market shopping on the left hand side

Tell us a little bit about the market?
Made on the Left is a ‘special occasion’ market which is held two to three times a year. There have been four big markets– three in Perth and one in Bunbury, about three hours south of Perth – since we started up in July 2008. We’ve also had a few guest appearances at other events, such as a mini-market at Darlington Arts Festival last weekend. One of the major points of difference for our market is that it has been held in pubs, with our main Perth haunt to date being the Hyde Park Hotel in West Perth. Holding ‘craft’ markets in a non-traditional venue like a pub seems to be one of the secrets to our success!



















When/why did you start the market?

The initial idea sprouted from a group of Perth designers and artists who got together to discuss the lack of opportunities to sell (and buy) handmade or independently designed items Perth. There was an obvious gap in the market and the obvious solution seemed to be to create our own opportunity... and so in July 2008, Made on the Left was born!

Our key focus is on supporting and promoting Western Australian design and creative talent by giving local designers and artisans an avenue to offer their products directly to the public in a very low risk environment. The markets also introduce Perth locals to new finds not readily available on the mass market as well as allowing shoppers to meet and talk to the products creators.



















What is the favourite part about running the market?
We all love seeing many of the artists and designers who have participated in our events go from being terrified newcomers to the market scene to evolving into confident small business-people on the back of a great market experience. We’ve seen a lot of our returning stallholders evolve over time, developing their stock, display and branding and really putting their own stamp on their stalls. Some people change their types of businesses completely based on the response from buyers; others manage to find a firm foothold in their chosen field.

It’s also fantastic seeing people coming through the doors on the day and getting so much positive feedback from the public that they are so excited that a scene like this is finally happening locally. There is a real sense of pride in local design coming from both angles, which was definitely missing previously.

We all enjoy our own tasks within running the market too. Rebecca gets a big thrill from receiving all the applications and being first to know who is a applying, Ali J gets a sneak peek at our guest artists’ poster artwork each time, while Dara gets high on the adrenalin of organising the stalls on the day – event management guru that she is. The two Sarah’s and Lauren get a buzz whenever we score publicity that tells more people about what we do.



Why do you love handmade so much?

What’s not to love? The great thing about handmade is that creative people can try out new ideas almost instantaneously, rather than worry about economies of scale like a mass producer would. It’s brilliant to see the incredible range of new ideas we get exposed to now that we feature over 60 stallholders at each market. It’s local and personal, rather than global and impersonal, and you can really see different personalities expressed in what people produce. Handmade items seem to have a lot more ‘life’ to them, maybe it’s something to do with the thought and effort put into creating each item? Also, by buying handmade we’re supporting home-grown talent – it’s great to have a solid excuse for shopping!





















Name 5 reasons why your visitors should attend your market?

1. It’s time to make a start on that Christmas shopping and there will be many brilliant and unique gift choices under one roof.


2. This is becoming THE place to find very cool accessories and fashion that will make them look hot this summer J


3. Buying direct from the seller represents excellent value for money so dollarinis stretch further. pay for something mass produced offshore.


4. All of our stallholders offer WA-designed and made products, so shopping is supporting local small business people.

And possibly the most important reason for some of our visitors....

5. They can enjoy a frosty cold beverage from the bar as they shop...now you can’t say that of every market!

November Made on The Left @ Hyde Park Hotel
14th and 15th of November at the Hyde Park Hotel, 331 Bulwer St, West Perth. Opening hours are from 10am - 4pm. There will be up to 40 different stallholders EACH DAY!
Visit www.madeontheleft.com for more information.

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Below are a few of the madeit sellers who will be selling at the market




















osier view store




















cocoapod view store




















nonworkers view store




















littlemoandfriends view store
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