Elegant Displays That Won't Break the Bank

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in the ShesSoWitte Queen Bee Boutique!  Or should I say Winter? This year I decided to decorate with design elements that take me through February 1st (which traditionally produces immediate guilt for still having Christmas decorations out.) Historically the first quarter of the year is my busiest time, so I didn't want to have to change out displays until spring. 

I used white garland to wrap strands of white lights and draped it around the mirror. It's gorgeous at night. So cozy. 

One of my goals is to create beautiful displays while making sure my jewelry is easy to access. Some customers may be shy about asking you to remove a piece from a display, and some feel more obligation than desire once the salesperson is involved. I've found that if they can pick it up, see the price, and try it on without asking for assistance, they're more likely to buy.  (Always stand by to listen for questions and watch for cues that they want assistance.)  So to combine beauty and ease of access, I've become adept at repurposing thrift shop finds to create pretty AND functional displays.

  

This is an old brass coat rack with 7 swivel arms, each of which holds two necklaces - longer ones to the back and shorter ones in front.  Everything is easy to see, and it doesn't feel wrong to remove something to try it on.  

This is one of a pair of brass candlesticks that never sat straight. No matter what, they wobbled. But screw them into the wall and add a 1980's clip earring to the end and you have an elegant hook upon which to hang a couple necklaces and a coordinating bracelet!  

One of the most useful decorating skills I've learned is how to tear apart old lamps.  The most hideous $1 yard sale lamp can provide parts that make a gorgeous display element.  Take the spinning stand above, for instance.  The arms and the top are old chandelier parts.  The base and stem are repurposed candlestick pieces and everything is secured on a lamp pipe with a large screw and a hex nut. Proof positive that you don't have to spend a fortune to create elegant displays!

Presentation is Everything

Create a crisp neutral pallet and vertical displays for maximum exposure.

I just wrapped up a successful show at the White Mule Winery this weekend, and wanted to share some of my thoughts and little lessons learned, while they're fresh in my mind. One of my favorite sayings is "presentation is everything" and it certainly paid off for this show. 

This was the first show that I had done in two years so I had to build my displays from scratch. Thankfully, I had my boutique displays to pull from, but I needed to make everything fit within an 8ft x 8ft space, keeping as much as possible at eye level with easy access to the jewelry. If they can't see it, hold it, and try it on, you're not going to sell it.  

If they can't pick it up and try it on, it's going home with you. 

I posted my prettiest decorated mannequin at the front of my display area where she would attract the immediate attention of shoppers as they entered the venue.  In the back right corner of my display, I placed another winged dress form to draw them into the booth. 

A pretty mannequin posted in front draws passing customers' attention to your booth.

The tall display in the back right corner draws customers INTO your booth.

I used an old oak library card catalog box as a base for my center display. It held two leatherette bracelet trays perfectly with enough extra space for pre-packaged sterling charms. Atop this section, I used an antique Waltham watch parts cabinet with three of the drawers pulled out in tiers. It was a great fit for the leather cuffs. Next was an old wooden crate which held a stand mirror. I hung several long layering necklaces along the sides of the crate. I changed this a bit for the show, adding two small metal file drawers to hold the ring trays and raise the display to an even better height. 

At the last minute, I decided to add a small display of the tools and materials I use to  create my jewelry. It really brought home the nature of handmade to my customers and added value to my pieces. 

I discovered that signage is a must to direct attention once customers are actually in the booth. Well-placed, succinct signage added interest to items that may have otherwise been overlooked. 

What would I change? I think in the future I would like to use jewelry rolls to transport necklaces for easier travel, and more large plastic tubs to carry display pieces. The toughest part of my display is lugging the heavy crocks around, but I think what they add to the ambiance of the presentation is worth it. Now to post all the new items to my Etsy shop!