About Urban Makers
About us – Urban Makers Markets in East London
Urban Makers was founded in Bow, East London, by two designer friends Ilka Dickens and Julia Redgrove. Since 2015 we have been hosting makers markets, pop-up shops and creative workshops in London.
You can find us at Old Spitalfields Market on Wednesdays and on the last weekend of every month. We also host seasonal makers markets at the Ecology Pavilion, Mile End Park.
We believe in nurturing creative people with unique businesses, dreams and ideas. We have curated a range of gifts which are not only beautiful but ethical and made with care for the environment. Every time you buy from us you can be rest assured that you are supporting an independent small business which in turn helps our economy where it needs it most.
Our Urban Makers Shop is open 6 days a week at 347 Roman Road E3 5QR.
Want to sell with us online? Apply here
Please see our events page for upcoming markets and workshops and how to apply. Read our FAQs here
Julia and Ilka
Our Partners
Meet the Urban Makers on our Blog
Pressed Flower Frame Workshop with Maria Zvaric
Make a gorgeous floral glass decoration at this dried flower arrangement class at the Urban Makers Christmas Market When: 30 November 2025, 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM Where: Urban Makers Christmas Market, Ecology Pavilion, Mile End Park, E3 5RP Tickets: £35 – £38 (Earlybird price of £35 applies if you book into a […]
A Look Inside my Creative Process with Lina Nou Studio
Guest Post: A Look Inside my Creative Process with Lina Nou Studio Hello! I’m Lina from Lina Nou Studio. I’m excited to share a behind-the-scenes look at how my artwork comes to life. Using my latest painting, Ceramic Starters (Mushrooms & Dumplings), I want to take you through my creative process. This includes everything from inspiration to […]
Sustainable Crafting: How Prickly Pears Is Making a Difference
Prickly Pears is a brand that was born as a dream of two sisters in the Hatay region of southern Türkiye. It supports local production in this region, raises awareness about cultural sustainability and the continuation of traditional craftsmanship. They are trading at the Urban Makers Christmas Market on Saturday November 29th. In a world […]
Make Your Own Cyanotype Christmas Cards
Join a festive cyanotype workshop at the Urban Makers Christmas Market. Create your own one-of-a-kind Christmas cards using light, nature, and a touch of blue magic! When: Saturday 14 December, 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM Where: Urban Makers Christmas Market, Ecology Pavilion, Mile End Park, E3 5RP ️ Tickets: £10 / £18 / £25 — pay what you […]
How I turned my Hobby into a Thriving Business
How I turned my Hobby into a Thriving Business with Laura Smith from Cotton and Leaf Laura is trading at the Urban Makers Christmas Market on Sunday November 30th In 2021 I packed up my life in London and moved to the Isle of Wight — bringing with me a house full of plants and […]
Why Handmade is the Future: A Look at the Growing Maker Movement
In a world dominated by mass production and fast fashion, there’s a quiet, powerful revolution taking place — and it’s handmade. Across the UK and beyond, the maker movement is thriving. It is driven by independent designers, artisans, and small creative businesses. They are redefining what it means to shop, own, and connect. From ceramics […]
Exploring Roman Road E3: Local Shops, Cafés & Services
Since opening our gift shop in 2020, Urban Makers has loved being part of the Roman Road community in Bow, East London. The area is packed with independent shops, cafés, and services—each with its own personality. Here’s a more detailed guide to some of our favourite local places. It includes what makes each one special. […]
A Look Inside the Creative Process – Lucy Hughes Creations
Hello! I’m Lucy — an illustration artist based in West London, and the founder of Lucy Hughes Creations. I launched my online store back in October 2020, during one of those “now or never” moments — the kind where you either keep your quirky ideas to yourself, or take the leap and share them with the […]
The Role of AI in Creative Small Businesses
The Role of AI in Creative Small Businesses : What Creators Need to Know Handmade crafting and making has always been a deeply personal, tactile experience—one that relies on skill, creativity, and heart. But in today’s increasingly digital world, artificial intelligence (AI) is stepping into even the most traditional spaces, including the handmade arts. If […]
Behind the brand: A Day in the life of an independent designer
By Sissel from Foss and Bjørn – UK-based sensory jewellery inspired by Scandinavia Running a small business is rarely just a 9-to-5 — especially when your products are deeply personal, lovingly handmade, and rooted in purpose. At Foss and Bjørn, every piece of sensory jewellery we create is designed to offer both style and support […]
Sustainable Crafting: The Rise of Eco-Friendly Handmade Goods
In a world increasingly aware of environmental impact, sustainable crafting has stepped into the spotlight — and it’s changing the way we shop, create, and gift. Consumers are no longer just seeking beautiful products; they want items that reflect their values, reduce waste, and support small-scale makers. The rise of eco-friendly handmade goods marks a […]
The Challenges & Triumphs of Selling Handmade Products Online
The Highs and Lows of Running an Online Handmade Business By Christina from Forge+Thread, London Running a small business from my little home studio in London has been a wild mix of joy, stress, discovery, and the occasional clay-covered meltdown. I design and handmake polymer clay jewellery – bold, playful, and lightweight pieces that reflect […]