Canberra’s best Handmade Market is on this weekend and they had us at “slow and sustainable shopping”

Posted on 28 March, 2025

In 2008, Julie Nichols had a hunch that Canberra was ready for something new – a market for Australian-made products where makers and creators could connect directly with customers.

Handmade turns 17 this year and is bigger and more popular than ever – showing “slow and sustainable shopping” is more than having its moment, it is a way of life for many.

When the gates open at Exhibition Park on Saturday 29 March at 10 am, market-goers will take their fill of beautiful, creative, and unique work, lovingly hand-made by more than 260 stall holders.

Handmade founder Julie Nichols.

Stallholders such as Sydney jeweller Melaney McCleary, whose Ant Haus range of jewellery combines one-of-a-kind designs with 100 per cent recycled materials.

For Melaney, Handmade is her favourite market experience, not only because it is profitable, but because the philosophy behind the event makes it a standout in terms of strongly vetting the quality of products and their Australian-made origins.

“Handmade gives people an opportunity to touch and feel the product, to speak directly with me about my methods and designs and for me to create an awareness about my craft,” she says.

Melaney McCleary and her jewellery designs.

“It also leads to relationships with customers for the longer-term and Julie goes to enormous effort to showcase the creators’ work on the website and social media so we often get sales long after the market day has passed. It makes us feel nurtured as artists and I always come to Handmade with new designs because I already feel inspired.”

The March market is a long way from the first Handmade in 2008, where there were just 35 stallholders at Albert Hall in 2008.

Now it is a regional drawcard and thriving, large-scale design market showcasing the best Australian-made products and 20,000-plus shoppers to each of the four markets which take place each year.

The very first Handmade Markets at Albert Hall.

“Back in 2008 I never could have imagined how large the market would grow over the next 17 years,” says Julie. “But I am so proud of the support we have received and what we have done to support small businesses in Australia!”

Another proud achievement for Julie and her team is their contribution to local charities, channelling hundreds of thousands of dollars to organisations such as Givit, Rise Above, and Dragons Abreast, to which attendees donate a gold coin instead of paying an entry fee.

While it’s always a lot of work coordinating such a big operation, Julie wouldn’t have it any other way.

“As a large-scale event run by a very small team, we work hard to bring everything together without government or event funding. With limited facilities on offer in Canberra for an event of this size, we’re constantly finding creative solutions to make it all run smoothly. Plus, with so many incredible makers and passionate shoppers, there’s always a lot to coordinate – but that’s what makes Handmade so special,” she says.

Meanwhile, if you have yet to experience Handmade for yourself, the upcoming market is your chance.

The vibe is busy and beautiful, with an incredible array of hand-crafted products, delicious food and that special brand of Handmade energy.

Shopping at Handmade is all about promoting thoughtful, meaningful, and sustainable purchasing choices.

“When you purchase something from our market or online directory, you’re directly supporting Australian small businesses who prioritise Australian-made, sustainability and handcrafting high-quality products,” says Julie.

Two Threads designers Karen Fennell and Sally Anderson

Just like the designers Sally Anderson and Karen Fennell at Two Threads, a Melbourne-based clothing label with a focus on slow fashion, small runs, minimal fabric waste, reusing offcuts to make other garments for the range, and upcycling.

Launched in 2004, they aim to design ethical, sustainable clothing for ageless, modern women, who choose quality over quantity.

According to Karen, “One of the things that attracted us to Handmade many, many years ago was the dedication to Australian-made product, and there is no cutting corners with Julie! Handmade shares a very similar ethos to us about supporting sustainable and small business.”

Sally says she continues to love the opportunity to speak directly with customers.

“People who shop at Handmade are wonderful. And we get that opportunity to educate them about our fabrics and design and what goes into our pieces. The customers know what they are coming for and why they are there.”

This market will feature over 30 new stalls, including delicious fruit crumbles from Cheeky Crumbles, local craft beer from Cypher Brewing Co, and artisan cheese from Tarago Cheese. There are also incredible new homewares from Sogo Ceramics, sustainable fashion from Lumi Clothing and handmade children’s crayons from Tinta Crayons.

Also – come hungry because the Food and Wine Pavilion is next-level delicious!