Craft Fair Extraordinaire Feature Interview #12 (The Mouse Market)

Today I am featuring someone who has a really good attention for details!! I have no idea how in the world she makes things so small, but she can manipulate clay into looking like ti is fit to eat! She makes foods and pastries in 1/12 scale, which is the size needed to make your dollhouses really come to life! I know that recently on Etsy, many many people are now starting to collect these types of goodies! Dolls and Dollhouse miniatures are really starting to make a comeback in a big way.
Please read below to see how this creative mind thinks and learn more about her thoughts related to craft shows!



1) Mo Tipton/The Mouse Market
Columbia, MO (USA)
themousemarket.com/
www.etsy.com/shop/mousemarket

2) I create unique polymer clay food and floral jewelry and 1/12 scale dollhouse miniatures.

3) My first craft show was the Beaux Arts Bizarre in Columbia, MO, in November of 2009, and I was pleased with both my sales and customer feedback from that show. It was so much fun to interact with buyers face-to-face and hear about their polymer clay crafting experiences, dollhouse stories, etc.--things that I don't often hear from people buying through my Etsy shop.



4) So far, my favorite craft show was the Indie Craft Revolution in St. Louis, MO, hosted by the St. Louis Craft Mafia. They did such a great job of publicizing the event, so there was a steady stream of shoppers both days, and the mix of artists was phenomenal. It was really fun to be a part of such a talented group of people!

5) If I had to choose a least favorite, I would probably say the Beaux Arts Bizarre, mainly because it seemed that there would have been a much higher shopper turnout if they had arranged other activities, such as live music or a wine bar, and I don't feel that they used the space as well as they could have. I know that there were a handful of rather disappointed vendors who had hoped that a pre-holiday sale would have enjoyed a better turnout.


6) My food jewelry pieces seem to attract girls and women between the ages of 10 and 30, and the dollhouse miniatures appeal to collectors of all ages. As for my most popular pieces, I suppose my pretzel earrings and cupcake accessories have both been hot sellers, but the trends seem to change constantly, and the most popular item in my shop is rarely the same item at a show, and it varies from one week to the next.



7) I have always tried to promote my upcoming shows as much as possible by emailing everyone I know, blogging about it, putting up flyers, Twittering, etc., and while I'm at the show, I always give out plenty of business cards. If the show coordinators have put together a goodie bag, I also try to contribute something to that, and I've started giving out coupons for my Etsy shop to show customers.

8) I have not had the opportunity to put together a show yet.




9) Etsy has been a great way for me to get my work out there, although it has taken quite a bit of effort to make sure that my shop doesn't get lost in the sea of fantastic sellers, and I'm still figuring out new ways to promote my work. Listing new items regularly and Twittering about those items seems to draw a lot of visitors to my shop, and my Flickr galleries have turned out to be one of the best marketing tools available. My stats show a number of visitors coming either to my website or my Etsy shop from Flickr, so I always make a point to post new items in my galleries.

So far, I haven't taken the Facebook plunge, and I'll likely hold out as long as possible. I spend so much time online as it is, listing new items, uploading photos to Flickr, blogging, etc., which, while these things are important, they also represent time that I'm not making new pieces, and I can't imagine adding one more online thing that I have to attend to regularly. All the promotion in the world isn't going to help me if I don't have new pieces to sell, so I have to draw the line somewhere.

I have also experimented with paid advertising on blogs, and the cheaper ads available through Project Wonderful have generated a good amount of visits, but I'm not sure that I will be paying for more expensive ad space on popular blogs in the near future. While those ads have drawn a decent amount of visitors to my shop, it wasn't an overwhelming number, so I might be better off spending less money on a greater diversity of Project Wonderful ads.


10) It seems that many of the craft shows offer more reasonable booth fees, and their application process is a little less stringent than the art shows, which is not to say that they don't attract top quality artists, but they seem to be a little more flexible. I've certainly been discouraged to apply to a few art shows by their incredibly steep fees and the lengthy, overly specific application requirements, which, while I'm sure they have good reasons, sometimes seem a little silly (i.e. sending an application in a padded envelope with precise dimensions--is that really necessary?).

11) The most current listing of my upcoming shows can be found on my shop/shows page: themousemarket.com/shop-2/

12) I am constantly tweaking my booth set up, and I learn something new at every show. I think one of the main pieces of advice that could be applied to most types of wares is to make sure that your booth layout makes it easy to pick up items for a closer look (unless your stuff is super expensive, in which case that might not be a good idea!). My first booth layout looked cute, but it was a pain for shoppers to remove the jewelry from the displays, especially if one hand was already laden with bags, so I keep modifying the set up to ensure that everything looks neat and tidy, but people can easily grab stuff to hold earrings up to their face, to try on a bracelet, etc. (Which reminds of another tip for clothing or accessory artists: Bring a mirror!)

I also think that it's important is to have your prices neatly and clearly displayed. When I'm shopping, I sometimes don't like to ask how much something is for fear that if it's too high for my budget and I don't buy it, the artist will think that I don't feel their stuff is worth the price. In a similar vein, having neatly printed, eye-catching signs that give less talkative customers information about your items can be helpful. The number one question I get at shows is, "Do you actually make these?" and when people find out that everything is handmade, not only are they more impressed, but they're more apt to buy.

Don't assume that your customers know anything about your work. Try to think about your pieces as you might if you were seeing them for the first time, and enlist the help of friends if necessary. Come up with a list of questions you would want to know about your work (i.e. what is it made out of, is it machine washable, etc.), and consider turning the most important questions into signs without cluttering up your booth with every possible question and answer. That way, if a buyer is shy, they're still getting the most pertinent details in order to make an informed purchase. At the very least, you should be ready to answer those questions should someone ask.

Last but not least, a tip from my friend Lisa of satsumabug.etsy.com: Pay attention to traffic flow! One of the biggest challenges I face with my booth set up, which is one single banquet table, is how to direct shoppers to different parts of the table so that more people can browse my booth simultaneously. It's not possible to solve this problem 100%, but if all of your items that require more time to take in, such as highly detailed pieces, things that require trying on, or your mailing list sign up, are focused in one area, you might see curious shoppers giving up and moving on if they can't find any elbow room. It will take experimentation, but play around with different layouts, try setting up satellite tables or displays, anything that will give shoppers more spots to spread out and browse.

13) It seems obvious, but judging by the number of artists who don't do this, perhaps it's not: Smile and look friendly! Say "hello" to people as they wander past your booth. You'd be surprised how many shoppers will stop and browse simply because you're the first or only person who has greeted them.

Don't hide behind your booth with a book, or worse, with a bored scowl on your face. People who go to craft shows with the intention of spending money often do so because they have an interest in supporting artists, because they like to know where their purchases are coming from, because they want a personalized shopping experience that big box stores can't provide--you get the idea. It seems that people are more apt to buy from someone whom they feel a connection with, however small, and if they enjoy talking with you, they're likely to spend more per sale. Striking a balance between being friendly/available and pushy/overbearing is important, and it sometimes helps to bring a friend along to give you constructive pointers on your selling technique.

Making yourself available to your customers also means that you get to supply them with personalized answers to the questions previously mentioned, answers that help your customers see how much time and talent goes into each piece and gives them more reasons to buy from you! It also helps to have little stories about your various pieces, perhaps what inspired you to make the piece, any specific techniques that you use, for whom it might make a good gift, etc.

Craft Fair Extraordinaire Feature Interview #11 (Sweet Plum Vintage)

Today, after much waiting (which I am very sorry about!!!), I am proud to present Sweet Plum Vintage. It is fun to see her progression of her show setup through the images she graced me with! I love how colorful her items are, and I also love the great variation of goods that she offers.

Sweet Plum Vintage offers super cute, one of a kind jewelry like earrings, fancy necklaces, and the like, adorned and embellished with beautiful vintage buttons and reclaimed vintage pieces. These pieces are all statement pieces, and if you wore one to a party or to work, all the girls would have to comment how cute you look, and ask where you got your goodies!! My favorite item in her shop right now are the Lucky You Vintage Button Earrings, which are cute blue/periwinkle earrings with little mushrooms and lucky horseshoes on them!! I don't know where she finds such amazing vintage pieces, but she sure has an eye for details and color!!

Lucky for us, Cara would like to offer a 20% discount to blog readers in her shop! Anyone who mentions the Craft-Friendly Blog during their first purchase at SweetPlumVintage on Etsy will receive 20% Off their first purchase!! How great is that!Please make a comment in "Note to Seller". Hurry over to her shop!!


Here is her fun interview!!

1.) Please tell us a bit about yourself:
Name/Company Name: Sweet Plum Vintage
General Location if you want: Ann Arbor, MI
Website or Contact Info: www.sweetplumvintage.com
tel: 650.814.7796
email: sweetplumvintage@gmail.com

2.) What form of art/craft do you make?
Whimsical handcrafted vintage and antique button jewelry



3.) When did you start vending at Craft Fairs? Were you successful at first?
I first started selling at fairs in 2009 (only in the past year) and I would say that my sales have been hit or miss. I think a lot of it at first is making sure you have great branding, great presentation, and good price points and style that market to your target audience. I'm constantly designing new products and fairs are a great testing ground to see what speaks to people.

4.) What is/was your favorite Art/Craft Fair you have ever attended/vended at and why?
Thusfar, my favorite Fair was the Saratoga Art & Wine Festival in Saratoga, CA. It is one of the smaller ones that I have done, but it was in my previous hometown on our little Main Street, close to home and around people I love.



5.) What was your least favorite Fair to attend/vend at? Why?
I would also say the Saratoga Art & Wine Festival was also my least favorite, because it is such a small town, and it doesn't attract a wide audience. Also, the audience didn't really fit my target audience. It's really important that they are a match. I did the San Francisco Union Street Eco-Urban Festival which was a much better match, targeted at young, well-to-do urbanites with a passion for all things "green".

6.) Who tends to be your target audience? What tends to be your best selling item(s)?
I would say my target audience is women with a whimsical, playful sense of style between the ages of 25 and 60 who like to invest in one-of-a kind pieces. My best-selling items are my new "Bubble" Fabric Vintage Button Necklaces and my vintage button rings.



7.) Do you ever do marketing for your upcoming shows, or do you leave it to the Show Coordinators? If you do promotions, how do you do them, and do they seem to work well? Do you ever do giveaways at shows? Give out lots of business cards, etc...

You are your best marketer. I think it's really important to ask if there are opportunities with Show coordinators for marketing, but to rely on yourself to generate the major marketing campaign for the show. I usually do a give away at my shows whereby when you sign up to receive my monthly newsletter, you are entered to win a piece of jewelry. I also make postcards with my story on them, and the vision of my company, and of course hand out tons of business cards! I'm in the process of working with a great web design firm to create my new website and a new logo, and plan on printing new stickers, t-shirts, and other fun marketing materials.

My first few shows were done in conjunction with an eco-friendly company, FairTribe, who sell eco-friendly clothing and accessories that pairs well with my jewelry. It was mutually beneficial for both of us. This can be a great way to go, because as long as your target market is the same, your booth will likely attract more people (with more merchandise), and cost you a lot less (fees can be very expensive!).




8.) Have you ever helped put a show together or run a show? Which one(s)?
No, but I was thinking about doing one in my hometown of Ann Arbor and joining forces with some of the fabulous local jewelry artists and some local chocolatiers and wineries for a night of art, food, and wine.


9.) How have Flickr, Etsy, Facebook, etc helped you expand your crafty business?
I started with Etsy to see if I though I could really make a go of being a jewelry artist. Now that I am becoming more confident with my skills, and more aware of my target audience and where I want to go, I am working on creating a site separate from Etsy to distinguish myself a bit more. Etsy is wonderful in that it allows everyone to post all their creations, but it doesn't allow you to interact with your customers in all the ways you might want to as a professional artist. For example, there is no where to have a portfolio, to adequately market to potential wholesalers or retailers interested in consignment, and so on and so forth.

Flikr has been great as a way for me to show my portfolio to the web world and in particular to Flikr groups that focus on jewelry, buttons, and jewelry marketing and PR. In fact, I met the writer of this blog on Flikr and was asked to be featured! You can post pictures to your own Flikr account as well as to these groups for more directed advertising. It is also a nice way to quickly browse through other people's work and get inspired! It is very heavily populated though, so you really have to make sure you tag your items well, take great pictures, and join groups that would be interested in what you have to offer so that they will take the time to look at your art.

Facebook has been a great avenue to connect with Fans, get their opinion on new ideas, offer special sales and promote all facets of my business: workshops, recent press, interesting "behind the scenes" tidbits and pictures of work that has been put into various retail locations among other things.




10.) What do you think the difference is between an Art Show and a Craft Fair? If there is any difference...
I think there are many differences between the two. First of all, the type of work they are looking for: craft fairs tend to populate with artists with a "folksie", "down home" kind of feel, while Art shows are looking for work that is very refined. I'm wouldn't dare say that one is more "art" than the other, I just think they have a different feel to them. I also think they attract a different demographic. I would say that in general Art shows tend to attract an older, wealthier crowd than craft fairs, and I think it is because of the price point and the style.

Also as an artist, the application process is very different. Art Show jury members are looking for very "professional", uncluttered, clean photographs that center on the work of art itself. All of the photographs in the set you apply with should flow together. They expect to see a booth shot, without anyone it it, that clearly shows 3 sides of the tent and set-up you would have. From what I understand the booth should really highlight your work, and be clean to the eye.

I think the application process is different for craft fairs. Some people might say they are less competitive. In a certain way they are. I think they are interested in not only the work, but the context you put it in. It seems there is some more leniency on the background in photos, and booths can be a bit more eccentric and colorful.


11.) If you wish, please list your upcoming shows for 2010 and beyond. I have applied to many and am waiting to hear back! Cross your fingers!

12.) Any words of advice for people who do not think their setup is as good as it could be? What is your most successful layout for a table or booth. Be as general or specific as you want.
I would say, whatever you do, make sure it is the pieces at your booth that you are highlighting. You art should be the centerpiece, not the stuff around it, though done in the right way props and the like can be used to augment the story your art is telling.


I would also say it's nice to do something a bit different. For some reason the white and black velvet busts get really boring to me. I've seen countless booths with tons of these lined up with beaded jewelry on them, and I don't remember them. I like to see something a bit different. They now make really cool wood and linen busts in all kinds of natural tones which I personally love. I would invest in good lighting and good, clear, signage so that people can easily spot you out of a crowd of tables and will remember you. Don't expect yourself to have the perfect booth the first go around. I have plans for a completely different booth set up for the next time I am in a fair or a show.


13.) Any closing remarks?

The most important piece of wisdom that I got recently from my aunt, a professional photographer, was to remember that you are not your art. Remembering that I do many things in my life, not just my art, is really important, and that if someone rejects my art, they have not rejected me. When I remember this, it's easier for me to put my work out there, get advice and feedback (positive and negative) and improve. I hope for everyone out there trying to make a living from their art that have the courage and humbleness to keep putting there work out there-because it truly is a gift!

Craft Fair Extraordinaire Feature Interview #10 (Beyond Her)

I found this amazing artist from another person I interviewed. I am proud to introduce Beyond Her. Paule Hewlett makes an assortment of goods including calendars, apparel, mugs, note cards, textiles, tablets, and books. I am super impressed with her organic style when it comes to her booth setup too. Having beautiful items in the booth is of course the main challenge to success at any show. But the overall look of her booths are just beautiful and I would give her an A+! I love the way her booth really looks like a store filled with her personalized, screen printed items. I can't believe how full the booth is, but your eye is never confused. She also seems to use very natural materials in her work, which is echoed by wooden displays and an airy feeling.
Paule was kind enough to answer a few questions, and I am glad to share her answers with you...

1.) Please tell us a bit about yourself:
Name/Company Name: Paule Hewlett / Beyond Her Productions
General Location: Texas / California
Website or Contact Info: www.beyondher.com / paule@beyondher.com

2.) What form of art/craft do you make? I think of myself as an "imprint artist," which means that I find ways to put my art onto different surfaces. I started out producing calendars and note cards featuring my watercolors. But then I got interested in screen printing. I changed mediums, started working in pen and ink. And now I have something like 40 products, ranging from paper to ceramics to all kinds of textile items with my original images either silkscreened or printed on them. The selection is always changing, but the idea is to create functional, beautiful objects for the office, home, wardrobe. I call it Art for Every Day.


3.) When did you start vending at Craft Fairs? Were you successful at first? My first booth was at the holiday fair at my church, and from there I went to country clubs. The sales were fair, but after a while it was clear this wasn't my clientele. I tried some of the Texas Craft Fairs, but again, about one out of every 15 people liked my style of products. I started doing a small First Saturday Arts Market in a funky neighborhood in Houston, which is small but more my cup of tea. I'm reading now about "indie entrepreneurs," and "alternative wares," which means that people are recognizing that there is a difference. It's getting easier and easier to find appropriate spaces.



4.) What is/was your favorite Art/Craft Fair you have ever attended/vended at and why? I have two: one is a holiday show in Austin called Blue Genie Art Bazaar. A group of artists rents an event venue and provides 8 x 8 x 2' vertical space for 100 artists. The show runs for three weeks in December and they handle all sales - artists simply re-stock. They run a great show and everyone does well. The other is Renegade Craft, which I did in San Francisco. It was more of a lark than a business venture, but I was SO impressed with the crew - total professionals. Everything was uber-organized. Plus, the wares were unusual, high quality and priced accordingly. It was a great atmosphere.



5.) What was your least favorite Fair to attend/vend at? Why? I did a show called Unique LA one spring that was just too big. Shoppers got disoriented and bored, and as a vendor it was easy to get stranded in the outback. It was also in a downtown space that didn't have a community to draw from. Everyone went home disgruntled, although the show continues. It might just have been too young a crowd for me.



6.) Who tends to be your target audience? What tends to be your best selling item(s)? I love my customers! They're usually art-oriented and a little bit of an outsider. I have some apparel that appeals to youngsters, but most of my buyers are 30 and older. They do museums rather than malls. They like my dishtowels and napkins, because they cook; they like the cards because they write thank-you notes. If I ever get a man in my booth, he's either lost or very cool.



7.) Do you ever do marketing for your upcoming shows, or do you leave it to the Show Coordinators? If you do promotions, how do you do them, and do they seem to work well? Do you ever do giveaways at shows? Give out lots of business cards, etc... Even if the show is out of town, I do my own marketing. Sometimes I print postcards and send them ahead to local retailers to get them to come out. For local shows I usually do an eblast - I've found people like to be invited to events and for me it's nice to see a friendly face. Most of these people are great customers.



8.) Have you ever helped put a show together or run a show? Which one(s)? Right now I'm helping to organize a monthly event at my studio space. There are about 30 artists -mostly fine artists and photographers. I'm looking for some way to NOT have to load in and out of a show, so I'm the most motivated to make it work. It's pretty casual right now, but we can see the numbers improving. All these things take time . . . . I'm very patient.


9.) How have Flickr, Etsy, Facebook, etc helped you expand your crafty business? I love the convenience of Facebook - one announcement and your show is advertised! I also use it to preview new products and announce new outlets. Etsy is still mysterious to me: I can't figure out why some months are so much busier than others. But I keep posting. . .



10.) What do you think the difference is between an Art Show and a Craft Fair? If there is any difference... Art shows are really more like gallery openings - the focus is on chatting and viewing more than selling. My joke is that I bring the "merch." Fine artists are amazed at my set-up and inventory. My booth might have 200 items, and they might have six paintings. But it's a good mix for me.


11.) If you wish, please list your upcoming shows for 2010 and beyond. I'm thrilled to be doing the Renegade Craft Fair in Austin May 15-16, 2010. I do the First Saturday Arts Market in the Houston Heights almost every month. And of course, I'm putting out a personal invitation for everyone to join us at the Third Saturday Open Studios at the Hardy/Nance Street Studios through August.


12.) Any words of advice for people who do not think their setup is as good as it could be? What is your most successful layout for a table or booth. Be as general or specific as you want. I set up differently every show, much to the annoyance of my husband. But the dynamics change depending on who's next to you and where you are in the floor plan. If you're small enough, setting up with the table up front is most comfortable for shoppers - no commitment. But I have so much stuff, I have to make it inviting to come in. I try to make it look as boutique-y as I can, similar to a nice shop. I put clothes and bright colors inside, to draw attention. And I've used everything imaginable to utilize the vertical space. My entire house and studio have come into play as display items!


13.) Any closing remarks? Couple of things. To simplify for me and my customer, I'm experimenting with taking fewer items centered around a theme such as a holiday, or cooking, or summer. I'm still evaluating if this is a good idea or not. The other thing is I have flyers from all my shows at every show to give out. It starts the conversation. Which, by the way, is HUGE. Talking to people in the booth makes the time go faster for you, but it also warms people up and enlists their support. Don't be shy! {Thanks for such a lively interview!!!}

If you want, feel free to browse more of her beautiful images HERE.

Craft Fair Extraordinaire Feature Interview #9 (love.Jujube)

This jewelry artist has quite a sophisticated style :) Her striped table cloths set off her newer jewelry collections, themed on vintage materials and styles. The cute and romantic nature of her items is nice set upon a very dainty display. I would love spending lots of time at this booth! The images below show a very busy craft fair! I hope you enjoy...


1) My little store is ju ju be, I am mainly in Hong Kong but will relocate to Edinburgh very soon.
My store: lovejujube.etsy.com
My blog: lovejujube.blogspot.com

2.) What form of art/craft do you make?
I do handcrafted jewelry with wire and all kinds of beautiful beads



3.) When did you start vending at Craft Fairs? Were you successful at first?
I have started joining craft fair in May 2009 for promotion purpose but it was unexpectedly successful. Such that I kept on doing it.

4.) What is/was your favorite Art/Craft Fair you have ever attended/vended at and why?
5.) Least favorite?
4) & 5) I do not have a favorite / least favorite. I joint upon invitation. I treat every fair as social event to meet my customers / other artists.


6.) Who tends to be your target audience? What tends to be your best selling item(s)?
Ladies, who are relatively older in their 20s or 30s.

7.) Do you ever do marketing for your upcoming shows, or do you leave it to the Show Coordinators? If you do promotions, how do you do them, and do they seem to work well? Do you ever do giveaways at shows? Give out lots of business cards, etc...
I do minimum promotion. Just blog and facebook.

8.) Have you ever helped put a show together or run a show? Which one(s)?
No.


9.) How have Flickr, Etsy, Facebook, etc helped you expand your crafty business?
These means do help but I discovered the most important is to make more great creations and update my shop regularly.

10.) What do you think the difference is between an Art Show and a Craft Fair? If there is any difference...
People tends not to buy at Art Show.


11.) If you wish, please list your upcoming shows for 2010 and beyond.
March 20, Amor Workshop, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

12.) Any words of advice for people who do not think their setup is as good as it could be? What is your most successful layout for a table or booth. Be as general or specific as you want.
Stuff has to be tidy. Beautifully layout. Do not crowd your table. Make a statement.

Craft Fair Extraordinaire Feature Interview #8 (A Punkin Card Company)

This super talented, paper extraordinaire is our main feature today! A Punkin Card Company has caught my eye so many times while browsing Flickr. Her use of clean lines and bold color choices is a real crowd pleaser! I know that many of her items are flat, so think of how hard that would be to display! Well, Amie has no problem getting attention by using clear displays and lets her work speak for itself! And sometimes it does. You can get cute notebooks, cards, invitations, and many other beautiful items from this wonderful crafter!! Here is her interview...

1.) Please tell us a bit about yourself:
Name/Company Name: Amie Needham / A Punkin Card Company
General Location if you want: Houston, Texas
Website or Contact Info: www.apunkincardcompany.com


2.) What form of art/craft do you make?
Paper goods, greeting cards, stationery, and wedding invitations.

3.) When did you start vending at Craft Fairs? Were you successful at first?
My first show what about two years ago and I sold nothing! It was the hardest thing I have ever had to do. To put yourself out there, to talk to strangers, and try to sell your creations. It was frightening.



4.) What is/was your favorite Art/Craft Fair you have ever attended/vended at and why?
Probably Maker Faire in Austin, Texas. It was amazing to see so many crafters and artists under one roof. Plus, the crowds! There were thousands of people. It was a handmade artists heaven.

5.) What was your least favorite Fair to attend/vend at? Why?
I do not like strictly farmers markets. Not because they are slow or boring, just my cards do not sell as well. It's about the customer. You need to place yourself in a show that caters to your clientèle.

6.) Who tends to be your target audience? What is your best selling item(s)?
Best selling items are my humor cards. Like the "Milkshake' cards and "Hey Chica". If someone gets a laugh out of it, they normally will buy. My target audience is women, ages 18 to 50, but i so have a lot of male customers! Really anyone who loves handmade items and understands what goes into creating them.



7.) Do you ever do marketing for your upcoming shows, or do you leave it to the Show Coordinators? If you do promotions, how do you do them, and do they seem to work well? Do you ever do giveaways at shows? Give out lots of business cards, etc...
I hand out a lot of buisness cards and promote the show on my blog. I tend to pick shows that will market themselves.

8.) Have you ever helped put a show together or run a show? Which one(s)?
Yes, I have co-run a few shows here in Houston. It's a great experience to put yourself on the other side of the table and understand what it takes to put a show together.


This picture is from 2008!!! How cute :)

9.) How have Flickr, Etsy, Facebook, etc helped you expand your crafty business?
Social sites are my main bread and butter. This allows me to market without hiring a marketing group. Thus, keeping my budget low and my audience in the loop. I wouldn't be as successful if I didn't have over 20 social sites to update everyday!



10.) What do you think the difference is between an Art Show and a Craft Fair? If there is any difference...
For me, an Art Show is more of a fine arts exhibit. It's for painters, creators, and artists that are making items that would be sold in a gallery. Craft Fairs are for the handmade companies. Featuring anything from cards to metal status. You can find clothes, jewelry, purses, wool, anything! Plus, all these companies have the spirit of handmade! It's not that a greeting card designer can't go to a art show, it's that your target audience will be at the craft show.

11.) If you wish, please list your upcoming shows for 2010 and beyond.

12.) Any words of advice for people who do not think their setup is as good as it could be? What is your most successful layout for a table or booth. Be as general or specific as you want.
Keep trying. Every event, my table is different. It depends on the lighting, the event space, and the flow of the traffic. Just have fun with it and think like a customer!