Craft fairs and art fairs all over the country often times take place in the great outdoors. There’s something refreshing about taking a stroll in the park and looking at wonderful works of art. Personally, I love outdoor craft fairs. It’s a summertime staple for a craft lover like me. I’ve seen some pretty unique booths this year but sometimes booths can be boring and unoriginal. Don’t be one of those booths! You put a lot of time and creativity into your wares so don’t let a silly thing like a poor display ruin your chances of having a successful show. After browsing Pinterest, I found some extremely unique and clever ideas for craft fair booths. You don’t want to miss these!
- The Outdoor Rug – Yes, you read that right. I think i’ve only seen this done maybe once or twice a long time ago, but these pins reminded me of how ingenious this idea really is. Bringing a rug to your outdoor craft fair booth may seem silly until you look at these photos. Look at how comfy and cozy these booths are! Make your customer feel at home just by bringing some homey accents into your booth. It adds a pop of color and design to make your booth stand out from the crowd.
- The Tape Rug – I may have an obsession with outdoor rugs now. But this one is something I’ve never seen before! Using duct tape, you can create an eye-catching design on the sidewalk in front of your booth or in a parking lot too. This idea is a little more hardy than a fabric rug and it seems to be just as effective at grabbing people’s attention. You can even experiment with different designs, colors, and patterns of duct tape. There are so many duct tape patterns out there now, it’s kind of crazy. In a good way.
- Sidewalk Chalk Signage – Yes, one more “ground” related idea. I just loved this one! Write your shop name, Welcome, or any other message you want to convey to draw people into your booth. It’s so easy to do and it brings people back to the lazy summer days of playing in their driveway and doing hopscotch with their friends. Secretly, every adult misses those days. In fact, draw a little hopscotch in front of your booth and attract the little kids to your booth. This is especially great if you sell a lot of clothing for kids etc. You could also leave out some chalk to keep kids busy while their parents make purchases.
- Wood Au Naturale – Now I’m just being fancy, but this rustic look is definitely something to imitate in your booth. You’re already outside so bring some natural elements right into your booth. I love that these paintings are being supported by the very trees that were painted. The tree branch jewelry displays are so beautiful, I bet people asked this designer if they could purchase the display as well. Both structures might take some planning to re-create, but the result is wonderful.
- The Curtain Display – With a few simple steps, you can create a very open and airy fabric display. I love these burlap curtains because they are more friendly than plain white tent panels. To combat the wind, simply add some weights to the bottom of the curtain. Colored fabric could be quite fun for bright and sunny days.
- Bring the Furniture Outdoors – I know, it seems like a pain. However, the choice is up to you as to how big you want the furniture piece to be. You can easily thrift a small end table and paint it to match your booth’s style. Why is this necessary? Well, it’s not technically necessary, basic tables do just fine at craft fairs. But look how nice this corner of the booth looks! It’s like I’ve stepped into Katie Daisy’s home. Looking at this photo, I want to inspect all of the pieces displayed and imagine them in MY own home. See how it works? An accent piece of furniture can do wonders for your potential consumers. (Also, those fence panels are quite nice too!).
- Hanging Boxes – Last but not least, sometimes simple is best. These hanging boxes let you display jewelry as works of art. They frame your pieces in a unique way and let your customers browse your booth in segments. Oftentimes I see full walls of jewelry and that can be overwhelming. By grouping similar pieces together, the customer is going to be more engaged with your booth. I would also recommend skinny tables for this type of booth if you more items to display. Skinny card tables will let your customers still view the hanging boxes without being too far away.
Aren’t these ideas fun? I would love to hear about your outdoor craft fair booths!
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Many of these ideas are cute but so impractical. Just how long did it take to chalk the welcome sign in front of the booth. With only 2 hours many times for setup, how do you chalk the sign.
Rugs are nice but people can trip over them and you have the liability.
Just how do you transport large pieces of furniture. Even with our trailer it is full, full, full no room to carry a piece of furniture. Many people don’t have a trailer and have to transport in their vehicle. How do they add a piece of furniture to everything else they need to carry.
Like I said cute ideas but so very impracticale. I’d love to see some practical ideas.
I agree Pat, we are humping and getting just to get set up in the allotted time without trying to decorate with writing on the ground…and absolutely if you put some kind of rug down, you just opened yourself up to some little old lady tripping and breaking a hip! My advice is if you do put the rug down (which I think looks really cute) you need to run duct tape all the way around to make sure it is stuck in place without any corners raised for tripping. Unfortunately for us, our trailer is over full, the vehicle pulling the trailer is full and sometimes if we are close enough you will see another vehicle that is full also, so when we do get set up the show has began. Wanted to point out one other problem, most seasoned craft fair or festival worker knows we want to set up keeping the people out of the tent…if possible you want them in front of you at all times for theft control! If they are coming in and going to tables against back, you are behind them; therefore any and all things can be pocketed without you seeing!
I too really think these booths look super cute and I have been to events with them doing super cute ideas but they don’t carry the merchandise I do. I would really like to see real booth set ups that work in all situations not just if you have hours to burn.
Show us your setup.
I’m looking for ideas on how to install sheer curtains in my pop-up for privacy, a little sun protection, and overall softer look. Thanks.
Nancy, I found some cheap semi-sheer curtain panels at Big Lots a few years back, sewed 3 of them together side-by-side, and use those as a backdrop & sun protection for my tent. On each side of the whole thing I sewed some ribbons so that I could easily tie the edges of the curtain backdrop to the tent poles. I usually just clip the top of the curtain panel to the roof of my tent with A-clamps. You can see what it looks like here:
http://www.missmalaprop.com/2014/05/5-craft-show-must-haves/
Hope this helps!
Mallory, thank you so much for your suggestion. I did find some gray shade/panels at Walmart that connect to the frame/poles of my Pop Up. They are gray and unfortunately don’t come in white. It’s definitely a work-in-progress getting my booth ready! Thanks again,
Nancy
We use this clips at my workplace, and I’ve found they’re great for clipping up drapey fabric and just hooking onto the frame of my canopy.
http://www.storesupply.com/pc-11936-669-hanger-clips-with-silver-hook-white-18105.aspx?st-t=google_ppc_shopping_hangers_11936&vt-pti=%7Badwords_producttargetid%7D&gclid=CjwKEAjwj9GqBRCRlPram97Xk3ESJADrN7IeRy48RZMw2jaEYwy428bmiuqMSWyEHCzf0-C78AJMVRoCcAnw_wcB
Hi Nancy,
I use those semi-sheer curtain panels with the large metal grommets. (Where the curtain rod is supposed to go.) Its super easy to zip-tie the curtains to the framework of the booth. I slide a piece of rebar in the bottom hem to weight the panel against wind. Good luck!
Agree
I agree. This might be ok for indoor shows that last multiple days, but for one or two day shows, many of which are on grass, gravel, or even dirt, many of these ideas just don’t work. Weather is another big factor. Also many of these booths are so sparsely stocked. With the sometimes high cost of the booth, and all the other expenses of a show, you have to turnover high dollars to make the show worthwhile. Sometimes you have to carry your display and merchandise a long distance in order to set up. There is a big difference between people who participate in craft shows for income and those who participate to socialize or promote a storefront.
Show us your setup.
I totally agree ladies, most of my markets are 4-6 hours for one day with a max of 2 hours setup. I would like to see more practical ideas, and especially ones that don’t include jewellery and clothes. Some ideas for how to display awkward items at different levels with minimum storage space for travelling would be absolutely wonderful.
I thought the set ups were beautiful and doable. Why do folks have to be naysayers?. I don’t see any of their fabulous ideas….. Lighten up!
It isn’t a case of being a naysayer. It is a case of being practical. Let’s see prims, wood crafting items, clothing (more than 10 or 12 pieces), etc. set up. For what I have to pay for a booth, I am going to max it out, not have a bunch of open space that doesn’t produce income. Very few “real crafters” would only have one booth space. I average at least 3 booths, or I don’t go. I subscribed to this site for ideas, not fantasyland. These set-ups look like little booths at the local women’s club, not outdoor community shows. I personally can’t imagine anyone hauling all this stuff around just for the opportunity to socialize. And, jewelry, cosmetics, etc. can be pretty much displayed beforehand and just taken out of boxes and hung, or set out. Not so with most other items. Outdoor shows hinge on weather, locale, predicted crowd, item that you are selling, theme of the show, etc. I am happy, at an outdoor show, if the terrain is just level enough to set up tables. I am wondering what type of merchandise you have Debra, where you set up, indoors or outdoors, how often, etc.
I agree with Debra. These ideas are all great, and totally doable with a little “creative” problem solving. We are after all nothing if not a creative bunch, right?
I think these are all great ideas, especially the one with the chalk. This can be done fast if you use a motif that you are used to drawing. This idea could work great if setting up at a street show where you get to put your booth up the night before. Also, if you look at the booth, it is just really fresh and simple, the design on the ground compliments and contrasts with the booth. Not everyone can pull this off, but it will work for a few people. Bring out the furniture at local shows with longer hours and high sales…..some times it is just so worth it to go the extra mile and see what happens.
I used an outdoor rug from a camping store this past summer as part of my craft booth. It really did look nice and added a lot to the overall look of my display. The rugs are very lightweight and wash off with a hose. Sure did help on those damp or muddy days. Thanks for all the beautiful tips.
I use a rug. Could be similar to what Dee uses.
Here is a pic of the latest show I did. The setup was a bit different since I was given a corner booth.
https://www.facebook.com/LMKnots/photos/pb.188903884565985.-2207520000.1419259439./614015242054845/?type=3&theater
I loved all the ideas — in fact I will probably borrow some. I have to set up my tent on a very rocky field and am thinking that the rug idea might work. I was thinking that I could easily (and quickly) anchor the rug in place to eliminate tripping. I HATE to walk around all day in wet shoes and pants because of the dew so a rug is the answer. I also liked the ideas of “curtains”. Never thought of those. They sure would help keep out the sun and look nice. I get sun glaring in the front of my tent in the early mornings so a “valance” across the front of the tent will help. And will look better than the towels the other vendors use!! I agree that you can have so many ideas that it would take too long to set your tent up but if you do a little planning you can do nicer displays with not much more time invested. Guess I will be getting my sewing machine out and make some curtains………………….
Not only do I use a rug (outdoor rug made of recycled plastic bottles so that it can be hosed off), I put rubber mats that fit together like a puzzle under it. Keeps heat down, warmer on cold days, helps in mud/rain and is super comfortable. Nice ideas for cohesive looks.
The booths look very good but the outdoor markets we attend are on a school oval and only go for half the day. There’s not much time for set-up and limited space. We need 2 cars to transport all our wares so there’s certainly no room for furniture and I doubt the old ladies could lift any. It often rains, so keeping our knitting dry is a challenge. How to display so many items in such a limited space poses the biggest problem, and any ideas on vertical displays would be most welcome. In our allotted space we fit a car, 2 gazebos, a picnic table, and 3-4 ladies, and then we squeeze in product.
The picnic table is overkill. Invest in a large folding table or two that take up less space, are lighter and easier to manage. Use mesh wire holders like you find in kitchen dept. to get your items up higher on the table. Use a variety of mess baskets to get different heights. I was just at TJMaxx and found wire banana bowls, office baskets and in the bathroom section, a 4 tiered corner shelf . All light weight, take up little room and will get things off the table. I’m making small pillows to fit in them to put my tiaras on, but a simple liner would do. Pinterest is full of ideas for folding shelves and racks that you can hang from the tent made of oven racks, old bed springs, stutters etc. Good luck. I pack 3 tables, a tent with sides, table skits, carpet and display items in a Pontica Vibe and it fits just fine.
To get the vertical space, look at a company called Gershel Brothers. I sell Jewelry and I bought 3 of the lattice shelves they sell and hinged them together to make a tower, folded flat for packing. used to have it on a lazy susan but I am changing up my display areas so who knows what I will end up with when I am done!
I have a Toyota Corolla. We manage to get our tent, four folding tables, large sign, tarps, and chairs in the trunk, and all our merchandise in the back seat using rolling carts and tote bags. We hang a lot of stuff from the front of the tent, and also carry shower curtains and sheers to hang from the back and sides of the tent if it gets too hot or windy (we’re in FL, so that’s a common problem). Here is the result: https://www.facebook.com/CrazyCatLadiesJewelry . Help yourself to our ideas!
Now, we’re about to do our first indoor show, and are looking for ways to convert to a non-tent display with ways to hang our things. Any ideas, anyone?
I use two items in my indoor displays, as well as a table.
1. Two pieces of timber lattice hinged with cable ties for hanging framed pictures – set up at a right angle in corner at rear of space.
2. An old freestanding pot plant hanger that has 8 hooks at different levels – at side front of space
I love love the chalk idea, I’m a painter and drawer and sometimes my older granddaughter sits with me. She would love helping me add this chalk sign…My question do peoples feet mess up the chalk and you have to keep doing it over and over again….anyone try this…or is there a special chalk
Wouldn’t the chalk idea be the perfect idea if young children were involved in the set up! Keeps them busy while we are setting up and yet they feel helpful and involved. Imagine how many will stop to admire the art work and quickly become paying customers!
Whoa, I guess personalities like Lelia are proof that you just can’t please everyone. Something doesn’t apply personally to their very specific situation and they go get all offended and snippy… LOL, its to the point of hilarity, but I’m actually afraid they might be serious!
Randomly offended/snobbish boothmasters aside, I found these to be some nice tips, especially if you aren’t quite sure how to put on an attractive display. No, they won’t work for everybody, but hey, not everyone wears a size 9 shoe, do they? Keep up the good work, I also appreciated that each description was accompanied by a photo.
All the suggestions made are great ideas, and they can all be used, whether it’s a 1 day or 10 event. I am a custom tshirt vendor, my canopy is white 10×20. I have found using a white tarp as a floor gives it that ‘Store’ look and takes up a lot less space than a rug (a duct tape pattern or a painted design would look great on it, and could be used repeatedly) making set up easier. The fitted black table skirts keeps everything looking neat and hides all the totes and extra inventory. Next weekend will be my first indoor event. I plan on using the frame of my canopy and the sidewalls (not the top cover), this way I can utilize the frame for hanging lights, display boards and grid walls. Even though I can’t use all the suggestions here, some have given me ideas to improve my current set up. As I am a new vendor, I can use all the help I can get. Thanks everyone!
I’ve actually done the chalk thing in front of my table at the Farmers Market, it just takes a minute and folks love it!
Furniture to me means storage. Pack at home and it’s ready to go. It will appear more professional than plastic bins. (And if some one wants to buy it for a profit! They can arrange pick up or delivery after the show.) Also hide locking wheels on the bottom to make them eaiser to move. Your creative right? So your booth should show off your creativity. Not look like your goods just came out of a shipping container with foreign writing on cardboard boxes. That says I bought it for pennies and think your stupid enough to buy it for 300% more. I find when shopping booths, I don’t even want to pick over the overstuffed ones. That’s for a swap meet not a craft fair or flea market. Keep your overstock nearby in the uhaul you rented for 19.99 a day. You’ll make more and lose less.
I’m preparing for my first show in a few weeks. I love the burlap curtain look. I looking for something clean and light and airy to show off my jewelry and beads. Thanks for posting these ideas they have given me a few of my own!
All but 3 of these comments are from 2015. The article is from 2014. I really need fresher data. And I won’t even look at stuff premade in a different country if it is a craft fair. Listen up organizers. Crafts mean handmade. Don’t be a dealer sale. I will not return as a buyer if this is an annual sale.
Looking for ideas for high wind outdoor shows. I use cider blocks and still not enough.
My wife has a handmade jewelry business and we attend a TON of craft shows/festivals. That being said, could someone help me understand the burlap curtain concept? I understand how to hang it but how are they getting those jewelry pieces to hold, stick, adhere, hang, etc to the burlap? I’m completely lost on how they are doing that.
I’m very new at this..but I have found craft fairs very fun and exciting. I love the chalk and carpet idea.. . I’m an artsy paper quiller. For windy days we have used sand bags.. They work perfect ..I also bought stringed flower garland to go in front of my booth at the top front of my booth . I try to get there really early to set up .. After it just starts I do a live video on my face book page not only for myself but other. Venders.. They love it and I get to meet everyone .. My friend stays at the booth for 20 min. I even had a women come up to me and ask when I would come to her booth. Thank you so much for all the great ideas..and pictures …I couldn’t figure out how to send a picture of my booth ..but this yr I’m using some of your ideas!
I am a painter,I have mesh panels that I hang my paintings on using drapery hooks. I al make handmade journals and have small prints in wood. I need a suggestion on how to display my journals and wood prints. I currently use a small table that hold up, table glitch and drawers to store them in. I would love a different idea !!!! I hope y’all can suggest some good ones!!
This is very true. It’s nice to see some people with great ideas about this. There are a lot of people in the web giving incorrect info about these stuffs. Thank you so much for posting it here.
Sprinkling pine needles or rosemary on the floor is an easy way to make your booth smell nice. The people visiting will crush them and do the work for you. All you have to do is sweep up after or not.