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

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 […]

Urban Makers Christmas Market 2025 – Celebrating 10 Years of Festive Markets!

Urban Makers Christmas Market 2025 – Celebrating 10 Years of Festive Markets! We’re so excited to announce that Urban Makers will be returning to the beautiful Ecology Pavilion in Mile End Park, East London, for our 10th annual Christmas Makers’ Market in 2025! Since 2015, we’ve been proudly supporting UK-based independent designers, and this year […]

How to Start a Handmade Business from Scratch in 2025

A UK Maker’s Guide to Launching Your Creative Dream If you’ve been dreaming about turning your creative hobby into a thriving business, 2025 could be your year. Whether you’re handcrafting jewellery at the kitchen table or mixing small-batch candles in your spare room, there’s never been a better time to start a handmade business in […]

10 Handmade Craft Trends That Are Taking Over in 2025

  10 Handmade Craft Trends That Are Taking Over in 2025 The world of handmade crafts is constantly evolving, with designers and artisans pushing creative boundaries to bring fresh and exciting ideas to life. As 2025 unfolds, makers are blending traditional techniques with modern innovations, sustainability, and personal expression to shape the future of handmade […]

Punch Needle Workshop with The Modern Crafter

Learn How to Punch Needle With The Modern Crafter  Saturday 24th May 1pm until 4pm Mezzanine, Old Spitalfields Market in collaboration with Urban Makers  Join The Modern Crafter for this 3 hour beginner punch needle workshop in London at the iconic Old Spitalfields Market. Soak up the atmosphere whilst learning how to punch needle your […]

5 top tips from Urban Makers Designers on Running a Handmade Business

5 top tips from Urban Makers Designers on Running a Handmade Business Turning creativity into a successful business is an exciting journey, but it comes with its own set of challenges. From branding and pricing to marketing and sales, there’s a lot to consider when running a handmade business. At Urban Makers, we’re lucky to […]

Handcrafted Jewellery: Trends to Watch in 2025

Handcrafted Jewellery: Trends to Watch in 2025 The world of handcrafted jewellery continues to evolve, with independent makers pushing creative boundaries and embracing new materials, techniques and styles. From eco-friendly materials to bold, statement designs, handcrafted jewellery offers a unique alternative to mass-produced accessories. Here are some of the top trends to watch in 2025, […]

Unique gifts for Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Gifts Made by Independent Makers: Thoughtful Ideas for Your Loved One Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to show your loved ones how much you care, and what better way to do that than with a unique gift made by an independent maker? Thoughtfully crafted, these gifts carry a special touch of creativity and […]

Christmas Ceramic Painting Workshop

Come join Ella Bulley Studio for a festive and creative Christmas Ceramic Painting Workshop at the Urban Makers Christmas market at The Ecology Pavilion Mile End Park. Saturday November 30th  2 – 3.30pm Get into the holiday spirit by painting your own unique ceramic set as a special home decor piece or gift. This hands-on workshop […]

Unique Christmas Gifts for Kids – Made by Independent Makers

Unique Christmas Gifts for Kids – Made by Independent Makers Finding thoughtful, unique gifts for kids that spark joy and creativity can be a delightful part of festive shopping. This year, why not explore handmade, one-of-a-kind gifts crafted by independent makers? Supporting small businesses not only ensures you’re giving something unique but also backs talented […]

Floral Face Oil Workshop

Create your own beautiful facial oil from wild harvested florals and herbs infused in organic cold pressed oils –  with natural skincare formulator Suzie. Floral Face Oil Workshop December 15th, 2 – 3:30pm Urban Makers Christmas Market  Join Suzie on December 15th, from 2 – 3:30 pm at the Urban Makers Christmas Market for an […]

Candle Making Workshop

Christmas Candle Making Workshop with Bruler Candles at Urban Makers Christmas Market Sunday December 1st Time: 12:00 – 13:15 Urban Maker Christmas Market £34 Get into the holiday spirit with a candle-making workshop led by Danielle from Bruler Candles on Sunday, December 1st, from 12:00 – 1:15 pm at the Urban Makers Christmas Market, located […]