Gypsy Caravan 2012 - May 28 (7am - 5pm) Memorial Day Weekend

(photo c/o stlsymphony.org)

Do you love flea markets? The Gypsy Caravan in St. Louis is just what you need!

The event is located at the University of Missouri - St. Louis campus and is just massive.

There are craft vendors, antiques dealers, and flea market booths. Having gone to other flea markets, this one really tops them all. There is little repetition in booths, and the antiques are well-appointed. The prices are right in the middle, and I am not one to haggle, but the vendors might be up for it! Please don't haggle the artists who make the work themselves though.

I would imagine the lines for this event will start very early that morning. We visited this event 2 years ago, and we went in the middle of the day. It was HOT, and there was a definite look of heat-exhaustion on the faces of some of the vendors and attendees. But, to grab some coverage, a lot of the antiques dealers are located in the parking garage on campus, which is pretty large. There was a great breeze while in this area, and it's a great way to escape the heat.

This year will likely be cooler, but make sure to bring water in a rolling cooler full of ice, some snacks and very very sensible shoes! Be prepared for sun, and this event takes place on a huge concrete lot.

That all being said, despite the heat, it was a sight to behold. This event is definitely recommended by me, and there are plenty of shady spots and cold refreshments for you.

(Click HERE to see photos of our 2010 experience)

Have fun!! The Gypsy Caravan takes place this Saturday, May 28 from 7am - 5pm, 2012.

VISIT THEIR SITE
VENDOR INFO

6 Ways to Influence Customers and Grow Sales from The Crafts Report

Here is some very valuable information on figuring out some "shopper psychology" . Look a little deeper into your work, booth displays, and more.
A super quick summation of what she believes is as follows. Read her blog for the full story. These tips written by Carolyn Edlund.

1.) Make them feel uniquely special.
2.) Offer lots of information.
3.) Customers need to be involved in the decision.
4.) Tell the story.  
5.) Provide a high level of service.  

I found this very interesting post here.

{found} vintage furniture rentals and tips

I had a lovely time looking at all of the wonderful items and ideas from {found} vintage furniture rentals.
They have a seemingly unlimited number of furniture pieces you can rent for special occasions. Why couldn't a larger art/craft fair or a trade show be that occasion?


I asked Allison Howell of Found Vintage Rentals if she could share some tips on using vintage furniture pieces in booth design, and here is what she said:

"

Our clients are always interested in innovative design solutions whether they are creating an environment for their wedding or decorating a craft fair booth. We suggest using pieces in unusual ways; turn a soda crate on its side to create a shadowbox with cubbies for your wares, open a secretary desk to use as a display with multiple levels, stack suitcases on your table to make "shelves" and a focal point. 

We often encourage our clients to add multiple pieces of furniture to a display instead of a single table. A dresser with a stack of trunks and a side table next to it is a lot more interesting than a plain old 6-foot table. You'll also get more surface area and multiple levels instead of just one flat surface. Vintage furniture and decor can add an eclectic look that celebrates your style and represents your brand with a little flair.

"

I absolutely love her ideas and I believe that if you have a bit of creativity and take the extra time to plan these ideas, you will have a booth unlike any other. Stay tuned for more ideas with this theme.

Here is just a very small sampling of a few ideas from events that used {found} furniture. These events are traditionally weddings, photo shoots, large parties, and corporate events. Where else do you think that this service would be appropriate? Let us know in the comments below...
(found on Facebook)
(found Blog)

 

I have seen a number of fabric designers use large-scale sofas, chairs, shelving, and tables at Quilt Markets, and they usually upholster pieces with their newest fabrics.

These booths are far beyond anything I can usually imagine doing, and they are definitely an aesthetic to aspire to.

(AMH at a 2009 Quilt Market - source) 

Happy Crafting and Decorating!! 

Other related links: Brimfield Antique Show & EMP Photography

Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair

Show Dates for Cristin Rae: Knitwear & Paper Goods (near St. Louis)

See Cristin's lovely work at these shows and online. Her talent is incredible and she knits SO fast :)

November 6, Sunday
Trunk Show at Schon on the Boulevard
4 p.m. - 7 p.m.
#30 The Boulevard St Louis - Richmond Heights, MO
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Schon/120395561359595?sk=info

September 13, Sunday
STL Boutique Moms Fall Show
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
The Columns Banquet Center - St. Charles, MO
http://www.stlboutiquemoms.com/events.html

November 19
DIY Trunk Show
10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Broadway Armory Park - Chicago, IL
http://diytrunkshow.com/

November 25-26
Rock N Roll Craft Show 8
Friday 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Third Degree Glass Factory - Delmar Loop, St. Louis, MO
http://www.rocknrollcraftshow.com/

December 3-4
Renegade Craft Fair Holiday
Saturday & Sunday 11 a.m. - 6 p.m
Pulaski Park Fieldhouse, Wicker Park - Chicago, IL
http://www.renegadecraft.com/holiday-chicago

Indie Fixx - 14 Craft Show Do's

This article is fully written by and credited to: Indie Fixx by Jen Wallace
"With indie craft show season upon us, I thought I might resurrect my suggestions for craft show displays. As a veteran of craft shows, both as a participant and as a shopper, I’m a semi-pro when it comes to craft show displays. That said, I’ve put together a list of craft show displays do’s to help you attract more attention to your booth or table.

One important thing to remember is that your store should be exciting as any mainstream store at the mall, that’s what lots of shoppers are used to looking at. In fact, you could even take a field trip to shops like Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters to see how they display stuff as a stepping stone for your own ideas & solutions. Also, don’t forget to be creative!"

1. Do utilize your space well.

2. Don’t forget to price your goods & make sure those prices are visible.

3. Do hang stuff up, if necessary and possible!

4. Do provide a mirror if your goods are wearable.

5. Do think ‘outside the table’ in terms of your display.

6. Do make clever displays.

7. Do come up with solutions, so your items don’t blow away.

8. Do design custom & eye-catching displays.

9. Do use recycled materials to create your displays.

10. Do make it easy for customers to interact with your goods.

11. Do incorporate your branding into your display.

12. Do make your stuff look as tantalizing as sweets in the sweet shop!

13. Do be creative with your props!

14. Do show off items at varying heights.

The Queen Bee Market (blog posts and Re-Cap)

So, I have been reading a lot about the Queen Bee Market the past couple of days and just found a post on the QBM website sharing their participants' recaps! If that wasn't a mouth-full :) See the links HERE...

Here is what you will find over there (although they have the actual links there):
the Pleated Poppy’s virtual tour

Elise Joy’s queen bee market/craft fair recap

No 17 Cherry Tree Lane’s weekend reflection

Angry Julie Monday’s recap

Creme de la Gem’s Thank You
(Tracy won best booth from the other vendors!)

lollipop’s recap
Cupcake’s booth
Funky Vintage Lovely’s To the Market post
Bliss Blvd’s When All is Said & Done

Just Lovely Thing’s recap

Art by Erin Leigh’s QBM post
Domestic Nest’s Debrief

Little Wellie’s Recap

Little Penelope Lane’s weekend

Parkside Harmony’s Wrap Up

Mommy Loves Coffee’s Did Some Damage Post :)

Blue Corduroy’s What I Learned post

Eisley Rae’s wonderful weekend

RockNRegalia’s QBM post
Lovey Dovey’s Post QBM
(thank you for traveling all the way from Wyoming Lacey!)