Makers turn weekend market into innovation zone

At the bustling weekend market in Futian District's Shenzhen Women & Children's Building, a group of "makers" are infusing street vending with a fresh twist. By day, they are ordinary office workers; on weekends, they transform into creative stall owners.

These innovative entrepreneurs craft unique items using coffee beans, 3D printers, and aluminum wire, seamlessly blending traditional culture with cutting-edge technology.

Accessories made from a variety of materials are displayed at the vibrant weekend market at Shenzhen Women & Children’s Building in Futian District. Shenzhen Evening News

One stall is particularly eye-catching, selling bracelets and accessories made from strings of coffee beans. The beans, in varying shades of brown, are paired with glass and turquoise beads.

The stall is run by three individuals from diverse backgrounds: Li Xia, a fashion e-commerce worker; Ma Ling, a former office clerk; and Zhang Li, Ma’s mother, who once ran a cultural artifact business in Beijing.

Their inspiration came from a serendipitous attempt. “My mom said, ‘Why not give street vending a try?’” Ma recalled.

“Coffee is a part of urban life. Why can't we turn it into something wearable and experiential?” Li explained.

These coffee beans, though not meant for drinking, have been specially processed to retain their aroma and shape, becoming a unique medium that bridges modern life with traditional craftsmanship.

However, incorporating coffee beans into cultural artifacts is not as simple as just piling them up. Zhang is meticulous about the arrangement of the beads and the matching of colors, which she believes embody the essence of traditional craftsmanship. 

“Not every bead can be placed randomly. There are rules for which bead should come after how many others,” she explained.

The team also shares DIY tutorials on the social media platform Xiaohongshu, also known as RedNote, building a private fan community to attract customers for appointment-based experiences.

A 3D printer creates a multicolored “rainbow dragon” at Zhang Peng’s stall during the weekend market.

Another stall set up by Zhang Peng, an employee in the electronic component industry, draws children like magnets. They are captivated by the vibrantly colored "rainbow dragons," the endearingly cute 3D-printed animals, and the aluminum wire-woven potted plants and apples on display.

In March of last year, Zhang brought his first batch of 3D-printed models to the market, and he has been a regular presence there ever since. Initially, a 10-centimeter monochromatic dragon took 1.1 hours to print, while the colorful "rainbow dragon" required over 10 hours. Over the course of a year, he managed to cut the printing time in half.

In addition to 3D printing, Zhang has also dedicated a year to mastering the art of aluminum wire weaving. With his "slow craftsmanship," he breathes flexibility and beauty into the metal.

Zhang hopes that through these artifacts, technology can become less cold and more of a tangible — perceptible form of creative expression.