- Work Hard
- 16th Sep 2024
- 0
- 4 minutes
Meet the woman behind Made Up North: Bringing our local creative community together
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Rebecca Ridley, founder of Made Up North, is on a mission to unite and celebrate independent creators from the North East.
Her platform, which began as a simple Instagram account, has grown to be the beating heart of the creative scene in the region.
Through pop-up shops, markets and an ever-expanding community, Made Up North is connecting talented makers with people, like us, who love to support local businesses.
WHERE IT ALL BEGAN FOR MADE UP NORTH
At first, Rebecca didn’t set out to create a large creative network. She’s a maker herself, specialising in ceramics (Rebecca Ridley Ceramics), and was looking forward to showcasing her work at local markets and events. However, towards the end of 2020, just as she was beginning to get involved in selling her pottery at these markets, the world shut down due to the pandemic.
Like many creatives, Rebecca felt the absence of in-person events. The social aspect of markets – the chance to meet other makers, chat with customers and exchange ideas – was suddenly gone. That’s when she had the idea to start Made Up North to stay connected and support her fellow makers.
What began as a small Instagram account to fill the gap soon grew into something much bigger than she could have imagined. “I missed making connections and chatting with other local creatives at in-person events, so the Made Up North Instagram account helped fill that gap,” Rebecca says. “It’s now developed into hosting in-person markets and pop-up shops where local creatives can connect with people face-to-face again.”
WHAT TO EXPECT AT MADE IN OUSEBURN (SEPTEMBER 23RD–29TH)
Made In Ouseburn event is a week-long celebration of local talent in the Ouseburn Valley. Hosted by Made Up North, Ouseburn Market and the Ouseburn Trust. The event features a pop-up shop showcasing the work of 17 northern artists, makers and small businesses.
Expect to find a wide variety of handmade and locally designed products, including jewellery, upcycled vintage clothing, woven wooden baskets and handcrafted chocolates.
But there’s more than just shopping. The event will also host several creative workshops, giving us a chance to try our hand at new crafts. From basket weaving and mini pottery throwing to modern calligraphy, there’s something for everyone. These workshops will take place at 51 Lime Street, with additional drawing and textile workshops hosted at The Biscuit Factory. Booking is essential, as spots tend to fill up quickly.
As part of the event, there’ll also be pop-up experiences. On Saturday 28th September, Baddays Studio will host a necklace and bracelet charm bar at 51 Lime Street, while on Sunday 29th September, Crosby Loves Cheese will host a cheese pop-up at Northern Rye Bake Shop.
But one highlight we’re most looking forward to is the special edition of the Ouseburn Market, taking place on the 28th and 29th of September. The market will feature over 60 local creatives and food trucks each day, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the vibrant local scene.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR MADE UP NORTH?
After the Made In Ouseburn event, Rebecca won’t be taking a break. She’s already gearing up for the busiest time of the year – the Made Up North Winter Market at the Boiler Shop. This annual event is a huge draw for local creatives and shoppers alike, and Rebecca is excited to continue building on the momentum of Made Up North’s growing success.
VISIT MADE UP NORTH’S INSTAGRAM
Rachael Ellis
Creative Solutions Manager
After gaining a first in her BA Media and Journalism degree at Northumbria University, Rachael worked at Newcastle’s leading regional newspaper with her stories being picked up in national and global newspapers She spent two very successful years giving a voice to those communities across the North East who otherwise…
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