Celebrating 10 years of Handmade

Posted on 5 October, 2018

When Julie Nichols launched the Canberra Handmade Market at Albert Hall 10 years ago, there were 36 vendors and it was a one-day event with one aim: to celebrate all things beautiful, local and handmade.

“I was quite nervous on the day and I think we got around 2,000 people, which is a pretty strong turnout for a first-time event, so I knew we were probably onto something,” remembers Julie.

To say she was right would be an understatement. Fast-forward to today and “Handmade,” as it’s fondly known, has become so popular it’s expanded to a two-day event with 265 vendors, a 600+ vendor waitlist and crowds reaching a whopping 20,000 (and up to 33,000 at their three-day annual Christmas markets.)

The very first Handmade Markets at Albert Hall.

The market swiftly outgrew Albert Hall, The Yarralumla Woolshed, the Kamberra Wine Company and even the National Convention Centre, before finding a (much larger) home at Exhibition Park. Each market sees a devoted crowd eagerly perusing the unique stalls on offer including homewares, gifts, fashion, accessories and gourmet food.

Ahead of the event’s October market, which will mark its 10^th birthday, Julie says she’s pinching herself at how far Handmade has come.

“I did think it would be successful although not to the extent it was on that very first day and certainly not what it is today,” she says.

“I love that we are the biggest and most successful indoor handmade (and only Australian made) market in Australia. We have won multiple awards from The Telstra Business Awards to ACT Tourism awards.

“We love watching businesses grow and do well and we love being part of that process for them. It allows everyone—from the closet crafter hobbies to those wanting to wholesale—to sell or open their own stores. We also love being able to help local charities raise money and contribute over $80,000 a year.”

Founder of Handmade Julie Nichols, centre, with Debbie Power and Caroline Leevers

To celebrate their milestone, Handmade have invited 10 designers to create a limited edition item that customers can only buy at the event.

“We have also designed a reusable shopping bag with a Canberra theme, and will be giving away a $100 gift card to spend at the market every hour,” Julie says.

Appearing at the October market is Lisa Barrett, whose bespoke homewares business Tango and James has been a vendor at Handmade since the very start.

Lisa says the event has been a welcome launch pad for designers wanting to take their business to the next level.

Tango and James

“My business began with handmade textile based jewellery and handbags and has gradually moved toward my niche, with homewares and upholstered chairs in the same bold, colourful signature style,” Lisa says.

“Now, Handmade Market is—for me—equally valued as exhibition and sales, with enough new custom orders rolling in each market to keep me quite busy until the next.”

Another business that has gone from strength to strength since becoming a vendor at Handmade is Look Mama!, run by Gillian Worrell.

Gillian remembers attending the second market as a shopper and applying for her greeting card business to become a vendor for market number three—and the rest is history.

Look Mama!

“Now, 10 years later, the market has spurred us on to diversify into badges and magnets and most recently marvellous mugs,” she says.

“We’ve also had stickers and notebooks and framed images on offer. Pretty much anything we came up with Julie has been full of enthusiasm and lets us give it a go.

“As a result of the contacts made through the market we have gone on to stock in outlets in Canberra, Melbourne and Brisbane as well as develop several online selling platforms.

“The satisfaction derived from connecting with people and having a laugh is immeasurable…it really makes our day.”

the essentials

What: Handmade Market October 2018
When: 20 and 21 October. Doors open at 10am and close at 4pm
Where: EPIC Exhibition Park
Entry: Free but donations to charity collectors are encouraged
Web: handmadecanberra.com.au

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