THE biggest dedicated handmade market on the Mid North Coast is about to celebrate 14 years of operation, with its Mother’s Day market on Sunday 4 May.
The “Made with Love” market started with just 27 stallholders back in 2011 and is held quarterly.
Over that time, there’s been over 40 markets, hundreds of stallholders, tens of thousands of customers and it has generated millions of dollars in revenue.
Organiser and co-founder Alison Paul, says over the past 14 years, she’s witnessed a surge in interest for handmade goods, with a combination of factors contributing to the popularity of the handmade movement.
“COVID brought out a lot of creativity and craftiness in people, so there’s a whole wave of new stallholders continually coming through,” Ms Paul told News Of The Area.
“It never ceases to amaze me just how much talent and creativity there is in our area.”
Handmade is also viewed as environmentally friendly and part of the “slow fashion” movement, with many stallholders using upcycling techniques in their work.
Ms Paul believes the struggle to make ends meet is inspiring people to get creative and make things to sell.
“It’s a boost that many need to help with the cost of living, or paying for dance lessons, a family holiday or car rego.
“And it helps that locals love and continually show their support.”
Fledgling businesses have also used the event to test the market and to springboard them into full-time operations, either online and shopfront.
“Brooke George now has two gorgeous shops in Sawtell and Woolgoolga, and B and L Creations just opened in South Grafton.
“There are heaps of amazing handmade stockists across the coast.
“Kaleidoscope in Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie are dedicated to all things handmade.”
The Made with Love Market is in the Exhibition Hall at Coffs Harbour Showground.
By Andrea FERRARI
