How to display prints at a craft fair

[Former_Member]

Hello lovelies -

I'm doing my first craft fair this weekend and have somehow managed not to work out how I'm going to display my prints! There's a table provided, but as I don't have a vehicle so it needs to be something that can be carried by hand. My prints are unmounted.

How do you display yours?

Many thanks, Hannah

[Former_Member]

Hi Hannah

The prints in your shop look quite small so you have lots of possibilities.

Take a stack of paper coffee cups, put them upside down on your table and lean the prints against them. If they are not stable enough you could use them right side up with some sand in the bottom

Take an empty frame - no glass, no backing board - wrap string around it then peg your prints to the string as you have in your photos. You could use a frame made from stretcher bars in the same way. Use Blu tak on the bottom of the frame to keep it fixed to the table if necessary.

http://akinostudio.com/images/42.jpg

Make tepee stands out of sticks - tie the sticks at the top and then spread the other end to make a stand - and lean the prints against these.

http://static.ddmcdn.com/gif/camping-activities-for-kids-3.jpg

Attach the prints to blank canvases - use wide ones that will stand freely. You can use small magnets on the back and front of the canvas to keep the prints in place.

http://akinostudio.com/images/41.jpg

Pin some prints to the table edge.

My experience at this type of event is that people like to see artwork in frames so take one or two framed prints if you can, to help them see the possibilities.

Good luck with the show.
AM

[bridgetfarmerprints]

I know this isn't about display, but it's about presentation and that is a very important part. People like to buy things that they can give straight away as gifts without having to think about framing or protecting the item before they gift wrap it. I've found an easy way to mount work for fairs. I cut a backing board, either mat board or foam core or just some white board. I like to keep them all a uniform size regardless of the size of the prints.

Then make paper corners. Use acid free cartridge paper, fold the edges over to make a triangle and put double sided tape on the back. Slip the paper corners over the corners of your print, either two on opposite corners or four on all corners and peel the tape off the back and fix it in place on the backing board. Then wrap it in cellophane, easily bought from art supplies shops or florists. It looks clean and crisp and is less work than cutting a window and cheaper than framing.

I agree with Ann-Marie, if you can bring a few framed pieces, it really makes a difference even if it is just for display. I know this is difficult without a vehicle though. do you have a bike? it's amazing what you can fit on a bike with a bit of rope and some great knotting techniques!

I put my prints into an old suitcase or wooden box, but some always need to be displayed on a board or hung up as not every buyer has time enough to flick through, so some need to be seen at a glance. I've made a display board out of foam core with calico fabric covering it. It folds down flat, but has wings to enable it to stand up and I clamp it to the table at the back. It is also light weight so easy to carry, if a bit large. I'll try and get photos of it if you're interested, I made it in just an afternoon, it cost around $25 and it works quite effectively.

Although you've probably done your show by now I find it's a great help to make a mock up stand at home the day before, just so you don't worry about it or stress on the actual day.

I hope it all went well and that you have plenty more lined up!

[RedTailStudios]

These are great ideas!