Sandy Bahrich is the founder, designer, and chief maker at Firefly Notes Creative LTD. Operating out of a studio nestled in Steveston, on the picturesque west coast of Canada, Sandy and her dedicated team pour their passion into every aspect of their craft. With meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to personal customer care, they strive to provide excellent service and deliver a high-quality product. Sandy’s creative vision and hands-on approach ensure that each Firefly Notes creation is infused with artistry and care, making them truly special keepsakes.

Firefly Notes Enamel Stitch Markers 

1. Pleasantries first… Tell us about who you are and what you do?

My name is Sandy Bahrich and I am the chief designer/ maker and owner of Firefly Notes. We design cute stuff primarily for the fibre industry. Knitting notions, notions tins and other yarnie swag.

 2. What is your favourite way to get the creative juices flowing?

Early mornings, classical music, deep dives into history, poetry, archives. Listening to the birds and looking at the sun glimmering on the water. So much gets my creative juices flowing! 

3. What does a typical day look like at firefly notes?

I get up and do the mom thing and get people off to school and then head down to my studio in Steveston village and meet whatever awesome crew is working with me that day and we get to work packing orders and usually cap off the day by resining a batch of tins which we leave to dry overnight. There is lots of other stuff in there but that is an overview!

4. What is your favourite part of the making process? Is it coming up with new designs? Seeing the finished product?

Both! But if I had to really put my finger on my fave I would have to say I really liked designing packaging. I like making an eye-catching package! And seeing my custom-designed enamel stitch marker designs come to life too. That’s really fulfilling. 

  5. What is your inspiration for your projects?

Nostalgia and history. Randomness and the desire to give people a little chuckle.

 6. What’s your favourite project/design so far and why?

My fave project has to be this seasons stitch marker advent calendar. I designed all the packaging as usual but this year I designed ALL the enamel stitch markers too. In prior seasons I had used stock charms but I went with a theme this year and designed them all myself. A huge design endeavour for me. Lots of work but the ultimate personal stamp from me and I can say all pieces are truly exclusive this year. Fun! I can’t wait to come up with other themes! I have so many ideas!

7. What do you do to unwind?

Walks with my husband, sons and my dog, beach time in the summer, wine with my pals, and I am addicted to antiques roadshow. Britbox is #1! 

 8. What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Do unto others as you would have others do unto you! (Best advice ever!) 

I try and adhere to this in business. What would I want as a customer? How would I like to be treated when I purchase something from someone? 

9. What’s next for you? Any exciting new projects in the pipeline…

Again, we are getting the 2023 advent calendar ready. This is exciting and new every year! 

That and I have a dog thing (for knitters!) on the back burner once I get the advent out.

10. Do you have any goals for Firefly in the future?

Currently taking it one step at a time. One foot in front of the other at the moment. We moved studios recently and that was big for us. Designing all the charms for the advent was also huge for me so my goal is to settle in and roll for a bit. That said rolling along never usually lasts long for me before I come up with another idea! Lol!