Preparing for a craft show

Tomorrow is the Voyager Middle School Craft Fair. I've been spending the past three days preparing. A smart person would have started sooner (like when I found out about it two weeks ago). But I'm making decent progress. I'm really excited about the crowns and headdresses that I've completed in the past two days (see photo) and I've just spent an hour fray checking a bunch of ribbon ends for a new hula skirt, a bunch of floral headdresses and a veil that I have had in the works for month. I'm not sure all of this stuff will be accompanying me to the show, but it's nice to have things to choose from.

So, here's my process. I'm sure as I do more shows, my process will improve and evolve.

Inventory - this show, I did a quick inventory check a week before the show and made a list of things I needed to make to fill in the gaps (I'm certain this will have to be at least a month ahead of time for the larger shows since I'll need four times as much inventory. After I have my list, I formulate a plan in my head as to the quickest way. I have a day of cutting, a day of preparing embellishments and hand sewn details, a day of sewing together the base pieces, a few days for assembling everything and a day for labeling and pricing. As you can see, I had planned with a lot more days than I actually had. So I doubled up! I'm tired, but it's almost done (just need to price).

Display - So far, every show I've done, I've had a different size display... and the size each time changed from what I originally planned for. Good thing I'm flexible! And I now plan for it. So I have a bunch of various display possibilities. I took an inventory at the same time I did the stock inventory and decided what type of display I needed after making my product list. All this happens in my head. I envision what I want the display to look like. This time, I'm taking just a few of my I-spy Easter eggs. The I-spy bags haven't sold as well at shows as they do online, but since it's getting close to Easter, I'm giving them a try... and I've made a little prop to go with them. He's just a prototype right now, but someday hopefully he'll end up in my shop as well. I don't currently have a photo of him, but I'll try to get one tomorrow.

Comfort & Ease - I like to plan for everything. From receipt book and calculator, to a project and snacks. This also includes having change (which I haven't done yet - I forgot until I started typing - YIKES!). I do most of this preparation the night before - yep, I'm a procrastinator. Last time, I forgot the project to work on. Of course, I was working on getting everything packed up (including the kids) all on my own, so I was bound to forget something. This time, I'll have my husband helping.

And that's it! That's my current process for preparing for craft fairs. Of course, there is more to it. And, I'll update you tomorrow on whether it works or if I fall short. I'm just hoping for a successful show!