Craft Shows That Are Right For You!
July 31, 2007
Craft Shows That Are Right For You!
by: Natalie Goyette
To begin investigating which shows to apply to, you might start
with what you know—those shows you’ve attended, ones that are
within an hour or so of your home and ones other vendors have
recommended. You will not always know if the craftsperson who
suggested a show has the same values as you until you check it
out for yourself, so this is not always a concrete selection
principle. But it’s a place to start. If you belong to a craft
guild or organization or subscribe to a trade journal, you may
be able to get show recommendations there. Several websites are
equipped with lists of local and national shows and all the
contact information. Also log onto some of the craft forums
where you can ask other crafters and look for some consensus on
the best shows.
You will find information about where and when the show is and
who to contact to apply. Once you call or check out their Web
site, make sure you apply by the requested deadline. When you
call the promoter of the show or visit their Web site if they
have one, be sure to ask any of the questions you may have such
as:
What was the attendance last year and what is this year’s
expected attendance? How many years have you been producing the
show? How many booth spaces are there and how many applications
do you receive? How do you assign booth spaces? What are the
entry and jury fees? Are there any additional fees like % of
gross, parking, electrical? Do I need any special licenses? What
kinds of people attend your shows? What kinds of crafts do you
select, who makes the selection and what are the bestsellers?
What is the average price range of items exhibited? Sold? What
are the average sales for exhibitors in my medium? What style is
the show? What kind of promotion do you do prior to the show? Do
I get some promotional materials? When do you notify the
successful applicants? What happens if it rains or snows? What
are the security arrangements? Any other support available?
A professional promoter should have this information and should
be willing to share it with you. If they won’t, you may be able
to get it elsewhere—on the Internet or in some craft guides that
are sold by subscription and have show reviews. Some shows
request you send a self-addressed stamped envelope for the
application. When you get it, you’ll see the booth sizes, fees
and what you need to submit. You also may receive a copy of the
contract, which outlines your responsibilities as an exhibitor,
such as whether or not the craftsperson must be present in the
booth, what merchandise is and is not allowed in the booth,
display requirements and for larger indoor shows, the rules
regarding electricity, unions, fireproofing and the cancellation
policy. Also, whether or not you need any special permits.
Usually, your seller’s permit is all that’s required.
The best promoters are discriminating about who they select for
their shows based on unique, original quality products and
attractive displays, as shown in your photos or slides—which is
why using a professional photographer is recommended by most
craftspeople. They also look for a balanced variety of
categories. Good vendors attract good customers and so everyone
wins—the customer, the vendor and the promoter!
natalie@craftshowsuccess.com
Instant Carpet Stain Removal Tips
July 31, 2007
Instant Carpet Stain Removal Tips
by: John Murray
Carpet stains are inevitable. At one time or another you will be faced with having to remove a stain from your carpet. Always follow any directions supplied by the carpet manufacturer. Carpets made from natural fibers or certain dye types may require special treatment. If you are not sure check with a cleaning professional for help. But for most common stains if you follow these carpet stain removal tips and you’ll have your stain lifted in no time.
Beer, Wine, Cola, Coffee
Blot with a paper towel to remove as much of the stain as you can, then neutralize with a white vinegar solution made up of 1/4 cup white vinegar in 3/4 cup of water. Soak the spot with white vinegar solution then blot to remove the excess moisture. A spray bottle works well for applying the solution. If you the stain has still not lifted mix 1 teaspoon of dish detergent such as Joy into 1 quart of water and apply to the area. Blot to work the detergent into the stain, then blot again to lift the stain. Repeat until the stain is gone. Then rinse with water and blot excess water up. Do not use dish soap that contains bleach or lanolin as it will damage your carpet.
Berries or Fruit Juice
Remove as much of the spill as you can by scraping the excess up with a dull knife. If you have a wet vacuum it works well for sucking up the excess. If the spot has already dried you will need to saturate it with water so that you can lift the excess. First try removing with water by spraying the area and then blotting with paper towel. If that doesn’t completely lift it then apply a small mix up ½ teaspoon dish soap in 1 quart of water and apply the mixture to the area. Continue blotting to lift the stain. Continue applying until the stain is completely lifted. Then rinse area with water using a spray bottle, and blot to remove excess water. If the soap mix did not lift the entire stain then moisten the area with 3% hydrogen peroxide and let stand for on 2 hours. Blot and repeat the hydrogen peroxide treatment until carpet the stain is gone. When exposed to light hydrogen peroxide returns to a water state so you don’t need to rinse just dab up the excess moisture.
Blood, Catsup, Vomit
Blot up as much of the stain as possible then neutralize with an ammonia solution made up of 1 tablespoon ammonia and ¾ cup of water. Using a spray bottle saturate the spot with the ammonia solution but make sure not to get the carpet backing wet. Then blot with a white paper towel to remove excess moisture. All solutions for removing blood should be cold. First mix up a solution of 1 quart water and ½ teaspoon dish soap. Then apply a small quantity of detergent solution to the spot. Blot to work the detergent into the affected area. Continue applying and blotting until the stain is fully removed. If the soap mix did not lift the entire stain then moisten the area with 3% hydrogen peroxide and let stand for on 2 hours. Blot and repeat the hydrogen peroxide treatment until carpet the stain is gone. When exposed to light hydrogen peroxide returns to a water state so you don’t need to rinse just dab up the excess moisture.
Candle Wax
Take a piece of brown paper or a terry cloth towel over the area then gently run a warm iron over it. The wax will be absorbed into the paper or towel. You can remove and residue using alcohol or dry cleaning fluid.
Chewing Gum, Contact Cement, or Glue
First take an ice cube and apply to the gum. This will freeze the gum. Shatter the frozen gum with the handle of a knife then vacuum up.
Chocolate
Remove as much of the spill as you can by scraping the excess up with a dull knife and the blotting with paper towel. Blot up as much of the stain as possible then neutralize with an ammonia solution made up of 1 tablespoon ammonia and ¾ cup of water. Using a spray bottle saturate the spot with the ammonia solution but make sure not to get the carpet backing wet. Then blot with a white paper towel to remove excess moisture. If the stain has not lifted mix up a solution of 1 quart water and ½ teaspoon dish soap. Continue applying and blotting until the stain is fully removed. When stain is gone rinse with clear water and blot.
Crayon, Paint or Makeup
Remove as much of the crayon by blotting with paper towel. Use a dull knife to scrape up what you can. Then apply rubbing alcohol to a white cloth or cotton ball and blot. You may have to apply extra if the crayon goes deep into the pile but make sure the backing doesn’t get wet. First mix up a solution of 1 quart water and ½ teaspoon dish soap. Then apply a small quantity of detergent solution to the spot. Blot to work the detergent into the affected area.
Continue applying and blotting until the stain is fully removed. If the soap mix did not lift the entire stain then moisten the area with 3% hydrogen peroxide and let stand for on 2 hours. Blot and repeat the hydrogen peroxide treatment until carpet the stain is gone. When exposed to light hydrogen peroxide returns to a water state so you don’t need to rinse just dab up the excess moisture.
Remember always follow the manufacturers instructions for stain removal. Combined with these carpet removal tips you should have no problem lifting the toughest of stains.
