Clouds and a crisp fall chill did not stop hundreds of Hillsdale students, faculty, and residents from flocking to the Student Activities Board’s fourth annual Maker’s Market this Saturday. 

Twenty-six vendors gathered in front of the chapel from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. to sell Greek treats and crepes, jewelry and scarves, and even 3D printed cups. 

This year’s Maker’s Market featured several student businesses including Bee Holy, a Catholic Art Company run by junior Cecilia Gulick, and sophomore Emma Turner’s Star Girl Jewelry. 

Turner sold her jewelry alongside her children’s book, “My Living Constitution: A Children’s Guide to U.S. Constitutional Amendments.” This was Turner’s second time selling at Maker’s Market after last year’s success. 

“I see a lot of girls around campus wearing my pieces and that’s really special to me,” Turner said.

Junior Gilian Ruch used the event to help spread the word about her new online business. She also said she also wanted to share stories with campus through her art. Her prints, cards, and stickers feature scenes of woodland animals cooking, cleaning, and playing music.  

“I am working towards building a website to sell my artwork, and Maker’s Market seemed like a great opportunity to share my art,” she said.  

Maker’s Market was Rush’s first time selling her artwork to a large audience, she said. She had previously only sold to friends and family. 

Cecilia Cummins said that Gilian’s artwork was among the most popular at Maker’s Market. After seeing the crowd gathering around her booth, Cummins decided to take a peek and was in awe. 

“It looked like something out of Peter Rabbit, like a real children’s book illustration,” Cummins said. “I resolved on buying two as Christmas presents and, as I was walking away, I bought a third because I could not help it. I spent 60 dollars on Gillian, and I don’t regret a damn thing.” 

For students who pursue arts and crafts in their spare time, the event was a chance to share their work with the campus and, hopefully, make a few dollars.  

After learning how to crochet last summer, senior Olivia Burke manned her first stand at the event.  Her table included hats, shawls, scarves, and animals crocheted by her roommate. 

“My foster sister crochets, and I started learning as a way to keep her company,” Burke said. “By the beginning of this year, I already had a lot of things that I wanted to sell.” 

Sophomore Kody Richards sold hand-sewn bible bags. She said that Maker’s Market was a chance for her to brush up on the skill she learned as a child. 

“When I was younger, I did markets like this with my mom and grandma,” Richardson said. “When I came here last year, I thought, ‘I could totally do that.’ I made most of my bags sewing with my grandma one day a week over the summer.” 

In addition to artwork and handmade goods, several vendors sold food. Junior Sophia Figgerio represented a taste of Greece with spanakopita, a savory spinach pie; melopita, a sweet honey and cheese pie; and revani, a lemon cake with syrup. Junior Kylie Hatch sold made-to-order pancakes accompanied by children’s books. 

“I wanted something that smelled good and you can make hot,” Hatch said. “You read the children’s book about pancakes while you wait for pancakes to cook.”

Junior Christopher Dick said he appreciated the home-cooked snacks and the opportunity to get some early Christmas shopping done. 

“It’s cool buying stuff from my friends that I can then give to my family as gifts,” Dick said. “It’s fun way to running the farmer’s market to camp and for students to make some extra money.”