"Made by Hands" United Young Creators with the Community

On Sunday, June 14, 2026, Laboratorium in Skopje transformed into a vibrant hub of creativity, craft, and community. Organized by Rotary Club Skopje IKS, the event "Made by Hands" ran from 12:00 to 18:00 and brought together young craftspeople, designers, artists, and visitors who believe in the value of local creativity, sustainable production, and supporting young entrepreneurs.

A packed audience at Laboratorium for the "Made by Hands" event, Skopje, June 14, 2026.

The event gave visitors a unique opportunity to meet the people behind the products, hear their stories, and support them directly by purchasing their creations.

The Exhibitors

Handcrafted clothing, leather bags, and accessories on display.

Among the exhibitors were Mini Green, creating small living ecosystems sealed inside glass terrariums; Chvor Bags, with their hand-crocheted cotton tote bags; and Trafika, a brand using digital illustration to bring color, humor, and creativity to everyday storytelling.

Chvor Bags — hand-crocheted cotton bags, a highlight of the craft fair.

Visitors also explored the work of Epoxy and Julija Barbun, creators of unique jewelry and art pieces using epoxy resin, natural materials, and wildflowers. ISKRA presented handmade ecological candles made from soy wax, while Niche Wood Art showcased functional and decorative wooden pieces for the home.

Niche Wood Art — handcrafted wooden bowls and home decor pieces.

The event also featured Partizanska Štampa, an independent collective that has been practicing the art of screen printing for over a decade, and RED, a brand that upcycles materials into unique fashion and functional products, championing sustainability and creativity.

Visitors exploring handmade jewelry and art at the fair.

"The Fly Flies with Diamonds" — A Special Exhibition

"The Fly Flies with Diamonds" — installation by Marija Milošeska, marking 20 years of artistic work.

A standout moment was the exhibition "The Fly Flies with Diamonds" by artist Marija Milošeska, who this year marks 20 years of creative work. Set in the intimate gallery space of Laboratorium, the installation used filigree craftsmanship, light, and carefully shaped space to explore themes of transience, permanence, and human experience.

Suspended glass discs and light — a mesmerizing detail from the installation.

Beyond the exhibitions, visitors enjoyed live music, food, and drinks — creating an atmosphere reminiscent of an urban picnic, a space for socializing, exchanging ideas, and building new connections between creatives and the public.

The success of the event is an additional incentive to organize new initiatives that will continue to support young creators, local craftsmanship, and the development of the creative economy in Macedonia.

MKNews Hub · Culture · 17 June 2026 · Author: Rotary Club Skopje IKS