All you need to know about the General Collective market

There's something for everyone at the General Collective craft markets.

Craft guru Pony McTate finds out how an Auckland collective began.

What: General Collective Lifestyle & Design Market
When: Tomorrow, 9am-3pm
When: ASB Showgrounds, Pavilion 3/4, 217 Green Lane West, Greenlane.
$2 entry, under-15s free.
generalcollective.co.nz

Craft markets are my jam, a phrase I think the yoof say when they're into something. So when I heard about the General Collective creative markets, I naturally pricked up my ears. High-end handmade goods, something to entertain the kids and a wine bar? I'm most definitely in.

The General Collective markets have been going since 2014; they are a mecca for contemporary hand-crafted gorgeousness. Each event showcases a curated offering of independent designers from across New Zealand. If you are after unique and high-quality homewares, fashion, jewellery, ceramics, plants and accessories, then this is the place for you, with tomorrow's market focusing on lifestyle and design.

Rose Barbarich is the driving force behind the General Collective. She says she and a friend wanted an outlet to sell their wares. " I came up with the idea to create our own market rather than join an existing one. We wanted it to be different from the rest." So they went about enlisting their crafty friends.

Since then, they've grown from a small craft market of 14 makers to a wonderful large-scale design and lifestyle market with 300 designers and makers.

There is an increasing demand for designer and handmade item, she says. "People are wanting something different and unique. They also want to know where their products are coming from and to support local small businesses.

"A mass-produced product from a high street chain store doesn't create emotion; people don't connect with it. Instead, our customers are able to meet our makers and designers, build a relationship with them, talk about the design and creation process and come away with a beautiful product that has taken time and effort to produce. Something that is full of love. People treasure their purchases and have a real connection with them."

General Collective craft markets.

And Barbarich's tips for punters?

"Check out our online map and guide which you can print out and bring along. Plan to spend a few hours to make sure you've seen as much as you can and meet some of our makers.

"Breakfast, lunch and nibbles can be enjoyed anytime with the delicious street food on offer. You can always catch your breath at the wine bar, then carry on. Kids are catered for too, with a DIY kids' craft workshop, face painting and lots of Lego stations."

Gather the troops and make a day of it with friends or your family.

Instagram: @pony.mctate

Email: pony@ponymctate.com