Thursday, April 2, 2009

Making it up as I go

I decided it was about time I signed on to be a vendor at an art fair. It's one of those things that I knew I wanted to try on for size sooner or later to see if we were a fit for each other. So when opportunity knocked, I answered and signed on for what I felt was a good fit for novice me (good fit for my first show = one day, inside, laid back yet professional, whimsical vendors with a humorous, friendly organizer.) Now with a little over a month to go, I'm working on my booth design. If you've ever peeked over at my etsy wares you know I'm all about bright colors and fun. The goal is for my booth to match, yet not overpower the goods. My vision includes a pennant garland to add to the festive atmosphere I'm working to create. I didn't use a specific tutorial or anything to make...this wasn't wheel invention. I just created a triangle shape from cardboard for a pattern, then cut, interfaced and pinned together more triangles than I ever cared to count.

For the triangles, I used three solids (found at yard sales for pennies) and then sprinkled in my more cherished prints. I powered up my sewing machine and had fun sewing triangles with funky multi-colored thread and zigzag stitches. Nothing too serious...this garland was all about having a good time. Next, I laid out a pattern of sewn triangles (yes, there is a pattern, but heck no, it's not obvious.)

After rummaging through my rick rack box, I found yellow bias tape perfect to string the flags together. (disclaimer: my rick rack box filled with vintage bias tapes, trims, etc. does not exist due to years of sewing. I picked it all up at a yard sale years ago before I sewed anything more than buttons. I
knew it was a jackpot for $1, even though I had no idea what to do with the stuff. Self pat on the back...glad I didn't pass that find by.)

Yards and yards of flag later, I can check 'garland' off my booth prep list. Next up is signage. The 3' x 5' piece of primed canvas I ordered from Dick Blick came in the mail yesterday. I'm excited to roll that baby out on the floor and go to work. I'll keep ya updated as the days tick down. It's exciting to see it all come together. Making up a space design and loving it.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

oh, fun, fun, fun!

Terre Busse said...

These are very cool flags! You have inspired me to try some. I have wanted to make some prayer flags for a while now. I am going to give it a try.

Very festive. They will accentuate your art perfectly!

Heather Chevreau said...

These are awesome, June!! what a great idea for decorating your booth! Make sure you take a picture of the booth before the herds of people arrive!! Good Selling!

Anke Martin said...

Oh this looks like a lot of fun! Enjoy your new adventure! Smiles, Anke ;)

Anonymous said...

I LOVE these flags! I might makes these myself. Thanks for the post.