On November 8th and 9th, the Monroe County Convention Center hosted the Bloomington Handmade Market. Independent businesses from all over the state, travelled to Bloomington to show their goods. They had it all: gifts, sweets, skincare, dog toys and treats, clothes, artworks, and so much more. They even had Santa Claus on Sunday for the kids.
For some people it’s just a fun shopping activity, while for others it may be a tradition. Emma Nix, a junior at South, was at the handmade market on Saturday where she got perfume, Chapstick, and body lotion from Salt and Ash Market. Nix said that going to the market has been “a tradition for the last three years to come with [her] friend” and she likes seeing what everyone can make, as well as getting gifts for her family and friends.
Similarly, Kirin Bowden, a senior, was at the market on Sunday, and said she “remembered it being a lot of fun the last time [she] came and thought it’d be a fun thing to do.” She also bought body butter from Tendaji Body Oils.
The Handmade Market is not only a place to go buy gifts, but if you’re someone who aspires to sell their own creations, this is a wonderful place to do it. Junior Maisie Robinson, had her own booth, Beetle Sweet, where she sold her prints, stickers, and cards. Robinson said that “[she’s] been going to the Bloomington Handmade Market for a while, and [she’s] been drawing since [she] was really little” and that made her want to sell some of her prints this year. While it’s sometimes a struggle to know exactly what to do, Robinson believes it’s a really fun experience and advises people who want to sell their work to “find people who can give you advice, [like] a neighbor who’s an artist,” as well as to just go for it and have fun.
Whether you’re looking for gifts, a fun activity to do, or maybe a place to kickstart your own business, the Bloomington Handmade Market can provide all of those opportunities for you. It’s a really fun way to spend the weekend, and to support local independent businesses. If you didn’t have a chance to check it out this year, they’ll be back next year waiting for you.
