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!

How to Shop a Flea

Alex Bell and Shira Entis know their fleas, from Elephant’s Trunk in Connecticut to Portobello Market in London. Which you would expect from the girls who started the awesome line of handbags and totes called Fleabags.

“We’ve been lovers of flea markets forever,” Bell says. “When I met Shira at Brown University, we bonded over great market deals.” Currently, their favorite markets are Chelsea’s on 25th street and that up-and-coming hidden gem Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market (406 West 39th Street) on Saturdays. As quasi professionals, however, they never venture forth without a game plan, which includes the following advice:

1. Keep your eye on the ball. “We try to talk beforehand and focus ourselves a little bit,” Entis says. Markets are open on various days, but the girls prefer Saturdays (the most vendors turn out) and suggest arriving when the gates open (usually around 9 a.m.). Most important, know what you’re looking for before you get there.

2. Weather makes all the difference. “On a cold or cloudy day, fewer vendors set up,” Bell says. “That means there are fewer shoppers too. So, the vendors there are more likely to make a deal. One of Shira’s most successful excursions happened at the outdoor Chelsea flea on a cold and windy day. Only three vendors made it out and because Shira was their only customer she walked away with a huge box of YSL blouses and antique brocade fabrics. Great finds!”

3. Your outfit might, too. “When marketing outside of the city, we try not to look like New Yorkers,” Entis says. “Especially no jewelry!” When you are in Manhattan, the jig is usually up and vendors know a tourist from a seasoned shopper a mile away. Dress casual and for comfort. You don’t have to prove anything about your vintage know-how.

4. Let them do the talking: “Being coy is the name of the game,” Bell says. “No one is going to give you a deal if they think you’re going to turn around and sell it on eBay. But on the flip side, don’t be naïve.” It’s O.K. to eventually let them know you know Balenciaga from Target and that you’re not going to get pushed around.

5. It’s O.K. to be thrifty: “We rarely spend more than $100 during the entire day,” Entis says. “And, we always have a good bartering session with the vendors,” Bell adds. Entis scored a vintage Chanel jacket for $40, and Bell found a pair of new Oscar de la Renta heels for $15 at the Chelsea flea. “If you are buying multiple items, they’ll usually give you a better deal rather than just buying one item,” says Bell, who along with Entis stocked up on military blankets from vendors for their fall 2011 collection.

6. Go with a friend: “We like to help each other,” Entis says. And what’s more fun than shopping with a friend?

http://tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/06/07/how-to-shop-a-flea/?_r=0

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

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!

Getting it Together

Well,
We  have been working very hard on the shoppe for the last week and it is coming along nicely!  There is nothing like shifting and moving everything around to inspire something new!  I think you will like what we have "in store" for you!  The reveal happens on the 23rd of August right before the Vintage Fleamarket on the 26th.  We encourage you to stop in and see all that is shiny and new!

Time for an update!

Whimzy! is taking break!  August 1st to August 22nd we will be closed to re-do, re-design, & 
re-new.  We are full of new ideas and inspiriation and look forward to seeing each of you at the next Vintage Fleamarket of Old Town Tustin on August 23rd.  We will be in the store for phone calls, mail and emails, so if you need us just call 714-573-1025.  See you soon!

The Vintage Marketplace!

Just a pleasant reminder to join Christie, Rita and many more lovely folk at "The Vintage Marketplace" 
on September 9 and 10.  
Dianne and I are planning on going to visit.  
It is an absolutely fabulous way to spend the day!

More Estate Treasure!

 Is this frame not adorable?!  It stands only 3" tall!  I am sure I could find someone fabulous to put into it!  I tried to stick it into my pocket more than once on Sunday!
Needless to say, I got caught!  My bad luck is your gain.......if you hurry!

This porcelain crown is a treasure unto itself!  It is in magnificent condition and looking for a good home.....

This unique item is a glass hand sculpture.  It is signed and really beautiful!  It could make a fabulous paperweight!

These are just some of the unusual findings now at Whimzy!  Come in and see for yourself!  If it has been a month since you have given yourself a present,  now's the time to shop!

Is this FANTASTIC or what!

A few months ago a friend of mine, Marian Ballog, asked me to participate in a vintage "ABC" swap.  I hesitated, naturally being the commitment phobe I am!  But the lure of having this magnificent handmade book drew me in!  I have never done a swap before, so I did not know what to expect.

What letter do you think I chose?  "W" of course!(Whimzy!)  I did not sleep for days, dreaming only of things that begin with the letter "W"!

The due date for the swap was late September.  Can you say "Glitterfest"?  Yes, my pages were late!  But what I got in return, well here are the first photos!

This is how everything arrived-wrapped up so prettily!  Marian is very detail oriented!

 This is a wonderful little flip box with my collage and my 1st grade photo on it that Marian created for me!

 These are some gifts from the other letter girls!  Very sweet!

 This is the book in a customized bag.  Notice all the little ABC details!

And here is the actual book!  Marian used an old book cover for the front, our 1st grade photos for the table of contents, and each page is full of treasures from the letter girls!  Stay tuned for pics of some of the actual pages!

You just never know.......

Sunday was the JasVil Fleamarket at Whimzy! One of the things I love most about the fleamarket is even though I go out with ideas of what I am looking for, I ALWAYS find something else! These skate keys (& one fireplace key) just spoke to me and I had to have them! I received all these for just five bucks!



After wandering a bit more I found this old vase which is perfect for the boughs of heavy headed roses that are taking over my yard right now!

A few steps more and I picked up a really beautiful flower frog. Currently it is holding up the flowers in the photo of the vase! Did you know that flower frogs also work upside-down? If there are holes all the way through and it won't fit into the vase flip it and see if it works! All this fun for just $15.00! YAY!
Join me gain for the JasVil Flea the day after Glitterfest-May 23rd from 8 to 3pm to find some lovely treasures of your own!

Great Finds in Jamestown Village!

You know, there are ALWAYS some very interesting things at our Fleamarket. You just never know what will turn up!

Number stamps. Vintage 60's style. Very cool!

Lady GA-GA would be jealous!

The plant man has THE most interesting and unusual botanical specimens!
If you haven't been, or haven't been in a while, save the date and stop by!
The next JasVil Flea is Sunday, April 25th 8am to 3pm!

Fleamarket Finds!

One of the best parts of hosting the Jamestown Village Vintage Fleamarket is seeing all the amazing finds! There is always someone who finds an item they have been searching for for so long at a F A B U L O U S price. They love to share their big score with Dianne and I when they stop into Whimzy!

February's Fab Find was a book of Civil War plates. All in color, from 1908. Soliders on horse back, in battle and conference all told about 30 plates for just $20.00! The collector value of each print is $10.00 each! So for the little investment of $20.00, this saavy fleamarketer's purchase is worth $300.00! We LOVE stories like that and hope to hear many more!


Won't you come down and find an amazing item at the Jamestown Village Vintage Fleamarket? Always the fourth Sunday which is March 28th this month! Stop in and share your treasures with the girls at Whimzy!

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!

From My Heart to Yours!

I guess this season just brings out the busy bee in me! Last year Dianne and I bought this huge lot of antique Frozen Charlottes on Ebay. As I understand it, they were buried under an old factory in Germany. They are broken and discolored and AWESOME! So here is my Valentine for those unloved vintage throw-a-ways! I think this honors them in a magnificent way! I will be putting these in Whimzy! on Sunday! Don't forget-Old Town Tustin Vintage Fleamarket is this Sunday too! See you there!

GLITTERFEST is coming!

Hang on to your hats fellow art junkies! Whimzy is putting on an mixed media art show in 2009! A sparkling show full to the brim with gorgeous handmade wonders! It is happening in May-click on the Glitterfest Fairy to get all the deets! You can see the ad in the Winter Somerset Life. See you there!

Snow Fairies Abound!

I know, I know, here in the land of perpetual sunshine(ha ha!) we don't see much rain let alone snow! But there is something about the onset of the Christmas season that just makes me want to put white and glitter all over EVERYTHING! So, in honor of the season I took some very old and beat-up, oops! I mean Vintage, trays and trapped a little snow fairy inside. She is very cute and helped me satisfy the glitter urge that keeps me awake at night! My apologies for the photos. I do try but it doesn't always work! Oh, I also trapped a few of these little treasures in jars! No pics so you will just have to come to the store to see them!

Ho! Ho! Ho! It's Halloween!

Yes, it's that time again!
Whimzy is now sporting not only Halloween, but Christmas too! We have some truly UNIQUE holiday items that I am sure you'll want to see! Artist J'me Santos has brought us some whimzical Halloween collage tins. Each one with it's own character and personality add something really fun to any holiday collection. I was industrious enough to put together a few Halloween crowns and party hats. "PMEsther" was an idea I had brewing for months and finally came to fruition! "Queen of the Cauldron" will be the crown we re-create for the October 15th crown class at Whimzy. Dianne has been busy too! She has lovingly put together a collection of vintage bottles full of ghoulies and creepies. Some have rhinestone eyes, some have crowns, and she has even done some custom casting for
the stoppers on a portion of the bottles as well!
Needless to say Christmas is bright and vintage and spark-o-ly too! The shop really looks magical right now so if your in the hood-
DROP ON BY FOR HO! HO! HALLOWEEN!

HAPPY HALLOWEENY!

It's getting a little SPOOKY around here! Last week we spent three days flipping the shoppe and bring out all the creepy Halloween treasures! Both Dianne & I love this time of year! I thought I could feel it in the air last week, but this week all I feel is HOT! This is a shot of the "Little Church" in our parking lot and it's daily visitor! This huge Raven likes to perch on the top of the cross and "sing"! Very Halloweeny!

This is a moth found on my neighbors front porch. After searching the web I found the name of this beauty is "Black Witch Moth". Very funny considering Halloween is my friend least favorite holiday! This sucker was about 6" across and very pretty. It stayed for about a day and 1/2 and then disappeared into the night! Very Halloweeny!

Stay tuned! I will have more pics of the store & some of my latest creations very soon!

Crown Making 101

Crown classes have started at Whimzy! I have gotten my act together...finally and come up with a schedule. It has been something I have wanted to do for a while, but I guess my brain had to work through some things. Anyway, each class is 6 people, 6pm to 9pm, yummy snack & a beverage, for $55.00. I have a few openings left on April 30th. The May dates are the 14th & the 28th. Go to http://www.vintagewhimzy.com for more info & photos! It's gonna be great!