Top Vending Tips from Reclaimed A Candle Company's Ashley Paschke

Saturday, May 24, 2014
We've got so many incredible vendors lined up for Arts on the Square.  Ashley from Reclaimed A Candle Company's merchandise presentation is literally a work of art in itself. Check out some of her top tips to make your vending experience a great success.
Don't forget, there is still time to apply to be a vendor at Arts on the Square! 
Top Tips
Make your little space feel welcoming.  Create a space where people will feel welcomed and want to linger for awhile.  I love using small pieces of furniture and rugs to define my space and make it feel homey.
Bring lots of product.  You want your table to look full at all times...no one wants to feel like they only have the items that no one else wanted to chose from.  

Hand out as many cards as you can.  People will admire your work but may not buy anything.  Don't be discouraged...hand them your card and thank them for their kind words.  Your kindness will encourage them to contact you at a later time to purchase something from you.  
Make friends with the other vendors around you.  Over the past two years, I have created friendship with those I have been placed next to at a show.  Offer to watch their booth if they need a quick break, share your snacks and enjoy some laughs with them!  

Don't take yourself too seriously.  Enjoy yourself!  You get to spend the day on beautiful and historic Courthouse Square in your (o.k. really it is MY) favorite city in PA! Chat with those around you and share the passion you have for the pieces you have worked so hard to create.  No one likes a sour puss!
Bring snacks and water.  Last year was packed and you may not be able to sneak away to grab something (ScrantonMade has the reputation of throwing bigger and better events then the one previous so be prepared to stay busy all day!)

What do you love most about Arts on the Square?
I don't know if I can pinpoint what I loved most about AOTS last year.  It could be the snack station they set up for all us overworked, under-slept and hungry vendors.  It could have been the fantastic vendors they hand picked to be a part of the event.  Or how about the amazing crowd they attracted with all the press material.  The ladies of ScrantonMade sure know how to put together an event.  

The whole day was filled with fun shoppers who were not afraid to express their love and enthusiasm for your creations.  Many will even track you down later to buy from you again!  Courthouse Square was the perfect location for this event.  Scranton is full of grassroots and what a better place to showcase all of the talent that is coming out of this town.  We felt so welcomed by the community and you don't always feel that way at shows.

Find out more about Reclaimed A Candle Company:



Don't Miss Out! Last Call for Applications for Arts on the Square

Wednesday, May 21, 2014


Did you get your application in yet?  Don't miss out on being a part of the largest arts festival in Lackawanna County.   See what our returning vendors have to say about Arts on the Square here

Applications can be found on the event website or by emailing us at vendors@scrantonmade.com. 


AOTS Returning Vendor's Top Tips & Testimonials

Monday, May 19, 2014
Arts on the Square is fast approaching and we already have sooo many return vendors….We feel LOVED and oh-so-grateful!  Over the next few weeks we’ll be sharing Top Tips from some of our returning vendors who always go above & beyond.   They’ve also shared some very kind words about why they are returning to Arts on the Square ( and we’re blushing... ).

Annie Cadden of Fisher Cat Fiber Company, Bethel Woods, NY
What is your Top Tip for new vendors?
Good signage and clear pricing are a must! Customers like to know what the item costs without having to ask. Tell them how it’s made, that's what they are buying along with the finished product.
Why have you decided to return to Arts on the Square?
I LOVE Scranton, it's a city with a neighborhood feel!  As a vendor, last year's AOTS was a great opportunity for networking, meeting new friends, fellow artisans and making valuable connections.  The team at ScrantonMade are super friendly, organized and go above and beyond with their hospitality. We're looking forward to our day on the Square this year!
Follow Fisher Cat Fiber Co

Aubrey McClintock of A Daily Obsession, Scranton, PA
What is your Top Tip for new vendors?
Smile! This one is easy for me, because I am happy to be participating and I totally enjoy what I do! And I tend to smile quite a bit anyway! There are plenty of reasons smiling is important and beneficial, but to put it simply: smiling people are easy to approach, less intimidating, and they look like they are having fun--so wouldn't you be interested in why they are so happy? And, of course, it is easier to smile if you are not stressed about having enough change, needing to use the restroom, or hungry and/or thirsty ;)
Why have you decided to return to Arts on the Square?
There are so many things I loved about AOTS:
It was so well organized, marketed, and planned. There was plenty of communication too. I also feel that the handmade community, makers, artists, musicians, etc are truly appreciated by ScrantonMade. I know such an event takes a massive amount of planning, time, gnashing of teeth, asking for help and favors, and even more time. After the first two events, I think the community really trusts ScrantonMade, knows the caliber of the events they organize, and is looking forward to more events in the future.
That it takes place right smack in downtown Scranton, which I think is such a great location surrounded by fabulous old buildings. I have a total soft spot for Scranton and am proud to live in the area.
The marketing hit a target demographic  that is underserved in the Scranton area, but definitely a growing segment of the population. To me, it is our Scranton version of a Renegade, Art Star, or Crafty Supermarket. Located in NEPA, I think many people could go to NY or Philly for this type of an event, and it is great to have one right here at home. Plus, I think most people had no idea Scranton had so much to offer, and the cohesiveness and professionalism of the events has given a credibility to the craft/art/handmade scene in our area.
That there is so much going on, so you can easily make a day of it: craft vendors, art activities, music and entertainment, food trucks!
All in all, it was a great event and a super positive sales experience. :)
Follow A Daily Obsession: 

Thank you Annie & Aubrey for helping to make Arts on the Square such a great event! 

Announcing ScrantonMade's We Love Our Vendors Giveaway Series!

Sunday, May 4, 2014

We're so excited to announce our We Love Our Vendors Giveaway Series.  From now until the end of May, we will be running a series of giveaways exclusively for Arts on the Square vendors.  All vendors are eligible to win great prizes from our sponsors.  Haven't applied to Arts on the Square yet?  Get your applications in soon to secure your spot and the chance to win! 


Our First Giveaway:  Totally Rad's RadLab  
Our friends over at Totally Rad have generously donated their most popular set of stylets, RadLab (a $149 value), to one lucky vendor. Here at ScrantonMade, we use Totally Rad for business and personal photography.  





So what exactly is Radlab?  Radlab is a Photoshop Filter plugin that offers a fast + easy way to edit and filter your photos.  RadLab's 80+ stylets can be layered to create the perfect combination for your image. From basic edits to eye-catching color to stunning black and whites, RadLab has everything you need to make your photography stand out.





What programs does RadLab work with?  You can use Radlab with Photoshop and Photoshop Elements. 



RadLab Recipe: Lights Out + Rumpus + Go, Go Saturation
Remember, Arts on the Square spots are filling up fast.  Get your application here!    

Special thanks to Totally Rad for sponsoring our first 
We Love our Vendors Giveaway!




Hey Foodtruckers, Arts on the Square wants you!

Thursday, May 1, 2014

Applications are now available for food truck and food cart vendors for Arts on the Square!