booth set up @ shows

[Eric]

Hi

I'm planning my second show in May and this time it's a booth rather than a table so I'm not so sure how to set it up any advice on this as to what is the best way to display various items from picture frames to baskets etc... as well what do people recommend as lighting source for a booth. I'm looking at something simple and not too expensive as a set up.

Also to those who regularly do shows what is your advice on doing hands on demonstration? Is it worth it or not and if so what are good projects to do as demonstration. The booth size is a standard 8 foot by 4 .

Thanks Eric

[ScrollIt]

Hey Eric,

There is a GREAT 4 page article by Jeff Zaffino on this in the latest issue of Creative Woodworks & Crafts. It answers every one of your questions including doing demonstrations....its a GREAT article and has pics and everything. Good luck!

[workin for wood]

I have rarely seen anyone doing demonstrations at an art or craft show. Usually I see people using frames with pegboard on the walls to hang pictures, although some people have better systems like some type of corkboard covered in a cloth on the walls that looks alot better. Either way, I see them use big screw hooks into the tops of the frames/walls that hook up onto the upper bars of the booths/tents. I like the booths too that have boxes on their tables...sort of like steps, that elevate their products at different levels. Usually, I find that the booth person/artist/crafter, whatever is behind the tent doing who knows what, and so it's tough to ask any questions...which I don't care for that technique. I have never done a craft or art show, but have visited plenty and had at one time thought about it...but it's alot of work and I'm a worry wart.
I have heard that you can usually get a credit card machine from your local bank to use for the weekend for free, provided they get to process you slips for you...but can't verify how true that is.
I can't say that I've seen anyone with lighting, but I never went at night time.
Bring your own lunch! The food court at the E Lansing art fair is way overpriced, and I expect that's normal everywhere.

[knothead]

I took a 4'x8' piece of lattice (the kind that has 1/4" slats) and cut it into three 32" pieces. Built a frame around each piece and hinged it as a tri fold. I also made the side rails six foot long to elivate the lattice to eye level. It looks great, is easy to handle and can display several hanging pieces on it. Hope that gives you some ideas.

[Woodbutcher68]

I've seen people doing demonstrations and it can help sales. Make sure you've got an assistant to sell while you demo. Also don't demo all day long. Take time out to sell.
Your display is a matter of personal preference. I've seen pegboard used for pictures or in your case frames. Baskets would need to go on a table or shelving units. Like Jeff said, use boxes to elevate items. Lighting if available should be used to highlight certain items.
A 4 X 8 space is kind of small for a booth. My table is 2' X 7', but I have set up in a 4' X 8' space in a hallway. It was cramped, but I did well there.
The picture below was taken a couple of years ago in a hallway space. The tree on the table (which I found in the trash) has been replaced by a 6' tree and I still can't get all my ornaments displayed. I usually take 5 each of 36 patterns to each show. I price everything as soon as it's finished which saves time during show setup.
How much work your booth becomes is up to you.

[Eric]

Thanks for the info, some ideas come to mind. Instead of using boxes for steps last time I used 2 inch thick white strophone covered with material. I made it look like steps. The advantage of that is it's solid and light weight and easy to mold. Still thinking about lighting and going with clip on light to go on top of bookcases like the ones at IKEA. Any more suggestions are welcome.

Thanks

Eric

[kmonkey]

Well, I do shows fairly often, but my booth size is usually 10 x 10 so I can't really help with that aspect. But for lighting, the small stick on lights that you can use as night lights would work well. You can stick them on really any surface, for best illumination I would put them above the pieces facing down. Also, about demonstrations...I always try and demonstrate whenever it is possible at shows. I am 21 but people think I look 16, so they don't take me seriously or they don't think that I really did the work they are looking at so they don't pay any attention to it. But if I am out in front of the booth scrolling it catches peoples eyes and they appreciate what they seem a little more.

[Eric]

Kmonkey
The night light thing seems interesting so do you have them on an extension cord that you made? About the age thing I can relate being a bit older than you I got some of those looks too last time at my first show but being in front of my booth engaging with the public really worked well for me and many elderly bought a book mark or ornament just to show support and wanting to support todays youth so there are benefits of being young at times.

Eric