note: this is a really long post with plenty info & pictures
Arts and Craft festivals.
SpringFlings.
Bazaars.
Extravaganzas.
Call it whatever you want,
but it's one intimidating event.
Especially for the vendors. So much
forethought, work, and time
to put forth for a few days,
or maybe even hours.
I plan on entering my handmade goodies in a craft fair for the first time in September.
I’m nervous.
I’m excited.
I’m full of ideas.
You see, I really don’t have the time to have a successful etsy shop. I can’t create every day. I can’t ship every day. I can’t really respond to emails every day. I can create once MAYBE twice a week, and some on the weekends. To me that is not enough. Especially since I work full time.
I really really wanna do this. I really want to add this experience to my list.
It is going to take so much out of me, but I can do it.
I will do it.
With the help and patience of husband, sister, and friends this will be a success.
........................................
Let me define success for you.
Attending the craft fair.
Yupp. I’m not doing this to make a wad of money. I’m not doing this to pay off a mortgage [that I don’t have]. I’m simply doing it for fun and to learn all that I can. I’d love to make a few contacts and have a presence within my own community!
........................................
A few things I've been brainstorming...
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I will accept credit cards…
I’m hoping this will boost sales.
.....................
I will have TONS of printed
pictures of my wares to show how
to wear/use them.
.....................
I will have a little sign up
station for a mailing list.
As incintive to have attendees
sign up, I’ll have a drawing
from those who sign up.
The winner gets a $10 credit
.....................
Business cards,
business cards,
business cards.
.....................
I’ve been picking up antique
plates, cups, and bowls in
order to display little wares.
.....................
I also have some frames that will
be made into necklace and
earring holders.
.....................
I WILL provide reciepts to
those who use a card.
.....................
I will have slips available
for custom orders.
.....................
I will take my needle and
thread and offer
“add a charm for $1.50”
.....................
My prices will be on display
for every item I’m selling
in framed cuteness.
.....................
I will make a bunting
for eye catchyness.
.....................
I will donate an item to
the door prizes for the event.
.....................
I WILL network. I WILL
support other vendors.
.....................
I WILL have fun :)
.....................
All of those aforementioned things are
cotton candy,
but there are a few
veggies
in the mix.
I’m very nervous.
What if I’m setting myself up for failure here? What if I waste all my time and money? What if I don’t sell a thing, and look like a total goof. What if it rains?
Answer: I DON CARE
I’m more excited than anything.
I’m praying over this event and hoping that I fulfill all that the Lord has led me to do. If this is His will, it will be done. I’m going to go in confident and positive!!
help each other out!!
........................................
I've rounded up a "few"
aka, a ton of
pictures for ya'll...
Here are some booths
Here are some booths
that might inspire you...
i love how they used varying heights in this display
These next few pictures are of
how to display certain
items in a funky way...
storing necklaces and bracelets on a neat tree
you can put anything you want on these gorgeous birch blocks.a great price too!
I love how the bowls draw attention to the jewelry!!
and the colors of the bowl compliment the colors in the jewelry.
esculonsays.com via Megan on Pinterest
esculonsays.com via Megan on Pinteresta simple little tree for bracelets or even statement rings...
Source: etsy.com via Megan on Pinterest
Source: etsy.com via Megan on Pinterest
please notice the chalkboard horse!!!
i NEEEEEED this
an egg carton! adorable!! for statement rings OR earrings!!
they have beans in the bottom...
and a drawer?
how cute!!
and my favorite.... vintage plates!!!
Source: esculonsays.com via Megan on Pinterest
and now for the thing
i'm most excited about??
SUITCASES!
PLEASE tell me you love this
as much as i do? 
Look!! using a ribbon to hang stuff!
Source: flickr.com via Megan on Pinterest
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Source: renegadecraft.com via Megan on Pinterest
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...............................................
I rounded up a few cute
marketing ads i found, too! Check these out... You could put an add in your
local paper, bulletin boards,
and of course on your blog!
and of course on your blog!
Source: readymadeblogs.mydevstaging.com via Megan on Pinterest
Source: flickr.com via Kyla on Pinterest
Source: gettyowl.com via Stacey on Pinterest
Ok.. everyone take a deep breath.
Inspiring stuff, huh? It just makes me
wanna down a case of red bull and get
straight to work!!
I hope that this has inspired you!
Feel free to link up your ideas,pictures, and even some of YOUR
wanna down a case of red bull and get
straight to work!!
I hope that this has inspired you!
Feel free to link up your ideas,pictures, and even some of YOUR
inspiration! Anything goes!
Don't forget to grab the button!
7 comments:
i LOVE the renegade fair -- hope to make the SanFran one next year {'cause we'll be in Cali!} --- i love the suitcase, the egg carton with the beans and all the pennant bunting. remember to leave things a little less than perfect - because perfect stations intimidate me and perhaps haven't sold anything?? a little disheveled is okay; makes for fun hunting!! good luck!!!
Great post! Your list is fabulous! Im doing a show in September too...I had to cancel last summer's fair. So this is a nervous time for me too! I love your inspiration photos and I have been saving egg cartons since March! lol Great minds think alike....Some great display ideas...I have my booth drawn out and next month I will do a mock set up on my deck then photograph so I have a visual for set up at 6 a.m. when I'll be digustingly nervous!
You will be fabulous and I know your going to take tons of pics to show all of your faithful friends!
xoxoxo
MJ
Lucky 7 Design
It really is a great posting! After a year of doing craft shows I think you know about everything I learned the hard way! You will love taking credit cards (hint: poeple shop more when they have this option). Not sure what you are using for credit cards, but if it isn't square you should definetly check them out and everythingis digital. No paper! squareup.com Great job! Can't wait to hear all about it.
OMG Megan, I am on this same journey and thank you so much for this blog post. I am freaking out, I have 2 months and so much to do but you helped me a ton with ideas and your list...rock on and I hope you do amazing!
It's a great post.. and I love your thought on "adding a charm" while you're there.. just make sure you add to that.. "as time allows" .. lol.. I had thought about doing that kind of thing for the Canada Day fair here.. and I'm so glad I didn't offer it.. I was WAY too busy to be able to.. either that .. or have your add a charm sign be totally removeable to that if you get too busy you can just slip that one under the table and no one is the wiser :-)
Wow so much inspiration. And more than a little nerve inducing.
This is exciting! Good for you for go doing what you want and not letting yourself be paralyzed by fear! I am sure it will be great for you!
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Thanks for your kind words! I appreciate you stopping by. Come again!
Megan Volnoff