Madeit: Supporting Australian Makers and Handmade Creativity
Updated: 5 days ago
Why Madeit caught my attention
Recently I discovered Madeit, an Australian online marketplace dedicated to handmade products and it immediately caught my attention. A friend mentioned the platform to me and as someone who has spent decades working in textiles, basketry, sewing and handmade craft I was curious to learn more.
What drew me in was the fact that Madeit has been created specifically for Australian makers. It is a place where handmade work is genuinely valued and where creative people are supported to sell what they make.
More than just an online marketplace
As I explored the site further I realised it was much more than just another marketplace. With hundreds of makers selling everything from knitting, sewing, ceramics and jewellery to paper craft, basketry and slow-made goods, it feels like a vibrant creative community rather than simply a shopping site.
One of the things I loved most was the idea of artisan meet-ups. Madeit includes a map showing gatherings happening all around Australia, from Perth to Brisbane and along the east coast, where makers can meet, share ideas, encourage one another and build connections. In a world where so much selling happens in isolation online, that sense of community feels incredibly important.
Leina Broughton's vision
What also appealed to me was Madeit's focus on authentic handmade work.
The owner, Leina Broughton, reshaped the platform around a stronger mission-driven identity that protects genuine handmade products and supports Australian creatives.
At a time when many online marketplaces have become crowded with mass-produced imports, Madeit's emphasis on verified Australian-made handmade work feels refreshing. It represents a more thoughtful kind of consumerism; one that values creativity, craftsmanship and small independent businesses.
Leina's vision grew from a belief that Australian makers deserve a dedicated space where genuinely handmade work is celebrated. Through Madeit she has worked to build more than a marketplace; she has created a community that connects artisans with customers who appreciate the skill, time and passion behind handmade work.
Her message is simple: supporting handmade is not just about buying a product. It is about supporting creative livelihoods, preserving traditional skills, strengthening local communities and recognising the value of work created by human hands.
Why this matters to me
This topic resonates deeply with me because selling handmade work has never been easy. I started selling my own work when I was about eighteen or nineteen years old.
Over the years I sold clothing to boutiques, attended markets and spent countless days standing behind stalls hoping someone would connect with what I had made.
Sometimes I sold well and sometimes I stood there all day and sold nothing. Making a living from creativity takes enormous persistence, which is why finding platforms that genuinely support makers matters so much.
I know many people who learn craft dream of turning their creativity into something more perhaps a side income or even becoming a full-time maker. Through my teaching in basketry, slow stitching, sewing and textiles, I often see students begin to wonder how they might eventually sell what they create.
Madeit interested me because it offers another pathway. For makers creating baskets, stitched textiles, jewellery or slow-crafted objects, it feels like a platform aligned with the values behind handmade itself: creativity, authenticity, sustainability and connection.
Madeit has also introduced a policy which will not allow makers to use AI generated images on the platform. To me this keep this keep it authentic.
How to start selling on Madeit
If you're interested in selling your handmade work on Madeit, the process is quite simple.
All you need to do is apply as a seller, create a profile that tells people about you and your work, and then upload your products with photographs, descriptions and prices.
Because Madeit focuses on genuine handmade Australian products, there is an emphasis on supporting authentic makers. Once your shop is set up, you can begin sharing your work with customers who are specifically looking to buy handmade.
For many makers, it provides an opportunity to start selling online without having to build and manage their own website.
Final thoughts
As someone who has spent much of my life making, teaching and encouraging others to create, I am always interested in finding new ways for makers to share their work with the world.
Madeit appealed to me because it combines two things that are often difficult to find in one place: a practical platform for selling handmade work and a genuine community that supports the people behind it. For Australian makers looking for an alternative to the larger global marketplaces, it is certainly worth exploring.
If you're located in Australia, a creator and would like to sell your work, why not explore their website and apply to be one of their makers. If you are in another country and know of a similar organisation please let e share in our comments below.
We’d love to hear from you
We think platforms like Madeit are a great idea, giving independent makers and creators another way to sell their work while supporting handmade businesses closer to home.
Do you have anything similar in your country?
We’d love to know about other alternatives to the big selling platforms, particularly those that support independent makers, artists and creators. Share your favourites in the comments below.
This is so heartwarming and encouraging! So happy for you makers, both for the selling platform and the comeraderie from the meet-ups! Selling is the biggest hurdle for me and other maker friends. Happy for your solution!! Best wishes ;o)