Craft Fair Lessons

It seems like each show teaches me something new. This weekend I did my favourite little show in my old neighbourhood – Marlborough in Calgary, Alberta.

Marlborough Craft Sale

I borrowed a friends little foam cones that she’d whipped up to showcase her jewelry sets and put my bracelets out on those. The result? I sold bracelets. Since they’re usually lumped on a fairly unstable t-bar they don’t usually sell well but I bring them because they’re quite pretty. The instructions to make the cones are right here, along with a wealth of other information and you can bet I’ll be making some of my own!

Of course, last year at the same show I learned you sell earrings if you raise the display high enough so people do not have to bend over. Did I do that this year? No. Oops.

On a plus note, I now have several new display fixtures including proper, stable earring and necklace stands. I have to wait for the spring to USE them of course but hey, I can’t wait now!

6 Responses

  1. Those cones are such a cool idea! Simple too! Will have to make something up like that to photograph some of my bracelets. Maybe could figure out something similar for necklaces only larger. Could be wrapped in hemp or fabric too, to get a natural look. Thanks for passing along such a great idea Elaine!

  2. Thanks so much for the link and kind compliment, Elaine! 🙂

    Your display looks so inviting. I especially like your vertical elements. Your cones also look very nice!

    I have the same experience as you mentioned – jewelry raised up off the tabletop sells better.

    Thanks again, Elaine!

  3. Thanks Rena! I’ve long read bits and pieces from your site and blog and the hints and tips have been invaluable over time.

    Cindy, the cones are great! Depending on the size of the foam you can make it so it show cases a bracelet or a full set by altering the proportions you cut. I got a full roll of foam at the Michaels to do this with. My friend puts a necklace, then bracelet (using sewing pins to pin it on the wider cone) then a pair of earrings in the cones top hole / rim. Since I don’t make sets, I just displayed several necklaces on the larger ones and a bracelet on the smaller ones.

  4. I recently discussed making card stock cones with my step mother. She has necklaces to show off and may be able to sell them if she can show them well. It is great to see the cones in action.
    Thanks for the tip
    patty

  5. Gorgeous set up! I wish I could have browsed. You make ornaments, too? Do you have any close ups? I think those would be a great addition to xmas trees, especially mine.

  6. HALLO I AM TRING TO KEEP IN TOUCH WITH ELAINE TO BUY POLYMER CLY BEADS..BUT I GOT NO ANSWER….ANYBODY COULD HELP ME,PLEASE?
    THANKS,
    PAOLA