The Dragonfly Shops & Gardens

An Old Towne fixture for 15 years, Dragonfly Shops & Gardens is located inside a vintage 1920’s home converted into a retail store.  The shop sells unique gifts, beads and vintage pieces, plus the largest selection of miniatures and fairy garden accessories in Southern California.  In the garden, you’ll find an array of garden art, spectacular succulents and beautiful pots to plant in right on site.

Dozens of diverse and creative workshops are offered at the Dragonfly monthly.  You can learn, for instance, how to make succulent wreaths, terrariums, suncatchers, birdfeeder/planters, mosaic gnomes, mushrooms and steppingstones, macrame wall hangings, as well as watercolor paintings.

“No other place in Orange County has the depth and breadth of what we offer,” says owner and crafter Beth Davidson.  Most classes are held outside, where cypress trees provide shade.  “Students often talk about the vibe here and how they feel welcome,” says Davidson.  “Our workshops are meant for everybody to have success.”

Join Us for a Variety of Festive Holiday Workshops: Succulent Wreaths, Holiday Ornaments, Baubles for your Branches, Mandala Rocks, Wind Chimes, Mosaic Tiles, and more.  See website for full schedule, class details, prices & monthly additions.

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Since the gift-giving holiday season is around the corner, the Dragonfly is the ideal place to make presents for special people, gather with them to learn something new or find different ways to spruce up your home and yard.

Davidson says the handmade quality of the crafts is perfect for one-of-a-kind gifts.  “Instead of giving those in your life items mass-produced abroad, you can gift them locally made presents created by someone they love and care about,” she says.

The classes at the Dragonfly have a three-fold appeal, she explains.  “You can make a holiday décor item, create a gift to give someone and give the gift of a workshop that you enjoy together.”

This year, The Dragonfly expanded its instructor pool.  Davidson seeks people “who have a skillset” that she doesn’t.  “There’s plenty of room at the table,” she says.  “I’m always looking for skilled people to share their craft.”

Tustin resident Pam Edmondson teaches the Kokedama, Driftwood Succulent, Corsage and Holiday Wreath workshops.  “Dragonfly offers such a unique space and atmosphere that people joining us for workshops arrive as guests but leave as friends,” she says.  Edmondson particularly likes “meeting so many interesting people who also enjoy learning and creating.”

Davidson is transitioning the business more towards workshops and creating a sense of community.  The Dragonfly can also be used for birthdays, fundraisers and special gatherings.  One example of the latter is an event planned by a customer who is a financial planner.  “To say thanks for their business, he is inviting clients to come make a succulent wreath for the holidays,” she says.

Some people sign up for a workshop to ease back into a social atmosphere.  One woman visited the Dragonfly after hip surgery saying she was finally ready to “come out into the world and have some fun” after a long rehab period.

“There are people who attend workshops looking to simply relax and enjoy themselves, while others want to learn a new skill,” says Davidson.  “The succulent wreath class is a good example.  Once they learn how to make wreaths, they can do so for holidays throughout the year.”

Maleia, a frequent workshop participant from Villa Park, says, “I know that not only will I leave with a really cool, unique piece that I created, I will also have had great conversations with people I’ve met sitting around the table.  It’s a chance for community and memories.”

The Dragonfly Shops & Gardens
Wed-Fri:  11 am - 5 pm  /  Sat:  9 am - 5 pm  /  Sun: 11 am - 4 pm
260 North Glassell St.  /  714-289-4689