On 15 and 16 November 2025, Halle am Wasserturm at Areal Böhler was transformed into a lively venue for design, arts and crafts, and creativity. Together with ManufakTOUR Düsseldorf, THE DORF and Düsseldorf University of Applied Sciences, local designers, artists and manufacturers presented their handmade products – from home accessories to fashion and jewellery to unique gift ideas.

A market for inspiration

As soon as you entered the hall, it was clear that every detail had been crafted with passion. Lovingly designed stands, the scent of natural materials, warm islands of light and, in between, people enthusiastically talking, trying things out and marvelling.

Whether hand-turned wooden objects, fine ceramics, unusual jewellery, fashion from small studios, homewear or home accessories – Makers Market offered an authentic glimpse into the creative work of the region. Many visitors took the opportunity to buy special one-off items as Christmas gifts, far removed from the mainstream.

Workshops: creativity to get involved in

One highlight of the weekend was the workshop area, which was well attended throughout. Here, people cut, dyed, drew, felted and designed: from upcycling and textile experiments to working with ceramics and wool threads.

What made it special was that the workshops were open to everyone – no advance registration required, spontaneous and low-threshold. Many visitors left the location with an unique handmade item and the feeling of having come a step closer to their own creativity.

‘I never thought I could make my own Christmas present out of felt in two hours – it really makes me want to do more!’ said one visitor enthusiastically.

Encounters, conversations and a special atmosphere

Makers Market was more than a market – it was an experience space. A meeting place was created between the historic steel girders of Halle am Wasserturm: traders struck up conversations with visitors, talked shop about techniques, exchanged ideas and tried out new things.

The unique industrial architecture of Areal Böhler lent the weekend a special atmosphere: modern yet raw, creative yet clearly structured – an environment that perfectly showcases craftsmanship and design.

Why Makers Market is such a good fit for Areal Böhler

As a place that combines tradition with innovation, Areal Böhler is home to creative formats, special events and cultural exchange. Makers Market fits seamlessly into this self-image:

it shows how much potential there is in regional craftsmanship, how lively the scene is and how much people today value quality, sustainability and individuality.

Outlook

The great popularity and positive response from both exhibitors and visitors make it clear: Makers Market is a format with a future. Perhaps there will be another edition soon – with new workshops, exciting exhibitors and even more creative encounters.

Participants included:

Atelier DREI · Jewellery & Accessories

@atelier_drei_duesseldorf · @beru_inou · @kittosartstudio · @yiqingcai

Atelier hinter Indien · Jewellery

@atelierhinterindien · @laurachristmannjewellery · @maren_duesel_jewellery · @sofiabeilharz_jewellery

Avonté · Homewear

@avonte.official

Christof Lungwitz · Wood

@christof_lungwitz

Cutoffs · Wood & Ceramics

@cutoffs.de

Erden · Jewellery

@erden_goldschmiede

Etuk · Fashion

@etukatelier

Funk Optik Düsseldorf · Eyewear & Accessories

@funkoptikstores · @funkeyewear

Gourmie Goods · Speciality Food

@gourmiegoods

Harriet Allure · Scented Candles

@harrietallure

hesa.design · Leather & Fashion Accessories

@hesa.design

Jan Tesche, Gudrun Schuster, Katja Voscht, Cornelie Weiss, Heike Simons · Wooden objects, sculptures, jewellery & porcelain

@janteschemoebelunikate · @kleineverzierung · @cornelie_weiss · @ateliercatseye

Jimu Kobayashi · Ceramics

@jimukobayashi

Julia Funk · Jewellery

@juliafunk.studio

Lessing Produktgestaltung · Wood, play objects & furniture

@lessing.produkte

Markus Christian Wilkens · Furniture & lighting

@wilkens.markus

Monolar · Bags & accessories

@monolar.eu

Opaak · Bodywear

@opaakofficial

Sharokina · Leather bags & accessories

@sharokina

Studio Rabotti · Prints & postcards

@studiorabotti

Studio Rosa · Accessories

@studio.rosa.vh

Students from the Design Department at HSD PBSA · Various

@hsddesign · @gifd_dus