me contemplate more and more about my existance as a human being and the impact I may or may not have on people around me or remotely close to me. Recently I discovered my blog actually made someone break down and cry... because the emotions I have here are exactly what she felt.. and she felt upset that she let go of her journal, her expression, her identity.


A couple of weeks ago, I came across a page that ripped off my doodles and used them for her work. IT upset me more to see things I wrote for greeting cards, she slapped onto her own. It was more shameful to know that she's a bit senior... and considers this her 'passion'. No wonder we aren't getting anywhere as a people. When someone from masses, educated masses can cheat, deceive and be such, why wouldn't others with more power or authority? May Allah Kareem guide us all. I haven't done anything about it. My Rabb will take care of things and what is true shall reveal itself somewhere down the road. InshaAllah.

My crafting supplies and tools arrived on Friday. Mum shipped the first box. So now I'm ready to go back into gear. Although I did 3 mini albums without any dies or embossing folders, OR any punches. :) so I suppose I have it in me to make do with whatever. Alhamdulillah :) Space here for us is limited. And am I grateful my husband doesn't show his discomfort or sigh over the hoard of crafting supplies tucked here and there. I've bought heaps of storage drawers and have pretty much utilized every nook and cranny to keep things organized and arranged. I'll share photos of the space this week :) Need to get it spiffied up a bit more since I have work in progress scattered out.

Here it's a little different, because things are somewhat more expensive. There are scrapbooking stores, but sheesh.. they cost heaps too. And I can understand why, as I have been in their place with Willow. Shipping and stocking gets expensive!

I'm really looking forward to my first international exhibition at the Handmade Hong Kong Backyard Bazaar at Discovery Bay. It's a blissful location. Beachside, greenery, a pier.. posh cafes and tons of foreigners... that have an eye for keepsakes and paper craft :) We went to check out their Feb bazaar yesterday. So I can have an idea of what to prepare and how to go about it. I'm nervous and excited at the same time. So make dua for me you guys :)

Firefly turns three in March inshaAllah. And we're going to celebrate it with the launch of our website. whimsical-firefly.com :) I have Ali from Infinitus putting his life into this and it makes me feel so blessed to have his help :D Allah Kareem is awesome. He sends miracles my way, and everything in my life just keeps falling into place, mysteriously. SubhanAllah.

It is the beautiful month of the beloved Prophet Sallallahu Alaihe Wasallam. I have attempted to a the 99 Praises for him. Hoping to finish those soon. It's actually hilarious how everyone wants to declare fatwas and insist on Islamic teachings and values regarding celebrating Mawlid, but no one really raises a finger or protests 'Valentine's'. I'm not a Valentine's addict nor do I care too much for the occasion, which is probably why yall haven't seen the word 'Valentine' at Firefly :) I do have gifts for loved ones, and have collaborated with Nov and ET this year. It's a 'Love' thing for me. Nothing more.

I'm slowly making my place here. I have a lot I want to accomplish.. but that'll happen gradually with time... I was thinking back the other night. How nearly two years ago. No one knew what a tag book was. People scrapbook yes, they have forever, but the concept went viral in Pakistan. And the best part, I wanted people to be aware of this craft, to appreciate it. I began the Ultimate Crafter's Workshops last year. And man.. it's amazing. How ideas take form and evolve an entire people. I'm happy to 'think' that I 'might' have contributed to this. A bit. :) Willow will be resuming soon. We're looking into Ranger products and MME! :D

A lot of people are now interested in hosting and conducting 'expos'.. at times I hate this bandwagon theory, but then snap back to positivity thinking, hey! we sparked a trend :) And it's good for those entrepreneurs starting out or waiting for the right exposure! :)) For those who are waiting for the Crafter's Expo this year. We are working on a date for December inshaAllah :) do start planning what you'd like or wish to do. We'd love to make it bigger and better this year! *throws confetti* It was a milestone to have accomplished it in September... I could never have imagined it happening but it pulled through. And Alhamdulillah, it rocked! :) So looking forward to seeing everybody again.

*note to self: we are not doing a lucky draw. our photobooth will ONLY have digital portraits*

Anyhow. I hope things keep moving forward inshaAllah. It's a bit of adjusting, waiting a month for orders... or having them ship from Hong Kong. But hey, a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do :) I ship out my first lot of handmade at the end of this month. inshaAllah :D

I'm still dreaming of a shop. Maybe I'll go for one in Hong Kong and then root my feet into Pakistan again. Just a few dreams, neh? What are we without em? And of course.. without our faith?

Thank YOU Allah Kareem, You are AWESOME.
PS:
Mr Awesome went viral. *grin*
I used that phrase for my fiance, now husband when he sent me a surprise parcel. I exclaimed ohmg that's Awesome! He replied saying, of course, 'cause you're awesome... and I couldn't hold back.. He wasn't Prince Charming. He was, is and will be Mr Awesome for life :) <3

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2013... the year of more happenings!

So it dawned upon me that I haven't blogged in a while and I have a perfectly responsible excuse for that.. I've been trying to get Firefly operations back and running along with something AWESOME for all those who have been asking me about Online Classes for a while now.

When we conduct our Ultimate Crafter's Workshop, there are often delays or unseen drops in attendance due to exams, situation in the city or the fact that people want to whine about the venue... when the truth is, where there is a will, there's a way.


I won't be hosting my workshops til I'm in town next for the expo, so til then... we will be beginning our online classes via Ustream. I am super duper excited about this, because this means, all our crafty friends can watch the classes online and interact with us at the same time :) isn't that neat? I have set a time of 6-9 pm Pakistan time. I'm three hours ahead in Hong Kong. It will take a few tries to make it right, but hey.. you have to start some where. There are heaps of tutorials online, but I figure for Pakistanis especially, we need a local insight as well. What materials do you find, where do you get em.. which jugaars do you come up with. I've had countless queries on the online classes since yesterday and I am very very glad that I'm having Firefly fans from around the globe connect! MashaAllah.

Those who are interested can write to me fireflygirl.studioclasses@gmail.com for information :) I have 18 class modules listed for queue and sign ups... but am totally flexible to more tutorial requests or technique demos. I will share freebie sessions every now and then as well.

The 18 modules do have fees but are minimal if compared to the rates currently in the market internationally! Let's just say, it's not even for my time.. it's for my laptop, the internet connection the classes run on and my crafting supplies :) Hope you all learn and this is a fruitful project. I need heaps of duas, and cannot wait to interact with you all!

Our Demo Class is Monday! 6 pm :)
bookmark this channel... and watch out for the password ;) I'll share it Monday at 5 pm.
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/craft-academy

for information on these online classes, email me at the above mentioned gmail addy.. let's learn and get crafting! all in the comfort of our pj's at home ;)

Recent news about the pages being deleted and violating terms of service.. while I never agreed with the grand giveaways, I do feel I should stop hosting the smaller ones on my page to avoid graver consequences. All giveaways from now on will be hosted here just to be safe. SO.. all of you need to click 'follow' on the righ hand side and leave your comments here!

I'm working on another project I'm excited about publishing very soon. It's for my Prophet Sallallahu Alaihe Wasallam inshaAllah... and will be debuted on the 12th of Rabi ul Awwal if all goes well :) I had an article published on Firefly last month in Newsline... which had some false information. It's being rectified in this month's issue... look out for it :))

Hong Kong by the way is awesome Alhamdulillah. I'm still exploring and settling in :) you guys can follow my escapades by following me on Instagram.. firefly_girl23. If you have a photo of a Firefly purchase you want to instagram...  tag with #whimsical_firefly

:) xx

life it is.

At some point, each of us wonders why it is that at some moments we feel flustered, at others we sigh or why it is that something so simple makes us feel like we're on the 9th cloud. Truly through seasons to people enter our lives, and with reason too! We may bicker, we may drown, we may rise.. and some may fall. In this loop we discover that the sunshine won't last always, and raindrops will surf...

ace. At the end of the day, that's just a little mystery of life, we aspire to fulfill our dreams, we wake to give living a joy, and we rise to faith... and to make it be known that each of us has a purpose and always will. Alhamdulillah to such blessings and to so much love! The recent texts, emails, inbox messages, comments and pretty much 'gifts' that I keep receiving are awesome, and undoubtedly His countless blessings upon me! :) Juma' Mubarak everyone. Wishing all of you the life of love, joy and above all.. eman!