Art Craft Show Checklist for A Successful Show Set Up

OK, I gathered this Art/Craft Show Checklist. Thanks to everyone who contributed for this great list! I have it organized to sections for easy read. This list is a compilation of tips from fellow jewelry artisans from various groups in FB that I cannot name one by one. You know who you are :) ~Kharisma.

Also check: How to Build Cheap Pedestal Style Displays

This checklist has helped me tremendously on keeping track of my items to make sure I don't forget to pack anything I'd need during the show.

POP (Point of Purchase)

1. Shop banners
2. Printed photos/posters of jewelry
3. Tablecloths + coverings
4. Tables
5. Business cards + business card holder
6. Displays & display risers
7. Table risers
8. Price tags
9. Jewelry boxes + pouches + ties
10. Jewelry/your products (duh)
11. Cash, change ($250 in $5, $10, $20)
12. Cash box/apron/fanny pack
13. Lights
14. Mirrors
15. Calculator
16. Signage (price, material, etc)
17. Jewelry bags

TENT NECESSITIES

1. Tent/canopy
2. Tent walls
3. Tent weights
4. Dog ties/stakes
5. Ratchet straps
6. Bungee cords
7. Tarp/plastic covers
8. Hammer/rubber mallet

STATIONARY

1. Trash can
2. Pens
3. Tablet/cellphone + chargers
4. Square device
5. Receipt book
6. Order book
7. Sign up sheets (guest book)
8. Name pin/tag
9. A Sign that says accepting credit card
10. Counterfeit pens

GOOD TO BRING

1. Polishing pads
2. Hand wipes
3. Water 
4. Snacks/lunch
5. Hard candies/mints
6. Rubbing alcohol + cotton pads to clean earrings
7. Extension cord/power strips
8. Safety pins
9. Measuring tape
10. Ring sizer
11. Bracelet sizer
12. Deodorant
13. Cordless phone charger (power bank)

TOOL KIT

1. Jewelry pliers + cutters + files
2. Dolly
3. Shims
4. Scissors
5. Wire ties to hang things + wire cutter (non jewelry)
6. Clamps/metal binder clips
7. List of jewelry
8. Napkins, paper towel, kleenex
9. Double sided tape
10. Duct tape
11. Power strip
12. Screwdriver

GOOD TO HAVE

1. Comfy chair
2. Extra layer of clothing
3. Comfy shoes + extra socks
4. A change of underwear 
5. A change of clothing
6. First aid kit
7. Fingerless gloves
8. Lookbook
9. Museum putty
10. Small towels
11. Plastic utensils
12. Saran wrap
13. Aspirin/medicine

How to Build A Cheap Pedestal Table for Jewelry Booth in Art Shows

First of all, I want to thank Robin Ragsdale for the idea of using plastic garage shelves as jewelry display tables. We are all familiar with the folding tables and probably have used them at one point but plastic shelves? Who would've thought? But they sure make a great display table that mimics the more expensive model by Armstrong. We're talking about $50 vs $200 a table here.

Blog updated: Oct 25, 2019

Also read: Art/Craft Show Checklist. The complete list of things you need to bring to your shows.

This set up won me Best Newcomer award at Springfield, IL Edwards Place Fine Art Fair in 2014. 

Cha-ching!

Here's the list of what you need for making these jewelry display pedestal tables:

Disclosure: Some of the links below may contain affiliate links. Meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.

1a. Plastic garage shelves. Approximately $30-40 for a 5-tier set (18" x 36" x 72"). I purchased 3 sets and those can make 4-5 sets of tables depending on whether you used a shelf at the bottom or not. $105.

1b. Better alternative: Origami shelves. Approximately $62-69 for a 3-tier set (35.4" x 13.3" x 28.75"). I purchased 3 sets for 3 pedestal tables configuration. It takes less space in the car and faster to build. My entire booth setup fits inside our Mazda 5 with all the back seats folded down. ± $195.

2. Indoor/outdoor carpet/area rug or any fabric to your liking. I recommend heavyweight non-stretchy fabric. They wrap better and look nicer. These carpets I bought, each one could make 2 wraps (3' x 8') so I purchased 2 of them. $16.

3. 2" Elastics and sticky back velcro if you use carpet like I did. I stapled the velcro to the elastic for an extra reinforcement. Smooth side attached to the elastic and the catchy side on the carpet. I cut the 2" elastic about 1 foot each and stack 2 of them for stability and more holding power.

4. Edge glued pine board, 24" x 36", ($18 each) and I stained them. Alternatively, you can also use Ikea Linnmon tops but we didn't have Ikea nearby and I wanted a stained wood look instead of laminate tops.

Now for the actual set up of the pedestal display tables, here's the step by step pictorial:

All stacked and (was) wrapped up with ratchet straps for easy carry.

3 sets of 5 tier plastic garage shelves could make 4 jewelry display tables with the bottom shelves attached or 5 tables with the bottom removed. Each makes a 36" tall table which is the perfect height for shows.

Carpet up next. Decided to use only 3 pedestal tables this time.

Stained wood tops are placed on top. Those trapezoid bed risers turned upside down and used as display table risers.

Ta-da! Looking sharp, ain't it?! 

Photo above was from my 3rd show in December 2014.

Updated booth shot with pedestals made of Origami shelves. September 2019.

I got so many compliments on this setup and they told me my booth looked very professional. Hard to believe it was only a second show for Popnicute. Thanks, Robin!

With approximately $200, the same amount of money of ONE Armstrong table, you get THREE to FIVE professional looking tables. Great deal, I say! Even if you ever decided to quit doing shows, these shelves could be used for storage :) None wasted, really.

This Silver Popnicute Heart was the star in both shows but now has sold. Want one? Contact me ;)