About the MNC Handmade Holiday Market

***NEW: WE HAVE A NEW VENUE!
College Boreal, 21 Lasalle Boulevard in Sudbury. We will be marketing the HECK out of this change and investing in new signage to maximize visibility!
It’s absolutely beautiful and we can’t wait to share images of the big windows, beautiful lighting and Northern Ontario inspired decor. It’s a BIG change and we hope you’re as excited as we are. We’ll be sharing images and more soon.

***MAKER SPACES: we are changing our maker spaces for this event. It will now be approximately 5x7’ spaces for everyone. You can set it up however you like, but will need to be within the 7’ wide space. Maker Partners will still be able to choose their spaces.

***OVERNIGHT SWITCH: there will still be an overnight switch of makers between Saturday & Sunday.

What is the Handmade Holiday Market?
The Makers North Collective Handmade Holiday Market is a curated event featuring a variety of high quality handmade goods focused on artists and makers from Northern Ontario. 

When does the market take place?
Saturday & Sunday, NOVEMBER 15 & 16th at College Boreal, 21 Lasalle Boulevard, Sudbury.
10AM-4PM both days.

When do I set up?
Set up & relevant information is provided upon acceptance.

How do I apply for both days?
At this time we are only accepting single day applications. If the situation arises that we need to fill a space or will need makers for both days we do our best to approach makers who fit in the category that we need filled. Cancellations often happen and if there is a last minute spot available we usually will offer it to the maker who is in that spot on the alternate day. We believe in fairness and try to give new makers a shot if a second day comes available.

Is there parking available?
There is plenty of free parking available.  

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

How do I know if I my items would be suitable for the event?
The best way to figure out if your work would be a good fit is to check out our previous shows and vendors. Have a peek on our Facebook page and Instagram feed to get a feel for the type of vendors that normally participate; and the quality of images that we are looking for. 

We are looking to create a fun, beautiful and engaging market that highlights the work of talented Northern Ontario based makers. You must display and sell only the type of work or items approved on your application.

Makers North seeks out makers who are:

• of the highest quality

• fairly priced

• handmade

• creative and unique

We will give preference to makers from Northern Ontario; however we welcome applications from anywhere within Canada.

Note: we only accept handmade businesses (no MLMs) and we expect that you not only make but also DESIGN at least 85% of your goods. Buying SVGs/digital files and turning them into products isn't enough to be accepted into the our market unfortunately as we are seeing a trend where multiple makers are making the same items with minimal variation.

We also insist that you NOT wholesale items from online (TEMU, Shein, Etsy) etc then package them for resale under your brand. That is NOT handmade. We do understand that some supplies are wholesaled then used as a part of your business and product and that is acceptable however, the item should not be a wholesaled item with your branding applied. Thank you for your understanding!

FEES & SPACES

About the space:
You will need to bring your own table, chair, and display.

Our holiday markets have a festive, exciting atmosphere. So less ‘jam-packed market with all of your wares on a 6’ table and more ‘Full-on decorated with style!

WE WANT TO GIVE OUR COMMUNITY THE MOST CREATIVELY FUN, FREAKING-AWESOME DAY! A FEAST FOR THE EYES!

How much does it cost to be a vendor?

$120 /DAY + HST

Is electricity available?
Electrical outlets will be available at most spots, please request this on the application form (though we cannot guarantee this).

Is table sharing permitted?
No, one maker per table/booth.

Is there wifi available?
YES! We finally have wifi available, super exciting!

Is there food available?
We suggest bringing snacks and beverages of your own however, there is a potential plan in place for lunch.

ADVERTISING & MARKETING

How are you advertising the event?
We promote our markets via listings, signage throughout Sudbury and beyond, press releases, look book, blog, social media, contests, website, print material, and more. 

By applying you give us the right to use your photos (with your name/shop name) to promote your work and the show on social media/online and using real old fashioned paper around town. 

Will you share materials with me to advertise the event?
Of course! We'll provide you with promotional material to use on social media etc. We'll also have postcards and posters printed, be sure to let us know if you'd like some of those to share. 

FAQS

• When is the deadline to apply for the market?
  Applications will close on JULY 11th at 10pm EST. Applicants will be notified of the results around JULY 25th. All applicants will be notified whether or not you have been successful in your application.

• How do you decide who gets accepted into the market? What is the jurying process?
  Makers North strives to create events that highlight a variety of outstanding makers and their wares. We look at the type of craft, workmanship, creativity, originality, price and product fit. Please do not be discouraged or offended if you do not get accepted. Often it is a case of too many makers in the same category. We cannot stress the importance of submitting high quality photos. We also firmly believe in representation and so we seek to accept makers from marginalized backgrounds or those in the LGBTQIA2S+, Indigenous and Black or POC communities.
  -Makers based in Northern Ontario take priority, however we do accept approximately 25% of makers from outside of the north to keep it fresh and bring exciting new talent to our community.
  -Julieanne and Tracy as co-owners of Makers North Collective have the final say as to who takes part in each event to ensure new makers are accepted into each show and that folks are not taking part every single time to allow for variety. We do not share our jury members due to past harassment and bullying both online and in person.
  -The jury will consist of randomly selected members of our group ‘The Collective’. These are fellow makers, creatives and peers. The names of jury members will not be shared.

• What is the deadline for submitting payment for my spot?
  Payment will be made via our website by August 1st. We'll give you further details within your acceptance email. Vendors who do not make their payment by this date will automatically lose their spot and be replaced.

• What is your cancellation policy?
  In the event of cancellation, we cannot guarantee a refund. If you are unable to make it to the show, please let us know - if it is possible to fill your spot, we'll refund your payment. The spot must be filled by someone on our wait list who fits within the constraints of our current list of makers/spaces etc.

*Vendors are required to obtain their own insurance. Otherwise, agreeing to and filling out this application means that you as a vendor confirms your liability for any damage or injury to yourself, your assistants/employees or your products incurred during the market. 

MAKER PARTNERS

MAKER PARTNERS FEE $250: 

We are accepting a limited number of maker partners for this year's holiday market. This is a fabulous way to get your brand in front of our enthusiastic audience and also pick your spot in the market! Photos of the new venue will be shared along with the map.

Partnership includes:
- your maker space fee.
- your logo on selected marketing materials.
- choose your spot on the market map.
- logo and product photo in the look book.

Have you read everything? Still interested? Then hit the button and show us your fabulous work!