Make It! Calgary has lofty expectations for local designers and shoppers.

DETAILS

Make It Calgary
Chinese Cultural Centre Association
Friday, November 6 - Sunday, November 8

More in: Special Events

In his new book, Scroogenomics: Why You Shouldn’t Buy Presents for the Holidays, economist Joel Waldfogel argues against the unsound practice of over-spending and over-extending credit for expensive gifts that don’t really satisfy those who receive them — think flannel pyjamas, ill-fitting sweaters, sickly sweet lotions and bath salts.

With the holiday shopping season creeping up on us, the Calgary version of Make It! debuts at the Chinese Cultural Centre on November 6, providing consumers the chance to skip the mall and support local, independent products. Featuring about 65 Canadian designers and artisans, the show will exhibit unique fashion, art, accessories, jewelry and home decor items in a setting with an upbeat vibe.

Make It! appeals to consumers who are conscious of how products are manufactured and interested in the storyline behind the products they’re purchasing, says organizer Jenna Herbut, who has a background in business, marketing and fashion. “There’s an authenticity to buying something unique from the person who created it,” she adds.

Calgary collector and crafter Veronica Murphy agrees. She credits the emerging interest in handmade goods and craft to a general disconnect from mass-produced goods. Murphy says she’s “excited to see the indie craft scene catch on in Calgary.” Initiatives like Make It! “provide an alternative to the standard consumption patterns found at big-box retailers,” she says.

The success of homegrown initiative Market Collective is evidence that Calgary consumers want to attend and spend at these kinds of events. Market Collective has been showcasing the work of local independent artists, artisans and musicians since 2008. It has grown in size and popularity and organizers are gearing up to present the ninth event on December 5 and 6 in Kensington.

Before launching Make It!, which Herbut now operates in collaboration with her brother Chandler from their Gastown loft in Vancouver, Herbut had success with her own line of belts and handbags. After participating as an exhibitor at shows, she was motivated to start her own — something hip and contemporary that would have more appeal to her peers than the traditional craft show. Both in their mid-20s, Hebut is in the process of reimagining her own line, and Chandler operates Ole Originals. They’re interested not only in showing off their talent and developing unique visions, but also in creating strong business opportunities for young entrepreneurs like themselves. “We try to create experiences that we want as exhibitors,” says Jenna, who has also been involved in organizing workshops for those who are just getting their own businesses off the ground.

Make It! has been successful in Vancouver and Edmonton over the past couple of years, and Herbut is excited about debuting in Calgary, which she describes as “an untapped market for the kind of experience they’re interested in presenting.”

What can we expect at Make It!? Tunes spun by Calgary DJs, a variety of quality goods at reasonable prices, and a great mix of people. Designers from all over Western Canada will be participating, but keep your eyes peeled for local gems. Highlights from Calgary include Paige Smith Designs and Stellar Hoods by designer Megan Zee. Smith transforms vintage saucers into charming pieces to hold your jewelry, while Zee cleverly combines the scarf and hood into one stylish entity.