Last time we discussed tables, so I thought this time around we'd talk about walls and hanging display ideas. Seriously, I think I have tried just about everything to make my booth creative, effective, and easy to transport. I really don't think there is a perfect solution to fit everyone but here are some that might work for you. Depending on what you sell, you may not need lots of wall space. For those of you who do, I hope these ideas help.
Pegboard: It comes in 4x8 sheets. I suggest you cut it down to a more managible size. I had cut mine down to 2x6 panels and framed them with 1x2's for stability. When I got to shows, I would screw them together through the 1x2's to make the size and shape I needed. One advantage, they are fairly lightweight, peg hooks are easy to find, and unfolded paper clips will work as well. It lets customer focus on your product and not through your booth into the next one. You can make a folding screen out of it without framing it as well. Simply use a few hinges with some nuts and bolts to secure. This can make it freestanding and easy to transport as well.
Gridwall: I finally gave in and bought gridwall after years of craft shows. It's heavy, which is why I avoided it like the plague...but I finally gave in, and you know what...it's great. It's weight has been an advantage for me at outdoor shows when the weather hasn't been so nice. I zip tie mine together...quick and easy. I have 2x6 panels, but they come in 7 and 8 foot lengths as well. It can be put together to form shapes, shelves, etc. I normally completely wall in my booth on 3 sides, clip sheets to the back side of them and have my own little space. You can get smaller pieces as well. I've even layed it down on it's side and a table to give a short back wall. It comes in white, black, and chrome. Check Craig's List, that's where I got mine and only gave $10/panel. New can be pricey.
Draping: You may not need a place to hang items. In this case fabric draping will work out well. I've made a pole and drape system for shows out of PVC pipe and fittings and solid color sheets. A friend of mine did made this system and used organza curtains in gold and burgundy for her jewelry booth. If you have a tent/canopy frame, you can simply clip your fabric to the frame. If you don't need to hang your items, consider having larger photos created of some of your items or you creating your art to hang from the draping to catch the customers eye.
These are just a few ideas to get you thinking...there are as many ways to display your work as there are types of work I'm sure.
