It is rather difficult to visit the city of Petaluma and not realize that arts & crafts have been a large part of the city's cultural heritage.

During the past 140 years, Petaluma has not only made the transition into a modern city, but also has kept its roots as a hometown, one that involves a great deal of old-fashion charm that is so warmly reminisced about.

Though the popularity of arts & crafts has notably diminished in recent years, there are many aspects of this creative world which have remained strong in Petaluma. For the past three years, the city has hosted The Great Petaluma Quiltshow in which historic downtown becomes the backdrop for a number of wonderful homemade quilts. In addition, Petaluma also is home to the Spring Crafts fair and Art in the Park.

While you may not live in Petaluma, you too can capture the feelings of creating your own little masterpieces. Sonoma Stamp Co. located on Kentucky Ave., has just the tools you need in order to create imaginative works.

And with stamping, it is possible to put personality into your pieces without much difficulty. "Stamps are an unusual way to pass the time and create art. There is an artist in everyone of us and stamps enable us to be that artist. Not only does time fly when one is stamping, but it is an escape from the reality we all face," says Kim Hanson, owner of the Sonoma Stamp Co.

ZZYZAX and Sonoma Stamp Co. are offering five packages that will finally let that inner artist shine as well as capture the essence of Petaluma.