Frequently Asked Questions

We thought we would make it easier for our customers by listing the most frequently asked questions when attending Remnants of the Past.  Here you go!

Remnants of the Past

Frequently asked questions

May I purchase Early Bird Tickets at the gate?

Remnants likes everyone to have a chance at all the fabulous merchandise. Remnants is open to everyone on Friday from 2pm to 7pm and then on Saturday from 9am to 5pm.

Do you offer group ticket discounts?

We offer a Girlfriend’s Ticket Package that includes 4 Tickets for $50 ($60 value). We offer large group pricing for 30 or more tickets.  For more information and pricing, please contact Judy at judy@remnantsofthepast.com

Is there a charge for children’s tickets?

Children under 12 are admitted at no cost.

Are strollers allowed?

It is very difficult to shop the Remnants with babies and small children. Parents are cautioned that strollers are very difficult to navigate with during peak times; Remnants of the Past strongly urges you to leave all single and double strollers at home. If you must shop with your child, baby packs are highly advised.

Are shopping carts allowed?

It is very difficult to shop the Remnants of the Past with shopping carts.  It is hard to navigate with your cart during peak times; Remnants of the Past strongly urges you to leave your cart at home and take advantage of the Porter Station.  Backpacks are advised as an alternative.

May I bring my pet?

Dogs and other pets are not allowed on site, with the exception of service dogs.

Does bad weather affect Remnants of the Past?

Remnants of the Past is a Rain or Shine event.  Fortunately, the show is held in Santa Barbara, a very Mediterranean climate.

Do I have to pay for parking?

Yes, parking is $5 per vehicle per day.

Do vendors take credit cards?

Some vendors do accept credit cards, but be prepared to pay with cash or check, as many do not.  There are ATM machines available inside and out.

Do vendors restock their booths during the event?

Yes, vendors are continually bringing in new items, so we encourage customers to shop both days for the best selection.

Remnants and Youth 4 Direct Relief

I am very excited to have this group as part of Remnants.  I met with them this past Sunday to hear their goals for their participation at Remnants.  They have a goal to raise $5000 to "Fund a School Nurse" for the 183 children who attend the L'cole de Choix in Haitia.  These children currently have no access to medical care. I loved meeting these young adults of Youth 4Direct Relief and seeing their enthusiasm for participating in this incredible organization.

You can help this young group help raise the funds needed by checking in your packages for safe keeping at the Porter Station for a donation of $5.00.  Youth 4 Direct Relief will also be selling tote bags with the Remnant's logo for $10.00.  In the past, Remnant's customers have been so generous that each non-profit has met their goal. 100% of the money raised through the Porter Station and the sale of the tote bags will go to this cause.

Nothing warms my heart more in watching our youth donate their time to a worthy cause. 

Help Youth 4Direct Relief raise the funds to "Fund a School Nurse" by bringing your purchases to the Porter Station or buying a Remnant's tote.

Thank you in advance for your support!

Remnants Fun Giveaway

About five years ago, I thought it would be fun to giveaway an item to my faithful customers.  I think it was just another excuse for me to go shopping!  Anyhoo, I would go shopping I find some fun treasures.  The last show in Pleasanton, we gave away a beautiful dining room set.  You will never guess who won it?  Beau, Rachel Ashwell's, helper won the dining room set.  He was so excited!

This year, I am giving away a planted settee.  Ron's, my favorite nursery, filled the settee with beautiful succulents.  If you have never been to Ron's Nursery you are in for a treat! Be sure to sign up to win this beautiful planted settee at the show!

Girlfriend Times at Remnants of the Past

Nothing warms my heart more is when I go outside to greet the customers so faithfully waiting in line for Remnants to start.  There is always a buzz of excitement between the ladies of what goodies they will find when the doors open.  This is my time to chat with everyone and also to give them a chance to have their picture taken with the crown that is passed down the line.  This sentimental crown was made from bits of costume jewelry that I found in my Mother's home after she had passed.

The customers come from all over the country and I am so grateful for their loyalty to Remnants of the Past!  During the show, I love walking down the aisles and listening to the conversations of the customers.  One of the common threads of conversations is I noticed is that friends are meeting at the show, mothers and daughters spending bonding time together doing what they love and new friendships being cemented out of a mutual love of treasure hunting.  This is the best part!  Out of this observation, I decided to create a "Girlfriend's Ticket Package."  You and three girlfriends can come and enjoy Remnants with our discounted ticket package. Four tickets for $50 ($60 value).  Tickets will be available online until April 20th.  Be sure to buy your tickets soon and spend less time waiting in line and more time treasure hunting!

See you soon!

xoxo

Judy

Rachel Ashwell coming to Remnants of the Past

When I first was exploring and trying to define my decorating style, Rachel Ashwell of Shabby Chic interior design style was going strong.  I think many of us were defining our style with Rachel.  Rachel's simple, romantic, slipcovered, shabby and white decorating style appealed to many of us.  I remember seeing Rachel on Oprah Winfrey and Oprah saying "Rachel Ashwell single-handedly turned shabby into chic and it caught on like wildfire!"  I feel that Rachel Ashwell helped many of us to be excited about our homes and to define our individual interior design styles.

I met Rachel in the early 90's at the Ventura Flea Market.  Unbeknownst to Rachel, we were haggling over the same item.  I  lost, and admired her unpretentious personality…  Many years later when I first started Remnants of the Past, I invited Rachel to Remnants.  The customers loved her!  Rachel has such a down to earth appeal and Remnants shoppers loved connecting with her.   I have everyone of Rachel's books as many of you probably do. Since that appearance, we have kept in touch.  

Well...I am excited to announce that Rachel Ashwell will be my special guest at Remnants on Saturday, April 25th, 2015 at the fairgrounds in Pleasanton.  She will be signing her new Book, Rachel Ashwell The World of Shabby Chic: Beautiful Homes, My Story & Vision.  More details coming in the new year. For updates, visit www.remnantsofthepast.com.

     

More exciting news to share!  Since I started Remnants over nine years ago, I am always receiving requests from customers to bring Remnants further South. I've just have never had the time to explore this idea.  An opportunity arose and I am thrilled to announce that Remnants of the Past will be in Santa Barbara at the Earl Warren Show Grounds November 2015! Customers from Northern and Southern California can now enjoy Remnants fabulous vendors.

The Spring show will be in Pleasanton and the Fall show in Santa Barbara. I am so excited for 2015!
 

                                                                  

Be sure to visit my Etsy store for gifts, decorating your Christmas table and special items for your home.  We have vintage horn carving sets, silver candle holders, and linens. Follow me onInstagram, Facebook and Pinterest.

Now that 2015 for Remnants is settled, I am going to slow down and enjoy this season of thankfulness, renewal, a Baby in a Manger and my family.  Take the time to enjoy your friends and family, decorate your home, fill your kitchen with the smells of Christmas and reflect on 2014 and bring in the New Year of 2015 with a renewed spirit.

  

Antiquing in Phoenix

            

One of my dear friends, Debbie, has been telling me for ages how wonderful the antiquing in Phoenix is.  Debbie comes up with the best finds!  One day, Debbie called me and said the Sweet Salvage Event and the Junk in the Trunk Show were happening the same week.  She was going to call a bunch of friends to gather at her house for a girl's weekend filled with shopping Goodwill, thrift stores, antique stores and these two fabulous shows.  How could I say no!  I booked my flight and waited with anticipation for that week to come.  There were seven of us and we shopped every one of the stores and then waited for the Sweet Salvage event which is the third week of every month.  We were fortunate to attend the Wednesday night preview.  Oh my gosh!  There were about 12 vendors and they have three weeks to put their booth together according to the theme that was decided upon by Kim, the founder.  The displays were over the top!  You are not able to shop that night but believe me, I scoped out every little item I loved and marked it down where it was located.  The next morning, we woke up and were out the door at 6:30 in the morning with a quick stop at McDonald's for a cup of coffee and were second in line.  The show doesn't open until 10am and we were so ready to start.  It was around 100 degrees with insufferable humidity but the staff handed out iced waters and big umbrellas.  The doors opened and we were off!  Because I scoped out the whole store the night before, I was able to pick up ALL the items I wanted.  😊 After that we hit several shops and then crashed out at Chateau Debbie's with appetizers and wine.  A perfect end to a day.  

          

          

                               Do you think we had fun shopping! 😊

Staying at Chateau Debbie's is like vacationing at a 5 star resort.  Every need was taken care of and then being with good friends was the icing on the cake. 

 Next day, was a free day with a stop at Anthropologie and a wonderful warehouse called Antiquities Warehouse.  Over the top antiques!  Steak, salad and wine and we were all ready for bed because we had to get an early start for the Junk in the Trunk Showthe following morning.  

         

Next morning another early stop for coffee and then waiting in line.  The doors open and we were all off in different directions.  Because of Remnants, I am used to vendors preparing their spaces with over the top merchandising.  Junk in the Trunk is a one day show and the vendors have limited time to set up so the displays were not what I was used to but believe me, there were LOTS of treasures to be found!  Came home with a truck load and van full.  

Being amongst all these ladies, we all have our OCD quirks.  Saturday afternoon, Debbie, our host, brought freshly laundered towels to the table to fold.  I asked if I could help, I a received a firm NO!  Debbie quickly laughed and said I have a certain way of folding my towels.  Well, that just started a conversation and a show and tell of all the different ways each of us folds our towels.  Well, let me tell you, Dawn, from Washington, took the cake.  We were all in awe and here is a quick reason why.  Have fun watching.


IMG 0957 from judy watkins on Vimeo.

Sunday, we all starting wrapping and packing our loot because we were all leaving for home.  I packed my carry-on inside the biggest suitcase I owned.  Debbie dropped me off at the airport and I lugged that piece of luggage to the counter and the gentlemen quietly tells me that I am five pounds over and that I need to remove items to reach the 50 pound limit.  Are you kidding me! I paid him the $100!  No, way was I leaving anything behind.

I arrived home to a happy husband, son and puppy.  I guess they missed me for that week fending for themselves!

I was so happy and content.  I've never spend a girl's weekend ever before and the friendships that I gained and the time spent together were priceless.  It is only one time a year that these two shows are in the same week and I have already booked my flight for next year!  I can hardly wait!

xoxo

Judy

Back from Vacation

It seems like forever since I have blogged or been on Facebook.  Actually, it was a nice break.  Just returned from a wonderful vacation with friends.  We were invited to join friends in the San Juan Islands on their boat.  We flew into Seattle then took a sea plane from Lake Union into Roche Harbor.  I was a little nervous going on such a small plane and landing on water but it was wonderful and beautiful.

Roche Harbor, Washington

English Colony

Aye, aye mate!  😊

Sunsets were beautiful…

To say the least, we came home refreshed, relaxed, full of fresh crab and ready to hit the road!  One of the things I realized on my vacation is how much I missed having my own booth at Remnants.  Nothing beats the thrill of the hunt.  I know that it would be challenging for me to manage a booth and a show at the same time so I thought, why not open up a Etsy Store.  So I did!  I have just a few things up but I am so looking forward to hunting again.  Take a peek!

XOXO

Judy

Letty Worley

Each morning, I eagerly read my emails waiting for Jen O'Connor of Earth Angels Studios to send me  information about the next artist that she is bringing to Remnants of the Past.  This morning I am happy to introduce you to  Letty Worley who is coming all the way from Tennessee!  Letty loves using oddities, bits and pieces of vintage treasures to create the unexpected in her charming interpretations.  Letty makes soft sculpture, purses, and what she calls her "frostings" wearable mohair art.  Letty has created a jewelry collection which willed be rolled out for the first time at our June Remnants.  Letty has been featured in many national magazines to name a few, this months PRIMS, Country Living, Romantic Homes, FOLK and Where Women Create.

Please welcome Letty Worley!

xoxo

Judy

April Cornell

Artist and designer April Cornell has delighted us with her linens, bedding, and women's and girl's clothing for years. Her colorful interpretations of nature in the fabrics she creates and the artistic, feminine details of her clothing styles bring beauty into many women's lives. She and her team are coming all the way from Burlington, Vermont to be special guests at Remnants this weekend. 

I have long been a fan of April's work, but what really draws me to her is her heart. April is a citizen of the world. If you follow her blog, you'll see she is all over the world in search of inspiration and sources for her designs. But her spiritual home is in India, where she has a home and factories. Years ago, seeing the needs of those around her in India, April founded the Giving World Foundation. The foundation serves mostly children and women who she likes to say need "A hand up rather than a hand out." One of the projects she supports is the Sai Kripa school which you see her and Donna Larrabee visiting last month in the photo above. 

April has a truck full of her trademark linens and a sampling of clothing with her for the show. Her booth will be a warm, colorful meeting place for creative kindred spirits. A percentage of the entrance fee is being donated to the Giving World Foundation. I'm Looking forward to a wonderful day with April in our midst.