tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16507817833585021452024-03-19T08:17:38.660-04:00Lehigh Valley Handmade AllianceLVHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01151227974358886453noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1650781783358502145.post-55938798188374320242012-05-08T21:18:00.000-04:002012-05-08T21:18:26.607-04:00Craft show booth tips<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcMIh7XJyzjmCZo0Vys4c-eArGN6D_byKpxy9Mqmh-qLuKu_xlYJBU_kATlN9gLzQLgBmtcM43utbjBB-fUv7Kr6m9v4oKk_7bFJMYRa-4iRl3cL5hvEtEetpUwVF-VzKWLeADFdfGTw8/s1600/designtipsr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="108" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcMIh7XJyzjmCZo0Vys4c-eArGN6D_byKpxy9Mqmh-qLuKu_xlYJBU_kATlN9gLzQLgBmtcM43utbjBB-fUv7Kr6m9v4oKk_7bFJMYRa-4iRl3cL5hvEtEetpUwVF-VzKWLeADFdfGTw8/s320/designtipsr.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /><b>Things to think about:</b></div>
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<br /><b>Theme</b> - It may help to decide on a theme and create a little story behind your display before you begin designing your table.<br /><br /><b>Packaging/Tags</b> - Your logo and website should be on your tags and packaging so people can find you after the show (especially gift recipients). Package fragile and delicate items so they aren’t damaged by frequent handling – people at shows like to touch! Keep your packaging, pricing, display, and product looking visually cohesive.<br /><br /><b>Height</b> - Raising your table up using inexpensive bed risers will really help bring your pieces closer to eye level for your shoppers. Use display pieces to raise your items up off the table so they aren't laying flat.</div>
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<br /><b>Scale</b> - Use the same display items in different scales for visual interest. For example, use lengths of thick tree branches sawed flat on each end as risers for height, and thinner spindly branches to hang items from.<br /><br /><b>Texture</b> - Think about textures on your table that will contrast and complement each other. This includes your display materials (tablecloth, risers, decorative items) as well as the items you are selling.<br /><br /><b>Color</b> - Decide on a color scheme for your table and stick to it! This will help your table look really put together. You might also decide to choose a pattern instead of a color and do everything in polka dots or stripes of different colors.<br /><br /><b>Materials</b> - Think about the materials you make your merchandise with - is it shiny plastic or metal? Fuzzy fleece? Glittery gems? Now think about the materials your tablecloth and display are made of. Do they blend or contrast? Try unexpected combinations to make your display memorable.</div>
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Check out our <a href="http://pinterest.com/lvhandmade/">Pinterest</a> boards for table and booth design ideas!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7lGut0zJF8w4WWMWj9HcyKm9AKi8djzxd3ewRUIgWlRmZ5VYPzmWM908CWr2YjQp4R88BT5sP8jjP8AY_KN0yTz8Uw8412-496_tw_6rg-4cJWoiKYkon3PWYVuqWlX_MO3NuOKNn8_Y/s1600/othertipsr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="108" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7lGut0zJF8w4WWMWj9HcyKm9AKi8djzxd3ewRUIgWlRmZ5VYPzmWM908CWr2YjQp4R88BT5sP8jjP8AY_KN0yTz8Uw8412-496_tw_6rg-4cJWoiKYkon3PWYVuqWlX_MO3NuOKNn8_Y/s320/othertipsr.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Start with your table cloth</b><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Most shows have a rule that table cloths must reach the floor and hide your storage, plus it just looks nicer. Check out window drapes, bed throws, and other linens when looking for your table cloth.</span><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><b style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Don’t forget a memorable sign or banner!</b><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">You want people to be able to identify your table from a distance. You can have a sign on a tabletop easel for the most visibility, or a banner hanging over the front of your table (or both). You can always get a commercially printed banner, but it might be nice to make your banner or sign yourself in the material you create your merchandise with. It can be embroidered on fabric and made into a large pillow, screen printed on a tshirt worn by a mannequin, carved into a hunk of tree trunk etc.</span><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><b style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">You don’t have to spend a lot on premade store displays</b><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Get creative and think about what you can reuse and recycle into something new. Hit the thrift store for serving trays, old suitcases, spice racks, lazy susans, and pieces you won’t find anywhere else. A coat of paint or a wrap of fabric can turn something as simple as an empty food canister into a display piece.</span><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><b style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Make it easy on yourself</b><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Use display items you can pack your merchandise in for transport (vintage suitcases, old wine crates, etc).</span><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><b style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Rehearse your set up</b><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Each show is a little different - you may have different size spaces from a single 6 foot table to a 10x12 foot mini store! It helps to know exactly what you need and where everything is going to go so you have a smooth set up on the day (usually an early morning when you’ve been rushing and haven’t had your coffee yet!). Set everything up at home, take pictures and/or notes, then pack everything up in the order it goes on the table so that on show day you can just take it out of the bin, unwrap it, set it on the table and move on.</span><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><b style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />Shop your own table</b><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Set up your full table like you would on a show day, then get in front of it and put yourself in the shoes of a shopper. Try reaching for things, looking from different angles and heights, and finding prices for all items. Is the display confusing? Do the display items look like they might be for sale? Is the table too cluttered or too sparse? Are delicate and valuable pieces in the reach of little hands? Can you see the unfinished backs of any display items or risers? Do the display accessories look more inviting than or overwhelm the merchandise? Have some friends shop your practice table and give you their thoughts so you can make changes before your show.</span><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><b style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Things to invest in:</b><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">-<b>Tables</b>! Those that fold in the center and have a handle for easier carrying are so much more convenient for packing in the car, carrying to the venue, and are easy to set up.</span><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">-<b>Wheeled dolly</b> for moving your items from car to booth</span><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">-<b>5-7” bed risers</b> - under $15 for a set to add height to your table and bring it closer to eye level (at Bed & Bath stores and the like)</span><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">-<b>Pop up tent</b> for outdoor shows (with white canopy). These are technically able to be set up by one person, but it’s tricky. It’s a great way to make friends at the show - you can help each other get your tents up. Side walls and a zippered door are an optional accessory (until it is rainy and windy!), but weights, stakes, and ropes are a must for even slightly windy days.</span><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><b style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />Have a checklist</b><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Once your have your table set up ready, make a checklist with all the items you will need for setting up your display, accepting payments and packaging sales, your own comfort for the day, and just-in-case items because you never know what may come up! It’s also really easy to make friends if you’re the only one with extra safety pins or sunblock. Check out our checklist <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/89630214/Checklist">here</a>!</span><br /><br />LVHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01151227974358886453noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1650781783358502145.post-47408549597477393482012-04-28T08:47:00.000-04:002012-04-28T09:58:52.614-04:00What to bring to your first craft shows<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Your first few shows can be overwhelming, especially when it comes time to pack for the big day. And setup can be a crazy time, but it doesn't have to be if you pack smart!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil9oDArbx8ZWgGvIBmV2Xj9OAZ4HdpyMkL_97OxN04MPWLvzo4IDLg9bxcV3-ZAWPJDiuuBiTmw860B3FIQDuxTSSXRMqnWpLdpTgywSfYmBFOMmVv9EDdIPYU8DS4LQf94ob4SBN0InQ/s1600/setup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil9oDArbx8ZWgGvIBmV2Xj9OAZ4HdpyMkL_97OxN04MPWLvzo4IDLg9bxcV3-ZAWPJDiuuBiTmw860B3FIQDuxTSSXRMqnWpLdpTgywSfYmBFOMmVv9EDdIPYU8DS4LQf94ob4SBN0InQ/s320/setup.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Setup at Lancaster Flea & Craft Market, Lancaster PA</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;">You don't want to be caught without something you need, but you don't want to lug around anything unnecessary. It will take a few shows to figure out exactly what's essential for your setup and sales (and don't forget your comfort and sanity during the day!) but this list is a good place to start! </span></div>
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<iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="0.772727272727273" data-auto-height="true" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_51872" scrolling="no" src="http://www.scribd.com/embeds/89630214/content?start_page=1&view_mode=list&access_key=key-127idk7ci9u5xkxuoak" width="100%"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">
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</script>LVHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01151227974358886453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1650781783358502145.post-51882811047003552132012-04-13T11:03:00.000-04:002012-04-13T11:03:33.149-04:00Introduction to Craft Shows - Finding and Applying to Shows<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
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<u><b>Finding shows to apply to:</b></u><br />
Try Google, of course, and searching through various event and festival lister websites. The value of networking at shows cannot be understated! Chat with fellow vendors and ask which shows they do and enjoy. Check the show calendars of vendors who have complementary work. Check your town’s local events calendar, and ask people to keep their ears open for you. Calls for vendors are listed all over - in your local newspaper, Craigslist, Facebook, blogs. The more shows you do and apply to, the more you will start hearing about.<br />
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<u><b>Know your market: </b></u><br />
Before you apply, check the website for last year’s vendors to see if your craft would be a good fit. This will not only be helpful for the application process, but will also create a better experience at shows. If you make quirky indie crafts, for example, it might not be the best fit for every show, so do your research! Read the FAQ section to gather as much information as possible. Visit websites and blogs of the vendors who have participated in the past for reviews and pictures.</div>
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Do a Google image, flickr, Facebook or forum search for photos of previous years events. You can also see how big the space is and the amount of people who have attended previous shows. This will also make it easier to tailor your application to that specific craft show.</div>
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<u><b>General Tips</b><b>:</b></u><br />
Follow their guidelines! If they want two pictures, don't send ten. If they want 50 words, don't write a full page. Keep your photos within their file size limits and in the requested formats . Double check that you've filled out every line, checked every box, and that you've provided all the required information. Make sure your email and mailing addresses are legible or you may not receive your acceptance package. And if you don't get in this year, work on your product and photos and try again next time! There are lots of reasons you might not be accepted (crowded category, wrong market, large amount of applications received and limited spaces) so don't take it personally!<br />
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<u><b>Parts of the application:</b></u><br />
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<b>Vendor Statement</b></div>
Most applications ask for a statement describing yourself and your work with a 50-300 character limit, so try to stick to your product line and anything surrounding your career as a crafter. Introduce yourself, include a clear explanation of the types of things plan to sell, how you make them, and what makes your craft unique. How you describe your work can make all the difference in being accepted. Shows will often use your statement verbatim in their promotional materials, so choose your words carefully! Keep several versions handy of different lengths so you do not have to start from scratch each time.<br />
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<b>Examples of Your Work</b></div>
You will almost always be asked for either your website link or at least 3-5 digital images of your work, and sometimes both. Be sure and include a variety of your work, and you can usually include a photo of your booth setup as well. Make sure your products are shown off at the forefront and not cluttered
with too many props – in other words, make sure the jurying committee
knows if you’re selling the soap or the soap dish! Shows will also often use your photos in their promotional materials, so flaunt a variety of your best work.</div>
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Your web link can be your own website or an online marketplace. If you don't have your own site or a storefront on a venue such as Etsy, Artfire, BigCartel, or Storeenvy, try making a Facebook page of your work or create a blog. Both of these are free options to display your work, and will also give you a link to submit with your application.<br />
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Your online store or webpage should contain, minimally, at least 5-10 good quality, clear images of your work in an easy to find location, and an artist bio, with a nice banner or logo to function as a good online portfolio of your work for show applications.</div>
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<b>Fees</b></div>
Your check will usually be included at the time of application and returned if your are not accepted to the event. Occasionally you will be asked for a credit card number that will only be charged upon your acceptance. Some juried shows include, along with your vending fee, a small non-refundable jury fee; that is, you’re paying them just to look at your application. This is generally for large shows that get a tremendous amount of entries.<br />
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If you are doing a benefit or charity show, you may be asked for a percentage of your total sales on top of your flat booth fee. Make sure you and the show promoter both understand the terms completely and ideally, have them signed and in writing before the show day to avoid any confusion later.</div>
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<u><b>Resources:</b></u></div>
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<b>Event Listers</b><u><b> </b></u></div>
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<a href="http://www.eventlister.com/">Event Lister</a><br />
<a href="http://festivalnet.com/">Festival Net</a><br />
<a href="http://artfairsourcebook.com/">Art Fair Source Book</a><br />
<a href="http://www.zapplication.org/calendar.php">Zapplication Events Calendar</a><br />
<a href="http://www.indiecraftshows.com/events">Indie Craft Shows.com</a><br />
<a href="http://www.pavendors.com/">PA Vendors.com</a><br />
<a href="http://www.fairsandfestivals.net/">Fairs and Festivals.net</a></div>
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<b>Photo Tips</b>
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<a href="http://www.handmadeology.com/big-list-of-product-photography-tips/">A big list of great links on Handmadeology</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/%20http://content.photojojo.com/tips/product-photo-tips-for-ebay-etsy-instructables/"></a></div>
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<br /></div>LVHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01151227974358886453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1650781783358502145.post-34086485737887980152012-03-26T09:01:00.004-04:002012-04-03T10:56:50.372-04:00April 12th Meetup!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVgY-ZMLdXjB4Z2-5Pxwh5LI7okdsI4ryEvKQskMK7yoeproZnhhyphenhyphenlP7rXvzZoIv6TyWfasgRW2Rvuh1h28wCwbdvE2SZkAh3q23fq1DuRM3DYC33JzKhswWsB2B-ViBssxx6o5QbwH58/s1600/april.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVgY-ZMLdXjB4Z2-5Pxwh5LI7okdsI4ryEvKQskMK7yoeproZnhhyphenhyphenlP7rXvzZoIv6TyWfasgRW2Rvuh1h28wCwbdvE2SZkAh3q23fq1DuRM3DYC33JzKhswWsB2B-ViBssxx6o5QbwH58/s400/april.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Please take a moment to fill out a quick <a href="http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/J9TGQ27%20">survey</a> (or check the post below) so we can tailor our topics to what you are interested in discussing at the meeting!</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">
This meeting will cover the basics - from finding and applying to shows
to what to bring and do to have a great day of selling. Our next
meeting will cover part two - table display ideas, booth design and
more!</span></span></h6>
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/349667518413179/">Here</a> is our Facebook event page if you would like to RSVP. Check out</span> <a href="http://hive4a.org/hackerspace/" style="font-weight: normal;">Hive 4A</a><span style="font-weight: normal;"> for directions and for more information about the space which includes a coworking space and makerspace and is the home of </span><a href="http://makelehighvalley.com/" style="font-weight: normal;">Make Lehigh Valley.</a></span></h6>LVHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01151227974358886453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1650781783358502145.post-2885755444255432872012-03-02T16:29:00.000-05:002012-03-02T16:29:07.851-05:00meeting topic survey - Craft Shows<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Our April meeting will be all about craft shows! Please take a moment to fill out the following quick survey so we can tailor our topics to what you are interested in discussing! Thanks!
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Create your <a href="http://www.surveymonkey.com/">free online surveys</a> with SurveyMonkey, the world's leading questionnaire tool.</div>LVHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01151227974358886453noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1650781783358502145.post-4208956828279706802012-02-24T16:49:00.000-05:002012-03-08T08:00:58.587-05:00Now accepting applications! - UPDATED!<div style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span id="internal-source-marker_0.6596789182705897" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>Please note: this post will now be permanently located at the Craft Shows & Events tab at the top of the page! Please check there for shows currently accepting applications!</b></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span>LVHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01151227974358886453noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1650781783358502145.post-29166305483793646682012-02-03T20:51:00.000-05:002012-02-16T18:52:07.424-05:00First group meetup will be held March 1st!<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">We are excited to announce that <b>our first group meetup</b> will be held on <b>Thursday, March 1st</b> from <b>7:00-8:30pm </b>at the <b><a href="http://hive4a.org/">Hive 4A</a> makerspace</b> at <b>905 Harrison Street in Allentown</b>. This will be an introductory meeting where we will be getting to know each other and discussing some plans and goals for the group. Check out our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/events/315596638491537/">Facebook event</a> and don't forget to RSVP!</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Crafters,
artists and handmakers in the Lehigh Valley area interested in working
together to grow their small business are welcome. Bring some business cards and come say hello!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">We are excited to be working with Hive 4A, home of <a href="http://makelehighvalley.com/">Make Lehigh Valley</a>, as hosts for our meetups. Make LV will be holding an <a href="http://makelehighvalley.com/blog/make-lv-event-calendar/">open hack</a> that night from 6:30-9:30 pm.</span></div>LVHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01151227974358886453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1650781783358502145.post-13927397792582530882012-01-23T13:48:00.000-05:002012-01-23T13:48:08.531-05:00It will be here soon!<span style="font-size: small;"><span id="internal-source-marker_0.7988461221974427" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">It might be hard to think about the spring and summer show season when there is finally snow on the ground, but it will be here before we know it! Now is the time to get everything you need for your show applications prepped - photos taken, artists statement written, website cleaned up - and to start thinking about designing your table displays, packaging, marketing, and all those little details. And if this is your first craft show season, its <b>never </b>too early to start planning - you'll be glad you did once those acceptance letters start rolling in!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Here are links to some great articles and lists of tips and tricks that should help you prepare for a great selling season! Add your own tips or links to favorite articles in the comments!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Basic overall tips and tricks from <a href="http://mermaidscloset.blogspot.com/2010/04/craft-show-tips-all-you-need-to-know.html">Mermaids Closet</a>, from finding shows to what to do on the big day - great tips for those just starting out!</span></span><br />
<br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/blog/en/2009/craft-show-applications-unravelled/">Tips</a>
about <a href="http://www.hellocraft.com/2009/03/wowing-a-craft-show-jury/">perfecting your craft show applications</a> from Tina Seamonster, one
of the organizers of Crafty Bastards in Washington DC.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Luann
Udell’s blog is a treasure trove of information about being a skillful
all-around salesperson in the art and craft realm. Any blog entry tagged
“<a href="http://luannudell.wordpress.com/category/booth-behavior/">booth behavior</a>” is valuable, but her entire blog is worth reading!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://naughtysecretaryclub.blogspot.com/2009/06/marketing-campaign-for-craft-show.html">Excellent marketing advice</a> from Naughty Secretary Club - don’t expect the venue
to do all the marketing and promotion for you! With a little effort you can bring in your own
customers the day of the event and build up your own craft show
following.</span><br /><a href="http://naughtysecretaryclub.blogspot.com/2009/06/marketing-campaign-for-craft-show.html"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000099; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></a><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://craftshowexplosion.com/">Craft Show Explosion</a> hasn’t been updated in a few months, but dig through
their archives and you will <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">find great articles about surviving outdoor
shows, tips for traveling to vend at shows, and lots more!</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Quick </span><a href="http://vimeo.com/2246957" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">video</a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> from Lintyfresh with some nice beginner tips about practicing your booth setup at home and packing for the show.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /><a href="http://craftshowexplosion.com/"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000099; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></span>LVHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01151227974358886453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1650781783358502145.post-45534658459636067002012-01-17T08:09:00.000-05:002012-01-17T08:09:04.187-05:00Hello from LVHA!<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Hello! Just a quick introduction before we get down to business!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Lehigh Valley Handmade Alliance</b> was started by Jaime of <a href="http://www.crinolineshop.com/">Crinoline</a> and Danielle of <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Buttercup-Jewelry/134340389973478">Buttercup Jewelry</a> to function as a community that will support handmade small businesses in the Lehigh Valley and surrounding areas.<br /><br />Starting in the coming weeks, we hope to:<br /><br />-Share info about events, retail opportunities, shows, classes, and crafty happenings in the Lehigh Valley area and beyond on this blog and our Facebook. We hope that you will share info you come across about local events in the comments here, on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/LVHandmade">Facebook</a>, or at our email address LVHandmadeAlliance@gmail.com.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">-Provide opportunities to network with other artists and independent
crafty business owners through in-person meetups and selling events. Details about our first LVHA-planned events to come soon!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">-Discuss the joys and challenges of running a small handmade business. Please feel free to use the blog comments and our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/LVHandmade">Facebook</a> page as a place to connect with other local handmakers and crafty business owners!</span><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">-Promote buying handmade and shopping locally! We hope to cross promote the events we are participating in and local retail venues that support handmade to raise the awareness of our community in the Lehigh Valley area.</span><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Crafters, handmakers, and artists in the Lehigh Valley and surrounding areas are welcome to post and participate!</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Welcome, thanks for reading, and feel free to spread the word!</span></span>LVHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01151227974358886453noreply@blogger.com0