Get My FREE Craft Show Checklist

I can’t begin to tell you how many craft shows I’ve done without a craft show checklist! I’ve been making and selling my crafts and handmade things since 2006. And it was much longer after that year that I started selling at craft shows in my local area.

So for someone who has been craft show selling for almost 11 years, I’ve learned what things you will need as a seller, and what things you don’t need. And I have compiled a list that you can print and check off every time you do a craft show so that you won’t forget a thing when you need that one thing most!

My Craft Experience

As a child, I grew up always being creative and crafty. I’ve always been the type to make something, or have had the situation arise where I would have to get a little “crafty” in order to make something work, or just be better.

I also took a painting class once at a gallery, my mom put me in dance, I requested home decor kits as toys, along with paints, glitter, and the like for birthday and Christmas gifts.  I even took other classes in the summer that included all realms of the “arts” like singing once, and drawing, and sculpting.

In high school, I took drafting home design as an elective because I thought it would be fun. I was also part of the tv production team and on student government (my specialty – float building and event planning).

In college, I took up a minor in hospitality ( I thought I might make my own spa products one day) and in my sorority, I specifically remember attaching sequins to a shirt I cut and stitched up in some way. I always did that! I was that girl.

After College, I got a real job in marketing and then later insurance. I know not crafty jobs at all. I had about a 2-3 year stint where I was not crafty one bit.

Then, after a car accident one day, ( I kind of explain that here) my craftiness returned. And I began making things again. I took a for-fun college-level photography class to learn how to take better pictures of my jewelry to then use those pictures to “sell” online. And it was then, that I started “selling my crafts” locally beginning with craft shows!

My Craft Show Experience

My first craft show was in a very small nearby town over the holidays. It was a 3-night show, evenings only Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.  I sold some jewelry, and after that, all I knew was that I was going to do another show. I made about $200 from that show with very little inventory. Not too bad for a $30 entry fee and a couple of nights in the company among other crafters and I learned a lot.

The following year I did about 7 shows or more.

As each show came, I bought several things to bring and add to my craft show booth. I even purchased audio CDs from some booth expert (this was before podcast days) to listen to in my car while driving to work on how to improve my booth!

It never failed though, at least every time I would forget some key item or thing that would have made my show run better.

After a while, I got smart and compiled a list of must-have things. And today, I am sharing it with you. If you would love to have this list, I am happy to give it to you free.

I keep it in my Resource Library for email subscribers. The library is password protected but anyone can get the password to my library where you find my Craft Show Checklist. Just complete the form below and you will be on your way!

Craft Shows can be fun and it is rewarding to meet your customers face to face as opposed to an online buyer. Plus, it gives you a chance to talk with them and see their interests. Having a good inviting booth that is equipped for obtaining the sale is just half the craft business selling game.

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You also get the chance to meet other crafters and may find that several of them have Etsy Shops that you can explore. This really great because you can also meet people to help you sell in the online community and even get shop critiques to help one another grow you craft business!!

My checklist has everything on you need minus your goods that you make. So check it out here and let me know if what all you bring to a craft show.