I have been transforming the little space that I maintain at art/craft shows.  It has been a slow but steady adjustment with a change made for each upcoming show.  Finally I feel like I have the display that protrays the art that I create and is pleasing to customers so they want to come in a browse in my little 10′x10′ world.

At each show I have gotten better.  In this case pictures are worth a thousand words….

This picture was taken at the Handmade Faire: Halloween Edition in October 2008.  It was a mish mash to say the least.  Plus I needed help to transport my large card display.  It was a great display and kept my greeting cards from being damaged from the torrential winds and rain however I just couldn’t get it in my car.  It is now permanently stationed at my home.  Someday it may be cut down to size but I kind of like it and use it to store items I have for sale.   The blue tarp was rather unsightly but totally necessary for the weather forecast.

Art, Wine & Music Festival June 7, 2009.   My wooden window frame/chicken wire display made its first appearance.  Cards were displayed in old drawers but looked kind of scattery.  I like hanging them up on the ribbon grid done in the old window.   This picture really helped me.

Field Dog Expo on the next weekend, July 13, 2009.   This show was a challenge.  I tried to make the best of the uneven ground (notice the 4′x4′ board under the table on the left.  But then the rain came.  I stashed as much as I could under the tables and cover what was left with plastic tablecloths.  The mudslide got the best of me and the rain never stopped.   Many of my paper items were destroyed.  Another learning experience.

Handmade at Om Baby was just last weekend.  July 11, 2009.   I attached my new logo to an old cabinet door but it wasn’t really large enough.  As I looked around all the other vendors had big plastic banners.  I just didn’t want to go plastic!   Still I liked the look of my display and the new card display seemed to help me sell more.    The new tablecloth finished off the look I wanted.  Huge difference!  The 5 yards of eggplant linen fabric look better on my table than they would have been as the jacket and slacks set that had been originally planned for it so many years ago (there was a blog on that one – hehehe).    The area behind me was a mess of weeds.  I had placed some bamboo mats down to keep it contained in the area where I sat and had to walk but I still wished I could camoflauge more of what was behind me.

And now…. The Handmade Faire: Summer of Love on July 18, 2009!   Think I finally got it figured out.   Everything looked awesome.  Took me a little extra time to set up the curtains but I was glad I did.  They were closed in the morning to block the sun coming in that side and tied back in the afternoon to catch the breeze.  A few adjustments to weight them down in the event of wind and they will be perfect.

I took the other “house” display rack and made a 2nd card display.  They looked great side by side on my table and I sold many cards.  I didn’t really need to label them.  It was great watching people sort through them and hear their comments.  My “Not G rated” card got the most attendion LOL!

My new “banner” with my logo.  I used an old cabinet door frame and a wooden plate to create an attention getting logo display.   I was quite pleased with it and got many compliments throughout the day.  Doesn’t look as great in the photo?  hmmmm – come see it in person then!!!

My Charming Again collection was very popular.  I found that many of my customers were in the young teen crowd.  Younger kids liked them too and their adult companions did not mind spending $5 to get them something they could pick out for themselves.  A few of them were purchased as gift items as well.   Expanding on this line because I have many more little things that can be charming again!

So here are my changes in latitude.   I hope the pictures helped to tell the story of how I turned my booth into something rinky dink to a serious creator who wants to sell and share!

My new anti-spam devise is in the form of a secret password.  So when leaving me a comment please mention “recycle”.   I really don’t want to purchase pills or sell the next get rich quick scheme and certainly don’t understand the spam I get that is in some foreign language.  I find that most spammers do not really read my blog.  So I am creating my own little spamguard.    Your comments are really appreciated and I don’t want to miss anything you would like to contribute.

Thanks for reading!

At my last 2 events I have been taking pictures of my display.  It is amazing that the things you see in real life just don’t strick an idea until you see it later in a photograph.  I need new tablecloths for my display.  Something all one color.  A more attractive look - instead of the hodge podge of unmatched tablecloths, linens and doilies that I have been using.  My first instinct was to run to the store but I did not want to spend money.   So I have been pondering this for awhile.   Last night the idea came to me….stash management.  Why not shop the collection that I already have?  I remembered the eggplant color fabric that I had plans to make a jacket and slacks.   Today the search began.  I found it quickly.  The bag from Joann’s was still holding all the items I had purchased that day.  It had been moved and relocated many times over the years but I always seemed to have a special place to keep it safe because someday……someday I was going to use this beautiful linen fabric.   So here we are 11 years later and someday never came.  The 4 yards of fabric will now be transformed into covers for my tables.  The bonus is I also purchased the matching thread.  Perhaps I will keep the pattern since I still think that style will look good on me. 

So I shopped at home.  Fabric and thread I purchased on December 1, 1998 is finally going to see the light of day.  It will no longer be preserved in a plastic bag.  It felt kind of good to finally make a decision.  There is plenty of the shantung fabric to make 1 long tablecloth and 2 smaller ones custom fit to my display tables.  It will preview on July 11th at the Om Baby Art Show and then again on July 18th at the Handmade Faire “Summer of Love” at Freedom Park in Medford.  It’s gonna be a fun and artistic summer and I love that!

Many thanks to everyone who battled the weather to come out to the Handmade Faire.  The wind and rain were just not cooperating.  The morning started out great with just a bit of rain but as time went by the wind kicked up until we were holding down our tents and keeping things from blowing away as best we could.  Still a few things got blown in the muddy lakes that began to form around my tent.  At one point the wind had seemed to calm down.  I got busy trying to gather my creations that were in harm’s way.  Just then a gust came along and my tent went over knocking me in the back in the process.  Oh my!   I suppose there are not enough trees on an airfield to break the wind.   

So this angel was nearly blown away.  I was the JERSEY ANGEL – arch nemisis of the Jersey Devil.  Here is a photo of the makings of my costume.

My wings were made from a recycled cardboard box.  I had gathered acorns and small pinecones to attach to my halo.  My halo was made from a baseball cap painted silver with wire attached to my curly willow halo.  I attached the acorns and pinecones with a hot glue gun.  I found this set of sheets at a local discount store since I didn’t want to spend too much.  The top sheet worked perfect with a hole cut in the center and the edges stitched down.  Then I used the light box to transfer my Jersey Angel logo.  I painted it with walnut ink.  This was not a good idea since walnut ink does not stay right where you put it.  So colors ran together.  But it kind of looked cool anyway even after the rain reactivated the walnut ink and I got a blotchy effect.  So here is the only photo I have of me in my costume…

You can’t see my wings too good but they were tied around my arms with crochet cotten.  It was funny bumping into everything and everyone with my wings.   Towards the end of the day I had to take off the wings cause they were picking up the wind.  It was hard enough to keep me and the tent on the ground.  It must have been a funny looking sight.  Thankfully everyone around me was in the same situation and didn’t have time to take photos!

Before I made my costume I drew the Jersey Angel and made her into an ATC (artist trading card).    The design has been copyrighted to Little Pieces by Holly Doyle and I am hopefull she will catch on.   I thought it would be a good idea to put a little focus on the angels in New Jersey.  She was fun to dream up and design.   Let me know if you make ATC’s and want to trade!

Last but not least….   This is Abbie.  Her vision and willingness to try something new and different helped to make the Handmade Faire a big event and not at all typical.  Here she is dressed as the Handmade Witch.   Everything about her costume was handmade including the basket, broom, hat and her own t-shirt with the handmade logo.   Her MIL who helped to put things together, Pola, was there dressed as an elf.  I wish I had her picture so you could see her cute hat and elf shoes.

Even with the weather it was estimated that about 1400 shoppers attended the Handmade Faire.   After packing up my stuff I enjoyed browsing the tables inside the big tent and purchased a few handmade things for myself.   Despite the obstacles I had a great day, kept my sense of humor, and hung in there as best I could.  There are alot of reasons to promote things that are handmade and I was glad to be a part of an event that helps to do just that!

First off, I have had several inquiries about The Handmade Faire.  It is going to be held RAIN OR SHINE!!  There is no rain date planned.  There will be 90+ creators of a wide variety of handmade things.  Many of them will be inside the giant tent at the Flying W.  The rest of us will be bringing tents.  So regardless of the weather, The Handmade Faire is sure to brighten you day!!!

Along those same lines, I spent most of yesterday helping to sort through the incredible amount of goodies that were donated by the vendors of The Handmade Faire.   Abbie’s dining room was jam packed.  It was a huge project but also inspiring to see the creative and generous people who will be participating tomorrow.  Plus all these goodies are being given away – I hope you didn’t skim over that part – free stuff!  

Since this is the Halloween Edition of The Handmade Faire, I have been making my costume by hand (of course) and have been keeping it to myself.  At 10:00AM the secret will be out!!!   Trust me, you will want to see it!!!   I also have a goodie for each of you so please stop by my tent at The Handmade Faire.  I’m not sure where my space will be but I know it will be near the goodie table.   Hope to see you!  Or you’ll get tricks… no treats!

I am pleased to announce that Little Pieces by Holly Doyle will be participating in The Handmade Faire, not your average art and craft show…. (see more info below) I have never done a show this large so it was very exciting to be selected. If you can, stop by.

The Handmade Faire: not your average art and craft show…
A new generation of nearly 100 original, unique indie artists and crafters will be selling their creations at the Handmade Faire in Medford, New Jersey this Saturday October 25 from 10-4. You’ll find amazing Handmade finds such as handmade soaps, unique jewelry, paper crafts, metal sculptors, clothing designers, basket weavers, painters, organic pet treats and much more – everything you need to start and finish your holiday shopping! It’s no coincidence that the Faire is exactly 60 days until Christmas! It’s best to get your shopping done early and this is your perfect opportunity! All items are being represented by the artist that created it, it is truly a wonderful thing to buy a one of a kind item directly from the hands that created it! Check out our vendor list!

The first 100 visitors will receive our signature treat bags, chock full of free goodies from local
artists. (I’ve seen some of the items for these treat bags – really great stuff – Holly) This Faire is the perfect opportunity to get a head start on your holiday shopping, too!

The Handmade Faire
Saturday, October 25, 2008 at the Flying W Airport Resort
Fostertown Road, Medford, New Jersey; 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
(follow Church road in Medford and make a left at Kirby’s Mill)

The ambiance at the Faire will be be festive so if you have been waiting for a reason to put on a costume, now is your chance! Many of the vendors will be in costume and we encourage you to do the same! Abbie Galie and Mother in Law, Pola, the event coordinators will be in costume as well! (Holly too!)

Similar to our April Handmade Faire, Abbie has some very special giveaways planned for our shoppers and the vendors have really outdone themselves in the goodies that they are offering. Some of these freebies are special presents all in themselves. Not to mention the amazing Treat Bags that will be given to the first 100 shoppers!

Admission and Parking are both free and abundant! Come do your Holiday shopping and save on shipping AND gas by shopping all in one place!

Shopping not your thing, but your spouse loves it? Don’t worry – you can grab a bite and watch the flat screen tv’s in the on location Flying W Bar, while your better half is shopping! Or have a scenic lunch while watching the airplanes fly in and out! There’s certainly lots to see! Make the whole day a Halloween Extravaganza by checking out the Medford’s Annual Halloween Parade after the Faire at 7, on Main Street. A fun day for the whole family!

Top 5 Reasons to Buy Handmade and do all your Christmas Shopping at the Handmade Faire!
#1. Support Local Independent Artists
#2. Be an Individual, not some brand
#3. Own or Give something that is completely unique
#4. Better Gift Giving – no chance of doubles!
#5. Think Green – Not Factory Made

Jackson finally  has his Halloween costume ready.  He is all dressed up as a pumpkin and is the first in a series entitled “Jackson the Turtle Greeting Card Series”.  

It’s very exciting!       

The greeting cards should be ready for the Art Walk in Medford this coming Saturday, October 4th from 2PM to 7PM.  If you are in the area come and visit Jackson and I.  We will be right in front of the Bain’s Deli on Main Street.  The streets will not be closed for this event so it should be easier to get into town. 

The Jackson Greeting Card Series will also be available in the soon-to-be-released store at www.leafpile.org.   His next outfit is already planned and will be debuting at the Handmade Faire on October 25th at the Flying W in Medford, NJ. 

 I’m keeping that secret until then……….

Title: Handmade Faire: Halloween Edition
Location: Flying W Airport – Medford, NJ
Description: 100% Handmade Festival, over 100 Vendors, great holiday shopping.
Start Time: 10:00
Date: 2008-10-25
End Time: 04:00