May 25, 2010

This Weekend Class

Saturday, May 29th 11am to 3pm $85
Angela Cartwright and Connie Freeman


This Gaylord...one of Alli's friends that stops by after hours. He has actually stopped by during the day, he is a happy, gigantic and lovable friend of the store.
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May 15, 2010

I have to tell you about two young girls that came into the store. They were 11 and 12 years old. One has gigantic blue eyes, a cute outfit and an enormous bow on her head. Seriously, it was bigger than her head, but she wore it well. The other girl was spunky and talkative. She was very stylish. They asked me how much the tax would be for an item they wanted for a gift for $4.99. I asked them how much money they had and they said five dollars. I told them that was enough. When they get to the counter Miss Big Bow opens her wallet and a couple hundred dollar bills come out along with more bills. I asked them if that was their wallet... Miss. Bog Bow says' "Yes, I am a designer". Without skipping a beat Miss Stylish said, "Yep, she is... she designed my outfit. It use to be a skirt but I put it on around my neck with and tied a ribbon around my waist to make a sleeve. She designs my clothes and I model it... she pays me". These to young ladies were adorable. So sure, so confident. Miss stylish was wearing a plaid pleated shirt. It had a lot of pleats so it fanned out as a sleeve on one side. Because they are so young I didn't take pictures of them but believe me Tamara and I were impressed by the two of them.

Miss. Big Bow and Miss. Stylish

I have to tell you about two young girls that came into the store. They are 11 and 12 years old. One has gigantic blue eyes, a cute outfit and an enormous bow on her head. Seriously, it was bigger than her head, but she wore it well. The other girl was spunky and talkative. She was very stylish. They asked me how much the tax would be for an item they wanted for a gift for $4.99. I asked them how much money they had and they said five dollars. I told them that was enough. When they get to the counter Miss Big Bow opens her wallet and a couple hundred dollar bills come out along with more bills. I asked them if that was their wallet... I thought I had been coned. Miss. Big Bow says' "Yes, I am a designer". Without skipping a beat Miss Stylish said, "Yep, she is... she designed my outfit. It use to be a skirt but I put it on around my neck with and tied a ribbon around my waist to make a sleeve. She designs clothes and I model it. and she takes my picture... she pays me". These to young ladies were adorable. So sure, so confident. Miss stylish was wearing a plaid pleated shirt. It had a lot of pleats so it fanned out as a sleeve on one side. Because they are so young I didn't take pictures of them but believe me Tamara and I were impressed by the two of them.
It was so nice to have the two of them in the store. I went home and tied a shirt around my neck but sadly, I wasn't as stylish. I love having the opportunity to meet cool people while I work.

May 09, 2010

Happy Mother's Day...

To all the Moms out there. To the sisters that raised younger siblings. To the women who care for children in anyway, shape or form. I spent the afternoon at my parent's house eating Colombian food from my Mom's favorite Colombian restaurant. I gave her the gift I made her and I am not sure what she really thought. I hope she ends up using it.

I have to share my favorite Mother's Day story. For the past 16 years I have worked with children. Kids whose Moms are not around for whatever reason. I love working with kids. About 13 years ago I was working at a group home for girls. The average age of the girls was 8 years old. I had a special bond with one of them in particular. She is Caucasian and by 8 years old she had already lived in several Spanish speaking foster homes and had learned to speak Spanish. She use to ask that I speak to her in Spanish so she wouldn't forget it. One Mother's Day I started to wake-up the girls... (Oh wait important detail; we were very careful and did not let the girls call any of the staff Mom). When I got to this little girl's room she was already awake. She saw me and before I could say anything she said, "Happy Mother's Day Suki..." Before I could react she continued and said, "wait... I know you're not my Mom, but you're like a mother to me." She got out of bed and gave me a hug.
Damn. I gave her a hug and thanked her; then I went to the staff office and burst into tears. I have never taken my work for granted. I realize the role I have played in their lives. The little girl is now about 21ish. I wish I could see her and tell her how much that comment meant to me.

Happy Mother's Day to all the women who care for children, adolescents and young adults.. whether they are your own or not.

May 08, 2010

The Kitchen Show

Last weekend we opened The Kitchen Show in the Zinnia Gallery. The artwork was inspired by the 'kitchen', whatever that meant. To be honest I struggled with this one; I cook, I eat and I have a kitchen but I was stumped. Below are few pictures from the show; Tamara will post more on the Zinnia website.

Tamara made a beautiful chandelier to help inspire us.



Pretty cool, huh? I think my favorite thing is the cake pan in
the center of the chandelier.




This is what I finally came up with... it is embossed copper on wood.




Tamara and I made the cupcake pin cushions from wool sweater scraps.
They are displayed on a whimsical tiered party tray that Paul made by
attaching assorted plates, cups and saucers with glue. I inspired and
made one for my Mom for Mother's Day.



This is the window display. Do you see our precious store kitty Ally?



Please check the website later this week for additional pictures.

If you have been to the store you know the first thing you see is the Doo Dad bar which has a gigantic bowl filled with assorted beads and baubles that can be purchased by the scoop. What you don't expect is to see a cat in the bowl. She is hilarious.


Okay... Never never stick a pin in the back of the wireless router specifically the reset button, to see if will fix connection. I have been unable to catch you up with my shenanigans (sp) at the store and share pictures from the "Kitchen Show". However, I just spent 45 minutes with tech support and all is good but I am too tired. So, I promise I will catch you up later this weekend.

May 04, 2010

Class with Kelly this Saturday, May 8th

Saturday, May 8th Zinnia So Pasadena Devotional 11 to 3 p.m.

Devotional

In this workshop, you will create a small and personal hard cover book made entirely by your own hands. We will spend some time binding a journal utilizing a simple and elegant looking stitch. Then we will unfold upon the pages learning mixed media paint and collage techniques while exploring new ideas. Want to make a small book that you can take with you on a daily basis? This is the class for you.


Supply list: 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)