A brief history
We've been doing our separate crafty ventures for several years, but it wasn't until we became active online that we began to realize how many other cool, hip, crafters and artists there were in Chicago looking for a chance to share their items in a large, public market. We wanted to create a Chicago-centric show that would give many people their first opportunity at being a vendor, including ourselves. In 2003, we did just that. We had such an amazing time and got such great feedback from people that we decided to throw another show in 2004. In 2005 we made it even bigger. 2006 was also a huge success. This year we hope you're interested in joining us either as a vendor, volunteer, or visitor. The more the merrier, so tell your friends.
Thanks,
Chicago Craft Mafia
Craftifesto
The DIY Trunk Show Craftifesto: The Power is in Your Hands!The DIY Trunk Show is an annual event that brings the best of the Chicago area's alternative craft community to the people.
We believe:
Craft is powerful. We want to show the depth and breadth of the Chicago crafting community. Anything you want—clothing, jewelry, art, music—you can probably get from a real live person here in Chicago. And buying handmade, one-of-a-kind goods from your neighbor kicks the ass of buying mass-produced, slave-made corporate stuff.
Craft is personal. To know that something was made by hand, by someone who cares that you like it, makes that object much more enjoyable. And it makes you feel less lonely when you realize that you know the name of the person who made the bar of soap you use, the earrings you wore when you met that special someone, or the scarf that kept you from freezing while you waited for the train.
Craft is political. We're not just trying to sell stuff. We're trying to change the world. We want everyone to rethink corporate culture and consumerism.
Craft is possible. Everybody can create something—you don't have to be an established business to make stuff. The DIY Trunk Show encourages new crafters by giving them a place to sell their work for the first time. We hold workshops to teach people how to make things. And we're creating friendships and connections between crafters‹being a small business owner doesn't mean you have to work in isolation.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Who can participate?
Almost anyone who makes their own stuff. This is a Do-It-Yourself themed show, so we’d like people to be selling items they’ve made or designed. Entrepreneurs are cool people, but this isn’t the venue for Tupperware. Sorry. That said, first choice will go to Chicago area artists and crafters. While we love all our crafty cousins located all over the world, it is Chicago in November. We'd hate for you to end up in a snowstorm an hour away and not make it to the show. Our rule of thumb is that if you must be about a five hour drive from the city.
What if I've just started my business?
We’ll also be setting aside a handful of slots for first-time vendors, crafty newbies, and folks who are transitioning from being a hobbyist to an entrepreneur. This is the place to build your dreams.
What types of crafts will you accept?
We're trying to get a wide variety of items so we aren't too choosy, however, if you've read the Craftifesto, you should realize that we're not the venue for handpainted ceramic angels, snowman poop, wooden geese on a stick for putting in your yard, etc. If you think of yourself as "K"ountry, and if you spell craft with a "K", this probably isn't the right venue for your goods. And while we'd love to say that folks who make 24 karat gold jewelry with precious stones are welcome, understand that our audience is a bit more into vinyl cuffs than tennis bracelets. If you have any doubts about whether your items will fit with our market, feel free to email: diytrunkshow@gmail.com.
We have a few categories that we divide people into based on their descriptions and photographs. The categories are: Jewelry, Accessories, Clothing/baby stuff, Body Care, Housewares, Paper goods/journals, and Other (pet stuff, zines, art, music). We will be dividing the 95 vendor spaces among these categories.
How much does it cost? How do I send in payment?
If you pay by check or money order, the cost is $50. Please make out the check to Cinnamon Cooper and mail it to: PO Box 668 / Evanston, IL 60204-0668
If you’d like to use a credit card, you’re welcome to use PayPal. Since they charge us for each transaction, the cost will be $52.50. Login to PayPal, and using the "send money" feature, send $52.50 to chicago@diytrunkshow.com
Can I share a table/space?
Sure. The more the merrier. But we’d prefer it if you found a partner yourself. If you can’t find someone to share, then send us an email and we’ll post a request on the site. But, we’ll need a questionnaire from each person who is participating. If you could list your space-buddy on the questionnaire it will help us stay organized. If you decide after the vendors are chosen that you can't fill the space and want to share, drop us a line and we'll explain your options.
What if I don’t have my own table or chair?
We'll be renting tables separately, but it's only $10. They measure 6’x3’ rectangular. The tables aren’t pretty, so we’d recommend bringing your own cover or tablecloth. When you show up the day of the show, your table will already be in your space so you won't have to lug it in, well worth $TBA we think. We will make 1 chair available per booth. Extras can be taken if you want them and the park district has them. If you have fold up chairs you might want to bring one. Or a pillow, cause folding metal chairs aren't very comfy.
What is the photo and description for?
Particpants will be listed in the Particpants section which will let visitors know who will be displaying and selling their wares. If you have photo editing software, make the image 390 pixels wide minimum, height doesn't matter. If you don’t, send me what you have and I’ll edit it to size for you. I will try to edit your descriptions for grammar and spelling, but please copy-edit it before you send it to us.
Have you ever done this before? Are you making money off of this?
This is the sixth show, and the second time The Chicago Craft Mafia has organized something of this magnitude. The last four years’ shows were hugely successful and we couldn’t help but want to do it again. In the past Amy and Cinnamon organized a show without earning a profit. This year there is likely to be a bit of a profit and The Chicago Craft Mafia will be putting that into their general fund to be used to put on other shows or plan other events that benefit Chicago's crafting community. But you won't be paying more than $5 for that to happen so don't think we're fleecing you, cause that's just not our style.
What if something happens and I can’t make it? Will I get my money back?
Since all the money will be spent before the big day, we won’t be able to refund anyone’s money. But, we’re willing to help you find a replacement by posting a request on the site. If you know ahead of time you will NOT be able to make, let us know and we’ll try to find a replacement for you. No promises.
Will I get time to set-up or tear down?
We've extended the hours of this year's show. We are renting the room beginning at 9am and ending at 7pm. We’ll advertise that the show begins at 10am and ends at 5pm. Do not arrive before 9am to set up or we'll be charged by the park district. We HAVE to be out of the building by 6pm. We did great at this last year so we know it’s possible.
What does my admission fee cover?
We’ll be advertising in a variety of local print and online media. There will be posters and postcards distributed around the city by us and hopefully you. We’ll also be plugging the show on every local website we can think of. If you have any ideas, feel free to pass them along to us, or plug it yourself. Once we announce the winners we'll have a web banner for you to download and put on your site if you like.
What are my responsibilities for helping to get the word out?
If you have a website, we'll ask you to mention the show. We'll mail you a stack of about 30-50 postcards and ask you to either mail them to your mailing list or place in a cool spot or two where shoppers might find them. If you live in town we'll mail you 5 posters and ask you to put them up around town. This is a DIY-style show which means that we need you to help get the word out. Part of the reason we're able to keep the cost so low is because we scrimp on advertising. We've had great success relying on everyone who is a vendor or a friend of the show to help get the word out.
What does the space look like?
Videos of the different rooms and the exterior/interior of the building can be viewed here.
What about collecting sales tax or having to have a business license?
Ah, yes! Anytime you’re going to be selling something to the public, the state of Illinois requires you to have a state tax ID number and requires you to collect sales tax. As far as we know there won’t be anyone collecting this tax at the show which means you’ll be required to pay it on your own. You’ll receive a letter from the state at the end of December which you’ll have to fill out and write out a check to pay sales tax you collect at the show. To get the correct forms to fill out, select the first form in the center column. If you have a PC you can fill it out online.
How can we contact you?
Our email address is .
If you want to mail a check or photos, the address is:
DIY Trunk Show
PO Box 668
Evanston IL 60204-0668
There are comments for many sections of the website, feel free to use this feature. While this is a one day event, we’re hoping to create a friendly environment. We made several friends in previous years and would love to see that happen for everyone involved.
