Monday, November 9, 2009

2nd Time Around: My booth at the antique mall

Welcome to 2nd Time Around. Please join us by linking a post that features something that is a 2nd Time Around to you…something from a garage sale, flea market, thrift store, estate sale, etc. Please link your post rather than your blog, and link back to this blog.

This week I would like to share some 2nd Time Around Pictures from a booth that I am spending a lot of time in…my booth at a local antique mall in my home town. A few weeks ago my son and I were looking through some stuff in the garage that I had bought at estate or garage sales and never really gotten around to doing anything with. One of the things he picked up was a tiny painting of a parrot. He suggested that I let him put it in his booth that he had started. I paid 10 cents for the unsigned oil painting-and it sold within a matter of days for $12.00! So…guess you can say that now I’m hooked! Actually, I had bought the painting for the cute little frame and would have never guessed that I could actually make money on it.

So for the past month or so, I have been adding to the booth, and now have my own ‘number.’ Today I will share a few pics of things that I’ve bought. These cute little set of cows all match and came from 2 different garage sales. The sugar and creamer came from a sale in Bay St. Louis, and the salt and pepper came from a local sale. The total investment is $1.00, or 25 cents for each piece. They are not old of course, but lots of the things in this mall aren’t-just cute little flea market type stuff.

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The mahogany cabinet is almost like one I found last year and bought for my house. I found it less than 2 weeks ago, and it was sold within a week! They picked it up on Monday, so I had to spend the day finding a way to arrange the stuff inside it. It was my first big sale!! IMG_2084

The mall owner really doesn’t like crafts, but she has agreed to let me put some of my chalkboards I’ve made with recycled picture frames in the booth. You would think by now I would know to take a before picture, but I didn’t! You will have to take my word for it-this frame and picture were UGLY!! I spray painted it with a sage green, and put a heavy glaze of antique white over it. It’s been hanging there a week-still no buyer! :(

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Some stuff I’m finding at the Hope Village Thrift store like this milk bottle vase with a sunflower and little silver clock.

I also found the cutest ‘Hugging Geese’ salt and pepper shakers there the same day, but they sold before I made these pics. IMG_2086

Every now and then I find a real bargain like this American Fostoria vase at a garage sale. I paid only a dollar for it…and wasn’t sure if it was real or not, but the mall owner examined it, looked it up in her reference book, and her verdict-worth $22! Now I just have to wait for the right buyer! IMG_2087

And of course there are the estate sales. Recently I bought quite a few items from an estate sale here in town. In fact, I went to the sale 3 times total! I thought this little hen salt and pepper for only 50 cents was a great buy! IMG_2088

I’m learning alot, selling stuff here and there, and getting more selective in what I buy as I learn. Most importantly, I’m having lots of fun!

I'm also linking this to Kimba's DIY day!

Thanks for stopping by!

23 comments:

bj said...

O, how neat, Diane...I know you are having a blast...this would be so much fun..and just look at all the neat "stuff"...
xo bj

Unknown said...

The chalkboard turned out great!

Michelle
www.TrashToTreasureDecorating.com

Laura @ the shorehouse. said...

How great is that?! I've really thought about doing this at the little local co-op that I shop at...I'm not sure how much they charge for a space, but I do know that I would have to work there a few hours each week...and I'm not sure how to make that happen. I love that you're giving this a try, and most importantly that you're having success! Yay!!

Hope all is well! Can you believe it was 70 degrees in NYC today??
xo, Laura

Blondie's Journal said...

What a lot of fine looking pieces. I would be having a great time!! Good for you, Diane!

xoxo
Jane

Linda said...

I love the chalkboard and can't believe you haven't sold it already. It's great looking!

I've also made a few of these chalkboards but my writing doesn't show up very good. What's your secret? Are you using one of those special chalk pens?

jeanne said...

Good morning Diane. Your post today is right up my alley. I can tell you are hooked. When I started selling antiques, I started with things from my home. Then the hunt began. It is lots of fun. You have a knack for displaying your items very nicely. I wish you the best success in this new adventure. Most of all have fun.

Hugs xoxo, Jeanne

Scooterblu's Whimsy~Rhonda said...

Hi Diane, This sounds like so much fun!!! I've always wanted to do a booth like yours, but all the malls are at least an hour away from me or more. Looks like you have some really good and interesting items for sale, too! Hoping you'll share more pics of your booth and items along the way! ...and wishing you much success! ~hugs, Rhonda :)

Southern Lady said...

Your booth is so pretty, Diane. I can see why you are selling a lot. That cabinet was gorgeous and I know you were excited to sell it so quickly. I wish we had an antique mall here in Vicksburg. I have so much stuff I'd like to try to sell and that would be a fun way to do it.

Good luck with yours and have fun!

Unknown said...

Hi Linda,
I did use a chalk pen...love them! They are expensive though...a pack of 4 was about 10 bucks at Hobby Lobby!

Gone said...

Sounds to me like you're having a really good time! I love the mahogany cabinet!!

I'm just starting to get back into blogging!!after taking the summer off.

~Blessings,
Jan

gail@My Repurposed Life said...

Diane... the booth looks great. Good luck, hope you move things quickly! :)
chalk pen... as smart as all of us gals are, we need to come up with our own repurposed item to use instead of spending so much money on them. They do write great, though, huh?
thanks for hosting, wish I could have joined in last week.
gail

Candy said...

I just opened a booth and so was very interested in reading all about yours. Love all your pics for today and the chalk board is great...just waiting for that perfect person. I hate the waiting, don't you?
Tuesday Blessings ;-)

Kitt said...

Congrats on your first big sale!

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Oh Diane, I've always wanted to have a booth at an antique mall. Your booth looks so nice, and I can't believe that mag. chlkbrd hasn't sold! Actually I saw several things I would buy if I were shopping at that mall. It must be so much fun to find out that something sold for a lot more than you paid for it! You go girl! laurie

Darlene said...

I LOVE your booth!! It must be fun to stay on the lookout for things to stock it with. Congrats. on the big cabinet sell! I LOVE your chalkboard....believe me it WILL sell soon.

my home sanctuary said...

Good luck with your little shop. I love it. So funny about the big sale. But I bet you were happy. Rearranging I am sure was stressful but fun. Thanks for sharing.
Many Blessings,
Sherry

Jennifer Guire said...

I love anything vintage and antique! What great finds.

Dawn said...

That sounds like so much fun. I knew someone a long time ago that rented a booth at an antique mall and sold some of his things. It looks like you have a great collection of items.

take care,
Dawn

SmilingSally said...

I think you're perfect for this Diane. I love seeing these finds.

Pat@Back Porch Musings said...

Your booth looks wonderful Diane! I see lots of neat things.

I love the chalkboard. One of these days I am going to have one.

Judi said...

Hi Diane
It was so nice to have you visit! *hugs*.
I love your shop at the antique mall. YOu have so many wonderful goodies there and I love the hutch you sold. Isn't it fun? It looks and sounds like it would be.
Keep up the good work and enjoy...it must be hard to give up some of the goodies sometimes..
have a great day
Judi

New York Vintage Linens said...

Hi
Your shop looks fabulous! Thanks for visiting my blog- Yours is wonderful!
Carolyn

Tardevil said...

I've always thought it would be fun to have a booth. Congrats for having the nerve to do it. I still may...one day!