June 2, 2010

Surtex Booth Tour

What a whirl of fun and fanfare these past few weeks have been! I'm a bit overwhelmed with deadlines at the moment, so instead of writing a clever and entertaining narrative to accompany these "recap" posts, i'm going to rely heavily on the ol' adage that "a picture is worth a thousand words." Oh, and a truism: "If you have to set up or break-down a booth at a convention center, you can count on it to rain." You haven't heard that one? Hmm..

So here's what a booth at Surtex looks like before it's all spiffed up. It comes with walls, 3 chairs, 4 lights, and a desk — mine also came with a very helpful husband who went on a city-wide scavenger hunt for 3M picture frame hangers (yup, i bought the wrong ones). The day came with other challenges, too. For instance, that's me in the corner trying to get
our extension cords untangled:
Showing a little progress...and a lot of relief— 3M command strips in-hand
at last. Pete ended up buying every last one in every Staples store
in New York City. No joke.And now for the moment of truth...will they stick to these walls?Sweet relief, yes! Note: this is where we should have stopped for lunch.
But of course we didn't. We pressed on until it was finished and i was so happy with how it all came together:
One of my favorite parts about doing this show is having a chance to talk directly with manufacturers about some of the innovative new products they're in the process of making. I'm always inspired by the contagious enthusiasm people have for what they do, and thankful that my artwork speaks to their visions. It's this type of collaboration that keeps me wide-eyed and eager. I came out of the show with some promising opportunities that i hope to share with you...soon!

Another highlight is catching-up with fellow artists and sharing some of the challenges and successes that we've experienced over the year. Hey, we can only help each other by sharing what we've learned, right? For this reason, i was so happy to chat with several new exhibitors. Perhaps some of the mis-steps i've made can turn into stepping stones for you. Congratulations on your accomplishments already!

Finally, i couldn't have done any of this without the love, support (and patience) of my husband, Pete. Thank you for cooking dinner when my fingers were too sticky with spray mount, for tolerating my month-long "trial run" booth set-up that took over our living room, for spending 4 long days with me in an 8' x 10' space...and for keeping your sense of humor the whole time (with the exception of the 3M incedent).
Yes, this picture was taken on the last day.
Still standing, still smiling.
But we also kind of felt like this:Next up...Quilt Market recap!

27 comments:

  1. Wow Kate...your booth is amazing...I love everything! Just wondering how many Staples stores there could be in NYC too...must have been a lot of driving for those 3M hangers!!!

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  2. I love it!! Your both looks amazing. I have been so patiently waiting for this post Kate. I see some things I recognize. I am happy to see pictures of you with your husband. He looks really nice. That last picture is so cute:)

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  3. Having a booth is so much fun! You are adorable, and so is your husband.
    I'm pretty sure that the truism actually states that if you have to take down a booth, and load it in a trailer, it is going to be 90 degrees...and very humid. I could be wrong about it though.

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  4. Wow! If I walked into your booth I would have thought I died and went to heaven. Your husband sounds so much like mine... thank heaven for patience and sense of humor on their parts LOL

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  5. I LOVE your style!!! I think you are that one soul-mate designer that is going to send me over the edge when it comes to..."Do I want that new Jelly Roll, or do I NEED that new Jelly Roll!!!!
    Okay, so is that folded quilt I see the one you blogged about before?

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  6. Wow Kate! This all looks fantastic, Well worth all the hard work! That is so great that your hubby helps you out so much and is such a great support to you! Well done to both of you!!!

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  7. Wow, your booth is amazing. Wish I could have seen it in person.
    However, love all the fabric and can't wait to get my hands on it.

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  8. Everything looks so inspiring! I don't even know where to start...how about the section w/the fabric & quilts!

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  9. Hmmm...I think it rained on set-up day the last time I exhibited at Surtex. It snowed this year on set-up day in Atlanta in January! I too am blessed with a handy, patient, supportive hubby.

    Your booth & work looks great. From one pattern junkie to another ~ much success to you!

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  11. OMG Love your booth!! So beautiful and worth the hard work! I especiallyu loved the framed blocks all sweet and puffy! Also great to meet you IRL (in real life) at market! Can't wait to read your recap of it.

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  12. Your Booth looks Sensational, and you know what else looks Awesome..........Fandango!!!!!!!
    I so can't wait for the fabric to hit the stores....
    Linda

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  13. such an amazing booth Kate! I love love love all your work together in one place like that. :)

    And the framed pillowy fandango... oh wow. :)

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  14. Too many amazing sights for the eyes to take in one glance. I keep going back to the framed Fandango though. Very clever. Sarah was beside herself when she saw the photos today. She has been checking every night. So happy to see your hubby so I can put a face with a voice. I love the transition of those last two photos. So sweet.

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  15. absolutely beautiful Kate. I'm in awe.

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  16. Kate, you are absolutely my favorite designer ever, and somehow, I see you as "magical," so to picture your husband running around looking for adhesives while you get your booth ready makes me smile--you're really just like the rest of us (but still with super-power design skills)!

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  17. Your booth is gorgeous, along with your fabric!!

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  18. Your booth is fabulous! Love the pictures with your hubby. You are a cute couple! Congrats on you success. It is very deserved.

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  19. Your booth is out of this world...looks like if you and your husband can joke and laugh in tight spaces...then he is a keeper.

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  20. Hi Kate! I was there at Surtex and saw your amazing booth! I stopped by a couple of times to chat but you were really busy with visitors. I was with the group of RISD students -- I don't know if you remember that. Hopefully we will meet at Quilt Market in the fall!

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  21. Kate I am so glad I was able to chat with you at the show. Not only is your artwork outstandingly refreshing and adorable, your personalty is the same! I am soooo addicted to 3M, I buy them online. Your booth was darling! Congrats!!

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  22. Oh how could I forget to say...your husband was such a sweetie also.

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  23. This is lovely. I hope you framed the last picture. We miss you guys. Would you be available next week end, even for few hours? I'm leaving with the girls to France sooooonnn

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  24. Kate, I feel we may be long-lost sisters, because I have this EXACT SAME PHOTO with My Beloved: me exclaiming something which is met with a half-grin and raised eyebrows. Hi.lar.i.ous!

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  25. Wow! Your booth is stunning.

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  26. Awesome! Thanks for posting! I hear about Surtex, so it's cool to see your gorgeous booth! And Pete definitely has laughter in his eyes, you guys' personalities definitely match :)

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