Craft shows and fairs are a fun and affordable way to introduce your products to a new audience. If you’ve never participated in one of these types of events before, the prospect can be a bit daunting at first. The good news is that once you develop a system for constructing and accessorizing your booth, you’ll find that your anxiety will be replaced with enthusiasm.
The Must-Have Items
Once you’ve assembled your kit of “must-have” items, I recommend that you keep them packed away together with your other show items. This will enable you to streamline your packing time, and always have immediate access to those items that you need.
- Scissors
- Wire Cutters
- Thin Gauge wire
- Assorted sizes of safety pins
- Rubber bands
- Scotch and Duct tape
- Paper clips
- Twine
- Adhesive backed Velcro strips and/or Magnets
- Black ink pen
- Permanent Marker
- Business Cards
- Shopping Bags
Your Display
Most craft shows and fairs will include your table and chairs in the cost of the rental. If this is not the case, you will need to bring these items along. A great source for purchasing affordable tables and chairs is your local wholesale club or mass merchandiser.
During certain times of the year (particularly at back to school time), you can find these items on sale at very reasonable prices.
With respect to table coverings, it is a good practice to select a specific color theme, and base all elements of your display around it. For example, you can often purchase used table cloths and skirts from party rental stores.
This one-time purchase gives you a display staple that you can compliment seasonally with assorted greenery and florals, fabric accents, and props. Package seasonal display pieces together, and label them for easy identification. By doing this, you can quickly grab those items that you need, and leave any unnecessary items at home.
Creating Visual Interest
Creating a visually appealing booth will encourage more passersby to stop and check out your items for sale. Using simple items like small blocks of wood, or even a brick, covered by a colorful fabric square will create multiple levels within your booth.
Other key display elements can include items such as inexpensive shelving units, a simple wooden stepstool, or one of your storage tubs turned upside down and covered by a fabric drape. Use your imagination to create unique display surfaces that are easy on the wallet, but pack a strong visual punch.
This is by no means a comprehensive list – as you gain experience, you’ll no doubt find many more items to add to this list. It will, however, provide you with a strong foundation to build upon so that your craft show experience will be more enjoyable and profitable.
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