💎 Post-Show Breakdown: Resetting, Recovering & Reflecting After an Outdoor Jewelry Show

Hey friends! 👋 It’s Dequa again, and whew—what. a. weekend!
After months of preparation and one very hot outdoor art show, I’m back home, sore, sun-kissed, and deeply grateful. This post is all about what happens after the show ends—when the last customer walks away, the tent comes down, and you realize you're too tired to even take your earrings off. 😅

Let’s talk about the post-show breakdown: the physical wrap-up, the emotional reset, and the gratitude that ties it all together. Whether it’s your first show or your fiftieth, I hope this gives you something to relate to, laugh about, and maybe even plan for better next time.

⛺ Show Breakdown: Tear-Down Like a Boss

The show ended at 5 PM, but that’s when the real work started. If you've ever tried to pack a booth after two long days in the heat, you know the vibe. It's like a sweaty, chaotic version of reverse Tetris.

Here’s how I manage tear-down without losing my mind (or my inventory):

1. Pack strategically.
I break down my booth in the reverse order I set it up:

• Jewelry gets packed first, organized in trays and padded containers.
• Display risers and stands go next.
• Tablecloths, lighting, and power cords follow.
• Tent last—always last. Because you don’t want to take your shade down while you're still working.

2. Use tubs & labels.
I can’t stress this enough: plastic tubs with labels are lifesavers. I use these stackable storage containers with locking lids from Amazon. Keeps everything dry, dust-free, and organized for the next show.

3. Emergency kit saves the day.
Zip ties, duct tape, hand sanitizer, granola bars (non-half-eaten ones this time 😂)—I keep it all in a rolling craft utility cart. It's my mobile command center.

"It’s like sweaty, chaotic reverse Tetris. Hydrate and power through!"

John Doe

🧼 Back Home: The “Unpacking Funk”

You know that post-show moment when you walk in the door, drop everything, and promise yourself you’ll deal with it tomorrow? Yeah, I’ve been there.

But I’ve learned the hard way: if I don’t unpack within 24 hours, my supplies sit in the garage for weeks. So here’s how I handle the reset:

1. Sort ASAP.
Before the exhaustion sets in fully, I sort out:

• Inventory that needs restocking or repair.
• Items to clean (especially anything that got dusty or damp).
• Display items that need a wipe-down.

2. Rechargeable lights? Plug them in right away.
I use these clip-on LED display lights (affiliate link) that work wonders for jewelry booths—but only if I remember to recharge them. Into the charging dock they go on day one.

3. Laundry alert.
Tablecloths go straight into the wash. If I skip this, they sit in a pile and remind me of my sins all week.

🧾 Post-Show To-Do List: Organizing What’s Next

Once I’m physically unpacked, I give myself 2–3 days to rest (more on that below), and then I dive into these next steps:

✔️ Review sales.

• What sold well?
• What didn’t move at all?
• Did anyone request custom pieces?

This info goes into my "Show Recap Sheet" (a simple spreadsheet that tracks booth location, layout, weather, traffic, sales, and customer notes). If you'd like a free editable version, sign up for my email newsletter here and I’ll send it your way! 📬

✔️ Follow up with contacts.
I always keep a small sign-up sheet at my booth for people who want to hear about new designs or future shows. A quick thank-you email or discount code goes a long way in building relationships.

✔️ Refill packaging and bags.
Outdoor shows can wipe you out of gift bags, tissue paper, and jewelry boxes—fast. I reorder from EcoEnclose and ClearBags for earth-friendly, professional packaging.

😴 Recovery Mode: Self-Care After the Hustle

Outdoor shows are no joke. Heat, dehydration, constant smiling, and eight-hour stretches on your feet—it’s the kind of tired that hits your soul.

So I build in intentional recovery time after every show:

☕ Drink. Eat. Rest. Repeat.
My go-to is an oversized mug of tea, an ice pack for my feet, and one of my guilty pleasures (usually chocolate-covered almonds and a true crime documentary 🙃).

🛁 A hot soak = heaven.
If you don’t already have one, treat yourself to a soothing foot spa (affiliate link). After shows, mine feels like a spa day for battle-weary ankles.

🧘 Stretch it out.
A few slow yoga stretches and neck rolls help me reset from the constant hunching and booth set-up strain. My favorite YouTube channel for quick recovery stretches is Yoga with Kassandra.

📓 Reflect.
I write a quick journal entry after each show. Just a paragraph or two:

• What went well?
• What surprised me?
• What will I do differently next time?

It helps me capture the moment before it fades, and it’s so encouraging to look back and see my progress over time.

"Outdoor shows hit different. Rest. Reset. Recharge."

John Doe

A🙏 Thank You, Thank You, Thank You

I know I joke a lot about the hustle, but at the heart of it all—I’m grateful.
Grateful for the customers who stopped by, the friends who helped me set up, and even the ones who just smiled as they walked by my booth.

Every outdoor market is a reminder that I get to do what I love, share my creativity with others, and connect with a community of fellow artists and supporters.

To everyone who made this weekend possible:
THANK YOU. From the bottom of my beaded heart. 💖

https://youtube.com/shorts/1tqn8esmP7A

💬 What’s Next?

Over the next few weeks, I’ll be:

• Re-stocking inventory
• Uploading new pieces to my online shop
• Sharing behind-the-scenes videos on Instagram and YouTube

👉 Want to follow along?
🔹 Join my email list here
🔹 Follow me on Instagram @DequaDesigns
🔹 Subscribe to my YouTube channel for more show tips and jewelry adventures!

And hey—if you're prepping for your own show soon, or just want to chat about beadwork, tents, or chocolate almonds—drop a comment below! I'd love to connect. 💬

📌 Affiliate Favorites From This Weekend:

Here’s what saved me at this show (and might save you too):

🛒 Pop-Up Canopy with UV Protection
🛒 Stackable Storage Tubs
🛒 Rechargeable Display Lights
🛒 Foldable Craft Utility Cart

💎 Final Thoughts

Outdoor art shows are no small feat. They require planning, grit, creativity, and sometimes a little luck with the weather. But more than anything, they give us moments of connection—to our craft, our customers, and ourselves.

So if you’re tired after a show, take that nap. If you’re proud of your booth, share it. And if you’re wondering whether it’s all worth it—trust me, it is.

Until next time,
💜 Dequa