Introducing Craftadian: A Celebration of Creativity and Community

Meet Jacqueline, a remarkable single mother of two and the driving force behind one of the most beloved pop-up markets in the Burlington and Hamilton areas. Craftadian isn't just another market; it's a vibrant celebration of local artisans and their unique creations.

Like many organizers, Jacqueline's journey began as a vendor, selling her stationary artwork. However, a pivotal moment made her realize the need for something better – not just for herself, but for her fellow vendors too. Once positioned next to competing businesses similar to hers, Jacqueline knew she wanted to raise the bar.

Crafting the Perfect Brand

With the inception of Craftadian in 2011 in Southern Ontario, Jacqueline rebranded the show in 2015 and trademarked the name – Craftadian, a fusion of "craft" and "Canadian." The new rebrand truly reflected their commitment to promoting local craftsmanship.

What is Craftadian?

Craftadian's events are experiences carefully curated to evoke warmth and community spirit.

From sprawling venues to the curated selection of artisans, every location is chosen to create a lively, welcoming atmosphere, complete with a local DJ and local beer and wine in their Hamilton location. Jacqueline and her team ensure that every showcased item is authentically crafted by local artisans, made in Canada fostering a genuine connection between creators and customers.

The 3 words that could describe her markets are “lively”, “friendly”, and “relaxed”. 

Vendor Selection Process Explained:

Craftadian's commitment to excellence extends to its vendors. With over 50 markets under their belt, they've mastered the art of vendor selection. Using juries, they meticulously evaluate applications based on criteria like completeness, craftsmanship, and visual presentation. For prospective vendors, this means showcasing their brand personality, sharing their creative process, and presenting high-quality imagery that captures their products' essence.

With over 300 eligible applicants competing for 85 vendor spots, the competition is fierce.

So, what are the juries looking for?

Crafting a Successful Application:

The next time you fill out a vendor application, consider asking yourself these simple questions to increase your chances for success: 

Does my social media reflect my brand identity?

Am I actively engaging with my audience and directing them to purchase my products?

Do my product photos showcase my craftsmanship effectively?

Can I articulate the uniqueness of my creations and the story behind them?

Have I thoroughly completed the application, paying attention to detail?

Does my packaging align with my brand's identity?

Have I provided a booth sketch to visualize my setup?

By embracing these tips, artisans can elevate their vendor applications for the opportunity to join the next Craftadian event! 

When we asked Jacqueline one artisan that she could highlight - she named an 11-year-old artist, Colton, who makes handmade concrete candles, planters, and pots. Check out his amazing creations on his Instagram page below (@colt_creations). 

At the moment, Craftadian hosts around 5 markets a year featuring over 280 unique makers and welcoming over 8,000 shoppers annually at their events! To find out more about Craftadian, and how to be a vendor please visit on how to join Craftadian please visit their website: https://www.craftadian.ca/apply