about shows? just a survey?

[carverswoodshop]

hi folks i know a lot of you had been at carving shows, but how many of you have gone to another event as a woodcarver? i am planning on going to the hay creek festival near morgantown pa, sept 10-12 its not a carving show and thought maybe it might sparks some interest in woodcarving,, i will be one of the vendors ,,,, , i have no idea how it will be,, i know its outside, but they tell be 10,000 folks come to this event, i was there as a visitor many years ago,,, so its a three day show,, so i will let you folks know how it goes,,, how many of you have gone to other shows than a woodcarving show? and how did it go?? thanks happy carving folks , arleen

carverswoodshop
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[Gergie]

I've sold at several Craft shows with mixed luck. But I enjoy visiting with people about my Carving hobby. So go there with the notion of answering a lot of questions, bring a piece to whittle and you should have a good time.

Lots of Luck, Rich,

[johncarves]

I live in a different section of the country than you, so unless you're heading South this might not apply. Over the years I have done a lot of local craft fairs and festivals.

I find they are a great way to promote wood carving. It can be an invaluable local outreach for a club or a teacher. After 20+ years I still get that "lost & dying art" comment. And if you've got someone there who is actually carving it multiplies the effect. Make sure you have business cards and/or flyers for people to pick up.

If you are hoping to sell I would say "forget it"! If you have a price point under $30.00 you may sell some. It is generally hard to make enough to cover your booth fee, must less your time. On the other hand some of the biggest commissions I've gotten were the results of having really good work out on display, It has not been uncommon for the phone to ring six months later and the conversation start with: "I saw your carvings at..."

I do it to promote wood carving and the local club. I also thrive on public attention and interaction. A fellow carver once said he was jealous of me because I could talk to strangers and carve at the same time. Seems when he tried to He kept cutting himself.

[Goody]

Its real hit or miss!
Anna and I have done shows that we are were exited about and lost money, we have done shows that we skeptical about and came back with a couple grand in our pocket for a one day show. We do two Arts Festivals one in the spring and one in the fall. We only do the spring one to advertise our storefront as its close to our shop and the tent space is only $70 We don't normally do well at this show as even though the rules state hand made only and 50% of whats there came over on a container ship. Its like a flea market. People will come up to your booth and pick up a Hand Carved Santa and ask if you would take $4.00 for it. Ironically we did well at this show this year. We do a fall show every September. Catonsville Arts Festival is a one day street fair and you will not find an import there. I pay to be in the same spot every year and a lot of my customers I only see once a year there and they no where I will be. They Judge a piece from each booth and I have won 7 out of the 10 years I have done the show, twice I didnt enter because I wanted someone else to win.
When picking shows to do, promoters are making thier money off the vendors usually figure 2/3 of the people the show draws will show up. Shows that charge a fee for the public to get in is a better show for vendors. If you paid to get in you are there for a reason. Some shows are nothing but we call tire kickers. We are looking at 6 day show that will cost us in ecess of $2,500.00 in show fees. We decided not to do it this year but we are going as tire kickers to see what the show is al about. Its the type of show that you carve all year to have enough stock. I have sold out the first 4 hours of a three day show and I have had other shows that I didn't make my show fees. Be sure the promoter advertizes the show and treats you well, shows are a lot of hard work before during and after. Some shows have help there to help you get set up. Beware of steps carrying all of your gear up and down steps is brutal and customers don't like them either.
Be sure to do what you do at the show. I dress as Santa in his work shop and sit on an old log and carve Santas at some shows. People like to watch and ask questions. It also Sells santas for me. I have one Show That waieves my show fees as long as I am doing Carving demonstrations.
Good luck
Goody

[Jim Arnold]

I agree with Goody. Ten years ago you could make $$$ if your work was generally good. Anymore, it IS so hit and miss that you have to have another agenda besides just selling (like promoting the art or promoting classes and the like). I went from doing 20+/year to maybe two or three. My best 'show' anymore is a flea market in VA...go figure.

[crokseti]

I'm going to a music festival next week and will display our spoons and pipes.
I get a spot for free so Im not out of pocket starting.
This will be my first time selling at an event.
Nothing is over 30 dollars and I have items ranging from 12.00 to 30.00
with cards made to take comission work.
If we sell out I'm looking at 500.00
That would be great as I am doing it as a hobby mostly and could aquire more/better tools and such.

[woodshed]

Arleen, you just never know. If you do Santas, don't rule out weekends at really good tree farm from Thanksgiving on. I kinda fell into doing a tree farm for a freind and it has turned into 2 really good weekends for me each year. Try it and see, but I agree, you need to carve while there and be ready for a lot of folks who are not familiar with carving. Good luck!
John

[carverswoodshop]

thanks everyone,, yes i thought i be chatting with folks more than carving, that happen at the lancaster show, which is good,, hopefully it will promote woodcarving for those that are interested,, i have been busy getting some carving ready and plus to hand out business cards too,, also a good way i think to let folks know that you teach,,, i will have a signup book, and see ,,, wow less than two weeks away,, i have to find a canopy, lol its different being outside with no electric,, i chatted with some folks that have been there before as vendors, they were very happy,, great folks at this festival, very helpful and friendly,,, i will update you folks later and let you know how it worked out,, thanks again, arleen


Yahoo!
carverswoodshop , patterns, cutouts and dvds for wood carvings for sale
YouTube - carverswoodshop's Channel

[Kenny_S]

It depends on if you are there to promote "woodcarving" or to sell your carvings. I agree with Goody on a hit or miss.

[Coker]

Arleen, Several years ago I did a craft show locally, on the JMU campus It was by invitation only. I don't know why they invited me, but they did. Anyway they only had one person from each field invited so to reduce repeat items. There was no set up fee and they supplied however many tables you needed, it was all outdoors. Turned out to be a very profitable day. Sold many items that day plus several orders for custom items. College students will spend all of Dad and Moms money. Good luck with the show.

Dick