Sydney and the Eastern Suburbs: A New Hub for the Maker Movement
In Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, something interesting is happening. More and more people are turning off their screens and picking up tools. They’re building, crafting, and making things with their hands again.
From Bondi to Clovelly, locals are getting involved in everything from pottery and woodworking to sewing and small-scale design. You’ll find weekend markets packed with handmade items. Cafés are hosting creative workshops. And neighbourhoods are coming together around a shared love for making things that are real, useful, and personal.
This part of Sydney has always had a strong sense of style and quality. Now, that same focus is being channelled into creativity. It’s not just artists or hobbyists either. People from all walks of life—young professionals, parents, even retirees—are getting involved.
For some, it’s a way to unwind after a busy work week. For others, it’s about learning something new or spending time with family. And for a growing number, it’s becoming a side business or even a full-time job.
The Eastern Suburbs are quickly becoming one of Australia’s most active and exciting spots for modern makers.
The Rise of the Maker Culture in Australia
What’s happening in Sydney isn’t unique. Across Australia, more and more people are turning back to hands-on skills. And there are plenty of reasons why.
After spending so much time online—especially during lockdowns—many of us are craving something real. Making things gives people a break from screens and helps them reconnect with the world around them. Whether it’s building a table, making a candle, or learning to knit, the process is simple, satisfying, and rewarding.
There’s also a growing interest in sustainability. People want to know where their things come from. They care about quality and the story behind the product. Making something yourself—or buying from someone who does—feels good. It supports local talent, reduces waste, and creates a stronger connection to what we own.
Across the country, maker spaces, community workshops, and markets are popping up. Councils are getting behind creative programs, and schools are starting to offer more hands-on learning again.
And let’s be honest—making things is fun. You get to try something new, see your progress, and end up with something useful or beautiful. It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or a pro. Anyone can get involved.
Meet the Makers
Stuga is a family-owned business based at The Rocks Market and in the Southern Highlands, specializing in handcrafted men’s grooming products. Drawing inspiration from Scandinavian traditions, they create artisan wooden shaving brushes, hand-poured shaving soaps, and hand-blended beard oils. Their focus is on simplifying grooming by using traditional techniques and high-quality, natural ingredients. You can explore their range at Stuga.
But Stuga isn’t alone in Sydney’s vibrant maker community. Here are a few other notable artisans and collectives contributing to the city’s creative scene:
• Mud Australia: Since 1994, Mud Australia has been crafting elegant and timeless porcelain homewares. Each piece is handmade in Sydney, combining minimalist design with functionality. Their products are available in various colors and are designed to complement any interior. Discover more at Mud Australia.
• Hand Make Create: Located in Alexandria, Hand Make Create offers a curated selection of unique, sustainable, and eco-friendly yarns and accessories. They specialize in hand-dyed and hand-spun materials sourced from around the world, catering to both beginners and experienced crafters. Visit their store at Hand Make Create.
• Object Shop at the Australian Design Centre: This retail space showcases a dazzling array of glass, ceramics, textiles, jewelry, artwork, and more from over 100 emerging and established makers. It’s a great place to find unique, handmade items and support local artisans. Learn more at Object Shop.
• Sydney Artisans: This curated market, held up to four times a year in Marrickville, showcases creatives and their handmade products. It’s committed to giving small businesses and talented artisans a platform to share their work with shoppers interested in quality Australian-designed and made items. Find out about upcoming markets at Sydney Artisans.
• The Makers and Shakers Market: A premium makers market held in Sydney and Melbourne, featuring a curated lineup of established and emerging creatives. It offers shoppers the best in genuinely Australian handmade homewares, ethical fashion, lifestyle products, and delicious food. More information is available at The Makers and Shakers Market.
These artisans and markets exemplify Sydney’s thriving maker culture, offering a diverse range of handcrafted products that cater to various interests and preferences.
Why Australians Are Returning to Craftsmanship
So, why are more Australians getting into making things again?
Part of it is that we’re all looking for more balance. Our lives are fast and often full of stress. Crafting something with your hands gives you a chance to slow down. It can be calming, even therapeutic. There’s no pressure to be perfect. It’s more about the process than the outcome.
There’s also a growing interest in learning practical skills again. People are realizing that making a shelf, sewing your own clothes, or fixing something at home is not only useful—it’s also rewarding.
And in a world where so much is digital or disposable, craftsmanship feels real. It gives you something you can hold, use, or pass down. It has meaning.
For many, it’s also a chance to connect—with others and with themselves. Workshops and maker studios often turn into social spaces. You meet people, swap ideas, and build something side by side. That kind of connection is rare these days, and it’s one of the reasons why the maker movement keeps growing.
How You Can Get Involved: From Markets to Online Communities
Getting started with the maker movement is easier than ever—and you don’t need fancy tools or expert skills to jump in. Whether you’re looking to try something creative for the first time or want to support local makers, there are plenty of ways to get involved right here in Sydney.
1. Visit a Market
Markets are one of the best ways to experience the maker community firsthand. They give you a chance to see products up close, meet the people behind them, and discover things you won’t find anywhere else.
• The Rocks Markets: Held every weekend, this market is a goldmine for locally made goods. You’ll find everything from handmade grooming products (like those from Stuga) to ceramics, jewelry, candles, and more. Explore The Rocks Markets.
• Sydney Made Art & Design Markets: Showcasing independent artists and designers, this market is all about locally crafted, small-batch, high-quality items. More info.
• Finders Keepers: A massive event held a few times a year featuring over 200 independent makers, designers, and foodies. It’s a great day out and full of inspiration. Visit Finders Keepers.
2. Follow Local Creators Online
Instagram is one of the easiest ways to discover new makers and stay in the loop with upcoming workshops or product drops. Try following hashtags like #SydneyMakers, #HandmadeSydney, or #AustralianMade to start building your feed with inspiration.
3. Join a Workshop (Or Try One at Home)
Even if you’re not near a maker studio, plenty of creatives now offer beginner kits or virtual workshops. Want to learn how to pour a soy candle? Carve a spoon? Make natural soap? You can do it all from your kitchen bench with the right guidance.
Websites like Etsy, ClassBento, and Workshop Australia make it easy to find DIY classes and kits from Australian makers.
4. Shop Local Online
If you’d rather support from the sidelines, that’s just as valuable. Buying from a local maker instead of a big chain keeps money in the community and helps independent businesses grow.
Some great places to start:
Final Thoughts
The maker movement isn’t just about making things—it’s about making life a little more meaningful. Whether you’re shaping a piece of timber, pouring a candle, or just chatting to a local maker at a market, it’s all part of a bigger picture. One that values connection, creativity, and community.
In Sydney—and especially the Eastern Suburbs—that picture is growing stronger every day. People are slowing down, getting hands-on, and finding joy in simple things. You don’t need to be an expert. You just need to start.
So, what will you make next?
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