Craft Show Strategy - Have a Second Craft

by Pat Barden Jewelry
(Chatham, NY)

Hand-knit farmers market bags and handbags

So, there is a little indie-esque craft market I want to show my jewelry at, but they keep it small - and last year's jewelers are of course chosen first.

But I've been making these farmers market bags and handbags - and they said I'd be welcome there with those.

At least I'll be there - and this way - I'll be kept in mind when one of the longer-standing jewelers perhaps take off a Saturday morn at the show.

Pat Barden
Pat Barden Jewelry
Patricia Barden on artfire

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Craft Show Strategy - Have a Second Craft

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Getting into a craft show
by: Rena

Great strategy, Pat! Having good connections there will be an excellent "foot in the door" for that venue.

Also, your knitting is beautiful! It must be interesting - and good for your creativity - to switch between jewelry and knitting.

Thank you for sharing this great idea!

thankye
by: pat barden

thankye, Rena, for the kind compliment

Craft Show Strategy
by: Bags, Beads & Accessories

I agree with you.

I recently was checking into a local show for the Fall season I wanted to do totes, accessories and limited jewelry and was told no more jewelry.

I make handebags and totes and I am in the process of including jewelry.

I was told handbags are fine, so I thought that is how I will start.

Thanks for your info.

Painted Glass , Too!
by: Anonymous

I love creating jewelry, but have also decided to do painted glass as my second craft. I can incorporate the jewelry by doing "stem bracelets." So, when there are too many jewelry booths, I can have a foot in the door.

multitasking
by: Here Today Beadworks

So do you show both products at the same show or are you limited to the one that is 'different'?

Good topic Pat!
by: ryh

I've been making (fabricating) copper and silver jewelry for more than 25 years now. I've done hundreds of shows. I've found that if you apply the same week as the art/crafts show opens for registration your odds of getting in are pretty high.

Sometimes I don't even include my jewelry in a application as I do a good assortment of wind chimes and other crafts. I can actually get into a show at the very last minute with those items.

Also, don't try sneak your jewelry out, even if it's a small amount. Some promoters will actually kick you out of a show if you do that.

Second Craft
by: Elizabeth

What great comments and ideas you all have! The only thing I am concerned about is the fact that every year I see more and more and more jewelry vendors at the few shows I do. I sell mostly online and that's a whole other story. It infuriates me when people show up labeled as say, scarf vendors who end up putting out mostly jewelry at shows which took me years to get into.

I'd say these shows now have almost 50% jewelry vendors, and no wonder: with this economy the show hosts rely on these vendor dues.

What I like about the comments here is that they are very helpful and honest. I've also been inspired to do a craft that no one else has done, or actually import something that is unbelievable from my husbands' foreign hometown. All of you are terrific. Thanks again Renameister for all that you give! Thanks everyone for sharing!

Elizabeth

www.stonesinharmony.com

Smart strategy
by: Rebecca

I think having a second craft is a smart idea when it comes to shows. I'm finding that, especially if it's related to techniques used in your jewelry making, it can help expand and challenge the artistry involved in both crafts, as well as possible customer interest. And many of the shows I've been checking out do allow you to sell your jewelry as a secondary craft alongside another primary craft, as long as it's a small percentage of the goods. Anyway, it seems like a good opportunity for newer artists.

I have a few crafts
by: Wenona

That is an excellent way. I found that when I was looking for craft shows and fairs. I do jewellery and cards and I have loads of crochet stuff I crochet years ago.

I always wanted to have a crafted business where I hand make different crafts. This will alow me hopefully to get me and my business in.

Wenona

nithria

NOT ALWAYS FAIR
by: HELEN

I WAS IN A LARGE CRAFT SHOW 2 YEARS AGO AND DID VERY GOOD FOR MY 1ST YEAR THERE. I WAS WALKING AROUND AND NOTICED A BOOTH OF JEWELERY A LADY WAS SELLING: BRACELETS 3 FOR 5.00 AND WATCHES 3 FOR 10.00. ALL HER PRODUCTS WERE RIDICOUSLY PRICED. EACHED PIECE WAS PROFESSIONALLY BOXED. THIS IS A HIGHLY JURIED SHOW AND I BELIEVED THAT THIS WOMAN D I D NOT MAKE THIS JEWELRY HERSELF...I WAS SO SURPRISED THAT SHE WAS ALLOWED TO GET INTO THE SHOW.

How shows have changed
by: Anonymous

To Helen,

It seems that more and more, resellers are taking over the value of hand crafted goods. It makes me very sad. I share your frustration. I'd really be interested if a few of you could give me the breakdown or percentage of what you do online, through your website and shows per year, etc. I'm always open for new ides! Thanks!

Elizabeth

With a caveat
by: Anonymous

Yes, expand into another category aside from jewelry. But DO NOT put your jewelry out if you are accepted into a show as a potter, fiber, or glass artist (for example). Nothing infuriates me more than seeing a "best in category" winner who juried into a show with pottery, yet her booth is 75% + jewelry pieces with a little pottery here and there as accents.

I don't bring pottery, fiber or other non-jewelry pieces to a show and display them alongside my jewelry. Non-jewelers shouldn't be allowed to do so either.

Interesting!
by: Anonymous

Hummmmmmmmm my first time here! Interesting thats for sure. Great honesty and wonderful knowledge, thanks for having me..Nana's Creations

one craft at a time
by: pat barden

no--ive never tried to "sneak" the jewelry in--though, by default--it is promoted cuz the tags i use onthe bags for price and conetent have online info site printed on them-- www.patbardenjewelry.info --no getting around that, eh?
there are a couple of shows that ive asked, when accepted for selling for jewelry--iffing i can put out my bags--its usually a yes. the only time i only have the bags out--when icouldnt get inthe show withe jewelry

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