In case you haven't heard there is a new "day". You know like, Mother's Day, Friendship Day... This Saturday, November 27th is the very first ever, "SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY". It's actually a great idea. A few years ago Cyber Monday became 'day' so why not one for us, the small businesses. It's true, we have been hit by the economy and we appreciate all the support that you, our friend and customer give us. This Saturday is a great idea and I hope it really becomes an annual 'day'.

I found the following at while doing some research about Small Business Saturday on a the website; greenandsave.com and I couldn't have said it better:
This year in between Black Friday and Cyber Monday there will be Small Business Saturday. Shopping at local retailers is a great way to support your local economy and this year American Express is launching a nationwide effort to spur business for small merchants on Saturday, November 27^th.
“Small business is the engine of job creation in the US economy,” said Mr. Chenault, chairman and chief executive officer, American Express. “It is also among the sectors hardest hit by the recession. By spreading the word about Small Business Saturday, we can help raise awareness about the critical role small businesses play in cities and towns across the country at a time when they need support the most.”


Stop by on Saturday and enjoy fancy cider and homemade cookies while shopping for the treasures you need this holiday season. Remember we carry gifts, doo-dads and supplies for the crafter in all if us. If you get stuck or you are unsure how to make something or use a product be sure to allow us to assist you, Tamara, Joe and I will do our best to help you.

It is our wish that you have a Happy Thanksgiving and hope see you soon.

Struggles of the year...

Holiday music.... hummm. I was driving to work earlier this week and I accidentally found the radio station that starts playing Christmas music way too early, ya that station. I thought they didn't start playing those ‘oh so festive’ tunes until Thanksgiving. Whyyyy! Who likes Christmas music this early?

Any hoodle my point...
Yesterday morning Tamara and I were opening the store and she turned, she starts her iPod. It’s Christmas music, AAAAAAAHHHHH! She's one of them I groaned and told her that it was way too early, customers would leave; I tried everything to make her stop. I gave in when I realized that she had a fun selection of music, like the Chipmunks. Tam and I were humming and singing along, there were four or five customers that were singing, too. Ha ha on me, perhaps it's not too early. I remember listening to the Chipmunks Christmas music when I was a kid... in Spanish. Did you know they speak Spanish?
This might be a little funnier if I've shared the dream I had a while back where I was talking to squirrels. When I shared that with Ross he asked me what we were talking about and I realized the squirrel and I were not speaking English, I spoke squirrel. When he asked what that sounded like, a weird sound came out of my mouth that I have not been able to do again since. I guess if I speak 'squirrel’ then chipmunks can speak English.

Here we go... the holidays are here. Yikes! At Zinnia we are excited about our Holiday theme. The store looks like we just moved in, there are boxes everywhere. We took down the Cirque de Bizarre art, packed up the Halloween goodies and brought out our Christmas magic. Oh ya, with all this going on, the stories open and busy preparing the gallery.
Since you are reading this you obviously care, I will share a few pictures for those of you who live too far to make it in. Our theme is... wait for, "An Illustrated Christmas". What does that mean? The entire back ground and most of the props will be drawn. Drawn on the wall, the furniture and on foam core. The pictures below will give an idea of what have been up to.

Joey gets started with a wreath that will hang over the mantle.

I think Tamara is drawing the window that
Oprah is always looking out of.
(Get it? Okay side note. When Oprah is moved she pauses and gazes
out into the distance. I'd like to think she is looking out a window.
Okay never mind, moving right along.)

Ta Da! I think it looks like a giant coloring book

Check out the black cord to the lights on the window...
yes, that is drawn.

The front window looks super cool. The drapes and table cloth are drawings on foam core. The presents are also drawing but I don't like them... I like real presents. Ha ha.

For now, that's all I can share. I hope that you all have a creative and warm holiday season.

Addicted to Tape at Zinnia POSTPONED until Nov 28th

POSTPONED until Sun, Nov 28^th 11 to 3 p.m.

Addicted to tape!

with Kelly Kilmer

Love collage? Have you been caught buying up rolls of tape and you’re not sure of everything that you can do with them? In a bit of a sticky situation? Looking for some new ideas of what you can do with one of the hottest art supplies around? Look no further! In this class we will explore a myriad of techniques, tips, tricks and ideas that you can do with decorative tape. Learn how to layer fun and colorful backgrounds using what some call stickers, but what most call tape! We will explore masking tape (not the old stuff, but the fun colorful stuff available in many different designs and colors), decorative tape, and more! Walk out of class with your head spinning with ideas, and a smile on your face.

Optional-You can bring your journal to class to work in, or the teacher will be supplying paper for you to work on.

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)