Spring into Local Love at Make It Calgary

Shopping local is the way to go.

Where our crafties at? Make It Calgary, the enormous craft fair, is back from April 6-8 at The Big Four!

Spring is here (even though it doesn’t quite look that way with this snow…). And with the new season comes the desire to shake things up around you – in your home, in your wardrobe, maybe you’ll take on that green thumb of yours. Whatever you need to ignite that inspiration for change is waiting for you at Make It Calgary. There are over 135 incredible artists and makers from across Canada that will be selling their beautiful handcrafted items. When you buy from a Makie, they for sure do a happy dance when you leave because after all, you’re supporting someone who’s making a living doing what they love. You’ll get all the feels when you help support someone’s dream.

The real challenge will be not buying all of the things… Trust us. Buying local is the only way to go if you’re looking for quality items with a unique style. Plus, you’re supporting ethically and consciously made items – it’s a win-win for everyone. Whether you’re attending with your friends, boyfriend or girlfriend, family, colleagues, this show makes for the perfect shopping date with anyone. You may want to recruit an accountability buddy to help stop you from bringing home everything you see, or not. We don’t judge.

Make It got its start when siblings, Jenna and Chandler Herbut had the idea to create a craft fair that their peers would want to sell at. Being makers themselves, they saw a need for something different than what was currently out there. At the time, there weren’t any cool markets and the handmade revelation had only just begun. Etsy was new on the scene and social media had only just started. What was life even like before Instagram?!

The first ever Make It took place in Edmonton in 2008 at a tiny community centre. 25 vendors set up shop who had the same passion and enthusiasm for homemade goods. They saw the vision to do things a little differently. With a bar and DJ, the vibe of Make It was fresh, hip and new. Creating the unique experience of Make It was something that was done carefully and deliberately.

Today, Make It takes place biannually in Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton. Each year the shows features almost 1000 Makies and attracts over 90,000 conscious consumers. The handmade revolution is one that’s here to stay, and it’s thrilling to see all of the other craft fairs that have emerged in the market.

Supporting creative entrepreneurs to be able to earn a living doing what they love has always been at the core of Jenna’s mission, and it feels incredible to see how enthusiastic Calgarians have been since Make It made a return in 2017. She explains, “We can’t wait to share even more Makies in the Calgary market because we know how appreciated and valued they are.”

Support local and head to Make It April 6-8 at the Big Four building. You won’t go home empty-handed.

Oh and we’re hooking you up with some savings to head down there. Purchase ahead of time and save $3 with early bird pricing. You’ll be glad you saved those few dollars before you get to shoppin’.


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