Craft Fair Display

Here is the table display I designed for last year’s craft fairs. It drew people to my table and I received many compliment.  I used crates purchased from Michaels.  They’re sold in most craft stores, but I’m all about using my 50% coupon at Michaels.  To age the crates, I dabbed Walnut Ink onto a cotton balls and spread the ink across the crates to give them a rustic/aged look.  To display earrings, I strung rows of picture wire inside two of the crates.  I hung the earrings using a deck of playing cards and clothes pins.  As for the necklaces, I used cabinet handles drilled into a crate for the necklaces to hang from.  I was able to find most of the handles around my house, but did have to buy one from a craft store.  You can also purchase them from your local hardware store for a few dollars.  I made my “vintage jewelry” sign by painting chalkboard paint onto a vintage tray.  I made the mannequin displays out of paper mache’ (previous entry). The beauty to this display is that you can stack the crates and carry your merchandise in them.

I found it easiest to sketch how I wanted my table to look, then to build my props from my sketch. 

Craft Fair Props

Last year I used paper mache’ mannequins to display my jewelry at holiday craft fairs.  The mannequins were eye catching and worked perfectly for displaying both jewelry and scarves.    A huge advantage is that they are very lightweight to carry.  Trust me, if you have to carry your props and supplies a long distance, weight is everything. And here’s the best part:  they’re so cheap to make (brown paper bags and glue).  I used book pages as my last layer and printed a crown for the front.  I finished by added a few rhinestones, jewels, and a ribbon around the neck.  If you want to give your mannequin an antique look, spray it lightly with Walnut Ink. 

How to Make Buttons for Collage Art

I had a Tim Gunn “make it work” moment today.  I was wanting some funky buttons for a collage I’m working on.  I dug through my button jar, but nothing inspired me.  I decided to make my own buttons using cardboard and Washi tape.  That way, I could create a button exactly how I wanted it. 

Here's how I did it:  Draw button size circles on cardboard.  Cut the cardboard buttons out and stick them on the Washi Tape.  Cut the Washi tape around the cardboard buttons.  Use a hole-punch to punch holes in the center of your new buttons.

You can also substitute cardboard with an actual button and simply cover the button with Washi tape. 

Art Gala

What a perfect night.  Live music, family and friends, art, delicious H’orderves, and wine.  I have a collage on exhibit and last night I enjoyed the gala that often accompanies an opening art exhibit.  The collage I created is an emotional piece for me.  It’s the first piece where I poured my heart and emotions into my art.  Here’s to many more exhibits and celebrations.