need help creating HTML newsletters to match my store template

Hi
This may be a dumb question...but, I am trying to make a HTML newsletter in the same design as my stores main page. I will probably build it in Dreamweaver unless anyone feels it better to build within ZC newsletter function.
My question, which files (and which content of any files too) would I need to copy and adopt to replicate my store front page please?
I am using ZC 1.3.9F with a custom template.
I had in mind using the header image/store logo and the menu bar so I can link it direct back to my site, then adding an unsubscribe footer as a blank canvas then just adding the news content each time I write a new newsletter.
All help and tips appreciated.
Thanks in advance.

The email files are not html - but are php and they pull variables from the DB using php
Most are in /email

Hi Kobra
firstly thankyou for your time.
So does that mean that the best (most common & easiest) method is to simply try to replicate as best one can using same images, fonts, colours etc in HTML by using the look of my store page as a guide?
If this is the case do you know of any software that would aid this or is it simply a bulid from the ground up? I ask this as I want to avoid evening after evening of banging my head against the wall :frusty: trying to get something vaguely similar only to find out there is an easier way :P
thanks again Kobra

I am trying to make a HTML newsletter
No shortcuts.
As you are operating a business, it is my opinion that newsletters are "advertising"
If you were doing this via US mail one would have costs for the printing, envelopes and postage - - all a business expense

Most any hosting is not designed to do/for mass emailing as most have limits, and these limits should be sufficient for order confirmations, updates and normal business communications
If a limit is exceeded, normal email stops, so that business stops as order confirmations are not sent etc

Suggest that any business use a mailing service for mass emails like news letters. Most also have a compliment of templates or facility to create your own

The easiest way is to set up an account with Mailchimp and tell them your website name, They will then create a template for you by looking at the site and colours etc.

This creates an HTML file which you should be able to grab and use where you want - I would suggest though that you lokk at using MailChimp anyway. There's an addon for it too.