It is a chilly and windy night in L.A. The winds are gusting and stuff is flying all over. It's a good excuse to not go out with Sugar for our walk slash run. Perfect night to CRAFT! Okay, I have to admit that I think I got stung by the Christmas spirit early this year. I have been like Elf (the movie) crafting like a crazy lady. (Since before Thanksgiving, maybe as early as Halloween. Freak) I bought a headband with antlers and wore them all day long along with a stupid cheesy grin. The youth I work with rolled their eyes and laughed, I laughed too. I sincerely hope you are crafting and enjoying your holiday preparations.

Thank you to all of our friends that were able to stop by on Saturday. If this weekend was a sign of what's in store for the holidays then ... Yeah. Zinnia appreciates all of our friends that have supported the store this weekend and every day of the year. We are sincerely grateful for each and every one of you.

I received a comment on the previous post; my list of favorites. Diana added Farrin O' Conner Design Studio in Pasadena. She shared that they have "great jewelry and metalsmithing classes" stone setting and jewelry making supplies. They are located at: 146 West Bellevue Street 626-796-5300 www.farrinoconnerdesigns.com Thanks Diana for the reminder.

Everyone is getting busy with Christmas around the corner... yikes. 31 shopping days left. In my case it's 3o days left to craft and a day to wrap. I try to make it handmade Christmas every year. Like a lot of us 'artisans' I am my biggest critic and sometimes end up making a gift and buying one too. I really need to try not to doubt myself. I've gotten better but I still need to embrace my art. Any hoodle, my point is that I asked the Zinnia gang for a list of their favorite small shops and I didn't get it. Waah! I waited to the last minute being that Shop Small Shops Saturday is tomorrow. I jotted down a few of my favorites below. Try to stop by and check it out if you haven't already. Or check out their websites which I included in the information.


My Favorite Small Business

Lula Mae
100 North Fair Oaks Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91103
626 304 9996
www.lulamae.com
I really like this shop. It's tiny but packed with treasures and unique gifts. They have a cat too. I forgot its name.

The Folk Tree
22 East Union Street
Pasadena, CA 91105
626 795 8733
www.folktree.com
Another shop packed with unusual gifts and treasures. It features handmade crafts from Latin America and Mexico. It has a gallery at the back of the store that hosts local artists. They also are great for Day of the Dead art and nic-nacs for you to make your own. Every corner has something for everyone.

Marz
1512 Mission
South Pasadena, CA 91030
626 799 4032
www.missionmarz.com
This shop is just down the street from us. Unique and whimsical gifts. I've seen things we carry at Zinnia here too however not often. Marz is a sure stop for me for birthdays and Christmas gifting.

San Gabriel Bead Company
375 East Live Oak
Arcadia, CA 91006
626 447 7753
www.bead company.com
This is more of a supply store. I am surprised how many of our customers have never heard of them. They are a bead shop that has EVERYTHING you need to make jewelry. This is like Disneyland for me. I get a little nutty in here and have to take deep yoga breath before entering and say to myself, "Self you have to eat, don't spend all your money here".

What are some of your favorite shops? Tell us so we can support them too.

Stay warm, safe and craft on.
Live in Color!

Suki

Heads up friends...
The Zinnia gang hit the mother-load of mother-loads estate sale this weekend. Holy moly, if you like this and thats, whatchamacallits,thing a mijigiers you HAVE to make it out to the store. The estate sale was at woman's house who was an artist, there were art supplies all over the place... ALL OVER THE PLACE. A-MAZE-ING!! Most our finds are trinkets for the doodad bar, there are porcelain doll heads in variety of sizes and a tone of doll parts. Sounds weird but if you're reading this then you know a little about us. If I can I will take a picture this weekend when I am there so I can share with you.
Please remember Zinnia and all the small businesses on Saturday, November 26th. Small Business Saturday; it's a day made up by American Express but heck we'll take it. After all Hallmark made up Valentines, right? I don't know that for a fact but I have certainly heard it said many times. Any hoodle, I must go.
Stay tuned for a post sometime this weekend, we will share our favorite small shops in the South Pasadena -Pasadena area and near surroundings. Maybe you can share yours and we can cross shop and help make a difference.

Ciao for Niao (teeheehee)

Live in color,
Suki

It's Beginning To Look Like...

Tamara has spent the past few days fussing in the window and
created a wonderful Wintery scene.

This Christmas we will be featuring 'Handmade' ornaments.
Yeah. I am busy in my elf workshop. What are you making?
Make sure to stop by for Doo-Dads and Thingamajigs you need
for your holiday treasure making.

More pictures to come soon.
Live in color!

Suki