As I prepare for my summer lineup of craft shows, it brings back memories of last May when I participated in my first show ever.  Oh how it makes me laugh to remember how nervous, unorganized and unprepared I was. I honestly thought it was enough to just slap up a table, make a homemade sign, and set out my crafts.  If I only knew then what I know now!

Humble Beginnings

I remember pulling up to our booth spot and spending about 45 minutes trying to figure out how to set up our EZ Up tent (which by the way is not so easy!).  Once we got that figured out we unloaded tote, after tote, after tote of craft kits.  I am pretty sure I brought every craft kit I had in inventory.  We spent probably another hour trying to figure out how to arrange everything in our small 10×10 space.  After a few laughs, funny looks, and stares from other vendors I realized how much of a show we were actually putting on!  Wish I had it on tape because I would probably get a good laugh from it as well!  The real kicker was that about two hours into the the craft fair a huge storm came in and we had to shut the whole thing down.  Ahh the joys of outside vending.   Fortunately my little sister was there for moral support and much needed comic relief!  Thanks Sis!

Fortunately after a few shows my booth progressed into a much more professional looking display but even so this year I plan to be much more prepared.  I have been thinking about my booth space and planning how I will organize my products and make my booth look inviting and pretty.  When I attended Creative Estates there was an incredible handmade market featuring the most talented crafters.  I took note at how each of them displayed their wares and which displays would work well for my products.  There is also an entire group on Flickr devoted to booth displays.  A person could get lost in all that eye candy.

I have pulled together a few of my favorite photos from blogland to show you.  Hope that it provides you some inspiration for your own craft show displays!  Enjoy!

Outside Booth by Funky Vintage Lovely

FVL’s Indoor Booth- April is a genius with her display.  I could stare at this photo for hours just soaking up all the great ideas.

Display by Olive Blue.  I love Nicole’s use of an old fence as her backdrop.  So cute, and the robin blue color is to die for!

I love this display from The Pleated Poppy!  The vintage frames on the backdrop and her use of old suitcases to showcase her items is so clever and cute!  Makes me want to shop for sure!

I love that Lindsey from The Pleated Poppy gets height in her display in a such a creative way.  I am already on the lookout for a three tiered stand to use in my display!

This booth from Elise Joy is so bright and inviting.  I love that she used fabric covered boxes to display her items.  On her blog she said that she carried everything to the show in these boxes and then used them to display her items.  Genius!

I would love to hear any other ideas you have for displays!  In a couple of weeks I will update you with my NEW and IMPROVED booth space!