When I began to think of what to write I thought I should give some pointers that we learned the hard way along the way in our Handmade Jewelry Business.
Some of the advice might seem simple but most mistakes are simple as well! Outdoor craft shows and festivals are wonderful and fun to do and a great opportunity to showcase your handcrafted artisan jewelry, when the weather is nice that is.
Unfortunately the weather doesn't always co-operate with the show schedule.
Always remember the Boy Scout motto: BE PREPARED! These are just a few suggestions to keep everything going well: 1.
Always have materials available to weigh down your canopy.
We always had weights like paint cans filled with concrete, cinder blocks, empty jugs to fill with water for extra protection from the wind lifting your tent to OZ.
Sometimes you will have to hang on as well! This is especially important if you are in Pittsburgh's Three Rivers Art Festival; the canopy was being lifted right into the air! What goes up must be held down! 2.
Always carry hammer, nails, wire, small pieces of wood, string, rope and the like.
We liked to make sure all our display boards were securely hammered to the tables so they wouldn't tip over on a customer's head when the wind blew.
3.
Make sure to have all extra stock in watertight containers, especially for jewelry that is on cards or can be damaged by water.
If the cards get wet or dirty it can really be a mess.
You will appreciate this more when you are up to your knees in water, mud and sawdust! 4.
Try if possible to put earrings on display boards or frames.
This makes it much easier and quicker to pack up just in case of a storm or tornado.
These are just a few suggestions to those starting out on the craft show circuit.
It may not sound like a lot of fun but I sure miss those "good old days"! It was a wonderful way to spend the summer and make some money besides! Sometimes the road to success leads to wonderful places! Sometimes the road is bumpy and sometimes filled with potholes! We have taken the road less traveled...
there are times we know why it's less traveled.
We hope you enjoyed our story!
Some of the advice might seem simple but most mistakes are simple as well! Outdoor craft shows and festivals are wonderful and fun to do and a great opportunity to showcase your handcrafted artisan jewelry, when the weather is nice that is.
Unfortunately the weather doesn't always co-operate with the show schedule.
Always remember the Boy Scout motto: BE PREPARED! These are just a few suggestions to keep everything going well: 1.
Always have materials available to weigh down your canopy.
We always had weights like paint cans filled with concrete, cinder blocks, empty jugs to fill with water for extra protection from the wind lifting your tent to OZ.
Sometimes you will have to hang on as well! This is especially important if you are in Pittsburgh's Three Rivers Art Festival; the canopy was being lifted right into the air! What goes up must be held down! 2.
Always carry hammer, nails, wire, small pieces of wood, string, rope and the like.
We liked to make sure all our display boards were securely hammered to the tables so they wouldn't tip over on a customer's head when the wind blew.
3.
Make sure to have all extra stock in watertight containers, especially for jewelry that is on cards or can be damaged by water.
If the cards get wet or dirty it can really be a mess.
You will appreciate this more when you are up to your knees in water, mud and sawdust! 4.
Try if possible to put earrings on display boards or frames.
This makes it much easier and quicker to pack up just in case of a storm or tornado.
These are just a few suggestions to those starting out on the craft show circuit.
It may not sound like a lot of fun but I sure miss those "good old days"! It was a wonderful way to spend the summer and make some money besides! Sometimes the road to success leads to wonderful places! Sometimes the road is bumpy and sometimes filled with potholes! We have taken the road less traveled...
there are times we know why it's less traveled.
We hope you enjoyed our story!
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