The Vintage Flea of OTT is this Sunday 8/28!

Join us for the best vintage shopping in OC!  Come early for coffee, donuts, 

and the best selection!

Need more info? Call 714-573-1025 or see VintageWhimzy.com

Changes

We have been a retail outlet for the last 10 years.  Searching for new and interesting finds, collecting vintage ephemera, holding classes, and doing many other things.  The time has come for a something new!

As of August 5th, Whimzy will be closed for a few weeks.  We will re-open on August 23rd for the Vintage Flea Market of Old Town Tustin.

We will be hard at work re-arranging during this time to bring you a new Whimzy! Some of those changes are~

*New in-depth classes

*Special events

*Weekend sales

If you find you are needing something from Whimzy while we are closed, please call and book an appointment.  We are happy to acommodate!

We will be posting more as we come along.  We hope you will enjoy our new direction and look forward to spending more quality time with you!

The Vintage Flea of OTT! July Edition~

Yesterday was an amazing day at the Vintage Flea of OTT!  

We had a little warm weather, but that didn't slow the shopping and deal making down one bit!

Here are some of the items I found striking~

And as always, I look forward to visiting with friends~

(I know, it looks like I am out of it, but I am a known "blinker"!)

As always the Adobo truck was with us turning out tasty food!

Our next event is Sunday, August 23rd.  Mark your calendar and plan to join us!

If you would like more info, or to reserve a spot, call 714-573-1025.

The Cheat Sheet To Finding The Good Stuff

1. In Peter's world, it's all about the couture details, craftsmanship, and the sign of an artisan's hand: Look for hand-stitching, nail-head trims, embroidery, and hand-woven textiles. It makes anything more special.

2. Look past the scratches, dust, and dirt. Not only can you have anything restored, cleaned, or reupholstered (see below for a list of resources), but you can also change the finish on a table. Try to survey the options while focusing on the possibilities—not on the limitations. In the world of interiors, there really are very few.

3. Don't focus on provenance—unless you really know what you're doing, or are shopping at an auction house that guarantees authenticity, you don't want to splash out big money on something that might be a reproduction. (If you see something too good to be true, it probably is.) This is not to say that there aren't treasures around—just take a deep breath, get out your phone, and search the internet for originals so you can confirm that the details are correct (the wing of the arm, the stamp on the bottom, the type of wood).

4. Measure your space before you go. Beyond the parameters of the area you'd like to fill (i.e., the space allotted for a coffee table), bring measurements for the supporting furniture (i.e., the height and length of your couch, etc.). If you live in an apartment building with small elevators, or a house with unusual doors, be sure that you'll be able to get the item inside!

5. Interact with your potential purchase. Sit in the chairs and make sure they're comfortable and that they don't wobble; make sure a table is the right height, etc. Don't be shy about giving your potential purchase a test-drive.

6. If you're interested in an item, but not overly attached, walk away—do a second lap at the end of the day. If it's still available, you'll have much more negotiating power.

7. Know your budget—and don't forget to factor customs and shipping in (see below for a list of resources). It's easy to get totally carried away in the moment, so know your upper limit.

8. Look for pairs and sets: Vendors generally hate to break them up, so you're going to get a better deal. Besides adding symmetry to a space (see below), you can often use an extra lamp or chairs in a different room.

http://www.goop.com/journal/see/275/the-flea-market-guide?utm_source=goop+issue&utm_campaign=201db18bc9-275_The_Flea_Market_Guide_3_13_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_5ad74d5855-201db18bc9-193176

The Best Times to Shop Flea Markets and Yard Sales

Unlike retail stores, flea markets, yard sales, and other secondhand sources don't have duplicates of every item in the store. It's a treasure hunt. Whether your goal is to find the most treasure or to snag it for the best possible price, here are the best times to shop flea markets and yard sales.

Flea Markets

Best Selection: For the best selection of flea market merchandise, get there as soon as it opens on the first day of the market. If it's open Saturday and Sunday all year round, go early on Saturday morning. For seasonal or annual flea markets, go early in the season, preferably the first weekend. You'll have first pick of the goods the vendors gathered during the year.

Best Price: For the biggest discounts, it's just the opposite. Shop mid to late afternoon during the final day, or days, of the flea market. The vendors are tired and ready to get home -- and they might just cut you some fantastic deals if you ask. You may have to haggle a bit, but you'll probably go home with some bargains, especially if you're buying large, heavy pieces the tired sellers don't want to pack and load. 

Yard Sales

Best Selection: Yard sale shopping is a lot like flea market shopping. You'll find the best selections when the sale first starts. Go early on the first day of the sale. If the sale starts at 7 a.m., be there be there a few minutes before -- but not so early that you're labeled an early bird. If you've got lots of sales on the day's route, prioritize them by the most promising sales and by starting times. Your goal is to be the first shopper at the very best sales.

Don't wait until Saturday to visit a yard sale that starts on Friday. Since most weekday workers wait until the weekend, Friday morning is a prime time to shop. If you work on Fridays, hit the sack early on Thursday nights. Yard sales start early; you can probably fit in a few sales before work.

Best Price: Like flea market vendors, yard sale sellers aren't as willing to haggle early in the morning, but the prices are usually pretty low to start. Don't wait until the afternoon bargain hours to shop yard sales. Go early, and if you can't make the right deal to start, ask when they're closing and go back. If the items you're eyeballing haven't sold, they'll probably be ready to make deals.

Estate Sales

Best Selection: Like flea markets and yard sales, you'll find the best choice of merchandise early on the first day. Go a little earlier than the start time. You may have to wait in line -- and sometimes sale organizers limit how many people can go in at one time. You want to be in the first group admitted.

Best Price: Some estate sales organizers won't negotiate price on the first day. Go ahead and ask, but don't be surprised by a strict policy. There is an upside; they usually have a discount schedule. If the last day of the sale is Sunday, they might offer 25% off in the morning, 35% off in the early afternoon, and 50% off during the final two hours. The discount percentages and schedules vary by estate sale company, so ask if it isn't posted.

Thrift Stores

Best Selection: For the best thrift store selections, ask the employees when the new merchandise arrives. It could be a certain day of the week or a certain time each day. New furniture might arrive on a different day than smaller goods. Find out, and then plan your visits for those days and times.

Best Price: Thrift store prices are usually lowish, so you might want to snatch things up as soon as you find them. If the prices are a little high, ask about their sale structure. Thrift stores don't always post their sales clearly and sometimes the sales are confusing. Find out when they discount the items that interest you. That's when you'll find the best deals.

Consignment Stores

Best Selection: The best days and times to shop consignment goods depend on the individual stores. If new merchandise comes in on certain days, that's the time to go. If it's random, you'll just have to pop in fairly often.

Best Price: Sale structures vary, but lots of consignment stores discount based on how long they've had the merchandise. For example, one of my favorites takes off 20 percent after the first six weeks, and then another 5 percent each week until it reaches half price. Ask how it works. Then, keep a list of the pieces you want and on which days the prices are scheduled to drop.
http://fleamarket.about.com/od/insidershoppingtips/qt/besttimestoshopfleamarkets.htm

Halloween!

Whimzy! is now officially in "Halloween" mode. Stop in and see what creepy, fun, bewitchedness awaits you!

Get them before the disappear!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Vintage Dresdens @ Whimzy!

We have just unveiled a beautiful collection of vintage Dresdens for Valentines day!  These are in store now and won't be around for long. 

Produced in Germany since the early 19th century, Dresden foil designs are still made today using the original antique molds. There are hundreds of  different styles and subjects, ranging in age from old to recent.  Our collection features vintage pieces of foil hearts, large arrows, heart shaped trim, and several cupid style items.  What a fabulous item to add to a special Valentine's Day creation!  Stop in quick and  pick up your favorites!

Summer Swank!

Sizzling Summer Swank!

These are a great little find!  Perfect for filling with treats for someone special!

Whimzy! has a fine assortment of seashells to add to your summer decor.  I have a tray of them in my bathroom!  A touch of the sea just for me!

We also feature these hand glittered Sea Siren tags and cards!  They make any gift special!

Grab them quick before they're washed away!  You can add soothing summer spirit to your home all year around!

Visit us soon for the best selection!

WHIMZY! 474 El Camino Real, Tustin 92780

714-537-1025

Coptic Journals with Jenelle Van de Mortel

Saturday I was lucky-ducky to take Jenelle's Journal making class.  I rarely get to play so I was very excited to spend the day being creative with the other students!

Jenelle is very energetic, fun, and artful!  As I am sure you can see by the table setting!

 

Isn't it lovely!

Here I have just applied gesso to the journal covers.

Terry does the "flapper" to help her journal covers dry!

Here I have painted, glazed, and decoupaged the front.  I have also painted, textured and glammed up the back cover.  Jenelle knows so much about some many products!  Many are new to me and will soon be added to my creative arsenal!

Here is the crepe medallion to decorate the front!

Next, we learned the art of sew in the "signature" of pages using the kettle stitch.  Jenelle made this very complicated method very easy!

The stitches form a beautiful chain like stitch along the spine of the book.

Here you can see how spectacular it is all coming out!

And here is it!  Isn't it fabulous!  Glittery, artsy, and oh so fun!

If you would like to learn more about Jenelle and her artful journals click here!

If you would be interested in joining me at Whimzy for a creative learning experience click here!

Discovering New Places!

One of the best parts of having a shop is R & D (research and development!).  Sometimes the creative balloon pops and you just have to get out and see the world!  That is exactly what we did this past week-headed down San Diego way to discover new and creative places.

Our main stop was Vignettes.  I have heard many wonderful things about this shoppe and was NOT disappointed!

 This place is loaded with magnificent goodies!  Each room is full of sparkling wonder!

 Joy's spot!  She is the Vintage Rabbit!  Lovely!

 All dressed up and looking divine!

 Can you say L-O-V-E I-T!

 Not only fabulous merchandise, but fabulous prices!

And so artfully displayed!

And, of course, once you are all shopped out you must eat!

All in all it was a great way to spend the day!  Vignettes is located in 4828 Newport Ave., San Diego, 92107

We also stopped in the surrounding shoppes which were full of fun stuff too!

On the way back home we hit Cedros Ave in Solana Beach.  This is a fantastic blend of designer and vintage style shoppes.  Out of the Blue was a favorite.  Hard to describe like Whimzy! is.  If you like Whimzy!  You will like Out of the Blue.

So, keep yours eyes peeled for the next shop reset!  Now, that we are freshly inspired, you may just be too!

Totally Tubular Earrings with Robin Dudley-Howes

On Sunday, August 8th Robin will be joining us at Whimzy! Come and create these beautiful tubular earrings.  Robin is one of our Glitterfest artists and has been teaching for years.  She knows all the ins & outs of wire wrapping & jewelry design. 

For just $55.00 you can learn these techniques so you can create earrings of your own.  Perfect for gift giving! This class has a few openings left.  Bring something special to fill your earrings with!  Maybe the birth date of a loved one, an anniversary, a favorite quote, or a wedding date for a new bride!

  Click here to register!

Something Sweet to Wash All that Glitter Down!

     We have THE most wonderful cupcakes at Glitterfest!  Tastebuds in Costa Mesa hosts the cupcake extravaganza at our event!  Owner Annie Morganand her staff create these tasty wonders on site.
A true artist, the flavor combinations are developed just days before.   Always especially delectable-Annie puts her own twist on each recipe.  This year Glitterfest  was given a sparkly cupcake of it's own!

GLITTERFEST is Coming!

This Saturday, May 22nd Glitterfest finally happens!  Dianne and I hope to see all of you there!  We have been extra diligent in picking wonderful talented people for this event!  

Please join us for the sparkly fun!

Tustin Historical Home Tour

Today was the Tustin Home Tour with Tustin's Historical Society.  Whimzy was honored to host a booth there to let folks know what's happening!

There were 5 homes, 2 churches, and 3 gardens on the tour.


 We set up a beautiful table featuring "Glitterfest" of course, and our favorite little doggy for the JasVil Fleamarket.
If anyone has a name suggestion for this little pooch,
please send it too me!  He appears in our ads with
a thought balloon that says
"I beggin' you to take me to the fleamarket!" 

I met so many friendly folks!  It was quiet at times, so I was able to catch up on my magazine reading as well as sketching projects for my table at Glitterfest.  I also had these EXTREMELY yummy cookies!  Don't they look smashing with WWC?  The sugar even matches the cover!  Can you tell that I might have had a little too much of that yummy sugar?  :)

All in all it was a fine day for meeting new people, sitting in the sun, and enjoying artistic moments, just me and my little muse!

Great things are happening in Old Town Tustin! Mark your calendars for some MAJOR bargain shopping!

"Rustin' in Tustin Days"
Thursday April 15th through Saturday April 24th.

Participating Tustin Old Town stores and restaurants
will be offering discounts and special offerings!

This a huge 10 day event !!!!
For more information:
Marge @ Old Town Flooring - 714 730-3567
Dianne @ Whimzy - 714 573-1025

Event information will be available at participating stores and
the Tustin Museum during opening hours:Tues. & Thurs. 9am to 2pm

Stop in and shop 'till you drop! It's going to be great!

Mini Crown Inspiration

I been having so much fun creating little fancies! You just never know where inspiration will strike! And when it does you hope that is is truly yours! Sometimes in that twilight zone of sleep, when my brain finally calms down, the most amazing images coalesce, no drugs either! The key is to remember the thought the next morning. Sometimes it won't come to me no matter what I do! Other times it does and the creating begins. The tradtional Maypole Celebration was the key! These things never turn out exactly as I pictured. As an artist, that is part of the journey, but I always enjoy the twists and turns each project takes to completion!

I will be offering a class for this petite confection on Sunday, March 14th, won't you join me for some creative fun? Go to Whimzy! to register!

Come and see at the JasVil Flea!

Have you been to the Jamestown Village Vintage Fleamarket? It is a smaller venue that features merchants from all over. They bring wonderful wares , tiny treasures, and unique findings right to Whimzy's doorstep! Dianne and I love the 4th Sunday of the month! Not only because we only need step out of the door to shop, but because we get to spend time with our regular visitors! I have learned so much from all of these friendly people! Advice from a retired teacher, future real estate projections, remedies for colds, and recipes for fantastic food. All of this from our little fleamarket! Yes, it is the shopping, but more importantly it's the melange of unique people you dig through to find the real treasures!