Saturday, May 16, 2009

Whimsy visits Renee and Gordon Werner's Magical Abode

Who knew that a delivery to a Whimsy client could be so magical? As you scroll through the photos, you will see the amazing property that the Werner's have created near Butterfly Beach in Montecito, California. We appreciate Renee allowing us to capture her creativity and sharing with the world via our Whimsy Antiques blog....




We started the shoot with the most delicious ice tea that Renee prepared in her stunning kitchen. Although I have never been to France, I felt like I was right in Paris! Renee and Gordon lived in Paris for a while and have their home and garden filled with french antiques.









Her recipe was from New Orleans, where Renee also has a home, and lived there for over 30 years.




I was pleased to see a stool the Werner's purchased from Whimsy fitting in so nicely!



Yes, that is a trumpet vine trunk that is alive and well in the kitchen with a hole in their wall leading outside to their gardens.



Every direction I looked, there was a photo waiting to be taken. Renee has a natural gift and her keen artistic eye is evident both inside and outdoors where her talents are bountiful.







A term Renee has coined is "Less than perfect" and it's meaning is found in an elegant room, with tattered antique leather bound books. Books not in pristine condition, yet the visual appeal is amazing and "less than perfect". Rachel Ashwell is known for "Shabby Chic"; Renee Werner is the queen of "Less than Perfect". (This term is officially copyrighted 5/2009)







Wisteria from the garden highlights a breathtaking still life of antiques.







An antique painter's easel from Whimsy Antiques finds a perfect place holding a vintage oil.














I loved the whimsical nature of this grouping! Of course I would !


Notice the artful placement of the silky fabric that mimics the folds of the woman's dress in the painting. Renee's "eye" never stops!



A lovely photo of Renee and Gordon placed in a "less than perfect" frame.







Antique leather bound books are art, themselves.


A collection of antique oils in one of the bedrooms. They work so well without frames.









Notice the birdbath as a bedside table? It is filled with lavendar!









One of my favorite still lifes in the home was this paint brush collection. Must be my BFA in Art education background...



The iron metal window fram was shipped from New Orleans, as were many architectural pieces within the home, including walls in the living room!



The outdoors is breathtaking, and Renee's gardening talents are inspiring.




















Even in the outdoors, Renee's placement is impeccable.



Her magic is felt on every inch of her garden and home. She is a sweet and modest woman who has talents beyond words or photos can convey.







Thank you Renee, Gordon and Bittersweet !








Bittersweet, sleepily saying goodbye!

































Upcycled creations by Jody of Brin & Nohl at Whimsy on Linden!!!






We love these adorable baskets that have been upcycled from coffee sacks and lined with recycled heavy cotton. Oklahoma artist and young Mom, Jody from Brin & Nohl, has created these and we have them now in our Linden store. We also have tote bags/handbags and will be getting farmers market bags from her! The graphics are wonderful and each is one of a kind! Whimsy loves all of Jody's creations, and the baskets are offered in 3 different sizes and are ideal for magazines, rolled up towels, veggies, art supplies, mail...the list goes on!







Whimsy $5.00 Coupons!!!!



Why not let us give you 5 dollars to spend?! We are putting on our economy-boosting thinking caps and right now you can stop by and see what we have in store for you at our Linden location, but before you leave, please ask for your $5 coupon to be used at our 7th Street shop! Coupon details are printed on the coupon itself, as well as deadlines for use! Happy shopping!


Sunday, May 10, 2009

Wonderfully Made features WHIMSY at event

The lovely gals from Wonderfully Made recently had a large event in Santa Barbara and asked if they could "borrow" a truckload of furniture and decor. They came and picked out what they wanted and we delivered the lovely load for their May event with 500 women in attendence. Whimsy also gave them coupons for both shops so we are hoping to see you all to pick out some fun furniture or vintage goodness for your own homes! Thanks so much for choosing Whimsy!

Emma's birthday gift

We are in the truck headed to Ethan's good friend Emma's birthday party. Ethan is holding her gift tied with fresh flowers and a denim scrap. Photo-worthy, I reckon.

WHIMSY Vegetable Garden

This is the vegetable bed. Literally. Ready for organic veggies....

Of course we had to paint the vintage iron headboard white, the dark finish just didn't show up against the bouganvilla!


We'll call this our first attempt at a vegetable garden. Here is my husband Alan as he is putting on the finishing touches to the headboard/trellis of our veggie bed. Did I mention everything we do is just a little different? Why stop now? We'll name this the WHIMSY garden.







abstract from my garden adventure



There was something about the textures and graphics of this old farm piece that called my eye and asked me to capture it.


Garden Time















Every year a local nursery has a wonderful sale that is just the most gorgeous colorful eyeful that I had to share my experience this year. The selection is great and the prices are mind blowing, but if you wait till the last day everything is half price. This year I went back 3 times. The first day we loaded up for 20 bucks but the third day, I filled my car for 11 dollars with enough to create my Mother's patio and a few left over for me.