Cleveland Makers: Crafty Mart's Monthly Markets Are A Must-Visit For Any Thrifter

Think back to a time when online shopping didn’t dominate: 2008. This was the year the original founders of Crafty Mart, who were makers themselves, were looking for an avenue to sell their handmade products in Akron. Since then, the market has sold handmade goods nearly every month, including its upcoming Sept. 25 Halloween mini-market and annual holiday markets Nov. 27 and 28. The vendor list, which spans between 40-160 makers, includes artists such as Katie Ford, who makes locally inspired stationery, as well as Tanya Green, who started Julia Belle’s Seasoning after discovering several of her late-mother’s recipes. “The focus obviously is on the makers,” says market director Cheryl Hopkins, “but we try and make it a place where shoppers want to come hang out, get a drink, listen to some music, take a selfie in front of one of our photo drops, and just relax and shop.” 526 S. Main St. Suite 217, Akron, craftymart.org

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