what type of light?

[Former_Member]

Getting closer to my first show which will go until just after dark. I'm wondering what type of lighting you may have found best in your experiences….will white christmas type string lights be enough? should I go LED? use other directional lamps as well? any advice is appreciated.

[Former_Member]

I've done a couple of night shows where there is no electricity available and i found a few lights that work good, mostly leds. These work fab, they are very bright, fold so they can be aimed where you need them, have a magnet so they can attach to metal, and have a strap to wrap around something if needed: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Cooper-Lighting-LED125-Might-D-Light-Mini-Compact-Folding-LED-Work-Light-New...

I bought mine from walmart, they were about a $1 cheaper each.

I also added these to the display, i didn't buy them for the display but for loading and unloading my truck in the dark but they work great hanging from my display shelves : http://www.ebay.com/itm/Plixio-24-3-LED-Work-Light-Flashlight-w-Hanging-Hook-and-Built-In-Magnet-Mou...

[CindyTSews]

I use track lighting with these lights http://www.lightingdirect.com/wac-lighting-801-bd-optional-barn-door-accessory-for-wac-track-lights/...

[Former_Member]

Good info, thank you both for sharing! Exactly what I need to know. so string lights in the top of the canopy doesn't really give enough light? Or do I need directional ones like these above as well?

[Former_Member]

I doubt string lights would give enough light to shop by. Keep people from tripping in the dark yes but not shop by.

[APaperParadise]

I use these http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009CIIWQA/ref=oh_details_o04_s00_i02?ie=UTF8&psc=1

They have rechargeable batteries, two light settings and will also run from the mains. I have only used them indoors - I always get that booth that faces away from the windows and once I have put up the grid wall and curtains it can get kind of gloomy. I have run them on high for 6 hours (on batteries) and they are still shining at the end.

[CindyTSews]

To me it is all about presentation. But i do this full time and when you are jurying into the top national shows you have a lot of competition and your booth presentation counts for a lot in the scoring with the jurors. Basically it boils down to appearance is what get you into shows and patrons into the booth. I hear many exhibitors that are new to shows complaining of low sales. You reap what you sew, literally.

[LizArti]

String lights won't be enough on their own. I use those cheap, construction, clamp on lights.

I couldn't find a better picture than this, but if you look in the upper right corner, you can see a part of one of the clip on lights that I used. I had around 4-6 lights focused on my hats. The market provided the colored lights, which added a festive touch.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=658023834259354&set=a.586181861443552.1073741830.30471409625...

Will you have a canopy? Is electricity provided?

[Former_Member]

I tend to use spotlights and mount them directly on the canopy. I have a power inverter that will run A/C and will run for about 8 hours before I have to worry about running out.

[Former_Member]

I use the cheap clip on lights from Walmart.. I put three of them on the center canopy pole and aim them all upwards... since the canopy is white it reflects the light back down and it is almost as good as daylight in the canopy... You do have to have a long extension cord... I wrap the three light's cords across the cross beam of the canopy then plug them all into an extension cord using a three way adapter... the extension cord I run to the back corner of the canopy, down and out to an outlet box... I have never done a night show where they did not provide a plug in outlet for all the vendors... However, I do like the ones Karen uses... I may consider investing in a couple of those... :)

[Former_Member]

Oh my! even more and better info! You guys must be the best of Etsy! Yes, Liz, I do have a canopy and for this first venture out they do provide the electricity. Great links. I'm more excited than ever now and still a little sceerd, but it really helps to know that you guys are here behind me!! I mean that!!

[LizArti]

Bring lots of heavy extension cords, power strips, extra bulbs - you never know what you might need. Also bring wire, rope, twist ties, or something to keep the extension cords in place.

I'm so glad I brought extra lights to that market. It seemed like people were drawn to my booth like a moth to a flame. That cold, windy night I didn't do that well (it was way below freezing), but the next week, I did my best sales ever (by FAR!)

It's ok to be a little nervous for your first show, but I'm sure you'll be fine :)