What to take, what to take . . .

I see so many forum threads where people ask the same question when they first decide to enter the “craft fair” ring, “What should I take?” Here’s the thing – you can take everything including the kitchen sink (thinking that you might actually need the kitchen sink), or you can mentally go through your set up and imagine what you would need for each step of the way. You will refine your personal list every time you pack up your things and leave the show. But here goes.

Tent or canopy of some sort – the quick set up kind. I can’t emphasize enough how quickly you will recoup your investment here.

Tables to suit your needs. The fold up kind are great, relatively inexpensive and worth it. Be sure to take simple table covers. Uncovered tables look just awful without them and Bed Bath and Beyond has piles of them on sale always. Take your 20% Off coupon.

Any display pieces you need to make your work look well displayed, interesting, professional and/or cute, and that includes and signage for your work. Maybe you are having a sale on last year’s things – you’ll need a little sign. Print it on your computer and put it in a frame. For display ideas, search through Flickr’s craft show groups where you’ll find some incredibly creative ways to display your similar work.

Business name sign - if you have a business name, make a sign. One printed on your computer and in a frame will do nicely until you make bigger bucks and can invest in a big printed one. My advice is to be sure it looks tasteful, readable and professional if you want people to take your business seriously. If you are accepting credit cards (don’t get ahead of me here), print a sign with the cards listed that you accept. Cash only? Say so.

A little folding stool or an artist’s chair from Pier One or World Market. You’ll look professional and still have a little place to rest your tired feet.

“Never Leave Home Without It Kit” - For my kit I use a canvas garden tote. They are inexpensive, big and roomy, come in a great array of colors, and are readily available at places like True Value Hardware and Home Depot. Garden centers get pretty pricey so I’d look at the hardware store first. This bag has pockets on the outside, pockets on the inside, huge sturdy handles and a big flat bottom. (No comment.). Here’s what I carry in mine and this stuff never leave my tote so it’s always ready for the next event:

- My zippered bank bag with $100 in change
- A calculator set to the local tax rate
- A duplicate sheet sales order pad (the kind with built-in carbon paper)
- Two or three good pens
- A mini stapler and scotch tape
- Scissors
- A trash bag
- Tissue paper and bags
- Four short bungee cords (you’d be surprised how often these are handy)
- My KnuckleBuster and credit card slips (I use Propay)
- Diet Coke (I don’t leave home without it) and a snack or two
- A few tools for simple repairs – needle nose pliers, flat pliers, screwdriver
- Extra reading glasses
- Business cards
- Sales tax certificate
- Polishing cloths
- Mirrors if your product is worn

- Garden gloves so you don't wreck your hands carrying your tent and tables

Last but not least – YOUR PRODUCT! This isn’t funny – I’ve actually left home and had to go back for it.

Ideally, as you think through the show from set up to an actual sale, there isn’t much else you need. You definitely want to appear as the professional you are so do not skimp on what you need to make your work look good! Again, as you get a show or two under your belt, you will see what other craftspeople use, some items you needed and didn’t have and what you can do without next time. It’s a refining process every time and making it simpler makes it more efficient for you and more fun in the long run.

More from Artitudes Spring Show and Sale . . .

Like all artists, we start with a completely blank slate and add layer after layer until we have a perfect blend of artwork and artists. On the right you can see that we started with a pretty cool spot and we only wish we could clone this space for ALL shows!

Gorgeous orange, red and brick walls, concrete floors, a wide covered deck area out front - what's not to love?

There's no 'primo real estate' here and everyone gets equally sweet display space (we think!).

More from our super artists:

Jim White is new to Artitudes and is a really creative stained glass guy, using geode slices in unusual ways - like off the framed space. Cool stuff.

Lynn Kvigne demos chain maille jewelry-making.

Mona Jenkins' incredible knitted, crocheted, felted, beaded work, pincushions, accessories and generally beautiful work.

Pam Huckins - a potter and Artitudes boardmember.

And, of course, our supporters and shoppers!

Artitudes Spring 2009 Art Show & Sale, Lincoln, Nebraska

All of the hard work paid off and our Spring Art Show and Sale was a success! Twenty-eight artists participated this time and there were eight new artists which we love! A bit of background - we organized as a small group of area artists who didn't have storefronts, websites or places to sell our work so Artitudes was born. Two or three times a year we stage our art and craft shows and choose a Lincoln-based charity to which our artists donate a portion of their sales. Good for our artists and good for our charity - and our donation stays local to help our neighbors. This year we chose The Arc of Lincoln as our charity partner and we were able to make a sizeable donation to The Arc and we are grateful to all of our artists for their participation and generosity.

A few of the pics from the weekend - This charming frog is papier mache and was created by one of our new artists, Kathy Frank. Her painted stones were fabulous but this articulated frog was a real attention-getter. He had a bowl of alphabet soup in his lap but we gave him Kathy's artist bio to hold. What a guy.

Sharon Demaree, another new artist, made beautiful carved gourds as well as these hand-carved ostrich eggs. Incredible.

Rhonda McClure's felted wool animals, jewelry and bags and felted pictures. The coolest part? They raise their own sheep, shear the wool, card, clean and dye it for use. Not too many of us process our artwork from beginning to end. Cliff and Jeanne Dill's beautiful photography is on the back wall and Kim Tedrow's collage work is on the panel between these two artists.

We love this guy - Rod Termaat carves the most unique, not to mention gorgeous, spoons, serving and cooking utensils with interesting little details. All of us have several of his pieces in various woods carved with little bees, daisy chains, ladybugs and turtles. He also has a few "creepy clown" pieces because everyone has a "creepy clown" in his closet (his words - not mine).

And, of course, Jan at the checkout table telling a customer that we happily take ALL forms of payment. More to follow - be sure to watch!

Opening Night!!

What a great night!

We were lucky to have perfect weather, fantastic traffic, and those signs out front reading "ART SHOW" that drew folks in.

Being in charge of the snacks and beverages, I was sort of stuck behind the scenes, but it was so much fun chatting with folks who stopped by to grab a plate of goodies to munch on while perusing the gallery.

I have to admit...I had the classic "jaw dropping to the ground" moment when I walked in this afternoon. So many new artists with totally awesome work! And the "veterans" had great stuff too...a lot of new work and displays that gave us a fresh look and feel!!!

A few pictures...unfortunately, I got too busy once we opened to take any pictures in action, and my photos don't include Jeanne Dill's great photography on the back wall, but hopefully someone managed to capture that.

Looking forward to an equally successful Saturday and Sunday...we are doing great things for our chosen charity - The Arc of Lincoln!!

Lynn K.