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!

Sunday, January 26

Taking your hobby to market free workshop


Do you have a hobby or a great idea? Would you like to earn an income from your hobby? The city of Subiaco is holding a free workshop for people aged sixteen to thirty to bring out the entrepreneur in you. It's on Tuesday 18th February from 6 - 8pm at Warehouse Cafe, 221 Onslow Road, Shenton Park. During the workshop you will consider all the factors in taking your hobby to market including your unique selling point, sales channels, pricing and promotion strategy.

Places are limited and preference will be given to City of Subiaco residents and applicants that have an existing idea/hobby to take to market.

For more information, contact the city on culture@subiaco.wa.gov.au or 9237 9216 and to book in, go here.

One person attending the workshop will have the further opportunity to gain a mentorship with Perth Upmarket to develop their product idea to sell at the June 2014 Perth Upmarket.

Friday, January 24

Studio Oh Summer Workshops



Studio Oh is working with the team at Kookery for a round of workshops. These workshops will take place across two weekends on Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd February, Saturday 8th & Sunday 9th February 2014 in Studio Oh’s latest pop-up space at the newly-opened Kookery shop and cafe at 269 Rokeby Rd, Subiaco! The workshops include:
  • WATER-SLIDE DECALS: make your own beautiful labels
  • CORK COASTERS & TRIVETS: make your own geometric homewares
  • CONCRETE PLANTERS: make your own unique concrete planter
  • KOKEDAMA: make your own living moss ball
  • TERRARIUMS: make your own beautiful tiny green world
  • FELTED CREATURES: make your own stuffed felt creation
  • KIDS STENCILED TOTE BAG: make your own personalised bag (suitable for children aged 5 – 12)

Prices range from $70 - $150 and workshops last between 2 and 4 hours. All workshops will include a delicious coffee or tea (or a hot chocolate for the kids) and freshly-baked sweet treats from Kookery.

Bookings for the Summer Workshop series can be made through their online store

Wednesday, January 22

Call Out for 2014 Creative Challenge Artists


AWESOME Arts is calling out for contemporary artists who have experience working with children and young people in diverse and complex communities.

Skills in facilitating storytelling would be ideal for our 2014 theme Shaping Stories, which has been devised in partnership with the State Library of Western Australia.


Creative Challenge is AWESOME’s year round artist-in-residency program that celebrates the bright young things living in regional and remote Western Australia. Two artists take residence in each community for two weeks to share their knowledge and skills. The program is process-driven, involving participants in research, conceptual development, and creation of artwork that communicates the uniqueness of their community.

These residencies aim to spark creative play, independent thinking, and story telling, with our key aspiration being to give voice to young West Australian’s living in regional and remote communities. The program is renowned for offering high quality arts experiences, encouraging young people to consider their individual and collective community identity.

Are you up to the challenge? If you’re an artist and want to become involved please email 
ccd@awesomearts.com or call (08) 9328 9666 or visit the website and download an artist application kit today. Deadline for applications is 5pm Friday 31 Jan 2014.

Tuesday, January 21

Upcycle




Upcycle Perth are looking for stallholders for their Repurposing Exhibition and Sustainability Fair at Earthwise in Subiaco from 2pm to 9pm on 22nd - 23rd February 2013.

This event has two separate parts and you can choose to participate in either or both.
The Upcycle Exhibition: an Upcycling Exhibition where creators enter individual upcycled or repurposed pieces and judges will award prizes for the best entries.

Entries can be anything from useful household items to beautiful artworks and everyone is encouraged to have a go. Categories include:
  • Art and decor 
  • Clothing, jewellery and accessories
  • Furniture + large household items
  • Small items (eg: tabletop kitchen or office items)
  • Unrubbish

The Sustainability Fair: a market-style event where stallholders will offer a range of delights. While preference will be given to those selling upcycled products, they will also welcome:
  • other recycled and vintage items
  • handmade items
  • food and beverages
  • organisations / information related to sustainability
  • services and activities which will add to event atmosphere

Deadline for registrations is 10th February. If you'd like more information, see www.upcycleexhibition.org for event information or to express interest. You can also join their Facebook page and check out new upcycling examples daily.

Thursday, January 16

Ballin' in the Park market - call for stallholders



Ballin’ in the Park - 3ON3 Championships is an outdoor 3 on 3 Basketball tournament and will return to the McCallum Park foreshore Victoria Park on February 15th, 2014. It will not only showcase some of the finest ballers in town but also present a wide range of activities including hip hop beats, food and Retail Markets plus a licensed beer garden.

The Ballin’ in the Park markets focuses on retail and food stallholders from the Town of Victoria Park, plus stallholders with products related to basketball and street culture. It is on Saturday 15th February, trading from 10am – 6pm (or 8pm if you feel like it!)

Stall prices are: 
Shared 3 x 3m marquee (shared with another retail stall holder) $100
Full 3 x 3m marquee $200
Stallholders must have in place their own public and product liability policy with a minimum of $10 million cover.

STALL APPLICATIONS CLOSE JANUARY 24TH 2014.
Go to www.ballininthepark.com.au and book online.

Thursday, January 2

Mind Your Arts Summer workshops


Get the creative juices flowing this summer with the new season of Mind Your Arts workshops in the City of Stirling.



Mark Making with Gouache presented by Pauline White

Explore this versatile medium and use it alone or with watercolour or inks or acrylic. Whether you prefer abstract or figurative painting this delightful medium will seduce you.  Learn how to use the properties of any medium to your advantage and how to make the brush do most of the work.  Find a more effective use of colour. Practice how to paint glass in a convincing way. All materials supplied. Only high quality paint is used.

Date: Sunday 19 January 2014
Time: 10am - 3.00pm
Venue: Henderson Environment Centre, Groat Street, North Beach
Cost: $25

All materials and light refreshments will be provided – if you would like something more substantial please bring your own lunch.

Places are limited and bookings are essential. To reserve your place visit: http://gouache.eventbrite.com.au




Dr Sketchy's Anti Art Class (Life drawing with a twist)

Dr Sketchy’s is the Art Class your mum doesn’t want you going to!  Life modelling by stunning Burlesque queens and circus performers. The most beautiful and bizarre come out for the purpose of furthering your art work.  Bring along your sketchpad and whatever medium you fancy. Easels are welcome up the back and bring a drop sheet if you intend on doing some flamboyant paint work.

Games, prizes, drinking and saucy performances. Life drawing just got a whole lot more interesting!

Date: Monday 3 February 2014
Time: 6.00pm - 8.00pm
Venue: Sunset Veranda Pop Up Space, Scarborough Beach Reserve, The Esplanade, Scarborough
Cost: $19

Places are limited and bookings are essential. To reserve your place visit: https://drsketchyantiartclass.eventbrite.com.au



Introduction to Origami presented by Sanny Ang

Join origami master Sanny Ang as he guides you through the basics of origami.
Using a series of folds and origami techniques, participants will learn how to transform a simple square of paper into beautiful origami figures and decorations.
An interactive lesson for adults.

Date: Saturday, 8 March 2014
Time: 10am - 2pm
Venue: Mount Flora Regional Museum, Elvire Street, Watermans Bay
Cost: $25

All materials and light refreshments will be provided – if you would like something more substantial please bring your own lunch.

Places are limited and bookings are essential. To reserve your place visit: http://introtoorigami.eventbrite.com.au