We started off with a bang—our famous Five-Dollar Table was an instant hit! It helped me clear out a lot of loose craft supplies, and honestly, it gave me a little confidence boost. Being the new booth at the market was a bit scary. Makeropolis is a different kind of concept for our area, and I didn’t know how it would be received.
But it turns out… our community was more than ready for it.
Week after week, people kept coming back—regulars who stop by just to see what’s new, and new faces who share their creativity and walk away inspired. Seeing how excited people were about what Makeropolis is doing truly surprised me in the best way.
Over time, the Five-Dollar Table served its purpose, and we eventually let it go. (You can read more about that journey here.) What we gained from those early months, though, was insight—real, valuable insight—into what our local community actually wants and what they don’t.
As Makeropolis evolved, so did our booth. I dissolved the “general art & craft” section because I realized something important: if someone can find it at the dollar store or a big box store on clearance, I simply can’t (and don’t want to) compete with that. Instead, I shifted my focus to what makes Makeropolis Makeropolis: fabrics, needlecraft, textile finds, unique odd-and-ends, and intentional upcycled goods.
And honestly? I feel so much better for it.
This shift feels aligned—both for me and for the makers who rely on us.
One of my biggest lessons this year was realizing how much I missed being a maker myself. For a long time, I didn’t have a ton of confidence in my sewing, even though I’ve made everything from jeans to dolls to fabric creatures. Getting back into making has brought a spark back into my life—and into Makeropolis.
Seeing my handmade witch hats, little cats, dinosaur jar openers, and quilted vests sell at the market has been incredibly encouraging. It tells me my local community is craving handmade, long-lasting, upcycled pieces with heart behind them.
Next year, I’m excited to expand the booth and add: mending.
So many people have asked if I offer repairs, and honestly, it feels like the perfect addition. Why not help breathe new life into a favorite piece of clothing while we’re already championing reuse?
This year at the market, we met so many wonderful people—makers, families, curious passersby, and new friends who reminded me exactly why I do this. I can’t wait to see what next year brings.