Melbourne's best markets: Art, craft and design

Finders Keepers

Carlton, Oct 19-20

A biannual market that’s come a long way since they first started in Sydney’s CarriageWorks in 2008, Finders Keepers now boasts big markets in Brisbane and Melbourne and continues be the platform of choice for emerging and independent design. Watch out for vibrant jewellery by Emily Green, suitcase speakers by Son Valise, or some quirky cards and stationery by Able and Game. More like a festival than a market, Finders Keepers always provides a line-up of local live music acts to perform while you work your way through the maze of craft.

Blender Lane Artists' Market

Melbourne, Sat Oct 13

Blender Studios, a fertile inner-city art collective, periodically sends a call-out to artists, designers and other creatives, then brings them together to produce a nirvana for art-lovers. Previous incarnations of its Artists’ Market have featured paintings, photos, zines, badges, cards, a lucky dip and a puppeteer. If you’re bored by all that you’re probably hungover, so just gape at Blender Lane’s wallpaper of street art – a grinning monkey wearing a crown of thorns is just one highlight. Word on the street has it that the Blender crew are launching a Wednesday night market in November, location yet to be revealed.

Bend and Snap

Melbourne, Last Sun of month

Bend and Snap is a monthly design market held at Thousand £ Bend, the diverse venue – part bar, part café, part art and music space – that’s become an important inner-city hub. While excellent music swirls in the air, stallholders sell unique pieces of art and design. Bend and Snap’s popularity has spawned another market in Brunswick called Treasure Trove (135 Lygon Street) with an equally relaxed café out the front.

Rose Street Artist Market

Fitzroy, Saturdays

Weave your way through the crowds and duck under a tarp to check out the likes of Rebound Books, Neil Thomas’s detailed dioramas made from cigar tins, Matthew Aldridge’s pot plants crafted out of dinosaur fi gurines, Craig Pearce’s homewares made from French porcelain, paintings, cards and prints by Carey Potter and Roz Mcquillan, printed bags by Annemarie McKeown, hand-tooled leather belts and brooches bearing messages. You can have an organic snack and even hire a bike. Can’t make it down in person? Then shop online!

Hawthorn Craft Market

Hawthorn, First Sun of month

Established in 1979, but recently relocated to the youthful surrounds of Swinburne University, the Hawthorn Craft Market is an all-rounder with something to please everyone. It’s renowned for the quality of its handcrafted goods, but it also sells handy items for the house and garden, as well as homemade cakes and biscuits.

Fine Design Market

Doncaster, Second Sun of month

This monthly market, held in the recently unveiled MC2 precinct, has the stated objective of supporting emerging and established Australian designers. Fashion, for men and women, is plentiful, but you can also expect to fi nd homewares, textiles, paper goods, illustrations, children’s wear, toys and gourmet consumables. The nearby Manningham Art Gallery will offer a welcome diversion to those in danger of blowing their weekly food budgets in the hour after arriving.

Makers' Market

Abbotsford, Third Sun of month

Held indoors within the atmospheric surrounds of Abbotsford Convent, the Makers’ Market is a forum for a group of skilful local artists and craftspeople, and features jewellery, stationery, clothing, and more. Because it often runs demonstrations, the market also functions as a kind of education centre.

The Esplanade Market St Kilda

St Kilda, Sundays

This market presents Melbourne’s finest creative folk, selling artwork, photography, illustration, handmade jewellery and accessories, toys, stationery, baby accessories, leather goods and body products. Linda Mathieson’s Japanese inspired stall is a particular treat, especially the origami paper-covered journals. These markets have been open every Sunday since 1970 all year round, with no sign of slowing down.

Made 'N Thornbury Craft Market

Thornbury, Saturdays

Local creatives have the opportunity to connect with an appreciative audience at this market, organised by Women’s Neighbourhood House. In October several stallholders will make their debuts as part of the market’s Make Craft Your Business Course, and there’s also food (check out resident baker Melbourne Epicure) and music to invigorate the senses of even the most jaded market-goer.