My second and expanded festival display.

As I mentioned in a previous post, my second festival this summer was going to include some changes to the set-up. All along I took an experimental approach to my first festival back in June. I knew that I was only going to set up one table to test the waters, but I was pretty sure the second would be expanded. And expand I did. I noticed a few problems with the one table set up, mainly traffic flow and congestion (technically I had 2 tables, but the one was mainly for the cash box and bagging the purchased items). In July I set up in a U shape with one 5ft table in the center and 2 4ft tables along the side. This was so much better. It allowed my visitors to spread out and circulate through my area without feeling cramped up against other shoppers. This also made my banner more prominent as it was framed out by the side tables.

 

The addition of 2 more tables didn't require many more props because I just spread out what I already had. I did however add a few new things just because I wanted to, but it wasn't required. My favorite addition being a new log to display my bracelets. I found an old telephone post at my father's house that was perfect. All I had to do was stain it to match my other tree props. I also added another corner basket to balance out the main table and I elevated my mirror a bit so that visitors didn't have to crouch down to see themselves when trying on my creations.

Using props found in nature allows me to expand whenever I want to because I will always be able to locate additional items to match. And well, it's really inexpensive! The response to the new display was wonderful and I plan to stick with this set up for the rest of the season.

Read my earlier post about how I made most of my display.

My first festival!

This past Thursday I participated in my very first festival. The event is called "Swinging Summer Thursday" and it is held in my home town, West Chester Pennsylvania on the first Thursday of every month from June until September. I chose this event as my first because it is a local festival (2 blocks from my house) and I figured a Thursday evening was perfect for my first. My town hosts many outdoor events, but this one seemed less intimidating. I wanted to experiment with a more low-key festival so I could work out my kinks. All in preparation for the biggest event of the season...the overly crowded and insane Restaurant Festival held in September.

I wanted my stand to compliment the style of my jewelry without spending a ton of money, all while keeping in mind that my display will grow so I want to easily add matching or complimentary pieces later. I didn't want to purchase something and then come back a few months later searching for matching pieces. I also wasn't impressed with the jewelry displays available to me so, being the overly zealous DIY girl that I am, I decided to make it all myself. This was an inexpensive and practical solution for the long run. If I made a few t-bars to hang my necklaces from and decided later that I needed more, I could simply make them and they would match perfectly.

I wanted to go with a material that would match the rustic style of my designs and be something I could find years later if I so desire. I went digging around my Dad's house and found some firewood, dowels and old deck boards to construct a few t-bars with. I absolutely adore them. I then scoured the rest of my belongings to find other unconventional materials for my display. Everything I used was either something I already owned or picked up at a discount store. The banner was purchased on vistaprint for only the cost of shipping. Table clothes were less than $10 each, the lace runners are curtain valances I picked up at the goodwill for a $1 a piece (purchased 6 for future tables). The tent (rain was in the forecast) and tables were all borrowed.

Overall I spent around $50 on my display. The response was wonderful. People were commenting on my stands all night.

Leading up to Thursday I was very surprised how relaxed and comfortable I was. This was the first time I was opening myself and my designs up to the general public, and I am sure any artist/designer/crafter will tell you that this can often feel like a very vulnerable and scary thing. I become very attached to my pieces so releasing them was fairly emotional for me (I did have a little bit of separation anxiety the night before) but I was happy to share my work when it was all said and done.

We had an excellent turnout and I sold more pieces than I had expected. Many of my friends and family showed up to help and support me, which was incredible. The fellow participants were also very supportive of one another and I am looking forward to July's Swinging Summer Thursday!