Building a Craft show display booth?

Question

I will be selling my crafts at a local craft show. The space I have is a 10 x 10 with no walls or anything. I have to provide the entire setup. I don't know how to build the 3 walls around my space. I would like to be able to hang things from my walls, so whatever I build them out of I need to be able to add shelves or at least hang things right off them. Any advice how to build these walls?

Answer 1

Depends how weighty your crafts are - could they be supported by a room divider type thing, or do they need more support? I'd say either invest in a sturdy, foldable set of room dividers,about shoulder height, or go consult some of the other craft-workers for advice - there might be someone everyone there uses who may be able to help.

Answer 2

If it is just a craft fair and not a renaissance faire then you can do a wide variety of things. Remember this is not a permanent site, you need to be portlable. So, don't think of 'building' something. Look for collapable and transportable. Your local Home depo/Walmart/Sears almost always sells outdoor canopys. These and variations thereof are VERY popular for beginner artists at faires.
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5044016

Then you usually get a few of the standard tough folding tables. Cover them with padding and/or cloth that will highlight your items best.
http://www.officedepot.com/ddSKU.do?level=SK&id=671781&Ntt=fold%20table&uniqueSearchFlag=true&An=text

If you have items that would like to be hung, try lining the walls with pegboard, its light and cheap and there are a wide variety of hangers available for it. Again you can spruce it up with some paint!

That is the 'cheap & easy' version. You can always go fancier. Remember that shade is good. Get some pretty tapestries or cloth to cover 2-3 sides of your enclosure (local hippie/head/new age shops often carry these).
http://passiflora.com/images/tapestries/Green%20Man%20-%20Emerald.jpg

You can paint the top, sew things to it, attach some ribbons to make it more interesting. Search local thrift stores for cool display tables and shelving. Use apple baskets upside down to create different viewing levels! A plain piece of glass with supports under it can add levels to your tables.

Though be warned don't go too busy. its easy to end up with 5 different prints and 4 different types of display. If it all matches you don't look so rinky dink. craft shows are very saturated with product. You need to look professional to sell! Don't go overboard on your own product either. Too much just overwhelms the customer.

And always remember sunscreen, water, and food! You can spend half your profit for the day just trying to stay hydrated at a fair!

Answer 3

You might also want to check out this page at my website:
http://glassattic.com/polymer/shows.htm

That page covers different types of booths, as well as various kinds of displays to make, and other things to think about when doing craft shows. (My site is mostly about polymer clay, but most every thing on that page would apply to any crafts sold at shows, etc.)


HTH,

Diane B.

Answer 4

You can purchase portable gridwalls from www.e4v.ca, they are canadian, but if you called they would help you find one in your country. You can also buy pegboard, hinges, and castors from the local build it centre and build one that meets your needs. Discuss with them what you are trying to build, they will help you select the supplies. Good luck!