It’s that time of year again when I start preparing for the Atomic Holiday Bazaar, a yearly craft extravaganza in Sarasota, FL. Touted as “not your Grandma’s craft show”, Atomic draws the coolest people around town.
One of my very first craft shows was at a church where I sold my handmade glycerin soap in cute little shapes like rubber duckies and snowflakes. I remember I crammed that table full with as many products as I could! My display was pretty boring. I used a white sheet to cover the table and some cardboard boxes to put under the cloth to lift some items up. That’s it. No signage, lights, cute containers, nada!
Later I had my first jewelry show at a spa during one of their events. I didn’t bring a table. Oops. I ended up setting up my display on top of a long table and a microwave! I made some colorful handmade boxes that I placed my beaded necklaces, bracelets, and earrings on top of. It was pretty sad!
Since then I’ve smartened up and studied the art of creating appealing and successful craft show displays. I’d like to share some tricks I learned to make your next craft table stand out.
First, make sure you know whether to bring a table and chairs! ;)
You must have some sort of cloth or fabric to cover the table. If you know the dimensions you can purchase a fitted table cover. Otherwise, you can use sheets or table cloths. Matching cloths look the best. Mismatched prints along your table can be a bit distracting.
Cookoorikoo uses a light teal table cloth that’s eye-catching, yet doesn’t distract from her displays or products.
A sign with your store name is a good idea. I ordered my banner from Vista Prints and have used it over and over. I attach it to the table cover using 1 inch squares of Velcro. I place some on the back of the banner in all four corners and along the top and bottom of the sign. I then line the banner up on my cloth and add Velcro to match up with the banner’s Velcro.
Fantastic Toys had this banner made at Spoonflower. It’s printed on upholstery weight fabric. A fabric hem was added using a sewing machine. It’s hung from a wooden pole.
To give your booth some excitement you must raise your items up on boxes, shelves, suitcases, etc., otherwise, your display will look flat. Adding colorful baskets, plates, and containers to stash your lovely crafts will give your booth a pop of color and texture.
Crinoline organizes and lifts items up off the table in creative ways. Love those trees!
Lighting is a good idea (check to see if the craft show facility offers electricity). You’ll want the lighting to shine onto your crafts like a spot light.
Emily’s Escape uses lighting to showcase her jewelry.
If it’s a Christmas show, something festive is a good idea. I like to have a little Christmas tree on my table & tree lights are a must! Maybe add some garland, tinsel, or whatever you can think of. I once used pillow stuffing as “snow” on my table. I recommend thinking outside the box and trying new things!
The Christmas tree makes Kitsch Cafe’s table festively cute!
Make sure your stuff is priced. Having small signs with the prices is a nice touch. At the very least make sure you have them individually priced if you don’t want signs. I don’t know about you, but if I can’t find a price I probably won’t ask how much. You don’t want to miss out on sales!
Amy is the Party does a brilliant job pricing her products with easy to read signage.
I hope these tips help you out and inspire you. If you have any ideas that you recommend I’d love to hear them! Leave a comment!
P.S. I’ll be at Atomic December 8th this year. Stop by and sale hi!
Peace & Love,
Billie
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