Wednesday 4 January 2012

Table displays at craft fayres

Happy new year to everyone first of all, I hope last year was a good one and I hope this one will be even better!

I am sure that many of you like me are crafty addicts and partake in the odd craft fayre or market from time to time. As much as I adore making the things I make I find selling them rather more difficult. I find it confrontational and awkward.

I would like to take this opportunity to ask for some advice on table display as this is one of the things that stresses me out at these events.

I always feel like my individual items look awesome on their own but put all together the table looks a bit like a jumble sale.

I don't usually have this many different types of product it's usually just jewelry and felted brooches but I wanted to try and de stock a bit at this one.




I always feel like my table looks very amateur and I covet that of my friend though she has one main product and it is much easier on the eye.


Any help would be very gratefully received. Don't be shy I am a big girl...lol

15 comments:

Mt. Baldy Glassworks said...

It is hard to LOOK professional when you have a multitude of different items. Edit, Edit, ?Edit.....and use different levels by using boxes ( I wrap the boxes in wrapping paper)

rooee said...

I think maybe your table would look good with some height? Maybe some kind of rack or such to display at the back of the table? Your product is gorgeous though. Loving the felt flowers lots!

Lostlemonade said...

Send me your email address via convo and I will send you a list of suggestions. BTW I really like your stuff!

nangatesdesigns said...

I always envy other people's displays as well. I find adding varying levels of height adds a lot as well as grouping items. Love your things!

magdamagda fashion said...

"I always feel like my individual items look awesome on their own but put all together the table looks a bit like a jumble sale." maybe it's not so practical, but I have an idea: put boxes that people need to open and see the item- that way they will only see one at once;) and maybe they will enjoy the game and it will attract more curious people! good luck!

Lori Bergmann said...

I can totally relate! I've been selling at my local Farmer's Market for the past few years, and started venturing into a few larger shows last year. My display has been evolving constantly, but I finally think I'm about 95% happy with it now. LOL Some of the things that I would suggest is risers for your table to raise the height, as well as give height to various groupings of items on your table like the others mentioned. Try to establish some kind of "theme" or look to your overall display to make it more cohesive. When I first started out, I used an eclectic mix of vintage style silver serving dishes. My local Goodwill was a treasure trove of goodies! ;-D

Kathleen said...

I love your felting! It's gorgeous...I do a lot of outdoor and indoor fairs and after 8 years still find it difficult to like what i'm doing ;-).. When you have multiple products the easiest way to display so that they look nice is to do groupings...generally color first and then type....various heights help too... and last do a search for images of table displays or art fair displays, use the "image" tab instead of the links and you'll get a host of images to give you ideas. Here's one:

https://www.google.com/search?q=pictures%20of%20table%20displays%20for%20jewelry&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hl=en&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=BpMET7PiNIr_ggfd9vyqAg&biw=1366&bih=525&sei=DJMET4beFIndgQei8bniCQ

Unknown said...

I agree with everyone else...different heights are a GOOD thing!

Sewinggranny - Mona said...

I also have a difficult time making my table look professional as I have a number of items and it is not possible for me to have more than one table due to rental rates.

Anonymous said...

I've never done a craft so I can't help out, but I'm sure the ladies here can give you some tricks!

Unknown said...

Varying heights would help, as maybe signs. You have a lot of "soft" items (fabric) and could benefit from some "hard" items (signs, plastic, glass). Also, instead of spreading everything out (which I know feels natural to take up space, especially if you don't have a lot of items), cluster them by product; actually clustering by color would be even better as you'd get different items together to pick up and look at.

Keep up the good work!

Ruth said...

I agree with Mt.Baldy Glassworks, use different levels, that way it doesn't look a jumbled up on the table. Good Luck :)

CalliopeCreations said...

I know what you mean about selling nose to nose. I'm the same way.

In looking at your display images I had one thought (probably the only one I'll have all year lol.)

While the spotted fabric looks pretty, I feel that it might be competing with the colors and textures of your items. Perhaps a plain neutral color would be worth a try. Use poster paper to experiment before you buy new fabric though.

Just a thought.

Unknown said...

Great comments thank you so much, so definitely height I need, I usually use a black cloth but I couldn't find it so I think I'll go back to that and I do like the idea of hiding stuff in pretty boxes I might well give it a go. I ve got a long time till my next one so lot of time to come up with something.

Thanks again edit edit edit

Unknown said...

My best advice is that your items have lots of colors to them, so maybe a more neutral cover for your tables . White or black, or an ivory tone so that your items pop more off the table instead of blending in.

Also, it is really important to create different levels for the merchandise You don't want it to all lay flat on the table. So finding a way to display things in the table in a more vertical manner may help. This really is key for a customers eye to flow through your items.

Hope this helps some. GOOD LUCK