Craft Show Preparation... Go Vertical With Your Displays

It seems like now is the time for craft shows and so many people are getting ready for shows or are already participating in them. Our Leadership Team would like to see if we can help with some ideas for inexpensive and effective displays. This will be a series of articles that will focus on different aspects.

I would like to talk about the importance of making your booth more vertical than horizontal.

Why does it matter if you add height to your display? Creating levels helps to diversify the presentation and increases the room in which to display items. Craft show exhibitors will want to know that the eye of the shopper likes to roam and take in the entire display. A person gets a feel for the booth and the crafts available through the way the booth is presented.

First start with your table. You can buy leg extensions for folding tables but with a little work you can make your own. Buy 2” PVC pipe at your local lumberyard and make sure you have enough for four legs at about 15” long each. Of course you can make them any length you want for extra height. Simply slip the extensions under the legs set upright. Most of the time these will work on most tables so even if the table is provided at the show, you can bring these with you.

Of course most of you will bring tables, and tablecloths to cover. Make sure you have a cloth that completely covers to the floor so that you can hide empty boxes or more stock underneath. An extra cloth over a white sheet is fine to add color. If you have a nice large scarf that will even work, or a seasonal table runner is great too! Just remember though that you want your look to be cohesive but not competing with your products for attention. Better to let the products have all the glory!

On top of your table you will want to add some height. There are many things you can do here. Baskets without handles are great to flip over to gain height and interest. They are often so cheap at thrift stores and yard sales. They don’t need to be square. You can spray paint them all one color or leave natural. Even sturdy cardboard boxes that are wrapped with cloth can work. Different heights are great for interest. Simple wooden crates work well also.

If you have a handy husband he can build you riser boxes that go the length of the table. My first booth I used a cute little wooden child’s chair that I screwed hooks into and hung my jewelry from. It also gave me space on the seat to display.

◄ If you need to hang small things another easy display is to use a tree branch in a sturdy jar with rocks to steady it.

Don’t forget, you can use other displays besides tables; a folding screen with caning can be used to hang things on with drapery hooks. Slatted wooden folding doors can be used to build your own screen by adding a few hinges. ► 

There are many other props that can be used as well to add height to either your table or along side for your items. Stools, a frame in a stand, an old window, a piece of driftwood, or small cabinets can be set on your table or you can use open bookcases along side your table.

A wooden easel or old trellis can add interest. You can purchase very small bungee cords with balls that you can use to attach a trellis or old metal gate to your table.

Just use your imagination and have fun with it!

Want more ideas? Here is a great link to a Pinterest collection that can give you many great ideas with pictures!

www.pinterest.com/cunderwoodboyd/craft-show-and-booth-display-ideas

Well, that is just a few ideas, more to come next time!  




PRESENTED TO YOU BY OUR LEADER: 

Hi, my name is Tara. I have been passionate about creating in some form or another all of my life. Our family has always enjoyed our time at Lake Michigan and love to collect Petoskey stones and other fossils and stones. When I discovered jewelry making I finally found my niche for creating beautiful pieces that I can share with others. Each piece I create starts with the stones themselves and then it just seems to flow from there. I have collected gemstones and beads from everywhere I travel and always can’t wait to get started with the new treasures.    www.etsy.com/shop/Beechtree