This morning I got the email about my booth in Portland. I’ll be number 928 if you are popping by. I read about curtains and poles and lights and carpet and giant structures and rules and regulations and I ate some chocolate and had a very quiet ladylike panic.
This morning I had ‘booth panic’ , what colour carpet do I want ? I have no idea ! (Does anyone really choose purple?) Googling booth images is not a good idea, its all Amy Butler and giant Moda elephants. No-one seems to take photos of the teeny booths.
To stem the panic I checked out the floor plan and googled my neighbours (they both seem very nice). See Jodie, its real people with tiny booths as much as it is fake gardens and custom built scenery.
I will be visiting Ikea (and Wal-Mart which I am kind of excited about) in Portland and creating a booth from whatever catches my eye.
I am out of my comfort zone here people. In the past when I have had to create a booth, I have carefully mapped out the dimensions and had a complete set-up weeks in advance. I tweaked and swapped and changed and drove everyone around me absolutely mad. I also had a ute full of furniture and accessories, rather than a suitcase full of toys and a few pairs of undies.
And yes, of course it will be fine and yes I have a vague red and white theme in my head, but just this morning it is suddenly very real and I figured if we were having a cuppa this morning I’d be asking you.
Should I take the frock along? (see sidebar) I mean I don’t actually have a pattern for it or anything but its a great conversation starter.
What about bunting (you know I am not a huge fan of bunting), it looks festive but surely we are over it.
How about pom-poms. I bought a pom pom maker with the idea of creating a kind of garland, but the pom pom I made was ugly. I want to make teeny ones, but then that seems like a lot of work for not much impact.
How do I display all these toys at kind of eye-level without it looking like a dogs breakfast?
Pole scrunchies ? To cover the front poles? plain or striped?
curtains? tablecloths? signs?
I’d pass you another biscuit and refill your cup and look at expectantly………..well ?
Ric Rac. Use a ric rac pattern/border/garland.
ReplyDeleteAnd that's a yes for the frock. Display your magnificence proudly woman. xx
How about felt ball Garland, tiny and nice.
ReplyDeleteI am happy to come along and assist you...
Yes for the frock. Could you drape the softies over a ladder? Or go with a theme. Set it up as a toys picnic or something.? Dress a picnic table. Sit them around it. Hang some stuff to make it look like a tent?
ReplyDeleteYes for the frock. Could you drape the softies over a ladder? Or go with a theme. Set it up as a toys picnic or something.? Dress a picnic table. Sit them around it. Hang some stuff to make it look like a tent?
ReplyDeleteYou'll totally rock it!
ReplyDeleteI saw a fantastic tutorial for making teeny pom poms - she had a big piece of wood with 2 nails at about 1 metre apart - and tied the yarn to one nail. T hen she wound the yarn around both nails to make long tight loops (are you with me?), and when she had a LOAD of yarn on there she went along and tied it off at regular intervals and then cut the yarn in between the tie offs. It worked perfectly and was fairly speedy.
I really like Brees idea. Maybe a green carpet for grass and some sort of fake trees to hang stuff in. A swing with your lovelly dress draped on it. If you could get hold of some sort of bike, scooter or trike that would be fun. And don't forget the sunny sky with maybe some birds fluttering by, (hanging down from the top somehow maybe skyhooks lol). Ants and flies optional!!
ReplyDeleteIf all else fails stop the cuppa and turn to something harder as it is always 5 o'clock somewhere lol.
Jodie, I have a full set of black drapes, pole covers etc you can borrow if that suits. I need to know to have them shipped there with the rest of my stuff though. Its all black though - your red and white would stand out but you may prefer another colour. there if you can use them. Helen
ReplyDeleteWhite background, shelving, etc. Red carpet. Large/huge ric-rac sign just like on your blog. Barbers poles on either side in white and red. Your famous story boards and their own characters on the walls. And lots of happy you. Maybe just a few bits of Australiana that doesn't conflict to draw the Crocodile Dundee fans in or maybe that is just too tacky. Apparently good selling colours are red and yellow. You already have the red and yellow can be added with your product or small mats peeping out on the table. Glad it's not me. Going back to read everyone elses suggestions now. Cherrie
ReplyDeleteYou can get anything at Wal Mart. When my kids were there last year they said you can buy a gun there....
ReplyDeleteYes to the dress.
TAKE THE FROCK, JOD! AND YES, I AM SHOUTING AT YOU!! And lots of ric-rac, of course. I'm so excited for you.
ReplyDeleteYes to the dress . Yes to red and white Ric RAC theme . A bit much maybe but what about your stories on a disc up on a screen and have it looped to keep playing . Maybe have some of your "kids' sitting watching it , just thinking aloud don't let me go on otherwise we'd be hiring clowns and jugglers .
ReplyDeleteWhat about sitting them all on fences? You could paint a background kind of mural (rural for example) and then have shelves that look like fences all the way round the outside and they could be sitting on the cross pieces. Or maybe make it up like a childs room and have shelving with the toys sitting on them...
ReplyDeleteGood luck, can't wait to see what you do :)
Giant ric rac definitely has potential...How heavy is the. Frock? Possibly being too practical? My illogical mind is screaming of course take it, it is one of the best things out there. I want to see it, who wouldn't? I like the idea of the picnic table. Can you tie books in somehow? My children love to snuggle with a softie while reading. I recently started volunteering at the shcool library. There are lots of stuffed animals there. I was surprised (in the best of ways) by how many of the children lug the animals round while choosing their books, and then holding them while they read.
ReplyDeleteCould some of your softies be reading mini books?
Love the animal picnic and picnic table idea. Good luck, so impressed you are going and so impressed you are still thinking, just the thought of getting there makes me catatonic.
ReplyDeleteGo with red and white, touch of aqua or green. People will probs pick up the toys so put them anywhere but put on a collar and lead so they don't stray. Over bunting. My kids would make you pom poms. I want that monkey and yes, take the frock!
ReplyDeleteNot walmart, it's target you'll want! You'll be wonderful!
ReplyDeletePerhaps you wear a headband with pom pom antenna?
ReplyDeleteTake the dress. No you don't have a pattern for it, but you can always tell people to do the same thing as the handbag pattern, but with a dress pattern. (Then take a photo of how they react!) It is such a fabulous thing and so eye catching and as you point out, a conversation starter.
ReplyDeleteYes to dress. We need someone to lend you a dressmakers form!
ReplyDeleteWhat about an expedit set of shelves with different patterns and cute other stuff in all the squares.
Pompoms, bunting, yes take it all. You can always subtract later. So excited for you :-)
Oh and you need giant red rick rack. I saw big rick rack somewhere recently...
ReplyDeleteI totally agree that you should take the dress! Conversation starters are always good draws. Red and white is a good thought. I vote for bunting and pole scrunchies. I have no idea what you'd do with pom pom fringe but I'm sure it would be adorable. Set things out just as you have before for your little displays, in vignettes. Remember to leave enough room to get in and out!
ReplyDeleteYes! Take the dress. I like the ladder idea too. What about bunting with prints of all your characters on it or instead of pom poms maybe a string of little red riding hood baskets. Have a couple of drinks and see what you come up with.
ReplyDeleteSo many cool ideas already! Ric-rac a must I think :-) I was thinking set it up like a play room, as if the children have just stepped out (well, as if sort of tidy kids so unlike mine lol stepped out). Please post LOADS of pics so
ReplyDeletewe feel we're visting if if we cannot!
Another yes vote for the dress. Could the softies be on some type of mini monkey bars? Ok, maybe thats a bit impractical - you'll think of something fab when you get to Ikea/Walmart - slow deep breaths that is all you really need! Can't wait to see it!
ReplyDeleteTake the frock! And you are going to looooove Wal Mart.
ReplyDeleteWhat about one of those Ikea pigeonhole things in white ? Yep take the dress it's a killer! Buntings always cute and I still sell heaps of it in all different styles. You go girl!
ReplyDeleteCheers lyn
I love the picnic/outdoors ideas. All of your toys look so good in outside settings! I think I would have a major freak out if I had to plan a booth! You're holding up really well! I'd forgo the bunting if I was you. It's been way over done and isn't really your style anyway. But some garlands of easy(ish) things to make would be lovely. Paper or fabric leaves, origami butterflies etc. Or even some basic kites knoched together from some sticks and scraps of fabric (I can totally see Arthur and Elsie flying kites together!)
ReplyDeleteAnd another resounding "YES!" for the dress! It is something unique to draw people in so they can see the rest of your amazing work!
Jodie I adore your ebook and the post you did for the first day of long service leave...too hard to transport on the plane but I think a backdrop of your hand drawn sets would be fabulous....yes bunting is a bit yesterday, but a hand drawn and cut out one? everything in black and white, your creations will just POP! Good Luck! Wish I could be there!
ReplyDeletePS my class are just about to start making disco bots to send you good kharma!
http://yellowfibro.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/things-were-making-thursday_21.html
Instead of bunting just make millions of big yoyos and string them up. Hand horizontal or vertical doesn't matter. I can make you a shitload if you like. Love them. In red and white.
ReplyDeleteTake the dress. It's awesome sauce take the brolly too and hang it upside down.
What about the paper bunting you made from books? Could you do something similar when you get there....or paper lanterns, they fold up flat, cheap to buy and come in multi colours? Does the booth come with sides? Can you drill/hammer something in the top, so you can then string fishing line diagonally across the top, so you can hang the lanterns from? And I love the kite idea...perhaps the softie could be attached to the kite string (kite hanging from fishing line) and the softie is sitting on a tall stool? I am no designer, but will that draw the eye up/down as people come in?
ReplyDeleteIf you are doing red and white as your colours would a big top theme work? I love giant ric rac ideas. I love your dress - but perhaps that can be the model for the undies(your undies with sayings right?)....if you can get a dress form? Good luck!
You need your stories. Don't forget the dolly ones!
ReplyDeleteYes, take the dress! Giant ric rac - yes! Bunting - every other stall wil have bunting. Love the suggestions of felt balls and paper lanterns!
ReplyDeleteThe dress has to go, of course.
ReplyDeleteI agree about the storyboards too - easy to pack after all - or you could just knock them up after you arrive - my vote would be for Baxter as I adore him. I'm sure they'll have the necessaries in WalMart.
I have never been to a WalMart (being a Brit living in France) so don't know what they have in there but am still reeling from a comment above that says you can buy guns in there. WTF?!
swings for the toys to sit in. rectangle of red canvas, eyelets in the corners and knotted ropes. That would be easy. something to secure the top of the ropes to that wouldn't land on your head in the excitement is less easy.
ReplyDeleteit's going to be mobbed. it's going to get untidy as you grab things to show people, so that should be the starting point. If it's too fragile you'll be knocking things over in your excitement. that's going to happen anyway, but better not with *everything* all the time!
how solid are the sides/poles/top that you can attach things across?
Definitely the dress. Like you say - it's a conversation starter and you don't want to be sitting in Portland with no-one to talk to!! Red and white seems like the perfect combination to showcase your wares - just make sure you don't muddle the toys and the undies!!
ReplyDeleteHave an image in my minds eye of flying superhero Monkeys dangling from the sky!!
Yes take the dress! How about setting a scene from each story on the shelves and have the book near by? I always liked flashing lights, maybe too much? How about pom poms on ric rac wrapped around the poles? Wish I could see the final booth in person, instead I'll wait for the photos. Have a fantastic time!
ReplyDeleteI say yes to the dress too! I love the picnic idea get some fake grass, surely they have that at Walmart with a cute red and white gingham table cloth. Whatever you do it will look fantastic
ReplyDeleteDon't get too excited about Wal-mart -- it's really just an oversized place filled with nothing special. And, yes, you can buy guns at Wal-mart. Since the recent shooting at an elementary school, there has been some effort to control the assault-type weapons. Very sensible, you'd think ... but no, people rushed out to Wal-mart to buy up assault weapons in case they might not be available if the gun laws pass. At least some of us are disgusted.
ReplyDeletePortland is really a nice city - I hope you get out to look around a bit. Lots of quilt shops with great fabric!
I love some of the ideas that have been suggested for your booth! I hope you will plan out as much as possible, do a mock-up, etc. to come up with a shopping list of what you will need, including measurements, along with possible alternatives. Do some internet searches for what you will need. If you leave it all until you get there, you could be overwhelmed. Less stress = more fun!
Will you have some help in Portland? Transportation? Keep these in mind as you plan. How will you get a load of shelving wood transported to the venue and installed? What will you do with it afterward?
Really, your things are so sweet and adorable, they will shine regardless of surroundings. Yes to dress AND the story boards. Both are amazing. Good Luck!
The taking of THE dress is a definite MUST. The rest will be spectacular and eye attaching and wonderful whatever you do but yes definitely giant ric rac :)
DeleteWhoopsie eye attaching sounds way too painful how about eye catching:)
ReplyDeleteLess is more, as they say... I do like the idea of using ricrac round the poles, and a green grass carpet. Beyond that, I would have all the toys out, doing the things toys do best: picnics, stories and so on. One of the more crazy toys could have a trapeze to swing on...
ReplyDeleteOfficeworks will print out A2 and A1 posters. Take your USB stick with the backgrounds for the stories on your blog and print them out as background. Use grass or similar for the floor. Decorate your booth as one of your stories. I am a huge fan of Baxter but that is just me. You could print out the stories to have at the booth for people to see.
ReplyDeleteThe dress is a must if you can fit it and it is not too heavy. It is one of the reason I first came to your site - though not the reason I stayed!!!
Take the dress - it is an eye catcher and will bring people to you. Then work your very own brand of magic and all the big booths will be jealous as you will have thousands lining up - then they will have small booth envy.... I could go on but it could get repetitive...
ReplyDeleteSuffice to say - all will be well - you are a people person and you will have fun and lollies!!!
Oh, I am so jealous - I would love to go to Walmart etc etc - please send photos
ReplyDeletePom poms made from real mohair wool if you can find it. Wrap around 4 fingers about 20 times, tie across centre, snip ends & fluff. Added bonus of being very light to pack! Mini pom poms can be made wrapping wool around tines of a fork I read somewhere... Haven't tried it yet.
ReplyDeleteOther booth decoration ideas - put a bird in it of course, it is Portland after all! ( well someone had to say it!)
Jodie, I'll share the cuppa with you. I am starting to have the same thoughts about AQC in less than 4 weeks!
ReplyDeleteWow -- what a ton of suggestions! I think you know the answer to the dress (did anyone even say no LOL). I LOVE the idea that someone made to have a toy on a trapeze or something. We always have major comments on our chandeliers -- everyone loves them. Which brings up the subject of lighting. Our little lights (I think you guys call them fairy lights?) are always a hit too. I LOVE the suggestion for big ric rac too -- that would be perfect for you! (Also, not so fond of the open brolly idea -- some people consider an open umbrella indoors bad luck LOL!) You'll be stunning -- can't wait to see you!
ReplyDeleteYes to the frock, no to the bunting (unless you can come up with something new!) Giant ric-rac -- there's a theme!
ReplyDeleteDo you have the giant ricrac cutter for your crapbook cutter? If not use Maria's and make a lot of it instead of bunting.
ReplyDeleteCan you suspend the toys?
Also of course take the frock it's truly unique.
However you decide to display your stuff it will be stupendous and wonderful and fantastic. Just make sure you send pics back to us poor souls stuck here. The frock is a must, but wear it. You can't be Mrs RicRac without buckets of the stuff. Wish I could be a fly on the wall when you unleash your fabulous personality at the general public in Portland - USA.
ReplyDeleteI agree with CarolB about Walmart. Nothing special there. Plan your work and then work your plan. Ikea, yes. Target, yes. Thrift shops, yes. Ric rac, yes. And The Dress. I hope you have someone to help you when you are over here. When are you arriving? How many days have you given yourself to get all this done? Whatever you do will be truly you! What a once in a lifetime opportunity. And when you get home, that is when you will curl up in the fetal position and rock yourself to sleep!!
ReplyDeleteGoing against the grain by asking a curly question - didn't you feel a little as though for a long time the frock defined you (when you really wanted to be more than Jodie of the Frock Fame and move into softies and other cool crafty stuff?) You might want to think about whether taking the frock will open up all of that again? Love the idea of a red and white theme (especially if there are spots in there somewhere!) I am sure you will be able to put bits and pieces like cardboard boxes and such under your tablecloths to give the softies a few different levels.
ReplyDeleteJust breathe and enjoy it woman! This is a wonderful opportunity!
I second (third, fourth?) Target over Walmart for eye catching booth needs. To make shopping easier there is one a block or so away from IKEA in Portland.
ReplyDeleteIt's so fun that you're excited about Wal-Mart of all things. Really, they're nothing special AT ALL, but I can understand the curiosity (just don't get your expectations too high). (you can get equally inexpensive and slightly better quality items at Target--and Target's color scheme is red and white so you should have no problem finding red/white there if you decide on that color scheme for your booth).
ReplyDeleteGOOD LUCK!!!
So excited for your trip! It is the most amazing opportunity. Maybe you could retire soon and this would be your fulltime job!!
ReplyDeleteMiss our chats!
Frock on !!! I want a full blow by blow description of wal-mart and american target sounds awesome too. Have a great time I'm sure all the worry will be worth it and your booth will be spectacular!
ReplyDeletehow exciting! so many great idea but i was thinking maybe you could use some paper lanterns strung up to look like balloons and have some of the toys hanging from these as if they are floating off into the air. also stacks of vintage suitcases or milk crates covered with fabric might allow you to build up some different levels affordably
ReplyDeleteLet me know if I can lend you anything booth-worthy on this end of the world, or if I can help in any way. And yes to the frock!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely take that "frock"!!! If I came all the way to Portland from Texas and there was no frock I'd be very disappointed. Michele
ReplyDeleteYes, frock. And use your awesome illustration skills. Can you make a giant black and white drawing backdrop? Or make a small one, and have kinko's supersize it?
ReplyDeleteI've been stalking your blog for ages now but have had a bit of a break whilst raising my first baby. It's lovely to come back and see how much things have changed for you. It all seems to be going so well and this stranger all the way across the other side of the planet is really pleased for you.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the booth!
I have no idea if my last comment posted or not... I'm just testing the waters with this one, but the general idea was: good luck! (And dress - yes)
ReplyDeleteMy friend Meg went to Quilt Market for the first time last year, and it was also a tiny little booth. She ended up winning first place for design in her category! Just keep it simple, with a coherent theme. Here is her booth, in case it helps:
ReplyDeletehttp://sewliberated.typepad.com/sew_liberated/2012/11/back-in-the-saddle.html
Good luck!
Charlotte
There's something quite comforting about a ute full of furniture and accessories! Just how much can you squeze into a cab?
ReplyDeleteDolt question: I just googled the event, and it says it is a trade show only and not open to the general public. Is this true? I had hoped to stop by and say hello and see your booth!
ReplyDelete