Reporting on a Craft Show

by Marilyn Davenport
(Bits of Clay)

I have just finished participating in a benefit shopping bazaar for Relay for Life in my town. It has been years since I set up at a craft show.

I used to participate in the Spring and Holiday shows in Knoxville, Tn. Did very well at the show before Christmas.

That was before the recession, when customers felt they could spend more freely on gifts as well as themselves.

I did not want to use my old tablecloths, so I made a new cloth for an 8 foot table that covered all sides to the floor. I made an over cloth in bright pink and added bright pink and spring green netting around the black jewelry displays for necklaces, pendants, bracelets and rings

Added four lights and two pots of fresh flowers. Put my business banner and ribbon streamers on the wall behind my table.

Had a side table with appreciate boxes, silver ties, gift bags, as well as my receipt pad and money box.

I was ready to meet and greet and sell. The show opened and a few attendees came by.

By 1:00 p.m., I made one sale - a $12.00 veneered polymer clay pen to a little girl for her Grandpa.

This bazaar was the first show for the organizer and was not well publicized. She had placed one ad in the local paper and ask the participants to hand out flyers.

However, I feel I gained some exposure for my hand made jewelry of precious metal clay and polymer clay, incorporating semi-precious gems, sterling silver findings and chains.

I may have also interested a couple of potential students in both clays.

I have a new tablecloth and covering; a new banner and I liked my displays on my table.

So, I feel I gained quite a bit in retrospect. Maybe I'll try again and enter another show.

Marilyn Davenport
Bits of Clay