Prepping for the Fall Craft Show Season

I know summer is just starting with Memorial Day weekend but over the summer is when you need to be getting ready for fall shows. They will sneak up on you before you know it and you want to be ready for them! So here are some of my suggestions on what to do to prepare for the fall show season:
· Research and review shows: Figure out what shows you want to do this year. Maybe drop one that didn’t do so well and add another.
· Submit applications: Request applications, fill them out and get them sent in early. Many of mine were due by the end of March for Fall shows.
· Set aside funds every week, payday, etc for expenses: Don’t be caught short, take a few $$$ every week, place them in an envelope and tuck them away. Use this money for your bank, fuel expenses, hotel, etc.
· Fill out your calendar: Book your dates, add them to your calendar so you don’t overlap events, family time, etc.
· Get an extra calendar, cut it up, tape it to your craft door so you can see thru the end of the year. This will let you physically see when they are and how long you have to prepare.
· Review patterns and books: make a list of what you want to complete this year – what sold best last year you may want to repeat, there were things that you wanted to get done but didn’t-add them to the top of the list.
· Set goals: post a clipboard, note book, etc to the door (wreath hanger and ribbon on clipboard) – keep a list of what you complete everyday, this is very helpful for me.
· Check supplies: What do you need, order wholesale if possible, allow time for them to arrive
· Use coupons to purchase larger items or bolts of muslin, etc. from your local stores. This can save you lots of money.
· After completing your items, photograph them, tag them…be sure to include personal/business information so customers can contact you later, box them up. Label boxes so you know what’s in them…this way you don’t have to dig and search for items later.
· Don’t put things off…time will get away from you.

More tips coming next week!