Applicant FAQ
We've got a pretty unique show happening twice a year. Here's what you need to know before you apply.
What are we looking for?
We're not your average craft show, which means our jury isn't just looking for crafts to fill up tables. As a carefully juried show, we're looking for handmade items that really stand out from the crowd.
Some things we consider:
Have we seen this before? You're not just putting a bird on it, are you? Because we're always on the lookout for fresh and unique items that you can't find anywhere else. We also consider the originality of your work and want to ensure there is no plagiarism of other artisans.
Is everything made by you? If not, how much do you source out? (ex. there's a big difference between "my mom helps me cut patterns" and sending it out to a company that does all the work for you).
How much have you created? We're looking to see that this is your original idea and your original work. Using someone else's patterns to create something with fabric you've purchased takes time, effort, and skill, but it's not necessarily what we're looking for in an applicant.
Quality. This should go without saying, but there it is. We don't just want to bring funky things to the people, we want to bring them high quality funky things.
Jewelry and beauty product vendors: unfortunately, due to the high number of both jewelry and beauty product applications for each show, the bar is a little higher in these categories. This means you really need to make your work stand out from the rest.
Clear, concise applications with all the required fields filled out. Make sure you spell check and answer clearly and truthfully about yourself and your work (didn't make the t-shirt your work is printed on? Don't pretend that you did). Photos must be submitted with the online application and not emailed separately.
Show us your best stuff
When it comes to judging applications, photos are almost everything. You may have the most amazing product and have written the most amazing description of it, but if we can't get a good feel for what you make when we look at the photo, well - it's unlikely we'll vote you in. We know that not everyone is a professional photographer, but there are some things you can do to make sure we see your work in its best light.
Here are things to consider when choosing photos:
Is the photo clear, well-lit, and in focus?
Does this photo best represent my work? Can the jury take one look at it and say, "Yes. They make that thing and it looks good. We want to see this in the show."
Things to avoid:
Pets and children and extra backgrounds or props. Unless you're selling products for pets and children, they're a distraction. So if it's not for them, kick Fluffy or the kiddo out of the frame and take the shot.
Items you don't plan on selling. That's great that you make other beautiful things, but save it for your Instagram if you aren't planning on bringing it to the show. We need to see what you plan on selling on the day of the show for us to properly jury your work. Otherwise, we accept and promote you based on work that won't be for sale at the show.
Fortunately for you, there are some great guides on how product photography. Check out Etsy's ultimate photography guide for just about everything you need to know on how to take photos that help sell your work (to juries like us and to customers if you're on Etsy).
Due to the number of applications we need to review, it is essential that your product photography is uploaded with your application. We're unable to review applications without photography. If your photos are too large to upload with our application, there are free online tools such as Pixlr that can help you resize.
Other stuff to consider
How do I apply?
Applications are available online twice a year. High quality photos are required to be submitted with the application. We do not accept any late applications, so plan accordingly - technology has a way of failing at 11:59pm on a due date.
Can I share a table with a friend?
Unfortunately, no. Each vendor must submit their own application for their own table. You and your friend can apply together with a collaborative and cohesive idea for selling products together, but you will be treated as one "business" applying for one table space.
Can I submit my application under more than one category?
No. Only one category per artist. It's up to you to decide which category best describes your work.
I've been making something new since I submitted my application - can I sell it at the show?
Yes, but please contact us and have it approved prior to the show. Any new work should be cohesive with your original application (ex. don't ask to sell jewelry if we've accepted you for your hand knit hats unless you've started to hand knit jewelry).
How does the jury decide who gets in?
With great difficulty! We receive over twice as many applications as we have tables. We literally can't accept everyone that we would like to accept and hard choices are made. This is especially true for popular categories. We may love all the jewelry or beauty product applicants, but we can't accept them all or else it would be a jewelry or beauty product show (which would be cool to shop at, but it's not what we do).
If you're not accepted, its not personal and there's a good chance we liked what you made but ran out of space. Please apply again!
Is there a wait list?
Sometimes! We'll ask you if you're interested in being on our wait list when you are notified about the jury's decision.
How big are tables?
We offer each accepted vendor a 6ft table with two chairs. You can make special requests (ex. "I need to be near an electrical outlet"), but we can't guarantee we'll be able to fulfill all requests. If you choose, you can bring your own table or display that doesn't require a table, however this doesn't change the cost to be a part of the show. Show fees are for the space, not the table itself.
How much is a table and how do I pay?
Payments of $100 for your space are due after you've been accepted. There is a deadline for payments and a late payment or failure to pay may mean you are removed from the show. We are no longer accepting cheques. If something comes up and you think you'll be late with your payment, contact us ASAP and we'll see what we can do.
Can someone else sell my stuff for me at the show?
No, part of what makes our show special is that when you shop at Stitch n' Kitsch, you get to meet the maker. You can have someone help you at your table, but you also need to be there throughout the day. Having said that, things happen and if you can't make it at the last minute, contact us and we can make a decision on a case by case basis.
Any other questions?