OUR mission statement

MADE ON THE LEFT was founded in 2008 by independent designers to support Western Australian creative talent. We hold bi-annual handmade craft markets to showcase local designers.

Being on the left hand side of Australia no longer

means you'll be at a disadvantage.

Our aim is to support all creative designers and events showcasing independent labels. MOTL is a not-for-profit, non-partisan organisation. You may wonder why we promote other markets besides MOTL; it’s because it’s not about us, its about you; the buyers and sellers of indie wares. Here at the blog, you’ll discover up to date information about our latest market, the low-down on some of Perth’s emerging talents, other opportunities for artists and designers and a little bit of fun stuff too. It’s all right here… welcome!

Thursday, May 23


The Craft & Quilt Fair is on now with displays, exhibitions, workshops, make-and-take classes and retailers selling thousands of unique craft supplies.
Tickets includes entry to the QuiltWest Exhibition with quilts designed and made by members of the West Australian Quilters Association Inc.

When: Wednesday 22 May 22 to Sunday 26 May, 2013
Open 9am – 4:30pm daily

Where: Perth Convention Exhibition Centre, 21 Mounts Bay Road

How much: Adults $16
Seniors Card holders $14
Children (from 5 to 16 years) $9, under 5 years free
Family – 2 adults & 2 children $40

Wednesday, May 22

Common Ground


Common Ground is a retail concept and gallery pop up space that allows young and small local businesses and artists the opportunity to enter the retail and gallery market with two locations in Northbridge and Perth. There are still a few spots available so if you are interested, contact them asap!

Drawing in a Day: Beginner's class


Learn basic drawing skills in an intensive one day workshop at Central tafe. Find out about the language of drawing and how it can better inform you through your drawing practice, how to get your tool box started and what each medium is useful for. The morning will be still life drawing and the afternoon will be figure drawing with a life model. Cost includes all materials.

When: Saturday, 8 June, 9:30am - 4:00pm

Where: Central Institute of Technology, Perth campus - Building 512 Aberdeen Street, Northbridge.

Fee: $119

Further information: Email enquiry.art@central.wa.edu.au or phone 94271127 or 94271905 for more details. You can also enrol online directly.

Thursday, May 16

Q & A with Lucie from "Magpie House"



Tell us a bit about your business.
Magpie House is an eclectic mix of jewellery made by me, Lucie Basinger, using new and recycled pieces. The name Magpie House came about as I have always had a fascination with Magpies after being told as a child that if you see one alone you must greet it by saying “Good afternoon your Lordship”. Also they are cheeky and like to collect shiny things, which I think is great!

What inspires you?I am often inspired by my friends and by travel. I find odd combinations of shapes and textures intriguing and love animals and the outdoors.

What do you love most about selling at markets?I love the atmosphere; right from the set up it is an exciting energy. I love seeing all the other stalls and the fantastic outfits of all the shoppers!

What materials do you use?I use brass, copper, plastic, recycled bits and bobs found in op shops, all sorts really. I also use paper, card, old books and felt for my card making

What is your favourite part of the creative process?I love coming up with an idea and getting lost in doing trials and making mistakes, making mistakes often takes the idea on a totally new track. I like making a mess and the whole practical element. And then of course the feeling of selling something that you have made for someone else to enjoy is just awesome.

What’s been your most popular item or line to date?My brass triangle necklace or my mint green bead necklace has probably been the most popular.

What new products are you working on?I am working on a few new necklaces and bracelets using a lot of geometric shapes and bright beads. I am also making a lot of collaged postcards and gift tags, using old travel books and cat pictures. I really like to manipulate the old images using patterns, and painting back into them.

Where can we find you? www.etsy.com/shop/lucie2427

Tuesday, May 14

Re-love project: the finished item!

We can now reveal to you our finished old school desk which we have reinvigorated as part of the Feast Watson Re-love Project








We are really happy with how it turned out and don't want to part with it! However, it's for a good cause as proceeds go towards the Salvos. The auction is on now and you can bid on our desk here and the other participants' pieces here.

Sunday, May 12

Re-Love Project Update 4

We've been working hard on our desk for the Feast Watson Re-love Project.

We applied the Feast Watson Sanding Sealer and then after it had dried, sanded it back. The wood was then so smooth! A great surface to start work on. Our idea was to have a nautical theme with a sailing ship on one desk lid and a whale on the other. The waves would go across the bottom of both desks. We started off by drawing the designs in pencil directly onto the desk lid.



We then started painting. We needed to keep a steady hand as we would not be able to cover up any mistakes. The paint we used was a new Feast Watson product to create a crackle effect. If you want a crackle effect, you paint over a layer of the crackle lacquer but it can be used as a normal paint as well and comes in a range of pastel colours. We also selected a Dulux Minted Gold metallic colour for something a bit special.





We ended up changing our minds about the whale and ship and went with a rainbow instead. Surprise! We kept the waves though as they were looking good.


Next we added a bottom to the inkwells so they could be used as pencil holders and painted the insides black. And now for the varnishing - as soon as we applied the varnish, the wood looked amazing! We used Feast Watson Satinproof varnish.


We are really happy with the desk lid and love how the varnish has brought out the warmth of the wood. We did a few coats so it would protect it.


On the inside of the desk lid, we wanted to have a chalkboard surface in the shape of a cloud and here it is, freshly applied (and still wet!). We did a few coats in Dulux Chalkboard paint and left it to harden.


Now we just have to attach the lid to the desk body and it will be done!

Monday, May 6

Mother's Day gift guide

Today we have a guest post by Brittany du Boulay of Captured by a Girl. Here are her picks for some great locally made Mother's Day presents.




Clay & Clasp Teacup and Teapot Necklace $35
Captured by a girl Mothers Day Framed Print and Card Pack $28
Carpets for Communities Small Mats 40x50cm $30
Cleanse with Benefits Mothers Day Gift Soap Collection $35
Xquisit Organics Macadamia and Calendula Hand Cream $25
Starzyia Tree of Life Pendant $16.50
(Costs do not include shipping charges)

Sunday, May 5

Last minute stallholder callout: Pink in the Park




HMS PopUp Productions are looking for talented artists, craftspeople and stall holders to contribute and be a part of the Pink in the Park community charity event to be held on Saturday 11th of May at Victoria Park Hockey Club, Weston Street, Carlisle. 

Stalls will be charged at a nominal fee of $40 for the full day, from 9.30am until 4pm, with stall fees being treated as a donation to the Pink in the Park day. Stalls will be under shady trees and a limited number of marquees can be provided (first in, first served). 

For more information or to register, contact HMS PopUp Productions at productions@hmspopup.com or 0419 679 579 but be quick!