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
Meet the Maker – Max and Sonya from Chillis Galore
In this week’s Meet the Maker we chat with Max and Sonya, the owners of Chillis Gallore, a 26-year-old company from Norfolk making delicious, award-winning chilli jam, hot sauces and relishes since 1999. Hi Max and Sonya, What did you do before Chillis Gallore? Max is a cinematographer and still works as one, as he [...]
Handmade Gift Ideas for Every Budget
Thoughtful Gifts from Independent Makers One of the joys of shopping with Urban Makers is discovering handmade gifts at every price point — all created by independent makers working in small batches. Whether you’re buying a small token or a statement piece, these gift ideas show that thoughtful doesn’t have to mean expensive. Below, we’ve [...]
Urban Makers’ Guide to Valentine’s Gifts 2026: Shop Independent & Handmade
Thoughtful Valentine’s Gift Ideas from Urban Makers Valentine’s Day is about connection, thoughtfulness, and choosing something meaningful — and there’s no better way to do that than with Valentine’s gifts made by independent makers. At Urban Makers, we champion small creative businesses who design and make beautiful products in limited runs, with care and intention. [...]
Why Handmade Still Matters: 10 Years of Supporting Urban Makers
For the past 10 years, Urban Makers has been championing independent creatives — people who design, make, print, stitch, and build thoughtful products by hand. In a fast-moving, increasingly expensive urban environment, like London, handmade work continues to matter more than ever. As we celebrate a decade of Urban Makers, it feels like the right […]
London Pub Gifts for Pub Lovers: Brilliant Pubs Worth Celebrating
London’s pubs are more than just places to drink — they’re social anchors, architectural landmarks, and living pieces of the city’s history. They’re also places people form memories, meet friends, and return to time and again, which is why illustrated pub prints and coasters make such meaningful gifts for pub lovers. Whether it’s a favourite […]
Festive Feminist Card making workshop with Illustrator, Erin Aniker
Free, festive, feminist card making workshops with Illustrator, Erin Aniker at the Urban Makers Christmas Market Urban Makers Christmas Market The Ecology Pavilion, Mile End, London, UK Saturday 13th December 2025 x3 workshop time slots available: 11.30 am – 12.30 pm 12.30 – 1.30 pm 1.30 – 2.30 pm Join East London Illustrator Erin Aniker […]
Make a Kantha Stitch Embroidered Bag
Join Eileen Wedderburn in a relaxed workshop at the Urban Makers Christmas Market. Craft a cool bag with colorful Kantha stitch embroidery — for fun and creative vibes! When: 30 November 2025, 2:30pm to 4:30pm Where: Urban Makers Christmas Market, Ecology Pavilion, Mile End Park, E3 5RP Tickets: £15.87 Make a Kantha Stitch Embroidered Bag Join Eileen for […]
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 […]