If I had a nice flat driveway, it would be so much easier to set up and check out my show boothe!  I shouldn't complain.  Last time I did this was January 08 in preparation for the Philadelphia Buyer's Market and I had to do it in my studio.  THAT was fun!

I'm very used to setting up for my ceramics, but my next show upcoming is all jewelry and I've never done that before.

Liz Printz, who is my mentor/friend in beadworking, lent me two table top display cases.  Mind you, she's in the same show, but emailed me to let me know she had these extras when I asked how she sets her booth up.

I took her advice and am making sure that there is a visual "come on in" from both directions since I'm in a line of boothes.  You will note that I did work in a few of my ceramics as eye catchers:  the chairs on the left will have signs that say "tired toddler" and "bored beau" with a "rest a spell" sign on the pole above them.  On the other side is Elemental with a ton of pearls around her neck and next to her one of my ceramic side tables.  I have a mask in the display case.

What you don't see here are lights.  I will have lights at the show (pains in my neck:  never buy the single lamp lights.  They travel poorley and are very fragile.  Buy the line of lights, 4 or 5 to the line).  And my carpet isn't in this.  I do believe I still have a carpet somewhere from my cottage before we built the extra room and left the wood floor bare.

Bruce Baker is the recognized guru on setting up for shows. I find that if I listen to everything he says I'd spend a year's income.  That doesn't mean I can't cherry pick from his ideas and use the ones that work for me.  In this instance, a (oriental looking) carpet creates a boutiquey feel and for this show, that works perfectly.  I'm also planning on some Celtic music and perhaps some light incense to attract my "perfect" clients – the ones who will love the amethyst geodes and crystals in my cases, and the ear/air/fire/water (hence Elemental standing watch, sharing her energy) colors/stones/feel.

More work to do today (I think the grey screen is going away.  I was going to hang a Sacred torso with her necklace and story there, but discovered that there's room over by Elemental.). I have room for up to 23 hanging boxes of 1 – 3 pieces of jewelry on the screens.  That's next.

I have discovered flat sheets work very well for table covers, and since we don't use flat sheets, I nip off with them as soon as we open a new sheet package.  In this instance the sheet and the scarf I bought at the bead show with daughter match perfectly!

I also bought a purple top (that just happens to fit me) for my other display case since purple is THE in color everywhere this year:  all the magazines, all the stores and recently a shoe store manager said to me (as I was wearing that top) that "Purple is the color this year!"  So the work is out and I bought the top for display (in the case and on me…it looks gorgeous with a tourmaline set I made which isn't in the case yet).

So now I have the general bones of the set-up figured out.  Have set it up so that I see what I forgot to remember…and folks, if you're doing shows for the first time, this is crucial:  a check list is NOT enough.  You need to set up your boothe before hand and pack as you take down to make sure you've thought of everything.

This show happens to be 3 minutes from my house – I am lucky to have AnnMarie Garden so close at hand – but that isn't always the case, and I don't have a runner, so it better work when I put it up the first time!.

Checklist: (off the top of my head, not exhaustive but enought to help you think about shows):tent, lights, extension cords, plug strips that fit your plugs – don't arrive to find that you have bulky 3 prong plugs and 2 2 prong plugs, tie downs (usually weights as many places you can't hammer into the ground), flooring if any (the spongy rubber interlocking kids' mats work great too), display furniture and screens, screen feet and joiners, a stabilizer bar (not shown here), hangers for your work on the screens, table coverings, signs, chairs for you and for tired potential clients, a set up that will catch passers-by from all directions that are open to you, music (only play it loud enough for your boothe), incense if allowed (candles definitely are never allowed).

For you:  artist attire, lunch and snacks and plenty of drinks in a cooler, someone to give you a break if at all possible.

other:  small trash can, duct tape, extra bulbs, glass cleaner, small tool box, first aid kit, office supply kit, order forms/receipt book, charge card (you can set one up through PayPal. It's pretty much required if you are going to sell at a show), cashbox and petty cash for change, guest book (get those names for future reference!)(and use them!), business cards, price tags, post cards if you use them, flier for your next show, brochures, referral list to local galleries where you show.

When you are in your boothe you are there to sell.  Make eye contact, say "hi," look busy.  Don't read, don't talk with your neighbor, don't talk with your help.  This is not social hour, it is a business and you are there to make client contacts, possibly gallery contacts (you just never know who you will run into), and create a professional look.  Shows are as much about networking as they are about sales.  Smile and be joyful, think happy thoughts….no doom and gloom even if sales are low:  the next person may put you in a new selling context you hadn't anticipated…but may pass you by if the energy isn't positive.  Think "I am a successful artist"  not "I am a starving artist."

And have fun!

thought for the day:  The first place to seek out craft fairs is in your own backyard.  Check with the management of local malls and the area's Chamber of Commerce.  Local craft retailers are also a good source of information. [Check with your local arts organization if you have one and any arts guilds in your area].  After exhausting local resources, many professional craftspeople discover that they must travel to larger, regional craft fairs where sales are better for quanity and quality of craftwork, and the customers are more educated and enthusiastic.

Finding the right show for your work isn't nearly as difficulat as finding the right show for your wallet.  Wendy Rosen Crafting As a Business  [Wendy Rosen runs the Philadelphia Buyer's Market]