TGIF!!!!!!!!!!!!! This week almost killed me. There is always so much going on with me that I wonder how I don't screw up more often. I'm happy that it's Friday because Fridays and Saturdays are my play days at Zinnia. Today we had so many mini projects going that my mind felt like a slot machine in Vegas. The truth is that we get so excited about making stuff or putting stuff together that we go a little crazy.

This week Tamara and Joey got usy and worked on making paper packages. If you are not sure what that is... the packages are an assortment of images and papers that coordinate or follow a theme that we put together and package up. For instance, a package can be a purple theme or based on an image say a baby or a cool car. When we make these packages they pretty much fly out the door. I think that it is because they are not only beautiful but one-of-a-kind. Each package is $5.99. I'm a paper-freak so these packages are a true temptation. I have used these packages in creating my memory boxes.

Earlier this week Tamara sent out the Zinnia newsletter, 'What's Blooming at Zinnia'. Did you receive it? The newsletter goes out at least once every couple of weeks. We use the newsltter to announce upcoming classes and new merchandise such as; the new publication from Somerset Apprentice. If you don't get the newsletter but would like to, just send me a comment to this post and include your email and I will see to it that you are added. Or, you can get down to the store and add your email to the list. Here's an insider scoop. From time to time you the newsletter includes a coupon to use at the store.

Suki has an ETSY store!!!

The art show on the 14th was so inspirational for me. It kind of lit a fire under me and I kept myself pretty busy this past week. I am happy to announce that I finally opened my ETSY store. Yeaaahhh! I am so excited. Yes, like Tamara said in the most sarcastic slash humorous tone... "it's about time" and yes it was. I have to admit that Iwas a bit overwhelmed with the ETSY concept but with tons of support from my friends I went ahead and 'went for it'. I have 6 things posted right now and I will add more before the end of the week. Please take a few minutes to check it out. http://www.sukimoonpie.etsy.com/

The Heartbreak Show art is still up and will be through this weekend. None of the pieces have been removed so if you stop by you will still be able to take in all the artwork that was submitted. The artwork is for sale so don't miss out. Also, there is slide show on the Zinnia website (zinnia.biz), just got to the site and click on "slideshow".

Charm Class

Sunday from 11-2, come learn to solder! Have you ever wanted to make your own soldered glass pendant, or charms for a bracelet?? Well this is it! All materials provided, and no experience necessary~

Reclaimed: An Altered Artist’s Book

sat 21st
Reclaimed: An Altered Artist’s Book:

I love books, books in all forms and books with a variety of different pages. This is a book you will love. You will create, using a hardcover book as a base, a book with a plethora of different pages in a variety of textures and designs. You will sew these pages into your Reclaimed book. You will then learn several new mixed media techniques to work on the pages. Your head will be full of new ideas after this class. We’re brining altered books to a whole different level. You’ll fall in love with the idea of reclaiming a book that was headed to the dumpster as an amazing work of art. This is a class for beginners to advanced: all are welcome.

Supply list: You need to bring a hardcover book (my sample is an old ledger, but you can use ANY kind of hardcover book. The size and thickness is up to you. Questions? Email Kelly at Egorey99@sbcglobal.net), Scissors, small selection of favorite collage ephemera, bone folder, cork back metal ruler, roll of waxed paper, roll of paper towels, permanent black inkpad, container to hold water, 3 1" brushes to glue and paint (I like chip or bristle brushes).

Oh Boy! Saturday was so much fun. There was such a great energy in the store. It was nice to see so many people, couples, families and some 4 legged friends. We were excited to be included in our friends' Valentine's evening. Tamara will have some pictures to share on the website. I really hope you were able to make it. If not, remember the show will be up and available until March 4th. That's Tamara and Joey picture.

So moving forward... I have to tell you about someone I recently met. She's well-known but she is new to me. I recently met Christine at the store. She is one of the new teachers and taught Valentine Vixen class last week. It was pretty funny because I was there when she got to the store and started bringing her supplies in for the class. Tamara and I looked at each other because she had so many supplies (I am not exaggerating) it looked like she was moving in. But you know that translate to tons of fun stuff for her class. Anyway, Christine is not only a sweetheart she is super nice and I am excited to see what else she will be teaching. Here is a link to her bio: http://web.mac.com/ttolkin/zinnia/Christine_Rose_Elle.html If you can't get to it, just go to the store website (www.zinnia.biz) and click on 'teachers', scroll down and you will see a link to her bio.

And one more thing... After the art show on Saturday's event I came home and made a yummy dinner for Ross and myself. I had to take a picture of something that happen that was pretty cool. Some people see Jesus on toast or the Virgin Mary on a log... I saw hearts when I chopped green onions for dinner. Kind of cool because it was afterall, Valentine's Day and I had to share.

Enjoy!

Geeezo, it's been crazy busy. We are so excited about the show on Saturday... the artwork is coming in and it's all so beautiful. EEEYikes, I am officially intimidated. I won't name names but I have to say that just when I was familiar with what my friends do I am blown away by something new. It's also exciting to meet fellow artists when you come into the store to drop of your artwork. I hope that whether you are part of the show or an art lover you can help us get the word out. Stop by the store, I think that we still have postcards if you need any.
So, is anyone doing anything wild or exciting for Vday? If we weren't having this show I would be home with Ross (my boyfriend)... home cooked meal, good movie and that's it. No fluff or fuss for me thank you very much. So, seriously... what are you doing? Anything special? Come on don't be shy.
Okay, I'm off to go watch a guilty pleasure on the tube. I'm not admitting this, but American Idol Rocks!
Hope to see you on Saturday. I hope it doesn't rain. I have to rethink my outfit.

Suki

“One Hundred Love Sonnets: XVII”- Pablo Neruda

I don’t love you as if you were a rose

I don’t love you as if you were a rose of salt, topaz,
or arrow of carnations that propagate fire:
I love you as one loves certain obscure things,
secretly, between the shadow and soul.
I love you as the plant that doesn’t bloom but carries
the light of those flowers, hidden, within itself,
and thanks to your love the tight aroma that arose
from the earth lives dimly in my body.
I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where,
I love you directly without problems or pride:
I love you like this because I don’t know any other way to love,
except in this form in which I am not nor are you,
so close that your hand upon my chest is mine,
so close that your eyes close with my dreams.