Have I mentioned that I have an ancient computer? Well, if you've been in the of the store lately and hung out with us for over a minute, I've probably mentioned it. I ask everyone what kind of computer they have and if they like it. There are so many choices and I am having a heck of time finding the right one for me. ANYWAYYYY, the reason I am telling this is because I was dying to blog about the class we had at the store this past Saturday and I wasn't able to get my pictures from my camera. So this post is a bit delayed.

On Saturday we had a new teacher at Zinnia that Tamara met her at CHA. Lisa Guerin, Somerset Studio Director's Circle Artist drove from Capistrano to teach 'Gypsy Junk Jewelry a unique style of jewelry design using art stamps, shrink film and lots of bits of junk (We call the bits of junk Doo-Dads). The drive from Capsitrano is quite long but Lisa said that the drive didn't bother her because as she explained, she is a graduate of the Andriette school of driving. I'm a geek, I think that means that she drives really fast. So anyway, Lisa comes walking in with a happy smile and a great energy. She had called a couple times because she had gotten a little lost then with the street fair that was going on the parking situation was ridiculous. Nonetheless she walked-in happy and ready to teach. She had on a cool pair of overalls and a very interesting pair of boots. I noticed the cuff on the overalls had a butterfly which made them super.

Lisa started by handing out kits that from where I was standing looked like they had some cool tools and supplies for the class. This was a fun class with tons of information and helpful tips. While the students concentrated I snapped a picture here and there. Lisa wandered away from time to time to treasure hunt for "the things she didn't know she needed" through out the store. Every time she came over and chatted with us and let us know how excited she was by all that was to see at the store. When she walked away Tam and I looked at each other and agreed, "She's super cool" Lisa has a quirky way about sharing her experiences. She shared about her personal life and the joy of having a 14 year old son. I hope that Lisa makes the drive back to the store soon so we can continue to get to know her and the wonderful things she can teach us. She was earthy, positive and ALIVE. I really can appreciate someone with her energy.

So Lisa, please come back soon.

Store artist Kari Atol was there.

John was one of the students these are his treasures, cool ha?

Live in color!

Suki

Taxes will not be increased at Zinnia anytime soon!

Help me spread the word. What word? Well Tamara has made the decision not to raise the tax at Zinnia. WHAT!!!! Ya, that's what I said when she told me that she had decided to be a rebel and show them. Actually, the first thing I said was "Can you do that?" Well, yes she can and she is. Isn't that cool? With things being as they are, you know the economy... you can be sure that when you stop by to pick up that thing that you didn't know you needed you will only pay 8.25% taxes. That's an advantage of owning your own business. So let's support the small businesses, the mom and pop store, the little guy.

I heard that other businesses are doing the same. I tried to google other rebels like Tamara but I couldn't find them. Do you know any others? Tell us.

Live in Color!

Suki

Swatches Books class this Saturday!

Swatches: Little Paper Books with Kelly Kilmer

11 to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 18th

I'm absolutely addicted to these little books. I guarantee after this class, you'll be too! After you pick from a hodge podge of "found" papers, you will assemble a variety of little paper books. We will quickly assemble a small pile of "swatches" learning a quick and easy bookbinding stitch as you go. We will then start to work quickly on the pages (but not too quickly) working in multiple books at one time, listening to our muses (no criticism only soft whispers of "go for it..."), we will collage, stamp, paint, doodle, stitch and play on the pages. You will learn how to work fast. You will learn a variety of new mixed media collage techniques. You will walk out with a small pile of books that you can toss in a bag and bring with you anywhere and everywhere.

Supply list- Students should, please, bring to class: Favorite Glue stick, Scissors, bone folder, cork backed metal ruler, small selection of collage ephemera to use, roll of waxed paper, old rag or roll of paper towels. Questions? Please email Kelly at Egorey99@sbcglobal.net

You can see more Swatches books on my blog scattered through out September to December.

Finding Your Creative Voice - Gina Armsfield

I completely spaced out a few weeks ago when I first met Gina Armfield when she taught a class at Zinnia called, "Finding Your Creative Voice". I had every intention to blog about her so that you would be sure to look out for her upcoming classes. But like I said I spaced. Gina will be back at Zinnia on the 3rd, that's this Friday teaching that class again.

Here's the deal... Gina shows up with sun-shiny self with tons of supplies and a few pretty snazzy MACs. She taught the students how to use the MAC and manipulate photos to incorporate into the art work that the students got to take home. There is a far more eloquent way to say all of that but I am just 'breaking it down'. I will cut and paste the information provided by Gina that we sent out about the class in our most recent newsletter. The information with pictures is also available on the store's website: http://www.zinnia.biz/ Her classes are pretty long but you do get a lunch break and honestly the time will fly by.
I hope you will be able to make it. Please call the store 626-441-2181 to reserve your space I anticipate this class getting filled up.

Friday April 3rd 11:am - 5:pm"Finding Your Creative Voice"with Gina Armfield$55.** there is a $20. material fee

This class is constructed for you to learn how to access that unique voice within yourself so that you can express your creative spirit in an introspective and honest way while learning a plethora of computer, photographic, and drawing skills.This class will explore the use of computer self-portraiture, paint, pastel and pen techniques to create a journal that will excavate our creative voice.
I will provide the computers and printer so that we will be able to learn a variety of techniques using iphoto, photoshop and photobooth to capture our image in a unique way. We will then print out these and use them to create meaningful journal pages. You will learn quick and easy background pages and several fast journal-binding techniques.The ideas taught in this class will provide a springboard for you to use as an inspiration for all of your work.Please visit my art blog http://sweetsistergina.typepad.com, email me with questions at armfield@att.net or you can visit the Zinnia website for more information

Live in Color!
Suki