To create or not in your booth at an event?

[olgaayala]

Do you work on new items in your booth while at a craft fair?

Yes, no, and why?

[yarndeb]

I always take something to work on if there's any slow time. Also good to let customers see that you're the one who does the work.

[craftygirljewelry]

I usually take my Kumihimo disc and make a cord. People will ask what I'm doing and it's a great opportunity to show them different examples of that style.

I once had a customer tell me that she likes to see the artisans making stuff, so I try to take something to work on, if possible.

[flauntdesignsjewelry]

I usually do as it gives me something to do when traffic is slow AND creates a talking point for prospective customers. It also shows that I actually DO hand make my jewelry, and having the supplies and tools on hand means I can usually customize a piece on the spot if needed.

[Former_Member]

I am always working on something in my booth, partly to keep myself busy ans partly to capture the interest of those passing by. I have found it to be a great ice breaker. It also gives you an out if someone is monopolizing your time!

[PlaynwithScraps]

Yes- something simple and easy to put down and pick up. It attracts customers. Most people are nosey and need to check out what you are doing- either making something or straightening displays. Anything to get people in your booth :)

[FlameOnGlass]

There is no way I could get anything done at the market but some of the vendors do knit or macrame. I do better when my full attention is on my customers anyway.

[LizArti]

I always bring knitting, but thankfully, almost never have a spare minute to work on it.

[MorningMistDesigns]

Yes I do too, keeps me busy and it does bring customers in my booth. I never get asked if I make any of my items if I am actually working on something. I had several women watching me needle felt today at a show.
Some of them ended up purchasing afterwards.

[Former_Member]

Yes, take something if your products are workable in public. Demonstrate or even do another "hobby", craft or technique that you love. ANY thing that shows you are the person that makes the items.

Be sure to not get distracted and greet people when they come into your booth.

Often I also work a crocheted blanket, "windows" pattern that I sell here in my other etsy shop. Its a family pattern and very unusual. Customers comment on the pattern and how pretty it is. If they ask about buying the pattern, I have them printed off ready to sell.

[Mulchandmore]

I almost always take my spinning wheel, shows people the time that goes into making my yarn and really fascinates young children, plus I've been spinning enough years that I don't have to look at what I'm doing.
My son takes his needle felting, but has to watch his fingers a little closer:)

[Former_Member]

The shows at the center where i teach i do throw clay on the wheel as its no too bad to haul a wheel down the hall.

Sometimes if i have busy work, like knotting pendant string i'll bring it but mostly clay is a bit too messy to bring.

[Former_Member]

I have brought things to work on and never get to them because I spend so much time chatting with customers and visitors to my booth. I no longer bring things to work on.

[ByFreddismom]

I don't usually take something. There have been times when I wish I had. But I kind of look at it like a kind of Karma thing.....if I take something to keep me busy I'm letting the universe know that I am expecting that I won't have enough business to keep me occupied. So I go empty handed, anticipating a very busy day with lots of customers and plenty of change to count out.
Hopefully the craft show Gods are paying attention!

[Former_Member]

In my universe, if I'm not busy with my hands, they tend to feed my face.

[BohemianHollow]

Yes I most definitely bring something to work on every time! I don't work on it the whole time, but when I do it's always an amazing ice breaker and let's people know who the artist is. Which is important, because if there's any female with me (mom, sister, friend, random stranger) they instantly assume it's them that does all the work and not me. Always leads to a conversation and many times has lead to a sale or at the very least people wandering into my booth to see "the dude knitting". :P

[ecarlateboutique]

I have done some things that I can without a sewing machine. Also, when it isn't so hot (in palm springs).

[SnuggableStitches]

We work on a crochet project in our booth as well. It sparks conversation from customers walking by th booth and tends to draw them in.

[Former_Member]

lol I have to. One of the things I do at events is to set up a table with trays of beads and charms. People pick from what is laid out and I make them a pair of earrings on the spot. It is one of my best sellers, especially with girls and young women.

Other than that, I'll generally have something small going for when things are slow. It may be earrings or even just some chain mail units.

[YAHAccessories]

Yes, I always bring something to work on. It helps people relax when they come in. I greet them, tell them they can take anything down to get a better look and I'll put it away when they are finished. I then go back to work on my project so I am not staring at them.

[SomeKindOfPretty]

I usually take a few small projects to work on, if the I get a chance. I usually can in the beginning, but that last few shows have been too busy in the afternoon.

[AkimaBotanicals]

Ugh, I wish I could, but it would be just too messy!

[PrairiePrimitives]

I like to work on things while at a show. Yesterday I was too tired to do more than put thread loops on ornaments.

[Former_Member]

I take my spinning wheel, too. It attracts people to the booth. I've noticed that it gives women a lot of time to browse because men stare at the wheel silently figuring out how it works. My brand is old-fashioned farm so it works well.

[Former_Member]

Many of you are crafty peeps, even if you cannot take your tools and silver smith a three foot sculpture, you could bring another one of your favorites.

I'd rather a customer catch me crocheting a blanket or embroidering than feeding mu face. Personally speaking of course, no one else here tends to munch on snacks when they are bored.