London Christmas Maker Markets

Tis the season to buy presents – tra-la-la-la-la, la la la la. More and more each year I’ve enjoyed buying brilliantly unique Christmas presents from independent makers at a host of festive maker markets. There’s something about ‘shopping small’, and buying from real people, that puts a great big smile on my (and their) face. I’d really recommend getting yourself down to an indie maker market if you can.

Here’s my round-up of five of my favourite London maker markets that you can’t miss this winter.

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Etsy Made Local Christmas Market – Saturday 1st December

Where: London Tooting Tram & Social Pub in Tooting Broadway

Featuring over 30 talented independent designer-makers curated by the London Local Etsy Team, spend the day shopping for gorgeous handmade wares whilst sipping mulled wine and taking in the festive tunes. If London is too far for you to trek, you might find a local Etsy event closer to home as they take place across the country – check out the full list here, and you can follow this event on Facebook here.

For a flavour, check out what I’ve bought from previous Etsy Made Local markets here.

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Renegade Craft Fair – Saturday 9th – Sunday 10th December

Where: Old Truman Brewery, near London Liverpool Street Station

Join Renegade in a festive celebration of contemporary handmade craft. Shop emerging and established makers whilst enjoying DJ mixes, food trucks and a craft cocktail. Tucked in the heart of Shoreditch in London’s Brick Lane, it’s the perfect place for London’s creative community to come together.

Find my top picks from a previous Renegade Craft Fair here.

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Turning Earth Hoxton Winter Market – two winter dates

Where:

• Saturday 24th – Sunday 25th November: Turning Earth Hoxton E2
• Saturday 8 – Sunday 9th December: Argall Avenue, Leyton, E10

This Christmas, after a year’s hiatus, Turning Earth‘s popular East London ceramics studio are once again opening their doors to the public with two Winter Market events. With a line-up of over 150 of London’s emerging ceramics artists, you should plan to come to both events if you want to see the full breadth of ceramic work on sale. Of course it wouldn’t be a Winter Market without mulled wine, minced pies, live music, coffee and street food. I first came across a Turning Earth market at MAKEMORE Festival where I was in my element perusing all of the carefully handcrafted ceramics, so I’m excited for this!

BUST Summer Craftacular 2017

Last weekend the kind people at BUST Craftacular invited me along to their summer shindig at York Hall, Bethnal Green. I’m a huge fan of Craftacular (dubbed ‘London’s coolest craft fair’), which brings together over 70 unique designer-makers, DIY workshops, tea and cake, and fun-loving DJs.

Photo credit: Shelley Makes®. Maker: Kinska 

If you’re looking for quirky handmade gifts, or just presents for yourself, Craftacular is the place to go. Last year I bought a gorgeous white trinket dish with a tiny leaf imprint from madebymememe (a humble #ceramicsmum), and the time before I bought a moon pin-cushion from Oh No Rachio (onr).

Photo credit: Shelley Makes®. Maker: Tea Party at the Zoo

This year, my sister bought some beautiful trinket dishes stamped with gold bees from potter Elizabeth of Limehouse Ceramics (who was also super friendly and chatty). Another favourite stall was Sparkle Child, who made fun sparkly crowns, garlands and wands for children – perfect for play-time.

Photo credit: Shelley Makes®. Maker: Sparkle Child

Christmas Maker Markets, London 2017

One of things I love most about winter is the arrival of brand new seasonal maker markets. With Christmas around the corner, it’s the perfect time to buy presents before the panic sets in. Below you’ll find two of my favourite seasonal maker markets in London – pop the dates in your diaries!

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BUST London Christmas Craftacular 

When: Sunday 27 November, 11am-5pm

Where: York Hall, 5 Old Ford Road, Bethnal Green E2 9PJ

Why: The BUST London Craftacular is back, featuring talented, crafty vendors, pop-up cafes, DJs, and DIY workshops. Entrance is £3, and the first 100 shoppers get a goody bag.

I went to the BUST Summer Craftacular last year with my sister and loved it. As well as browsing the wares from independent makers, you can also take part in fun workshops – last year we did a weaving workshop with Peas & Needles – one of my all-time favourite craft workshops.

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Christmas Crafty Fox Market

When: 3-4 December, 11am – 5pm

Where: Dogstar, 389 Coldharbour Lane, Brixton, London, SW9 8LQ

Why: The Crafty Fox Market is putting on a host of Christmas markets – this one is in Brixton, and promises the opportunity to support independent designer-makers for a festive shopping experience – with DJs, drinks, food, and an exciting array of craft workshops – more details coming soon.

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If you know of any more maker markets not to be missed this winter, please pop them in the comments below. Personally, I can’t wait to start my festive shopping!

Makers & Friends Pop-Up Shop

A few weeks ago I was invited to a fun blogger workshop and ‘Meet the Maker’ event at the brand new curated pop-up shop, Makers & Friends near Angel tube station in Islington, London.

Photo by Emma Jane Palin

If you haven’t yet seen it, Makers & Friends is a roving pop-up shop for independent designer makers, allowing fresh start-up companies to sell their work, possibly for the first time, on the high-street.

Silk Scarves by Volpine

Silk Scarves by Volpine

The shop is the brainchild of Zen Zhou, an independent maker herself, who now curates the shop, selecting the best independent British makers to showcase and sell their wares.

Beauty Products by Stella Says

Beauty Products by Stella Says

I was thrilled to be invited to their inaugral workshop on the week of their launch along with a handful of bloggers from the Creative Bloggers Facebook group. I chat to many of these girls online pretty regularly with the weekly #cbloggers Twitter chat, but it was so nice to meet them in person.