Last Sunday, I went to The Makers and Shakers Market Melbourne in Williamstown. The market’s theme was Christmas gifts, which was questionable as I couldn’t pick up any Christmas vibes when I entered the Seaworks Maritime Precinct, where it was held. The good thing was I didn’t come to the market to get a Christmas gift, so it didn’t matter.
The New and The Old at The Makers and Shakers Market Melbourne
The first store, my first stop, which was also the only non-food item we got from the market, was Myii Creative. Myii Creative is a Melbourne-based handmade art and craft stall. On that day, it was all about black and white ceramics. I liked everything displayed there and wanted something for myself or our home.
I stood in front of the stall for some time, staring at everything, unable to choose. Eventually, Fafa got me a pair of earrings ━ milk and bread ━ as a belated anniversary gift.
After only a quick stroll, Fafa said he liked this market better than The Finders Keepers Market Melbourne. Me? I am not sure, tbh.
It was my first The Makers and Shakers Market Melbourne, so the element of new was nice, but then most of the stalls were pretty similar; some were even the same ones as The Finders Keepers Market, like Love Astrid.
Love Astrid is a jewellery brand by an Indonesian artist niching in colourful and vibrant handmade statement jewellery. I have wanted to get a piece of jewellery made by Astrid for almost a year now, but like the stall before, too many choices gave me decision paralysis.
Maybe next time, I will choose online before buying the actual item from the stall in the following market.
I like that the market has both indoor and outdoor sections. It was especially lovely on a sunny day like the day we were there.
Oh, something to know about The Makers and Shakers Market Melbourne, especially if you are not yet familiar with the Melbourne arts and crafts market; most of the things sold here, especially the non-food items, are expensive. The reason was pretty obvious because most of them were handmade.
So it’s up to you to balance supporting local artists and your wallet. My rule of thumb is to estimate the usage frequency of the item you want to get. Where and how long would you want to display it in your space if it’s an art?
The Food and Booze at The Makers and Shakers Market Melbourne
Another thing The Makers and Shakers Market Melbourne did much better than The Finders Keepers Market was the food.
They got better and more affordable options. From the food that you can buy and enjoy in the market itself. Like Vegan Hummus to Portuguese Tart and the take-home food products like balsamic pearls to Argentinian cookies.
We started with a cup of Cookies and Cream ice cream from Billy van Cream. It was a perfect treat to fend off the afternoon sun.
Then, we bought a jar of extra hot Bippi, the Italian-style chilli ($12). I also got a four-pack of artisan apple cider, which after drinking the first bottle at home, I felt was not worth the price ($25).
The last thing we did was share bite-sized risotto balls (four different flavours ━ my favourite was potato croquet) from That Arancini Guy. We ate while sitting in the outdoor area and soaking in the sun outdoors. It was my favourite part of the market visit.
I’d come back even to relive this part of the market experience with Fafa.
If you are keen to check out the next The Makers and Shakers Market Melbourne, follow me on Instagram, I will share it there.
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Keeep on writing, great job!