Are They REAL?

Of all of the items in the our store that generate curiosity, our framed insects seem to generate the most. These winged creatures and creepy-crawly specimens cause a variety of reactions. Those who are squeamish around bugs sometimes completely avoid the display. Others stop and stare in wonder at the variety of colors and shapes.

Our insect supplier is the world’s largest provider of quality framed insects. Their manufacturing plant is located in the Philippines, the world's leading exporter of captive-bred insects, supplying most of the butterflies to theme parks in Europe and North America. Most of these specimens are abundant species raised in government-regulated ranching cooperatives in 15 countries. Your purchase of these insects actually aids environmental conservation efforts. None are endangered, rare, or otherwise protected.

We are anticipating a new shipment of framed insects, as well as bug keychains around November 10. Come see what the buzz is all about! ?

Merry Chris-moose
from Big Sky!

With the holidays just around the corner, it’s a great time to be thinking about Big Sky’s adorable moose and bear figurines. This year we’ll have dozens of new Christmas ornaments, as well as the ever-popular holiday figurines. In addition, we’ll have an extensive assortment of regular bears and mooses from golfers to computer bears and more.

For those who collect nativity sets, you’ll be delighted to know that Big Sky has introduced an “Itty-Bitty-Beartivity” set (pictured below) and a similar “ Itty-Bitty-Moosetivity.” All four pieces are available for just $47! Full-size nativities are also on hand.

Jody Coyote Style

We recently started carrying Jody Coyote’s sculpture wire and niobium earrings. Her unique designs make them very eye-appealing, and her prices are also very reasonable. Artist Jody Coyote had a very humble beginning in the 1970's with a single booth at the local Saturday Market in Eugene, Oregon. With unique designs and a passion for quality, Jody's jewelry caught on quickly in her local community and beyond.

In 1981, Jody Coyote was officially incorporated and began developing special techniques to manufacture and distribute her handcrafted designs on a broader, national scale. By the early 1990s, Jody Coyote's distinctive styling and popular designs could be found in more than 1,500 independent boutiques and department stores nationwide.

Jody Coyote has been our hottest new jewelry line. Give yourself a treat, or give them as gifts for the holidays. Either way they are sure to please!

As a reminder, our new line of Black Hills Gold jewelry is also doing great. For more details, see our October newsletter

A Spelunker’s Paradise

For those of you who enjoy exploring nature, how long has it been since you’ve gone spelunking? With Missouri being home to more than 5,600 caves, opportunities abound. Many of the caves are open year round and offer lots of family fun.

So how were Missouri’s caves formed? Millions of years ago, tremendous forces caused the Ozark uplift, creating some of the oldest mountains in the world. Torrential rains eroded away the plateaus, forming rivers and streams that eroded deeper and deeper into the limestone. The cracks and crevices in the limestone expanded, allowing seeping rain water to move sideways between layers of limestone, creating caverns.

The water drained from these underground streams as the surface river dropped to a lower level, leaving the cave dry. Dripping water entered the cave and deposited minerals, primarily calcium carbonate, creating formations which decorate caves today. If you would like to visit a Missouri cave, a good place to learn more is at www.missouricaves.com

New Ty® Beanie Babies

Yummy, Goody, and Tasty—these are just a few of the new Beanie Babies released this holiday season. Soon to arrive are the 2005 Holiday Teddy, as well has the new Garfield beanie “Happy Holidays! the cat.”

Beanie Babies make great gift items at our low price of only $5.95 each. Come get yours while supplies last!

Cedar Mesa Pottery

Due to its increasing popularity, we have recently expanded our line of Cedar Mesa Pottery. American Indian artists from the Four Corners area carefully hand craft and hand paint these beautiful works of art. The artists combine their artistic talents with the inspiration of their culture and breathtaking beauty of their homeland.

They begin with a mix of clays from New York, California, Tennessee and Texas and mix them to create what is known as a casting slip. The slip is pumped into molds which dry from the outside in. When the piece reaches the proper thickness the excess slip is poured out and recycled. The piece is then left to dry for 24 hours. The seams are removed and the pot is smoothed with a sponge in preparation for painting.

All pieces are hand-painted by Navajo or Ute artists who sign each piece. Artists are free to use a virtually unlimited color band and design combination. Once painted, the pieces are fired in one of four large gas kilns. It takes three to five hours to reach 2,000 degrees, then several hours to cool.

One of the unique features of Cedar Mesa Pottery is that visitors can tour their plant in Blanding, Utah, and watch the pottery being created. You can see the artists at work and witness just what a skill it is to be able to paint the various pieces. Each artist seems to take pride in the type of work he or she is creating.

We invite you to come see our new selection of Cedar Mesa Pottery. You’ll find a variety of designs and finishes to compliment any decor.

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