Hello beautiful friends! I was planning on sharing a mirror makeover with y’all today, but I threw my back out this weekend, so unfortunately, all DIY is currently at a stand still at the James house.
A few of you have been asking for a booth update, so I decided this was the perfect chance to do that!
For those of you who are new around here, I have a booth at the Virginia Beach Antique Mall here in Virginia Beach that I’ve had since 2014. That’s where I sell all the things I blog about. Every few months I like to take y’all on a field trip to my booth!
When we last visited in December, it looked like this:
You can see more of that visit HERE.
I redid this floral secretary and this little gingham cabinet back in November:
They both sold, as well as that basket on top and I moved things around, moving this table and chair set to this corner:
The table and chairs sold shortly after moving them and with the extra space, I knew I wanted to get prepared for Dixie Belle’s new Silk line that was coming in January.
My Dixie Belle display consisted of three Ikea Hemnes bookcases that I had along the back wall…
And they were already at max capacity!
So I bought two more Hemnes Bookcases to add to my Dixie Belle Display to accommodate the Silk:
Because I now had more shelf space, I also used this opportunity to expand my booth inventory a bit and carry almost every color in the 32 oz size as well…
I do not pull my Etsy orders from this stock; I have stock at home for that. This is just for my local customers!
My booth looked naked with nothing in the center, so I pulled this pretty dresser to the middle:
Remember I brought that drum table home in January and redid it to match the dresser?
I moved part of my shutter wall to this area that is to the right of my paint display. It’s tucked behind my neighbor with all the glass, so it can’t be seen from the door, unfortunately.
A little closer…the shutters make a nicer backdrop than the door that is there did. It’s bolted shut and doesn’t get used, so I covered it right on up.
I always get asked how I hang things on the shutters. It’s a very sophisticated system. I use large paper clips opened up to an “S” shape. It has worked wonderfully for years! I try not to hang anything super heavy that way though.
Finally, my Silk arrived and I was able to fill in the new shelving I had added…
I brought in several chalkboards that I made but didn’t blog about…
They are usually good sellers for me.
I also brought in this desk I shared not too long ago:
That chair is hanging on for dear life…I need to mark it down and get it sold!
The transfer dresser sold and I moved the desk to the center:
I also brought in that cute set of lamps on the desk, and they sold the same day!
And you’ll notice also that the drum table I redid to go with the dresser is still there. They didn’t sell as a set.
Instead, the customer bought the sewing machine table at the back there to use with it:
Then I brought in the Mermaid dresser, as well as my most recent Painting the Smalls pieces…
I loved this dresser so much! It sold in just two days…yay! But also, boo…it looked so pretty in there!
I need to find something else with some height to it.
I moved the drum table back to the center, and I just brought in the two chairs I shared last week, on Thursday:
I have a bunch of chairs in there at the moment. Hopefully, these two won’t last too long!
And that’s it for today’s field trip! I hope y’all enjoyed it!
Etsy Shop News
In Etsy shop news, the new transfers and decoupage papers have arrived!
There are 13 transfers in all (4-6 sheets per tube):
Photo courtesy of Brushed by Brandy
This is just a starting point. They will continue to add new designs over time! My favorites of course are always the florals!
And here are the new decoupage papers (three sheets per pack):
Photo courtesy of Mustard Tree Market
Have a Booth of your own?
If you’ve ever thought about opening a booth or have one already, you might enjoy my 10 Tips to a Successful Booth:
Ah…remember when I had all that space just for furniture?? I’m hoping one of my neighbors at my mall moves out so I can take over their space. However, that would be wishing against their success, and of course I don’t want that! I sure would like more space though!
Do you struggle with pricing your items?
If you’ve ever struggled with pricing, you might enjoy my post, How to Price Items for Resale:
I’ll be back with my Furniture Fixer Upper gals on Thursday sharing what became of this petite drop leaf table:
See y’all then!
XOXO,
Don’t Miss a Thing!
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Mary Kaiser says
I am so sorry to hear you threw your back out, I hope your better soon. I have done that before and it is not fun! I did enjoy your booth update how ever. I am so excited to see the transfers when you get them it to your Etsy shop. I sure I will like the florals the best also. Take it easy and get better soon!
Christy says
Thank you, Mary! I do not like being down one single bit lol! I’m glad you enjoyed the tour, and yes, looking forward to the new goodies too!! XOXO
Maryellen Webber says
Hi Christy, I am sorry to hear about your back. I hope you will be feeling better soon. Take care!!!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Maryellen! I’m not a very good patient lol! XOXO
Gail Martin says
Your booth is wonderful. I too love the drum table as I have an affinity for them. I have one in my bedroom for a night stand. I painted it off white and came back with a white to do the details on the legs. It looks great…. Very subtle. Painting it was the only option as the top was damaged by someone attempting to refinish it. Not a good option when you really don’t know what you are doing. Do not use a belt sander. LOL
I know you know this, but sometimes customers do not know if an item is for sale or just a prop. (like your lamps). Someone probably they were there for lighting and not for sale. Example: the white wicker mirror that is on the wall. That would be one of the first things I would buy, but I would ask if it was for sale if I did not see a price tag.
Everything you have in your booth is wonderful and I read your blog whenever it pops up on my email.
Christy says
Thank you, Gail! I do love a drum table as well, and I also have one as a night table…it works wonderfully! Yes, and if they don’t see a price tag, they will often keep walking as well as I do that myself rather than ask someone. Have a great day! XOXO
Betty Bilnoski says
I loved the tour! Thank you for sharing.
Christy says
My pleasure, Betty! I’m so glad you enjoyed it! XOXO
Tracey Baxter says
Hi Christy, I so enjoy viewing and admiring your posts. I have painted up a few pie crust small tables, and thoroughly enjoy the process. Your work is beautiful🇦🇺🎨💖
Christy says
Thank you, Tracey! Ooh I love pie crust tables…I bet yours painted up so pretty! XOXO
Cheryl says
I call ‘shotgun’ on the ride to the booth !! I love booth tours (in general) BUT your booth tours Christy are extra special….the items you reimagine are beyond gorgeous, your displays both furniture and paint products are beautifully arranged. It’s a treat that satisfies my visual and artistic souls….now can we go for ice cream on the way home ?? ❤️
Christy says
Ha ha! Thank you so much, Cheryl!! Yes, we can most definitely stop for ice cream!! XOXO
Janice Holt says
I am so sorry you are having problems with your back; that is so painful. Enjoyed your booth update so was not too disappointed you were not able to do the mirror. Just get yourself well and will see what you have in store Thursday.
Christy says
Thank you, Janice! I’m not very good at taking it easy, but I’m trying lol! I’m glad you enjoy the field trip! XOXO
Christina says
Christy it is a joy to do a virtual walk through of your booth. It is beautiful and I am thrilled to see so much selling. Great tip about hanging things on the bifold doors.
Have a great week!
Christy says
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Christina! It is always a nice surprise when pieces sell! Enjoy your week also! XOXO
Deanna Casto says
I’ll say a little prayer for your back. I know how that is and I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. Well, maybe my ex husband, but that’s a story for another day. One with wine. Lol. Also, the drum table is adorable and if it makes you feel any better, I can’t hardly give them away in my booths. Strange huh? Anywho, you feel better soon! I’m redoing my booth, going back to the frenchy theme and I’m going to need the inspiration. ❤️ Until next time….
Christy says
I appreciate that, Deanna! And ha ha! Yes, as much as I love drum tables, this one is just not budging! I might just need to mark it down to get it out of there, but for now it looks pretty lol. Have fun redoing your booth! XOXO
Cecilia says
As always, it’s fun to tour your booth! It looks great. Congratulations on selling all those pieces, too.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Cecilia! Have a great week! XOXO
Marcie Lovett says
So sorry to hear about your back, Christy, wishing you well soon. As much as I love your makeovers, I enjoy the shop updates, as well. I really like the bookcases in the corner, hard to see what was back there before. Hoping people are intrigued by what they see from the door and come in for a better look at everything by the shutters, too!
Christy says
Thank you, Marcie! I like the bookcases in the corner also. I still have a little space for everything else, but I’m patiently waiting to expand LOL. Thank you for the well wishes! XOXO
Ann Williams says
I’m so sorry to hear about your back. I hope you’re feeling better!! I do love your booth updates though. Thank you! The transfer items and decoupage papers are exciting. Do you think you could do a video as to how to use the decoupage papers?? Thanks again. Your blog is the BEST EVER! 💕
Christy says
Thank you, Ann! I would love to create a video for both the papers and the transfers. I haven’t made any videos recently because I got braces back in November. I haven’t mentioned it on the blog, but I’m going through a bit of a goofy phase at the moment ha ha. I might just do it anyway! XOXO
Paula@SweetPea says
I am so sorry that you hurt your back. When your back goes out, all activity has to stop. If you’ve never experienced it, it’s hard to explain why. I hope by now you are feeling better. If you aren’t, get yourself to a PT or chiropractor immediately! It was fun to see your booth update.
Christy says
Thank you, Paula! A bad back is no joke for sure! I really turned a corner today and I’m definitely on the mend, thank goodness! I hope you are well, my friend! XOXO
Janina says
The wooden spoons is a clever way to show your paint colors!
Christy says
Thank you, Janina! The spoons were Dixie Belle’s idea! I agree…they are a great way to show the true colors! XOXO
Sandra says
I just did my first transfer…I like it but it took more rubbing than I thought it would… I got the small ones.
Christy says
Some of them can take a little bit of work to apply, but the end result is worth it! Glad you got the chance to try them! XOXO
Maureen Hrehocik says
Your booth looks beautiful. I wished I lived closer to see it in person! You have an aqua blue lamp with a white shade on a table. What color is the blue and was the body of the lamp glass or composite? I am looking for two lamps that are the same and if I found them, I could try to reproduce what you did. It would match my decor perfectly. They are lovely, as is everything you create! Thanks for sharing your talent.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Maureen! The lamp is painted in Sea glass and I used black wax on it. You can see it in this post here: https://www.confessionsofaserialdiyer.com/thrift-store-lamp-makeovers/
XOXO
Janice says
I hope you are feeling better soon. Your booth tour was very interesting. Lots of beautiful things to see. I wish I lived nearby so I could visit. Take care!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Janice! I’m so glad you enjoyed the booth visit! I wish you were closer too! XOXO
Michele M. says
Enjoyed the booth tour, Christy! I am truly fascinated at how successful it is. I am oddly sad – then delighted- then sad when a piece sells……that has to be difficult….but the reason it is there.
So in the last pic the grey folding wooden chair isn’t there – you mentioned putting it on sale – did it sell then? : – ) Hope so. Sure was cute.
I have never been to your neck of the woods – but if ever I am I am popping in to that amazing antique mall.
Christy says
I’m so glad you enjoyed the tour, Michele! I’m the same…sad something sold, but happy too because that’s the whole point ha ha! Funny you mentioned the folding chair as it actually sold today! And it is really cute, so I am really glad it found out home finally! XOXO
Vicki says
Enjoyed this post! I would love to have a booth someday, as I really enjoy finding thrifted pieces to make over, and my husband is good with woodworking and repairs. I do live in a rural area and would have to drive about 45 minutes to have one in the metro area with more traffic. Your tips for displaying and pricing are very helpful! Hope your back is feeling better soon! Would love to visit Virginia Beach some day!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Vicki! I really enjoy having a booth. My favorite is when I have several new things to drop off and I get to fluff and play LOL! It’s very enjoyable, even if you don’t make a ton of money doing it. There’s a lot of joy in the process! I hope you get to visit VB some day! XOXO
Sue Mellette says
I always enjoy reading about and seeing your booth and all the wonderful items that continue to sell. As I have said before, if we lived closer, I would be in there daily! You really stage your booth to be inviting and visually appealing. Great job! Eye Candy!! Thanks for sharing and have a restful week. Take care of your back.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Sue! It would be awesome if you lived closer! So glad you enjoyed the tour! My back was doing a bit better today, thank goodness, because I am not good at sitting around ha ha! XOXO
Olivia says
Hi Christy, Hope that you are on the mend and back to complete recovery. The booth tour was great! Your aesthetic is awesome and inspiring. Huge fan of your blog!
Olivia
Christy says
Thank you so much, Olivia! I appreciate that, and I’m so glad you enjoyed the tour today! XOXO
Kimmylouwho says
I always enjoy seeing your booth and hearing about your sales! I can’t imagine why that drum table that coordinated with the dresser wasn’t sold. It would have been a perfect side table! Also, I can’t wait to buy some of those transfers! Especially the succulents and the tiles. I have some ideas to use them in my new home! Hope the back is better soon!!
Christy says
Thank you!! I couldn’t believe the drum table didn’t sell with the dresser either! They were such a cute set! I just got a notification today that my order has shipped, so I should have the transfers listed by Friday woo hoo! XOXO
Kimberly Wollmer says
Your booth is amazing and your booth tours are always fun. If I get to visit Virginia Beach, I’m definitely stopping by. I hope your back is feeling better. You should see the chiropractor – definitely helps me. Take care.
Christy says
Thanks so much, Kimberly! If you’re ever in town, I hope you get a chance to stop by…our antique mall is humongous! My back is finally starting to feel a bit better today, but if this happens again, I am definitely going to see a chiropractor! XOXO
Constance Colvin says
Christy! You’re an inspiration!
Christy says
Aww thank you, my friend!! XOXO
Cecilia from Georgia says
Thanks for the tour! I love seeing what you have added and how you place everything. The Dixie Belle paints are displayed so awesome! Girl friend, you better take care of yourself, no heavy lifting! I know it hurts to even breathe…hope you are feeling better soon.
Christy says
It was my pleasure, Cecilia! I’m so glad you enjoyed the tour! Isn’t it crazy how much my paint display has expanded since I started? I love it! I have been really good trying to take care of this back of mine, and it is feeling a bit better today. It isn’t easy to stay still this long lol! XOXO
Cheryl says
Such a beautiful shop!
Christy says
Thank you, Cheryl! XOXO
susan says
So sorry to her about your back! That’s miserable! And knowing you can’t do anything makes it worse 🤗. Loving your booth! Sure wish someone around here carried as much stock as you do so I could see all the colors in person. Hoping you heal soon!
Christy says
Thank you, Susan! My back is feeling much better this morning, thankfully! I’m not good at sitting still lol. It has taken me a couple of years to build up to that inventory for sure! XOXO
Cheryl Atkinson says
Hi Christy! I hope you feel better soon. I cannot wait till you get the transfers and papers.
Christy says
Thank you, Cheryl! I am definitely on the mend. Hoping my new goodies arrive tomorrow!! XOXO
Rachel Bowyer says
Don’t worry yourself about other booths closing and feeling bad. It happens for many reasons other than success such as loss of interest and changing priorities. Maybe think of it that way to stay excited about the prospect of more space one day.
Thanks for the blog, I really enjoy reading it.
Christy says
Thank you for that viewpoint, Rachel! In that case, I really hope one of them leaves soon lol! XOXO
Sharon Austin says
Well, we tried! I can’t believe the drum table didn’t sell with the dresser, they were so adorable together; so light and romantic! They would’ve made a gorgeous guest room too. 🙁 dang it!
Christy says
Yep, we did…I still love it so much better than the plain look it had before. It will sell eventually and in the meantime, it looks pretty in my booth! XOXO
Robin says
I so wish your booth was close to me or that anyone near me had an awesome collection of Dixie Belle paint like you do. I appreciate that you ship quickly but sometimes you just need it right now. 😁
Christy says
Aww I wish I was closer too! It is nice to be able to see everything in person as well! XOXO