Craft Fair Survival Guide
As I quickly approach my busy art show season, I have been reflecting on lessons learned during my five years in the circuit. I hope to offer a little advice to newbies, and items to help you get through the sometimes grueling weekend.
Most artists who set up weekend after weekend at various art and craft shows have horror and glory stories to tell. I have showed up on more than one occasion to find my tent missing from an evening wind. I’ve walked up to gallons of rain collected on the canopy overnight, causing havoc on the structure. I could go on for pages about broken tables and shelves and frozen fingers and the like. I could do the same about sunny 75 degree days with steady sales and smiling faces. The truth is, it’s challenging to have an income that relies so heavily on the weather. There is nothing you can do about hurricanes and t-storms; but, the everyday wind, rain, cold and blazing temps can be better endured with a little preparedness.
- Weights and stakes! It is so important to properly secure your tent. I put concrete inside PVC pipes for my weights. EZ up sells weights that looks professional too. If you can stake down, do. The more secure your tent is, the better.
- Walls. Have your tent walls rolled up and ready to drop down in a pop-up shower. The little extra effort during set up is worth protecting your art.
- Ground covering. Not only does a rug look nice and professional, it will help keep your feet warm on a cold days and your area clean on a rainy day.
- Propane heater. They’re pretty small and make a huge difference!
- Survival bag of tools and nourishment….see below.
Craft Fair survival Bag:
Hammer: stakes stuck in the ground, table falling apart, the uses go on and on!
Sun Hat: Long days in the sun can do a number on the skin!
Bug Spray: if it’s not raining and windy, there’ll likely be bugs.
Scarf: keeps you warm, instant table cloth, sweat rag, etc.
Lots of water: always pack more than you think you need.
Toilet Paper: so many shows with porta potties!
Hand Wipes: so many shows with porta potties!!
White Duct Tape: most tents are white–will temporarily fix most anything.
Granola Bars: festival food is often fried–it’s good to have some healthy snacks.
Sunscreen: 10 hours is a long time to bake!
First Aid Kit: setting up and breaking down is likely going to cause some pinched skin, scrapes, etc.
This list has been edited over the years and will continue to be. To the new artists, the craft show community is very helpful–don’t be afraid to ask for advice. The work is hard; but, it is very rewarding making a living with your art! Good Luck!
Rambling Ways 