Preparing for a Local Outdoor Jewelry Show in 30 Days (Days 1-15)

Hey everyone! 👋 It’s Dequa here, and today I’m bringing you along on my 30-day journey to prepare for a local outdoor art show where I’ll be showcasing my hand-beaded jewelry. 🌞✨ Whether you’re an experienced jewelry artist or considering doing your first show, this behind-the-scenes look will give you a realistic breakdown of the process—the fun moments, the inevitable challenges, and the satisfying payoff. Let’s dive in!

📅 Day 1-15: The Big Prep List

Making the Master List

See Recommended Products Page for Checklist Links

The first step is creating a detailed checklist of everything I’ll need. An outdoor show requires more than just my jewelry—I need a functional and attractive setup. Here’s the full breakdown:

✅ The Essentials:

• Tent: A 10x10 pop-up canopy tent with UV protection (because a sunburned jeweler is not a happy jeweler).
  Tables: Five or six 6-foot tables with tablecloths to display my pieces.
• Tablecloths: Chose your color, have fun
• Chairs: Two comfortable folding chairs (because standing for eight hours is not on my bucket list).
• Power bar & extension cord(s): most venues will have limited plugs and rarely provide cords.
• Banner: A vinyl banner with my business name and logo for visibility.
• Bungee Cords – Lots & Lots of Bungees’
• Weights and tent stakes: Crucial to keep the tent from flying away if it gets windy. ✈️ (Yes, I learned this the hard way at a previous show. Picture me running across a field after a rogue tent.)
• 💎 Jewelry Display & Branding:
• Jewelry stands & Risers: Necklace busts, bracelet T-bars, and earring holders. Make sure your display has different levels.
• Small mirrors: So, customers can see how fabulous they look.
• Lights: Even indoor events can have quite poor lighting. Investing in a couple small lamps that can either clamp or stand on their own is always a good idea. Jewelry always looks so beautiful when well lit!
• Business cards: Easy for people to grab and remember me by.
• Receipts & payment options: I’ll use a mobile payment system (Square) and bring a receipt book for cash sales.
• Packaging: Small gift boxes, tissue paper, and bags. Presentation matters!

🔥 Funny Antidote:

While digging out my tent from storage, I found an entire stash of random booth items I had lost after my last show, including a half-eaten granola bar and some broken zip ties. So, pro tip: always clean your show gear thoroughly when you pack up—your future self will thank you. 😂

The list will continue as we get to days 6 - 10

to be continued….