Whether storefront, Etsy shop or studio space, there is no lack of places to find locally made unique goods and experiences. Below are just a handful of the local makers and spaces that are making it easy to shop, drink, eat, and create locally.
Fort Wayne, Indiana Makers
The Shed
The Shed is one of my favorite places to visit, both for shopping and just for the homey feel. Nestled a few minutes outside of the city limits in Spencerville, Indiana, The Shed is located on a family farm, and as soon as you drive up to the property you feel like you're somewhere special.
When you enter The Shed you immediately have thoughts of Joanna Gaines with the refurbished barn decorated and perfectly curated to showcase the handmade signs made by Emilia Land and co. My husband and I have bought a handful of signs (and many other decorative pieces) from the shop, and love making the short trip.
The Shed also sells a number of other handmade items including blankets, candles, and more! The best part is that even if The Shed did not make it themselves, it was likely made by another local maker. You can shop in their physical location, or online on Etsy.
Lee Morgan Designs
I became a fan of Lee Powers and her holographic designs when I was sourcing local boutiques and makers for a pop-up market. I promptly purchased both a tumbler adorned with “Fort Wayne, Indiana” in iridescent hand lettering and a fun “Fort Wayne” keychain to add a little fun and hometown pride to my key ring.
In addition to fun Fort Wayne items, Lee also takes custom orders for hand-lettered goodies. Whether you want to represent Fort Wayne on your drinkware or display a unique skyline on your wall, Lee Morgan Designs is combining pretty prints and local pride all in one. You can find her at local markets, pop-up events, and online on Etsy!
Sassie Cakes
I can’t create a list of locally made goods and not mention at least one place where you can find delicious sweets – my sweet tooth is too strong! Sassie Cakes is located in Southwest Fort Wayne and is the perfect place to stop by if you need a sweet pick-me-up during the day. Known for their beautiful (and delicious) cakes, Sassie Cakes also sells cupcakes, cookies, macarons, and their amazing, safe to eat, cookie dough, which can be ordered by the scoop.
Maker Spaces in Fort Wayne, Indiana
Studio-like spaces have been popping up around town offering everyone the opportunity to let their creativity shine through! Whether inspiration strikes you naturally, or you need a little guidance to get there, these maker spaces give the opportunity to be creative in a variety of ways, whether you want to work on a project on your own, or turn it into a DIY party!
Board and Brush
Board and Brush studios have popped up all over the place in the last few years, and you have probably seen a friend or two post about attending a workshop and showing off their DIY sign. Board and Brush has two locations in the Fort Wayne area – Board and Brush Roanoke, and Board and Brush North Fort Wayne.
Board and Brush studios allow you to become a DIY master in just a couple of hours. You can book private parties for a group, or drop-in at one of their public workshops for a fun girls night out, or date night. New to Board and brush is custom doormats, meaning you can take your creativity from your walls to your front porch.
Paradigm Gallery
Shop the Paradigm Gallery at the Fort Wayne Museum of Art for fine craft and original art from 60 of the area’s artists and artisans. In Paradigm, you’ll find jewelry, cards, wood objects, ceramics, prints, photography, children’s items, original apparel, stained glass, and countless other unique, handcrafted items at all price points.
FWMoA Members receive a discount on ALL purchases!
The Garden
The Garden is a multi-use creative space in the heart of Fort Wayne, the North Anthony Corridor neighborhood. Their space is an open concept venue with both indoor and outdoor spaces for art exhibits, community events, live music, and more. Explore one of their dozens of exhbiitions every year and check out one of their night markets on the 3rd Wednesdays of every month May through September and support local creatives, artists, designers, makers, and farmers!
YLNI Farmers Market
The YLNI Farmers Market, whether outdoors at the Barr Street Market in the summer, or indoors at the Olde East End Building during the winter, is the perfect one-stoop-shop for all things locally made. Each market offers a unique selection of merchants, making it a must-shop destination for delicious ready-to-eat treats, locally grown produce, fresh meats, pantry goods, crafts, toys, clothing and accessories, bath and body products, pottery, artwork and much more. The YLNI Farmers Market is “producer-only” which means that each vendor makes or grows the products they sell, ensuring each merchant offers truly local goods. The markets also offer live music by area musicians, as well as children’s activities to make the events fun for the whole family.
Cookie Cottage Inc.
Cookie Cottage is a family business, specializing in original recipe and customized cookies. Located on the Pufferbelly Trail, you can stop by, get a cookie, and eat in on their picnic table. Cookies are available in-store, for delivery, and online shipping.
Gnometown Brewing
Does your creativity require a bit of “liquid courage” to get moving? Perhaps brewing your own beer is just what you’ve been looking for! Operating as an extension of local restaurant Hoppy Gnome, Gnometown Brewing brings a unique experience to Fort Wayne where you act as the brewmaster and create your very own beer. Gnometown provides a little guidance in the form of recipes you can alter and work with, and once your "hoppy" creation is in the works, they handle the rest for you!
These are just a few of my favorite makers and spaces around Fort Wayne, Indiana – and there are so many others worthy of being showcased! Have a local maker that you love? Share with us!
