Booth Etiquette for Craft Shows

How to be a Good Neighbour

When attending craft shows, there are some simple things to keep in mind that will make you a better neighbor. Remember that there are others at the event who, like you, are there to make money. To make the best of things you should try to acknowledge the needs and rights of your fellow crafters.

Stay within your allotted space
If your display needs that extra “couple of inches”, buy it from the promoters before the event. Often you will need to purchase a “double” booth or at least an additional half space. Check with the show promoter to see what options you have regarding measurements. If you do not want to incur that added expense, you may need to redesign your display so that it will fit in the space you purchase. Whatever you do, do not extend your display into your neighbor’s space! The quickest way to make an enemy at a show is to steal space from a fellow exhibitor. And it is stealing. When you put your display into another crafter’s booth, you are taking space that someone else has paid for, which is theft, not to mention, rude.

Be friendly, but don’t be a pest
It’s fine to visit with other exhibitors at a show; in fact I love meeting new crafters! But don’t stand around talking if a customer walks in. Remember, craftspeople are there to make money. They can’t do that if someone is continually visiting or blocking customers from viewing their wares.

Give yourself enough time
Setting up a booth at a craft fair takes time. It takes more time for some than for others. Whether it takes you a few minutes or several hours, be sure you allot enough time to finish before the customers arrive. Boxes blocking aisles keep customers from visiting other booths. Even if you are not in the aisles, setting up a display in your space while the show is open distracts customers. This can hurt sales for yourself and your colleagues.

To sum it up, be aware that there are others attending craft events beside yourself. Be courteous to fellow craftspeople and keep in mind that what may work best for you may infringe upon other exhibitors. Too many negative happenings can make enemies of your fellow craftspeople, or even get you banned from a show. By getting along with others, you can sometimes make important contacts and better yet, friends for life!

Here is a candle holder hurricane shade I picked up at a shop in Winnipeg . Its called Slic Chics and its located on Henderson Hwy. It is two pieces...a metal design that sits right inside the glass. Right now, I'm the only one in Winnipeg that has it..not that it matters :) . I found out after I purchased it , it was a part of an exclusive line to Marie Osmond's lifestyle collection. Slic Chics is the only authorized dealer that carries Marie Osmond . Anyway, what caught my eye is that it was different, modern yet classic . It sits on my coffee table

Right now, I am making Mint Chocolate Chip Soaps. YUMMY!

Its that time again...The Scattered Seeds Craft Show . This year, Ill be at Booth #336. See you there!

A Work in Progress

This is our great room. This pic was taken a month and a half ago..It looks different right now so, Ill have to load up a recent pic. The table to the right, against the wall was bought at a fantastic store just outside of the city called Pineridge Hollow. I loved it from the moment I first laid eyes on it. It is made of mango wood. It reminds me of some of Restoration Hardware furniture pieces . That lamp on the console is in my den at this moment and replaced with another Pineridge Hollow piece, a gorgeous black lamp. The mirror above the fireplace will be replaced with a piece of art because I bought yet another piece from Pineridge, which is now hung above the console . Its a gorgeous 2 paneled mirror that has circles designed in the panels. Hard to explain but it is simply stunning. I had gone through a few pieces of art to go above that table, but didn't like anything I brought home. I was looking for the "wow"factor, the Ï love it to death"feel. So, I finally found it.

A rug is what we are on the hunt for now...I have been looking for the perfect rug since I moved in (3 years) . I think I have found it but I have to order it online. that's what scares me. We went through a ton of rugs from retailers around here to try out, but did not love anything. The style and colors that i was looking for , we cant seem to find around here. That is what Winnipeg is lacking here... All we have are marshmallow couches and particle board tables. That's why,Pinridge isone of my favorite furniture/home decor retailers. We don't have many that have my particle taste. My taste falls somewhere between Modern Traditional Classic with a pinch of vintage charm. Mmmm, that is interesting!

Colin and Justin

I was watching Colin and Justin's Home Heist yesterday afternoon, and they were talking about eclectic design, which I am quite fond of .This couple's house was filled with a mix of different furniture eras, some were ugly, others were in need of being revamped. There were pee pads thrown everywhere, which was quite disgusting ! Messy and loads of needless clutter. They called it " Hectic Eclectic".

I learned from them this simple rule : K.I.S.S

Keep It Strictly Simple

You cant go wrong if you follow their advice. Being eclectic in style doesn't mean you have to look like a hoarder.

If you haven't tuned in to this show, I highly suggest you make time for it. Not only are they talented designers who know their stuff, they are extremely witty and funny!

Chocolate Raspberry Cupcakes

I came across this recipe by a blog named The Sweetest Kitchen. It is definitely yummy, and with Valentine's Day just days away, this is a perfect choice!


Chocolate Raspberry Cupcakes Adapted from Nigella Lawson

Makes 12 cupcakes

Ingredients:

125g soft unsalted butter

100g dark chocolate, broken into pieces

300g raspberry jam, seedless if desired

150g caster sugar

pinch of salt

2 large eggs, beaten

150g self-raising flour

Method :Preheat the oven to 180ºC/gas mark 4.
Put the butter in a heavy-bottomed pan on the heat to melt. When nearly completely melted, stir in the chocolate. Leave for a moment to begin softening, then take the pan off the heat and stir with a wooden spoon until the butter and chocolate are smooth and melted. Now add the raspberry jam, sugar, salt and eggs. Stir with a wooden spoon and when all is pretty well amalgamated stir in the flour.
Scrape and pour into the muffin papers in their tin and bake for 25 minutes. Cool in the pan on a rack for 10 minutes before turning out.
Cool cupcakes completely.

Fill cupcakes with raspberry whipped cream using the cone method.

Raspberry Whipped Cream Adapted from Joy of Baking

Makes about 1 cup

Ingredients:

1/2 cup ultra-pasteurized heavy whipping

/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/2 tablespoon granulated white sugar

1/4 cup lightly sweetened raspberry puree, strained if desired

Method; In a large mixing bowl place the whipping cream, vanilla extract, and sugar and stir to combine. Cover and chill the bowl and beaters in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. When chilled, beat only until soft peaks form.

Add the sweetened raspberry puree a little at a time, and beat just until stiff peaks form when the beater is raised.

Taste and fold in more sugar or puree, if required.

If you have any leftover, use it as a topping for a cup of hot cocoa or mocha!

Ganache Frosting Adapted from Nigella Lawson

Makes enough to lightly frost 12 cupcakes

Ingredients:

100g dark chocolate

100ml double cream

12 fresh raspberries, optional

Method: Break the chocolate for the icing into little pieces and add them to the cream in a saucepan. Bring to the boil, remove from the heat and then whisk – by hand or electrically – till thick and smooth. Ice the cupcakes, smoothing the tops with the back of a spoon, and stand a raspberry in the centre of each.

2 of My Favorite Decorating Websites

If you haven't already checked out these two places, you must ! http://www.roomzaar.com/rate-my-space/multigallery.esi A place where you post pics of your house/decorated rooms , and then the public rates it .

The other is http://www.decorpad.com/index.htm. Loads and loads of beautiful photos of home interiors.