Craft Show Applications

Filling out applications for craft shows presented a bit of a challenge for me recently. Some applications request photos of vendor's craft booths so that they can assure a professional appearance. These will be my first shows, and yes I could simply explain this in my application, but I don't want to be at a disadvantage when it comes to the selection process.

I decided to arrange a number of the items that I plan to incorporate into my booth, and take some photos so that the organizers will get a sense of what the booth will look like.

I think the elements that I've decided on are a good fit with my branding....vintage suitcases, wicker chairs, wire birdcages, mannequins and iron gates.

 

The iron gates make a perfect display for my necklaces and I can hang quite a few of them on each panel. The wire birdcages will make excellent earring displays.

I plan to attach hooks to the lids of the suitcases to display more necklaces and make a cushion for the bottoms to display my bracelets on. The big suitcase will be used for my carpet bags and hats. I'm having trouble finding mannequin heads that I can use, but will continue the hunt. I would prefer something that has a vintage look...nothing to modern.

 



The mirror will be perfect for customers when trying things on, and compliments the iron gate perfectly.

 

And of course, you can't sell vintage jewellery without a mannequin to display your necklaces. I covered and decorated this one myself. The other, a black wire dress form mannequin, was purchased from a home decor store.

 

 

I have a second folding screen that I plan to upholster with a vintage Paris dress shop motif fabric. With a foam backing it will make another excellent display for my jewellery items with the use of long jewellery pins. There are hundreds of ideas swimming through my head, but I think I'll start by making a diagram of how I'd like to set the booth up before I get carried away. I've got lots of work ahead of me....a table cover, a banner, some more jewellery, carpet bags and hats to sew, along with all of the other paraphernalia (lighting, bags, price tags, business cards). Oh and I didn't mention the ecourse I start tomorrow : Building a Better Creative Business http://buildabettercreativebusiness.com/ . It's a fantastic course created by Tim Adam (Handmadeology) http ://www.handmadeology.com/  and Lisa Jacobs (Market Your Creativity and The Energy Shop) http://www.marketyourcreativity.com/.  I'm sure I'll be raving about it in future blogs.

 

Applications go in the mail this week and I can't wait to hear back from the organizers with (hopefully) good news. I've already recruited my daughters for the tentative dates so my sales team will be a family affair.....to be continued!! 

Take care.....Marian  xo