Dragonfly Shops and Gardens {Shop Talk}

Dragonfly Shops and Gardens invited a few local OC bloggers to be apart of their fairy garden demonstration last month.  This sounded like a ton of fun. Me and my crew were in. We set out to play in the dirt at Dragonfly, in the historic Old Towne Orange Plaza in Orange, California.  Upon arrival, I was pleasantly surprised to learn the shop sells a fascinating mix of treasures as well as offering a number of hands-on classes.  Converted into a retail store, the vintage 1920’s home has become a convergence of local talent.  Here are just a few of the various vendors featured at Dragonfly:

Anissa’s Threads (clothing) Anissa Pistone

Monkey Baby (children’s boutique) Rachele Sweetser

Lisa’s Little Luxuries (twisted silver, jewelry) Lisa Stein

The Barefoot Gardener (succulents, container gardens) Anne Huber

Dragonfly Hollow (fairy gardens) Kim Domer and Dani Mendenhall

Linda Kouri (collectibles)

Blue Denim Designs (Scarves) Libby Williamson

Beth Davidson, the owner,  fills the front yard of the store/home “with colorful bowls mingled with garden statues, stepping-stones, birdbaths, flags and metal art for your garden”.  It is an enchanting place to visit, a true hidden gem.

For our Miniature Fairy Garden experience, the little people were instructed by the talented Kim Domer and Dani Mendenhall.  It was delightful to watch.

Let me take you along for the ride, if I may.

After their small terra cotta pots were chosen, the children selected their favorite terrarium size plants.  The tiny pink plants were adorable,

as well as the tiny ivy.

If you prefer succulents, they have those too.

Kim and Dani are well-organized and have all the necessary supplies set up on their outside table.

The class first paints their pots. Then they are filled with sterilized potting soil, creating a base for your plants and tiny fairy garden accessories.

{Ample fairy dust ensures there will be magic afoot.}

Next comes small rocks to add a little realism and color. Then the garden creativity takes off. You may choose from tiny furniture and accessories; small garden globes, shovels, birdhouses, and benches can be added for extra whimsy.

Each garden is a reflection of the child that builds it; petite and charming.

From the left: Kelly from I Heart Old Towne Orange, Jill from Sandy Toes & Popsicles , Kim Domer, and Dani Mendenhall.

After finishing up our gardens, we stepped into Dragonfly for the unique shopping experience.  Be sure to visit each room, they feature the goods of all those listed above.

Who doesn’t need a little girly flask and spring blue birds?

And these cards. Oh my goodness. I stood and laughed while reading for at least 30 minutes.

Finally, the shop offers a number of classes and workshops.  You can sign up for beading/jewelry making, stamping, and knitting just to name a few. 

Check this out for a Spring Break activity:

SPRING CAMP – Art Exploration with Libby
Time: 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm

Five days of art exploration. Paint and plastic, print-making, resists, collage and photo altering. Enjoy an art class with a hands-on approach for discovering different mediums, all in an environment encouraging free creative expression.

Cost: $125 per one week session

Ages: 8 – 14

Time:  9:00  11:30 or

Time : 1:00 – 3:30

1st session – April 4th – 8th

2nd session – April 11th – 15 th

sign up for one or both!

AND

If you would like to make a fairy garden. You can!

There are two different classes.  Adult classes are offered the first and third Saturday of the month at 10am. $10 for instructions, soil and rocks.  Adults then receive 10% off all purchased garden accessories.  For the little people, their class is offered the first Saturday of the month at 9am.  Children’s classes are $20 for everything to make a garden.

Click HERE to see all the events on the Dragonfly calendar. They have a brand new website where you can register online or just give them a call.

Dragonfly Hollow at The Dragonfly Shops and Gardens

260 N. Glassell
Orange, CA 92866

(714) 289-4689

play in the dirt