Backdrop Part II

This time of year I spend time getting ready for outdoor shows. Going through my travel tubs, checking supplies and making or ordering things I need. As I talked about in part I, I also work on my displays.

 I made small wooden stands for bracelets and I inspect them for any nicks and digs. Those that are scratched get a new coat of black enamel spray paint.

Then it is on to busts. I inspect them for any stains, places in need of glue or other damage. I also check to be sure I have the number and sizes (small, medium, large) I need as things get disorganized after doing winter indoor shows. Then they get packed into 2 bags.

I carry a tool bag with me to every show. I empty it out and check to be sure everything is in working order and that I have everything I might need at an outdoor show. I package some of the smaller items in baggies so it is easier to find things in the bag. Tools, level (to make sure my tables are level), shims (for really uneven ground), tons of various sized bungees, stakes and metal plates for the tent in windy weather, white duct tape and blue painters tape, zip ties, shop towels (super absorbent), rope, duster and a few other assorted itmes. Many a time my booth neighbor has benefited from this collection!

I also check my lights. I have 2 systems, one for when I have access to free power and then a battery system for when there is no power or it is expensive. After several tweaks last year to my battery system I have a new 12 volt led setup. We tested it in the driveway at dusk. It will get is first real test drive the first weekend in May.

Outdoor shows here I come!

Backdrop Part I

Well from the look of my blog you'd think I had not been working much lately! Actually it is just the opposite. I have been working on filling several orders, restocking for the outdoor show season, getting my display and booth set ups all ready for another year of shows. 

One aspect I hardly ever mention is my displays and booth. They are the backdrop for my work and I tend to treat them as such. When I first started doing shows I built some very rickety shelves out of scrap wood. Adequate, but after 6 years of heavy use they were even more rickety! 

My old shelves as I dismantled them and after removal of fabric. Scrap plywood!

So I asked my friend Ed to built me some new ones. They are beautiful, well made and light. Ed is a skilled woodworker. You can see his fabulous work at http://www.shojidesigns.com/.

Look at those corners!

I brought them home, did some light sanding, and then covered them with fabric. Some of my fabric was beyond cleaning. But luckily I had thought ahead and bought a whole bolt of the fabric I use for table coverings etc. I hated to cover them as they were so beautiful naked! 

Measure 4 times and cut once.

 

 

 

 

Ready to staple

In my booth I store a myriad of small supplies behind my shelves. Keeps things accessible and looking neat. The new ones are a smidge bigger so I have plenty of room.  

They look beautiful, such crisp edges and so sturdy!