Gussying up my Umbrella ideas...

Currently I am using a large dark green patio table umbrella for my "booth'. It was quite a challenge to figure out a weight system that would keep it free standing. I eventally bought a granite slab (40 lbs) from a Home Improvement store and then put a 50 lb bag of gravel into a plain pillow case to add more weight. My work table goes right next to it.
Now - I am required to submit photos of my booth for some shows and I really need ideas ( or examples from others who use an umbrella) as how to make the whole set up look attractive. I am thinking of adding bunches of colorful tulle along the edges of the umbrella an maybe hand lettering a banner that says" FACE PAINTING' so as to be seen from a distance. Got any suggestions?
THen I am debating a table cloth (black ? or pretty print?) . SUggestions either way?
Then I am toying iwth attaching wide swaths of fabric (drapes, shower curtain or colorful print fabric) to one or two of the umbrella sections but that may just hide me too much or blow in the breeze to much. I guess I thought drapes on an edge would provide more shade and rain guard.
Any pictures for fueling my creative juices would be great. WIll attach a pic of my 'street set up' from last weekend....Or should I break down and buy a tent?
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Thanks in advance!

I would encourage you to break down and buy a tent.
However, what about a multicoloured flag bunting that goes around the perimeter of the umbrella/ tent?? and/or table?? They are relatively simple to construct and you can use a variety of colours that appeal to boys and girls alike.

does that mean u lug around 90 pounds of rock ( between granit and the bag of rocks) to keep your umbrella stable?....id think a pop up tent would be alot easier too... but i looked online and found a website of an artist that paints umbrellas maybe something will insipre you....
http://www.paintmisbehavin7.com/wst_page5.php

I'd 2nd/3rd the call to buy a tent. A bit of wind/rain/sun from the wrong direction can spoil a great event - we're talking dust in the paint, melted paints. rain or drizzle on the kids and waiting parents. Plus that sounds like a lot of weight to lug. A tent you can peg it in an tie it off and its sweet. I did the farmers marked under an unmbrella that they provided the other day because i was too lazy to put up my gazebo but I just couldn't get the signage and decor "popping" to my satisfaction. Plus the type of events that want pics are often pretty strict on tent size, decoration, table cloths etc.

I have an umbrella that came with a heavy weighted base, as well as a tent. I have used my umbrella on numerous ocassions with no issue...(obviously checking to see if there are to be strong winds, or gusts beforehand).

Thanks for the suggestions. I would love to see a photo of a face painters set up using an umbrella.....It is easy for me to carry and pack in my Civic.

Hi aussiemarie,
Somewhere in here, there are pictures of set up by colorful faces....(I think!) the member (if not colorful faces ) posted a link to a slide show of her set up and I'm sure she used umbrellas. I think the post was more regarding her glorious fatmax set up though! lol!!

Hey Krist10, I will search. Daisy, a member, uses an umbrella too, but her set up is very stylish and simple. She is a supreme fine artist and can probably paint, sketch, draw ANYTHING so fp may not be her main business. THe set up was neat and attractive.
I will search for colorful faces...I am leaning toward some simple white flagging strips to add to the edge of the umbrella... My own business is so small I need to hold off on investing in a tent.
BTW, I lived in Victoria from '85-90. Love Australia, and barrick for the Lions (Fitzroy).

I have been thinking about going the umbrella route as well- mostly because, like you I have a tiny car and get tired of the tetris required to bring along the whole sha-bang! I found this on amazon- it's a screen that goes around the umbrella-(also comes in black which looks snazy but more expensive) It would have a lovely look pulled back with some nice big bows. AND it would help define your space- keep folks from forming the line in nine different directions. Also, if you go to gotprint.com, they have 2ftx4ft banners for just $16. You can have one made up to hang right across the front of your table. Your buisness cards are green and white, so if you get a green table cloth too you will be all matchy-matchy.

[url=http://www.amazon.com/Garden-Creations-JB5442-Umbrella-Screen/dp/B0027A4PAC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1307301158&sr=8-2

aussiemarie wrote:Thanks for the suggestions. I would love to see a photo of a face painters set up using an umbrella.....It is easy for me to carry and pack in my Civic.

my umbrella velcros to my chair...and i have clamp on it too....however, if the wind comes up ...the umbrella its self will buckel....then again i am sure the tent is going to fly up too..lol...