Made on the Left Market Sees Local Artisan Sellers Return to Freo
More than 100 Western Australian designers will fill Esplanade Park in Fremantle for the Made on the Left Christmas Market from Saturday, November 21. One returning stallholder turns her husband's underwater photography into earrings and pendants priced from $25 to $40.
Local artisan sellers return to Esplanade Park in Fremantle, Western Australia, on Saturday, November 21, for the Made on the Left Christmas Market, with more than 100 WA designers selling handmade gifts. The market also runs on the Sunday.
Organizers describe it as one of Fremantle's most anticipated holiday events. Food trucks, treats and space for families to sit and relax sit alongside the stalls.
Ocean photos turned into jewellery
One of the returning stallholders is Sea Drops Jewellery, run by North Fremantle local Louise Stazzonelli. She came up with the idea in 2019, inspired by the underwater photography of her husband, Glen Cowans, which he displays at his studio at the Fremantle Roundhouse.
The couple have scuba dived together for more than 30 years, photographing and filming marine life.
Ms Stazzonelli picks her favorites from tens of thousands of photos. Cowans shrinks each image to fit earrings and pendants, printing with pigmented ink that does not fade. She seals the design under domed glass and sets it in stainless steel or sterling silver.
She often draws on coral patterns, fish scales and water reflections. A mini print of the original photograph sits next to each piece so buyers can see where it came from.
"I kind of came up with the idea because we get tourists coming through," she said. "I thought, it would make a wonderful gift if I could do something with (the photos), and I love jewellery."
The pieces are priced between $25 and $40. Ms Stazzonelli said she wants them affordable so people can wear the art and appreciate the ocean.
Third year at the market
This is her third year exhibiting at Made on the Left. She said the community support and festive feeling keep her coming back.
"The markets are great to do because you meet so many people and you get feedback," she said. She added that she does not get that connection as much even at her gallery.
She is also preparing for what she calls the "big impact months" before Christmas. She is designing and making stock in advance for locals and tourists who visit her Roundhouse store and her market stall.
What organizers say
Committee member Matt Watt said the market offers a local alternative to mass-produced Christmas gifts from shopping centres. "For almost two decades, the Made on the Left Christmas Market has celebrated the incredible talent we have here in Western Australia," he said.
He said every purchase directly supports a local maker and helps small creative businesses thrive. Visitors can meet the artists behind the products and hear their stories, he said.
"What makes this market so special is the connection between the makers and the community," Watt said.
Take the quizWhat Kind of Holiday Spender Are You? Take the Black Friday QuizStart →- 1Column: 4 Reasons to Eat Dark Chocolate, Dietitians Say
- 2Chrissie Swan, 52, Tears Up Over Secret Surprise While Recovering
- 3Aspyn Ovard Reveals Daughter Has Terminal Cancer on Mormon Wives
- 4Canadiens Expected to Re-Sign Josh Anderson at Lower Salary, Insider Says
- 5NYC Medical Examiner Has Not Determined Cause of Death of Beau Rose Jessup
Lifestyle7 Quiet Habits of Emotionally Intelligent People, According to Psychologists
LifestylePeople Who Don’t Like Celebrating Their Birthday Often Share These 7 Traits
Lifestyle · Food & HealthVitamin D in Winter: Do You Need a Supplement, and How Much?
Lifestyle · Food & HealthWhat Is Seasonal Affective Disorder? Signs, Causes and What Helps
