Giant Spools of Thread or The Way to Get Noticed at an Exhibition

Back in the spring I was trying to figure out how to make my booth at the Creativ Festival in Toronto really stand out.  My dad and I had a discussion on the matter that went something like this:

Myself:  I really don't just want a table with stuff on it in my booth.  I really want to catch people's eye so they take a second look.

My Dad:  Well, you also want something that is easy to move and transport.  (Dad the Practical comes to the rescue with that suggestion).

Myself:  Right, well I was going to try and make my booth look like a living room.

Dad:  That won't fit in the truck.

Myself:  Oh yeah.  Let me think about it.

(Myself has a shower.  Myself always gets the best ideas in the shower)

Myself:  Dad, I just had an idea to create some giant spools of thread to use as plinths to display my dolls (drip, drip goes my hair).

Dad:  That would work.  We could build them out of sono-tubes (said without blinking and eye or raising an eyebrow - my dad and I think in the same sort of weird way).

So off we go to the building centre to buy sono-tubes.  We cut them up into artistically pleasing lengths.  I buy Dad a new router bit to make the wooden tops and bottoms.  Then I depart Canada to return to my my hubby and home in England.

The giant thread spool dialogue continues via overseas telecommunications.  The sono-tubes get painted and the wooden tops and bottoms get made, by my dad.

Then, I arrive back in Canada just prior to the exhibition to apply large scale yarn to the tubes and help Dad to attach the wooden tops and bottoms.  And dudes, those humble sono-tubes so looked like huge spools of thread.

My jumbo sized sewing display made people stop and comment even when we were carrying them in the hallways - they were pretty eye catching.  It also made me feel like I was a giant's assistant or something with one of those babies slung over my shoulder!

 

Luckily my super-sized spools did not detract from my tiny dolls.  All my dolls had so many compliments that they are all going to have egos the size of the spools they're sitting on, I tell ya, there is just no living with these wee cloth girls at the moment!

I even had a fun way for people to picture themselves as a doll maker.

Here's Ann Campbell, my mum's best friend and my adopted "Auntie Ann" showing how its done.

My friend Jen Edgar (Ann's daughter, actually) of Eucalan fame lent me her support (and her head).  If you missed my free Eucalan Bottle Doll Tutorial the first time, you can check it out by clicking the link.

I even met up with someone I haven't seen in a long time.  Stephanie Dixon, beader, teacher, blogger and bling-maker was teaching at the Creativ Festival.  I first met Stephanie when she was working at York University while I was taking my degeree in Theatre Design.  Now, Stephanie is one of only 35 people worldwide who represent Swarovski crystal as an "Ambassador".  I wonder if she gets diplomatic ammunity?  Ya think?  The right to bling at will, perhaps?

Stephanie posed with my mum Kitty Babcock and I in the booth. 

I had the good fortune to meet a whole lot of super cool people the weekend of the Creativ Festival.  Thank you to everyone who came, looked at dolls, bought patterns, took classes and made me feel so welcome.

But the biggest thanks must go to the two biggest rockstars I know - my mum and dad. 

Dad made giant thread spools, packed the truck, stood in the booth, sold patterns, fetched food and never complained.

Mum helped me look up prices, find flooring, made up kits, priced kits, drove the truck, stood in the booth, talked to endless people, sold patterns and never complained.

If we got to choose our parents, I'd definitely choose the ones I already have.  You couldn't ask for more support, humour and love. Thank you Mum and Dad.  I will forever be your groupie, cause I don't think there is anyone else with more star-quality than you!

PS.  If you live near Southwestern Ontario and want some giant thread spool plinths for use at an exhibition or for your shop window, I'm selling mine.  Just email me for more details.  We'll even deliver if you are in the Ingersoll, Woodstock, or London Ontario area. 

Comments

[Rebecca Ward @ Heart Shaped Pebbles]

They look absolutely fantastic - a hundred times better than just a table! I bet you made lots of others v.jealous! They also make the whole display feel like you've entered into this imaginary crafty world - love it. What with you and your giant spools and me with my massive knitting needles... this could be a whole new concept!?!?

[Shashi]

Your booth looks lovely! Glad to know you had a great time

[Mary Ann]

Actually I didn't notice the spools at first because I was more interested in the dolls...sorry. Your mum is such a lovely lady and we had a nice chat about your dolls and your patterns:) As I was walking away and looked back I saw them. They were brilliant. A really great idea and very appropriate to the theme of the show.

[Colleen]

Thanks Leanne. I'm so glad that you liked my booth. It's too bad we weren't able to meet in person at the show. I have no plans to return to the Creativ Festival in the future, so hopefully we will meet at some other event or class.

[Leanne]

Your booth was beautiful! I was so sorry to miss this year's event, but maybe next time!