"Art and Crafts at your Local Markets is a fine art and craft festival opportunity for all markets stallholders and hobbyists to get involved and share their wares." Says Brendan from the MarketsDirectory.net.au
"Plus a free event and open to the public means you can share what you have to offer with many walk by customers."
With a strong focus on local produced, handmade products, it is no wonder the organizers did not allow any manufactured stallholders to participate. It's all handcrafted, handmade and hand designed from Australian local Arts and Crafts producers.
People who make a living from doing the things that they love, and obviously have a strong affinity and talent for, is what we are all about. Without a doubt, the rise of two dollar shops and corporate retailers have made it increasingly difficult for local handmade vendors to compete. But it is hard to deny the passion and creativity behind locally handmade products crafted right here in Sydney and Melbourne for Australian Local Markets.
People simply appreciate the quirky detail in something handmade – it’s unusual and unique.
There is something to be said about the diversity of artists and designers coming from all over the country to share their hard work at the markets. Most people are impressed with the sheer number of people who are trying to make a living producing fine arts and authentic crafts.
Buying one of a kind patterns from local textile designers and recycled and repurposed jewellery makes for the ideal unique gift giving opportunity.
Watch out for edgy local designs, inspired by the youth appeal of the pierced, tattoo audience. Typically, you can expect the unexpected from stallholders who show their wares at your regional markets. And add to that the colour and flair of live music performances, the opportunity to connect with the artists in person and the general vibe of the markets, and you have a winning combination.
Put yourself out there, reach out to new customers, and get involved with the booming local arts and crafts markets for a rewarding way to spend your day with your family.
Personal Reflections On Handmade
When my grandfather moved into supported care, he left behind a home filled with tapestries, artworks and blown glass. He was an avid traveller in his younger days, and glass from Venice, tapestries from Verona and artworks from San Francisco coloured his walls and cabinets.
But above all, one of my most treasured memories is a hand made blue wren balancing on a wisp of grass, delicately embroidered onto fabric. Now, the wren in its out of style frame adorns my daughters’ bedroom, competing with the multicoloured posters and digital screens with an ageless, silent dignity – all because it is handmade.
I can imagine my grandfather knew the gentle inner peace that came with sitting by the little blue wren, in a sunny spot by his window, and taking the time to slowly create the handmade work of art. A kind of moving meditation where the needle and thread worked in rhythm with his worn hands and before his eyes emerged a dainty Blue Wren.
Still meaningful, the wren is a quiet reminder of my grandfather and a testament to his patience and perseverence.
In the same way, handmade simply is meaningful in an age where planned obsolescence is part of everyday expectations.
We have acquired so much stuff and clutter that we have moved beyond collecting to the point that minimalism has enjoyed its’ moment – and now, as we evolve further, handmade and local and known sources are the new keywords.
Enjoy handmade, and share your experiences with your family and friends.
