Craft Show Survival Gear

We've discussed this subject quite a bit at Guild meetings; the beauty of belonging to a Guild is being part of the exchange of ideas and information.

In your car: within easy reach store a can of Flat-Fix"!, a flashlight with new batteries, maps, and clearly written directions to your destinations, and on the reverse side, write the directions home. It' s hard to think clearly when you're tired, and it' s dark, especially when you're in unfamiliar territory!

In your cashbox: a copy of your show application and contract with the promoter This will save arguments about what you paid for, i.e. electricity, an indoor space, 1 ½ spaces, etc.- and your Check-Off List.

Cash: $50 in singles, $30 in fives, rolls of coins, (about $100 total, -adjust to suit your needs.)

In your toolbox or fishing-tackle box: Your Tax Certificate, tax tables, calculator, ball-point pens, e xtra pricing labels, pads of sales slip, plus extras! (In NY State you must have your tax certificate in plain site )

üBusiness cards - lots of them! They are very inexpensive advertising.

ü 3 x 5" cards - for emergency sign replacement, and to track diminishing supplies, etc.

üStraight pins and tacks, to hold your display fabric in place, especially the corners of your display table.

ü Duct tape to hold electrical cords in place, clear tape, and masking tape to hang things on walls without leaving adhesive mess behind, or removing paint!

üUtility knife, (a small, disposable one, with a break-off tip that's always sharp, about 99 cents!)

ü Scissors, clean rag or cloth, Handi-Wipes,(look for the special packages that sometimes come with a small, refillable travel-pack,) or a damp wash-cloth in a baggie.

üSmall pack of tissues, pocket comb, band-aids, aspirin, decongestant, medication, antacid, anti-itching creme, eye lubricant, etc.

üEmery board, sand paper or emery paper.

üFour or five cedar shingles,(- they break apart) or use small pieces of paneling or plywood (about 3 x 6" ) to serve as shims to steady your display on uneven ground.

üSpecialty tools and small parts for emergency repairs or customizing.

üPliers, screwdriver, small hammer.

Most of the above items can be stored in a small toolbox or fishing tackle box. Never borrow from your toolbox and you'll be ready for each show!

Invaluable:

A dolly or a handcart; don't walk back and forth with one or two boxes; you. ll be exhausted by show time. Dollies and hand-carts are inexpensive, ($20 +/- for a lightweight take-apart convertible one.)

What About Lighting?

What will you do if the light bulbs are burned out overhead and you have to set up in a dark corner? --If they can't see it , they won't buy it.

Even if you're not in a dark corner, lights make your display sparkle and everything looks nicer!

If you are not ready for a commercial lighting system, pack a box or old suitcase with:

~ Craft Show Survival Gear ~