How to I become a member?
CRAFT: a creative community is not a membership-based group, meaning you do not pay a fee to join. It is a Nashville chain of Arts and Crafts Events. We offer a mailing list to those of you would like to receive our call for vendors for upcoming events. Email: craft.a.creative.community@gmail.com if you would like to be added.
When and where are your events held?
Our 2008 events are the first sunday March - November in the parking lot of the Lipstick Lounge, located at 1400 Woodland Ave - the corner of 14th and Woodland. Hours are 11AM - 5 PM.
If an event is cancelled on account of weather, it will be rescheduled for the following Sunday. In the event of weather-related cancellation, we will do our best to alert you as quickly as possible. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE GIVEN ORGANIZERS A PHONE NUMBER TO REACH YOU!
Is it an outside event?
Yes.
When do calls for vendors go out?
The calls go out the Monday after the event.
Can I sign up for events prior to the call going out?
No, in order to avoid confusion we have sign-up one event at a time.
How big is a booth space?
10 feet x 10 feet. These can be shared. If you don't know anyone to share with, post your request on the Google group.
How much and when do I need to pay?
The current booth fee is $10 if paid by check, and $11 if paid via PayPal.
You do not send payment until you receive confirmation that there is booth space available.
Fees need to be paid the Wednesday before the event. Unless payment arrangements have been made with CRAFT, if your fee is not in by that date, you will NOT have a booth in the event, and your space will be offered to those on the waiting list.
Note this fee is subject to change at any time.
Is there electricity?
No, sorry.
What happens if I have paid for an event and then cannot participate?
As long as you have given at least 48-hours notice, your payment can be used as a credit, but you MUST give notice to receive and use your credit.
What happens if I pay for an event, but can't participate and do NOT give 48 hours notice?
1) Your fee is forfeit and is not transferable as credit for another event.
2) If you have two "no-shows" without notice within the year, the next time you apply for space, you will automatically go to the waiting list. Because the demand for spaces greatly exceeds the spaces available, we simply cannot tolerate no-shows. It is not fair to other members.
Does CRAFT: a creative community help set up or provide displays, i.e. table, tent?
No, this is a vendor's responsibility. Again, if you need to find display materials, ask on the Google group. Our members have good advice on what works best, and where to get the best deals.
Is CRAFT: a creative community responsible for taxes?
No, this is a vendors responsibility.
Where can I find the form and promotional printouts if I have deleted my email?
These items can always be found on our Google group:
http://groups.google.com/group/craftacreativecommunity
Where is CRAFT: a creative community on the web?
Website: www.craftacreativecommunity.com
Myspace: www.myspace.com/craft_creative_community
Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/craftacreativecommunity
Flickr group: http://www.flickr.com/groups/craftacreativecommunity
Blog: www.craftacreativecommunity.blogspot.com
How can I get a link on the CRAFT website?
Once you have shown with the group, email our webmistress at jbelindayandell@yahoo.com with your information.
What about events at the Nashville Farmer's Market?
In 2007, CRAFT coordinated an event at the Nashville Farmer's Market.
In 2008, the Nashville Farmer's Market will have monthly events start up in May that they will be coordinating; however CRAFT will assist only with sending out their calls to vendors and promotional material - once the information is sent out, which is coming soon, a interested vendor should contact the Nashville Farmer's Market directly.
What do I need to do as a member to support CRAFT?
CRAFT is a cooperative, meaning it is run by the members. We ask that you do whatever you can to help us continue. Remember, when you support CRAFT, you are supporting your own business!
1. Post information and links on your website, myspace page, etsy page, blog -- wherever you can. Banners and links are available for your use.
2. Email friends, family, coworkers -- whoever you know that would not be offended by such emails -- about events. Ask them to spread the word to as many people as possible.
3. Pick up posters and cards and post them in as many places as possible. Many business will hang our posters if you just ask. Your neighborhood library, YMCA, church and other civic organizations have community bulletin boards. Hang one in your office breakroom, your spouse's office, your grocery store; leave cards at your doctor's or hairdresser's. Put on in the rear window of your car! Email poster PDFs to friends and ask that they post in their offices, doctor's, etc. THIS IS A CRUCIAL PART OF ADVERTISING OUR EVENTS AND BRINGING IN AS MANY PATRONS AS POSSIBLE.
4. Arrive for events on time, and get set up as quickly as possible. Move your vehicle out of the event area as quickly as possible so that other vendors have access. Park your vehicle as far from the event as you can, so that more space is available for patrons.
5. Be courteous and respectful of the neighbors at CRAFT events. We need their cooperative to continue.
6. Be courteous and helpful with your fellow vendors; we're all in this together!
What does CRAFT do for me?
CRAFT organizers do more than merely take your fees and assign booth spaces. If you've ever wondered what it takes to put these events together, read below:
1. CRAFT finds and negotiates for event locations that are in high traffic areas with as little overhead as possible. CRAFT also serves as clearing house for other craft event announcements.
2. Writes and sends out press releases to all local news outlets to give us as much exposure as possible. We also list CRAFT events on various events calendars, neighborhood groups and list serves.
3. Finds and negotiates for restrooms! At the Lipstick, for example, we buy toilet paper and paper towels from the convenience store in order to be allowed to use their facilities. Currently we are trying to find a better alternative.
4. Maintains, moderates and updates the Google group and other web presences.
5. Answers a LOT of email and questions, and deals with any problems that arise during events.
6. Make sure we have trash receptacles at events -- and empties them!
7. Produces and distributes posters and cards for the events as well as post them.
8. Do all this on a completely volunteer basis. At this time, no one receives pay. This is a key factor in our keeping booth fees far more affordable than many other events. This may have to change if members are not willing to step up and assist.
f you have an issue, problem or complaint, please try to communicate it in as friendly a manner as possible. Your CRAFT leaders are doing their best to accommodate everyone's needs as fairly as possible, but some things are simply beyond their control.