Came here to get a couple baseball items framed in shadow boxes. One was pete rose signed jersey, ball, bat and picture and it looked amazing! Other was Angels signed bat and jersey with pictures of my mom in honor of her passing. Both turned out incredible! They look amazing. I'm sure you can get something like this done for less, but you won't get anything that looks this good. You get what you pay for. Perfection! Lonnie was great to work with and I'll definitely be back with anything else that comes my way. read more

As soon as you step inside it's every sports fan dream. The variety, options and history from sports cards, photos and memorabilia. The owner is a genuine and happy guy too. The prices are fair and are quality products! He also creates frames filled with any sort of memorabilia you have! He does it with great vision and honors the memories you have! Bonus is he does a spinning wheel of opportunities for prizes when you come in and spend $5 minimum! Worth it! If you're a sports fan of cards and memorabilia don't miss out this place in the OC! read more

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Just got into collecting football cards and came here from recommendations. I had an amazing first visit and will definitely come back. There's a prize wheel to spin for a prize, and I got the vault prize!!! Got a signed Tony Dorsett jersey. Bought my first Jordan Love rookie card and a pack of Prizm. Met the owner who was very welcoming and passionate about what he does. Shoutout to Raul for helping me out. read more

The Creative Play - Hobby Shops Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Be careful!! Brought in some Troy Aikman cards and memorabilia to be framed. Lonnie "lost" them and offered items of much lesser value. read more

Outstanding service! I dropped off some baseball memorabilia to be framed together. I had an idea of how I wanted it and Lonnie, the owner, gave me his opinion on how I should do it. I was a little hesitant at first to use his idea but they've never done a bad job on anything I've brought. When I went to pick it up, I was stunned at how amazing it came out. I'm super happy with the service, quality and the price. Thank you creative play for letting me enjoy my new favorite piece read more

The Creative Play - Stadium seat, ball and rookie card of Los Angeles Dodgers great Tommy Davis - Hobby Shops Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

If you want quality pieces of art not just cheaply framed memorabilia then Lonnie and his guys are second to none ANYWHERE read more

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I am a huge sports fan, so this is an extremely great memorabilia shop. They have a wide selection of merchandise for all sports. I liked the number of baseball cards they had. I found a cool Pedro Martinez Red Sox card. The employees were very friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable, which is great as well. They didn't have a lot of Red Sox merchandise, but I still enjoyed coming to the Creative Play. read more

I've been a Creative Play customer for over 20 years. I found Lonnie because he hired my then teenage daughter and began teaching her about framing. We started taking all of our artwork and sports memorabilia to The Creative Play and wouldn't consider going anywhere else. Quality, professional and really good people. I love their suggestions on the perfect frame and mat to make the item truly stand out. Kudos to you guys! read more

I have been going here for 17 years and even put a very positive review on Yelp in the past. However, I reluctantly must update the review to now not recommend Creative Play. I am sure they will continue to receive an abundance of business but no longer from me. The past two jobs I have delivered have been done incorrectly, and I just picked up the "corrected" frame job today and there is an obvious scratch on the bottom of the frame. Worst of us, no attempt by anyone to say thank you or even seem pleased to have my business. They just take the credit card, run it, and then walk away. I am saddened to say this but I will no longer be visiting this business. read more

The Creative Play - Scratch on the frame upon pickup - Hobby Shops Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

The Creative Play is a framing store focused on sports memorabilia but they do a great job of framing all types of items. We chose to support a local store instead of a chain and it does take a little longer with higher prices, but the quality and their team are worth it. I've been here with a friend who had a larger than life art piece framed with gold and platinum records, and also gotten a few pieces from my art collection framed here. They are so helpful in making your vision a reality and will offer creative input or just give you the best options for what you have in mind. Their frame selection is extensive and you're bound to find something you like. There are quite a few pieces of framed sports memorabilia for sale as well if you're a collector. read more

The Creative Play - Tondo DABS MYLA screenprint they matted and framed. - Hobby Shops Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

I came up from San Diego to get my Gwynn signed bat, jersey, and ball framed by the Creative Play. I wanted the best sports memorabilia framers in Southern CA, and I got exactly that and then some. Lonnie and his team were great from the get go, talking with me about exactly what I was looking for with my piece. They added their insight and expertise, and the rest is history. I now have two of the most beautiful Gwynn pieces in Southern CA thanks to TCP! All for a very reasonable cost that beat other highish-end framing shops in Southern CA (I searched from the border to LA). Aside from their great work, I really felt like a member of the TCP family during my two visits to their shop. They even let my kids play mini golf in the shop while I looked through their amazing memorabilia and sports card collections!! I am definitely coming back to TCP for all of my future pieces. They are extremely knowledge, friendly, and really a pleasure to work with. I could not recommend them high enough to other sports collectors looking to get their next framed piece. read more

The Creative Play - Custom Tony Gwynn jersey display and bat + ball display. - Hobby Shops Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Absolutely the best place to go to have anything framed up or displayed properly.....Lonnie is a genius at his craft ....the customer service is second to none all of the staff is extremely friendly...definitely the BEST. Place around read more

The Creative Play - Custom Magic Johnson piece - Hobby Shops Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

This is one of my favorite shops, and has been for a long time. We have moved out of the area, but stop by every time we are in the area, and it is a comfort to find it still there and thriving! I search out old and new baseball and football singles and my wife shops for frames so we both enjoy it. Love the continuing baseball game on the "wheel of fortune ", drove home a run this time. Found some obscure old cards that made a great search!!! Our highest possible recommendations!!!! read more

Did a killer job framing this jersey - very happy with the outcome !! Thank you. The people who work inside are very nice and even helped us get it to the car without asking! Definitely recommend if you are looking to frame anything sports related ! read more

The Creative Play - Whodey!!! - Hobby Shops Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

I've been coming down to The Creative Play to get my weekly baseball card fix for several months now. Lonnie and his staff are the best! Always quick to help and willing to chat about the hobby with a newly returned collector. They even have a fun bonus wheel you get to spin after every purchase - I've won several free packs and last week even got to open one of the vault doors for a special prize! Thanks Lonnie for making me feel like a little kid again! read more

Raul was kind and professional. He also gave me tips on what would look better for my jersey framing. Overall, I think the final product turned out amazing! I would definitely recommend The Creative Play to everyone in the area. read more

The Creative Play - Austin Ekeler signed jersey - Hobby Shops Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

I have been doing business with Creative Play since 2010. Lonnie and his staff are great people who really go out of there way to get things right. They are very professinal and have great ideas and alot of experience. They have framed 5 signed Jerseys for me, 6 signed Championship belts, a baseball field with baseballs signed by each player at there postion, and matted glass case for me for 3 Replica trophies. My only complain is I wish I would of meant Lonnie and his staff sooner. read more

This hobby shop is a most stop destination! They have a safe and welcoming atmosphere that promotes family. They have a great eye for creativity and are willing to get to know you personally. It's a great place to meet all of your hobby needs. Thank you for being such a great business. Highly recommend! read more

The Creative Play - Entrance - Hobby Shops Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

I had a good friend of mine create a Kobe Bryant Jersey in a large case for my 40th birthday. I am a HUGE Laker fan and this was a super nice thing to do for me. They used creative play to build, pack, and ship it. It arrived damaged with the plexiglass broken and the pieces inside moved around. The packaging was simply one 1/4" thick layer of poster board to protect the piece then a cardboard box, zero cushion or insultation to absorb any blows or movement. I am really not surprised it was damaged. I have a video of me opening it all excited then seeing the damaged so it's obvious it was not done correctly. I contacted the company and they said it was packed correctly and told me to use the insurance. I tried, ins told me to go through them, they ping ponged me back and forth with no one taking responsibility. Long story short I still have a broken case and a quote to have it fixed for $554 by another company which I will have to pay for on my own 40th d bday gift. So I am out the money and more importantly several hours of my time emailing, calling driving etc to even try to get it done which never happen. Creative play had a few opportunities to make the situation right and did not, it felt like they just blew me off and swept me under the rug. I would definitely not recommend them. read more

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Just a few of the sports card boxes and singles (slabs and raw cards) that were on display when I went in today! read more

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So glad I took a friends recommendation & met with Lonnie to get this piece done. He took the time to explain the process & answer any questions! Would absolutely come back again! Thank you Lonnie!! read more

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This review is from my mom- She took an antique/vintage piece of artwork here and Lonnie did an amazing job of re-framing it- including suggesting the frame materials. It turned out so beautiful. Thank you! read more

The Creative Play - Re-framed artwork/vintage piece - Hobby Shops Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Found the store because of an Instagram ad that popped up on my feed. Ended up stopping one day after work not thinking of walking out with anything, but ended up with a couple boxes of basketball cards. Prices are good, lower than comps I've seen elsewhere, Matt, Raul, and Lonnie and friendly and helpful. Been back a couple times to buy another buy or just talk cards. Will be back again. read more

The Creative Play is the best sports card and framing store around. I've been coming to The Creative Play for 7 years now and have always been very happy with everything they've done for me. From soccer and baseball collages, to posters, and old newspaper ads Lonnie always does a tremendous job. It's a family friendly place with a wheel to spin to win prizes if you spend money on cards. My only knock is that the prices for framing aren't cheap but given the work and craftsmanship that you get it's totally worth it. read more

The Creative Play - Hobby Shops Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

I remember seeing this place after eating at Santa Monica seafood across the street. After reading some yelp reviews, I decided to go here to get 2 sports jerseys framed. I really can't vouch enough for this place. Lonnie (the down to earth owner) was very articulate in explaining the different options available. Being a bit clueless with regards to what would look good in terms of framing options, I listened to his recommendations and options. I eventually chose two color schemes for the jerseys after consultation with Lonnie. Unlike other places, Lonnie does not try to upsell you at all. He'll tell you what is the most economical choice first and foremost. He'll also allow you to see and feel the materials used in the project prior to buying. After picking up the jerseys for a very competitive price (my previous Jersey frame overvalued at $500 had shattered leading me to solicit Lonnie for a fraction of the cost), I was ecstatic. The color schemes Lonnie had suggested really made the jerseys stand out. I would definitely recommend others to come and get a price quote from Lonnie. Being that Lonnie has been at this for 20+ years and works with various NBA stars, it's no surprise I was extremely satisfied with the finished product. You'll likely gleam some interesting and insightful lessons during your visit as well. It was cool to see some of the projects and hear about some of the people Lonnie was helping out in the shop. read more

The Creative Play - Andrew Luck jersey framed by Lonnie. - Hobby Shops Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Impeccable !!!! I found The Creative Play through doing lots of research to find the best place to have my nephews signed Kobe Bryant Jersey framed professionally. Well look no further because the Creative Play is the place to go. Lonnie thank you so much for your help with picking out the frame and backgrounds, it turned out perfect. AND not only is the work precise and absolute perfection, the cost is very well priced and lowest compared to Aaron Brothers, Michaels etc. THANK YOU LONNIE!! I'll be back!! ~ Colette read more

The Creative Play - The Creative Play custom frame!! - Hobby Shops Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Thank you Lonnie for immediately repairing a damaged piece of art. It's a wedding gift and he carefully wrapped it in butcher paper which would up looking great! Thank you for the excellent customer service! read more

Dropped 2 autographed jerseys off to be framed. The owner was great to work with. Final product came out fantastic. read more

The Creative Play - Frame - Hobby Shops Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Today my wife and I stopped in to the shop. We were instantly greeted by Isabella the pup, she is the cutest. We went in today to talk about getting a jersey framed, Lonnie helped us out. He is one of the nicest people you will ever meet, he definitely loves his business and it shows in the quality of work they produce. I will highly recommend Lonnie and his shop to all my friends and family. I'm so excited to see what my jersey will look like when it is done. I'll post pictures later on once I get my piece. read more

The staff and owner were great. At a time when you don't know what to do Raul helped me out. I needed a custom frame for a memorial service. I had the picture but wanted a nice frame to go with it. Raul looked at the picture recommended the matt colors and size. He then found a great looking frame went with the accessories in the picture. When I told him I needed it by the following week he turned it around in two days. We picked up today for the service and it looked beautiful. I couldn't be more happy on how it came out. The price was good. You're not going to pay $50 for a custom framed picture, but it also wasn't an outrageous amount either. It was priced appropriately. I would recommend them for anything you need framed. read more

Lonnie is the best! My wife and I have been taking mementos to be custom framed at The Creative Play since 2003. From music to sports to family photos, Lonnie turns each one into a masterpiece. We've entrusted him with our autographed sports and concert memorabilia, he never ceases to amaze us. Lonnie's expertise really shines through in each unique piece. I highly recommend checking him out! You won't find anyone nicer! read more

This place is an excellent spot for sports cards and also framing. The staff is so helpful and informative. They have so many hobby boxes that are very well priced. I give them a ten for recommendation. read more

Had another piece done here. A signed basketball by Coach Bobby Knight from the 2012 Final Four in New Orleans. Lonnie and his team did an outstanding job again. Highly recommend! They are true artists and their work is absolutely amazing. I will be back for more! Don't waste your time trying to look for a better place when it comes to framing. read more

The Creative Play - Hobby Shops Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

This place is pretty darn cool. They have a lot of sports memorabilia and do custom framing/mounting jobs for just about anything you bring in. Lonnie, the store's owner, is friendly and always up for a good chat about local sports happenings. Also, there's a wheel you can spin each time you make a purchase and you can rack up bonus shopping points and/or prizes. If you're looking to pick up a few packs of cards or an autographed piece of memorabilia, give Creative Play a chance. Also, talk to Lonnie about ways to present your memorabilia in interesting and, well, creative ways. It isn't the cheapest price around... but the quality of the custom products is great and you just don't get one-on-one customer service like this in a lot of places. Check out this place for your next framing or sports-related project. Oh, and they have a mascot--Lonnie and his wife have an adorable, tiny dog named Bella who is often in the store, too. read more

I have had several basketball jerseys framed here by Lonnie and his team throughout the years and they never disappoint with their creativity and precision craftsmanship. Most recently I had Lonnie, Mike, and Geoff put 5 separate jerseys for me into one giant frame and what they ended up doing with it blew me away! Professional framing of this caliber can be pricey, but don't get me wrong, you get what you pay for and that's a piece of memorabilia that will last for generations. Lonnie and his team are very friendly and they work and make suggestions according to your needs. I highly recommend The Creative Play to anyone looking to get anything, not just sports memorabilia, professionally framed with a "creative" touch. I plan on having Lonnie frame some more stuff for me in the near future! read more

Took a souvenir poster here to be framed. Was quoted $120 for a basic black frame with glass... was quoted over $300 for the same thing at Michaels and Aaron Brothers!! We bought two more posters on another vacation & took them to be framed as well... all of them look perfect! The man working there (I'm guessing he's the owner) is very friendly & helpful. Highly recommended! read more

Lonnie is the man! He has tons of experience and has a great eye for detail. I was referred to him by a printing company and he took his time in helping me find a great frame (their selection is massive) and he got it done in a timely matter. Overall, great experience and awesome customer service. If I ever need work like this done again, I'll be going directly here! read more

I can't say enough good things about The Creative Play. I brought Lonnie a couple of things that I had previously framed at Michaels....don't ever go there for memorabilia framing unless you want to be disappointed. I showed Lonnie my stuff and he came up with some ideas to make it look better. I also brought in a bunch of Yankees memorabilia as well as a couple of Brett Favre jerseys. When I went to pick up my stuff I was in awe of the amazing transformation that Lonnie did; he turned my embarrassing already framed items into works of art. Lonnie really has a gift and does incredible work. I beyond love all the things he framed for me and I will be back in the future. If you have anything you want framed to look awesome you must go to The Creative Play. Thank you so much for taking such time and putting your creativity into making my sports stuff look like unique masterpieces! read more

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I was lucky to find this place while driving by. I had just left Best Framing and was disappointed at both their selection of frames and expensive quote. Lonnie helped me pick out 4 matte and frame combinations that I was really happy with. He had a good eye for what I wanted and was much less expensive than Best. I can't wait to see the finished product but know I chose the right place. Go to Creative Play! read more

I am so happy with the work I had done here!!! I took a newspaper article in to get framed for a friend as a going away/ birthday present and was a little worried about the time frame. Lonnie had it to me very quickly, and it looks better than I could have expected. For what I got, the price was amazing as well. You will not be disappointed with the quality of the work done here. I highly recommend it, and I think you should recommend it to anyone who might be thinking about getting something framed as well!! read more