Womens Morning Out Sale

What a blast I had yesterday. I was nervous as all get out, moreso about the new booth look (simple but still creative) and after it was set up, it wasn't so bad.


I got SO many compliments on the booth from vendors and customers. I tried a different approach. Instead of having only display boards and T-bars, I had things laid out and used different props for displays. It let the customers browse the full effect of the jewelry at a glance as opposed to getting a side view from a T-bar. Success. My booth was busy!

This is what it looked like:

I was thrilled to be placed next to the window, the sunlight complimented my pieces so well.







Some close up shots. I used the issues of Bead Trends I was in as part of the display. It made a great conversation starter with the customers. My T-bars are getting worn and ratty. Instead of buying new ones, I wrapped them in fabric. The stoic white of the jewelry counter look just doesn't go, so why invest in new, when the stability of the T-bars are just fine. I like the eclectic look and I think it compliments my style of jewelry.







It was a small venue, set up in the club house of a planned community of over 700 houses (that is bigger than the town I grew up in) This is a regular event and in the past has drawn a nice crowd. I met some wonderful people and made some excellent contacts. I have been picked up by two businesses in a neighboring town, and have been invited to be in an art merchants event later in the fall. I have to get busy!!!!

Repurpose, reuse - DIY Displays

I have added a few display ideas for shows. If you are doing a craft fair or art show, these are some fun ideas using repurposed items from your home.

I like to give a feel of creativity or an artistic flare to my booths. It seems that when people are shopping, they are looking for something different. Something to draw them in. Let's face it, there are a million stringers out there. Set your booth apart from all the other vendors and it will also set your product apart.

If your booth allows you to have the real estate to get big and creative go for it. If not, keep those creative display ideas to a minimum and use them to 'show case' your best items.

Shutter earring display.

There are two types to consider. If you are at an outside event, have tables and a tent, use the plastic stutters. You can run ribbon thru the top slot and tie them to the supports of the tent and use a C clamp to secure them to the edge of your table - here is a picture from my former business and how the plastic shutters worked in our booth. -



I have completely revamped my business model since those days, but this gives you and idea how you can incorporate it into your outside booth.

Wooden shutters are heavier and won't clamp as easy to a table. Use folding chairs for your base, covering them with cloth. Set the chairs at the end of the tables and set the shutter in the chair. The chairs will support the shutters and make the front of your booth inviting. This shutter was used at a local gallery for my earrings that were for sale. The gallery owner painted it the great shade of purple. I love setting these at the front of my booth. they just scream "COME ON IN!"



Here is the shutter with the earring cards. Don't pack the shutter, leave some spaces. Let the customer breath while they are shopping instead of having so many choices. It can be over whelming. You dont' have to have all of your inventory out for display to secure a sale. Sometimes less is more. Watch your customers. If you notice a customer pausing at a few differnt items, ask them if they are looking for anything in particutlar. You may have some more stashed for back ups.



The shopping experience is so much more relaxed when they are spaced and easy to get to.


See how the cards thread thru the slats to help anchor them.








Pendant displays.

Lets talk repurpose again - use an old frame, floral foam or packing foam, material and glue. Forgive me for not documenting as I made it, the thought came later. It is pretty self explainitory.

Cut the foam about an inch smaller than the glass in the frame. Cover the foam with material securing the material to the foam with glue. Now glue the material covered foam to the glass of the frame.

VI-OH-LA! A pendant display. Now you can secure your pendants to the foam with a stick pin, and it will set up anywhere!







Bracelet displays -

Old bottles are great show cases for bracelets. you don't want to put stacks of them down the neck, it will hide the bottom pieces and make them harder to get at if a customer wants to try them on. Use the bottles to present 1 or 2 of your better pieces - be prepared to be offered money for the bottles too :)







Wire baskets can also be great for bracelet displays. Once set up, there is no need ot tear them down.

I have seen these baskets in varying sizes everwhere - Wal Mart, Dollar General, Target, and even at The Dollar Store. They are a great little investment that won't set you back.




Stand it on it's end and the handle becomes a brace for the display. Attach the bracelets onto the wire. This also can act as security. They are harder to lift if the toggle has to be fiddled with to get it off the display.

You can use several of them and color co ordinate your displays by keeping similar bracelets together.



I'll have my booth set up with all these ideas and more implemented. I'll take more pictures and show you how it all comes together.

This is a test

This is a test - for the next several seconds what you see and hear is only a test.








I thought it would be fun, and a more in-tah-mit way to say hello today and share some information. (i honestly dont' know where the northern midwest accent came from.....nerves prolly)

This is a true testament to the importance of rehearsal :)