deadline - july 31st

This will be the first of an ongoing series of posts that have application/deadline information for various craft fairs. Some of these events, I know well and some I do not. If you have any personal experiences with the mentioned craft fair, please post so in the comments.


Who: DIY TRUNK SHOW 2007
What: Indie Craft Fair
When: Sat. November 17th from 10 am - 6 pm
Where: Pulaski Park Auditorium, 1419 W. Blackhawk, Chicago IL 60622

DIY TRUNK SHOW 2007 (Chicago)

The DIY Trunk Show is an annual event held in Chicago. This year's event is just in time for the holiday season. The application deadline is July 31st and you can follow the link about to get the skinny as well as the vendor application.

So get those apps in soon.

craft fair checklist

This will probably be the most useful spot of information I can post for those who want to get into the craft fair circuit. Here is a handy-dandy checklist of the most needed items for a successful event. Keep in mind, that your particular craft may require something special or unique that isn't listed. I will try to keep this list as universal as possible. Please let me know if I am missing anything.

Basic set up supplies:

• 10x10 tent (if fair is outdoors...being protected from the sun will help during a long day. oh, make sure you have weights or spikes to keep your tent from blowing away)
• tent wall(s) (you can buy walls for many tents or make one using fabric. a wall can help cut down wind and sun)
  
• tables (unless one is provided, i suggest getting one of those folding plastic banquet tables)
• chairs (if not provided, you need something comfortable to sit on. padded folding chairs are good)
• displays/stands (depending on your product you may want some displays for your tables that highlight your product)
• toolbox (if you have any sort of home-built display, you may need to have some tools handy in case a repair is needed. ie: hammer, nails, duct tape, glue etc)
  
• tablecloths (you can sew something, buy one, or even use a clean sheet. something plain that doesn't distract from your product is best)
• sign/banner (make sure your biz's name is visible. again, buy or make one)
• lights/extension cord (if you have access to electricity it might be nice to light your products)
  

Selling supplies:

• your product (obviously bring more than you think you will need and bring a lot of variety)
• pricing signs (make sure your prices are clearly visible)
• extra/blank signs (in case you need to change a price or have a sale item)
  
• sales bags (customers appreciate something to carry their purchase in)
• newspaper/tissue (to wrap any fragile items you sell)
• money box containing the following:
• change (start off with enough change... coins, ones, fives, tens... i usually start with about $100 in change)
• calculator
• sales pads (i use the carbonless, 2 part, small pads and write every sale down. it helps me keep track of what i've sold and i can just add up the totals at the end of the day. this is an example and can be bought at any office supply store. http://www.officedepot.com/ddSKU.do?level=SK&id=194043)
• pens & pencils

Promotional supplies: (i usually keep things things together on a little table)

• business cards / postcards (bring a ton)
  
• e-mail / mailing list w/ pen (so people can sign up to receive updates on your biz)
• catalog (not necessary but might be nice to have)
• invitations/fliers (for any upcoming shows you might be in)
  

Miscellaneous supplies:

• small cooler (for a lunch, snacks , water etc... you want to stay fed and hydrated)
• tape
• scissors
• string
  
• emergency kit w/ needle & thread, safety pins
• pad of paper (for notes, orders, etc)
• bag for garbage
• comfy clothes, sunglasses, sunscreen etc. (anything that will keep you comfortable on those long craft days)
• a book (yes, there are down times. have something to pass the time but don't be too obvious about it. if customers come by, put the book away)
• a friend (having someone to help and talk to can be a blessing. plus you have someone to watch your booth if you need a potty break)
  

a craft fair primer

The summer indie craft fair season is in full swing which usually leads right into the holiday craft fair season. Around this time, I find myself checking the calender for craft fair deadlines, waiting for acceptance notices, making tons of stuff, and of course... going to craft fairs.

When I first started, I had no idea what to do. I approached the craft fair like a yard sale and tried to think of what I would need. Needless to say, I brought too much of some things, entirely forgot other essential items and otherwise felt unprepared. Now that I have been around the craft fair block for a while, I find myself answering questions from others who are just starting out, wanting to know what to bring and how it otherwise, all works.

I decided to create a place where I could answer all those questions while also giving people other useful, craft-related information. I hope to show examples of good booth set-ups, craft fair announcements (and reviews), a craft fair checklist, and any other crafty advice I can think of. If there is something specific you want to hear about or if you have your own suggestions, please let me know. Otherwise, enjoy!