The first time I stepped foot in the Montreal Makers Market, it was to get out from under a scorching 3pm sun in July. Walking into their (thankfully, much cooler) space, I was greeted by dozens of friendly vendors, each with their own booth and artisan wares. I went from booth to booth, perusing everything from jewelry, clothing, prints, ceramics, zines, stickers, stationary, accessories, crystals, oddities, and even tattoos.

Coming up on their fourth year, the artisan market is run by a single anonymous individual. They describe the mission of the market to be “affordable for any vendor to participate” so they regularly “give away free tables and [offer] sliding scale tables” to support small businesses in Quebec. Each weekend has 80-90 vendors, and each weekend they collect funds for a given project; the past few months, they have all been in support of Palestine and Palestinian individuals. MMM is “inherently a queer alternative market” but they pride themselves on having a wide range of artisanal products and local vendors: “I want anyone to be able to walk in and find something they love.”

The XXX-MAS event will be taking place this weekend, from 11h to 17h on both Saturday, December 14th and Sunday, December 15th. Head to 5945 rue Cartier between those hours to enjoy the holiday atmosphere and browse the booths to see what the creatives and artisans have come up with this holiday season. On Instagram, they have been posting regularly about the vendors and their products, and my excitement has been growing exponentially. The full list of confirmed vendors is available on the MMM Linktree. As of writing this article, I count 82 businesses that will be in attendance! Please note that from 11h until 15h, the space will be family-friendly, and that only adults (18+) can enjoy the burlesque performances taking place from 15h until closing each day.

Speaking with Carcajouse, I learned that they are “a potter, craft enthusiast, and illustrator who makes hand painted and hand carved pottery.” They further explained their favourite work to create: “They love to work with celestial, floral, and occult themes, and strive for their work to feel magical. They work primarily with the sgraffito technique, a technique of engraving on painted clay, and their pieces usually feature skulls, plants, and the occasional little cat. Their pieces are above all functional; small bowls, plates for tea bags, cups, incense burners, but often combine more sculptural decorative elements.” This weekend, in addition to their normal stock, they will also be selling “Christmas baubles carved with skulls and moths, ready to help make your holidays a bit more gothic” as well as “a whole new litter of Bean Cats.” They invite you to come to MMM to find your own furry friend’s tiny porcelain lookalike! Keep an eye out for an orange cat alcove mug…

Keffiyehs 4 Direct Action will be selling their products both Saturday and Sunday as well! They are a non-profit initiative that aims to help families in Gaza, run by a Montreal-based tattoo artist. They sell Keffiyehs, traditionally woven in Syria, as well as other handmade accessories, such as their keychains and scrunchies. According to their website, they are currently raising funds for Reem and her two kids, Zayn and Wateen. They also accept direct donations. Their Keffiyehs come in several colours and their other available products may vary, so make sure you stop by this weekend to see what they have for sale, and consider supporting their work!

Black Daisies Jewelry is “born from the minds of two silversmiths from Montreal.” Their jewelry is hand carved in wax and cast in sterling silver. They described their process as “almost like a sacred ritual as they pour their love and intentions into each piece,” as their “emotions & experiences from today's society are expressed through the pieces with a dark & poetic aesthetic.” They assure me that we will be far from disappointed by their wares: “Make sure to visit their booth at Montreal Makers Market to really see what this enchantment is all about! They will have their new collection available as well as their best sellers’ necklaces such as “The Heart Wants What It Wants” or “Satan’s Left Hand” and their unique rings collection.” From scrolling through their website, it looks like I may be purchasing their “The Gardenia” ring for myself! If you’re interested, you (and I) will have the opportunity to browse either day this weekend.

If you’re looking to support local businesses this holiday season, Montreal Makers Market is a perfect place to shop for your gifts! But if you can’t make it this weekend, don’t worry: they have markets planned for throughout the year, with nine already confirmed for 2025. Follow their Instagram for updates on specific details. Also, if you’re a small business owner, applications are now open to have a booth at their upcoming markets in March and April.

Something For Everyone: Montreal Makers Market

Change It Up

McSweeney’s List (11 December 2024)