Made in WN8 – Skelmersdale’s first Maker’s Market

Made in WN8 began as a string of coincidences that led like-minded women Claire Cooper and Cath Carmicheal to start a collaboration that would help many people from our local area showcase and sell their handmade goods. 

Made in WN8 invites local crafters, bakers, growers, and cooks to their Maker’s Markets to showcase their unique talents and retail their handmade goods. The idea was to create a space where people could come and enjoy browsing unique items while offering an affordable way for makers to sell their products. They are currently based in the Concourse Shopping Centre and have traditional markets throughout the year.

Cath and Claire strongly believe in creating a space reflective of the local town and the makers in the area. In addition, they believe it is a great way to see how well the maker’s products sell, in the instance that someone was interested in creating a business out of their ideas. So often, people don’t understand their value but Made in WN8 aims to help build up people’s confidence and gives people the opportunity to try things out without a huge commitment and with the bonus of the invaluable support from Cath and Claire. 

There are many reasons people utilise the Made in WN8 Maker’s Markets. Some people craft at home as a form of therapy or as a hobby, and others may struggle with mental health issues or physical challenges. Many of these makers are there to see if they can sell their products to cover the costs of materials, while some may be looking to make a profit – regardless, each maker is unique and offers something different to the next.   

The Maker’s Markets have many benefits to our local community – when you buy from a stall, you buy from a local person. The products are of excellent quality as they are handmade, plus you are helping the environment as you create less of a carbon footprint. 

Made in WN8 is a fully inclusive initiative as anyone is welcome to have a stall, just so long as it doesn’t conflict with any other makers. 

In the future, Cath and Claire want to make the Maker’s Markets more regular and expand them, and they are currently looking for more makers to get involved. In addition, they hope to offer crafting groups soon, so keep your eye out if you’re interested via their social media, or visit their website www.madeinwn8.com 

Made in WN8 began as a string of coincidences that led like-minded women Claire Cooper and Cath Carmicheal to start a collaboration that would help many people from our local area showcase and sell their handmade goods. 

Made in WN8 invites local crafters, bakers, growers, and cooks to their Maker’s Markets to showcase their unique talents and retail their handmade goods. The idea was to create a space where people could come and enjoy browsing unique items while offering an affordable way for makers to sell their products. They are currently based in the Concourse Shopping Centre and have traditional markets throughout the year.

Cath and Claire strongly believe in creating a space reflective of the local town and the makers in the area. In addition, they believe it is a great way to see how well the maker’s products sell, in the instance that someone was interested in creating a business out of their ideas. So often, people don’t understand their value but Made in WN8 aims to help build up people’s confidence and gives people the opportunity to try things out without a huge commitment and with the bonus of the invaluable support from Cath and Claire. 

There are many reasons people utilise the Made in WN8 Maker’s Markets. Some people craft at home as a form of therapy or as a hobby, and others may struggle with mental health issues or physical challenges. Many of these makers are there to see if they can sell their products to cover the costs of materials, while some may be looking to make a profit – regardless, each maker is unique and offers something different to the next.   

The Maker’s Markets have many benefits to our local community – when you buy from a stall, you buy from a local person. The products are of excellent quality as they are handmade, plus you are helping the environment as you create less of a carbon footprint. 

Made in WN8 is a fully inclusive initiative as anyone is welcome to have a stall, just so long as it doesn’t conflict with any other makers. 

In the future, Cath and Claire want to make the Maker’s Markets more regular and expand them, and they are currently looking for more makers to get involved. In addition, they hope to offer crafting groups soon, so keep your eye out if you’re interested via their social media, or visit their website www.madeinwn8.com