I Exhibited at the Interflora World Cup 2023 Artisan Market in Manchester — Here's What It Was Like
In September 2023, something really special happened. I was selected to exhibit Created By Lau at the Interflora World Cup Artisan Market in Manchester — and I still can't quite believe I got to be part of it.
The Interflora World Cup is one of the most prestigious floral design competitions in the world, bringing together the finest floral artists from across the globe to create breathtaking installations. In 2023, it came to Manchester for the very first time — and for the very first time, it opened its doors to the general public. Alongside the competition, an Artisan Market was introduced, celebrating local makers whose work complemented the event's floral theme. I was chosen as one of those makers, and it was one of the proudest moments in my journey as a jewellery creator.
A Floral Extravaganza Like No Other
The scale of the Interflora World Cup is hard to put into words. Each competing team creates awe-inspiring floral installations, each telling a unique story through flowers and foliage. Walking through the exhibition as an exhibitor — not just a visitor — felt surreal. The creativity on display was extraordinary, and being surrounded by it while showcasing my own handmade pieces felt like a real pinch-yourself moment.
The Artisan Market
The Artisan Market was nestled right amongst the floral installations — a beautiful fusion of craft and nature. There were jewellery makers, painters, artisanal food vendors, and more, all with work that echoed the floral theme of the event. My stall was filled with handmade polymer clay and resin jewellery, and seeing people stop, pick up a piece, and connect with it in that setting was genuinely moving.
The atmosphere was electric. Visitors had travelled from all over the world to see the competition, and many of them were just as excited to discover the artisan makers as they were the floral displays. It was a reminder of how much people value things that are made by hand, with care and intention.
Connecting With Fellow Makers
One of the things I treasure most from the day was the conversations I had with other artisans. We swapped stories, shared ideas, and found so much common ground despite coming from completely different crafts. There's something really special about being in a room full of people who make things with their hands — there's an instant understanding there.
The Public's Enthusiasm
What made 2023 so historic was that the general public could attend for the first time. The energy that brought to the event was incredible — families, flower lovers, tourists, all wandering through and genuinely engaging with the work on display. People were curious, enthusiastic, and generous with their time. It made the whole day feel alive in a way that's hard to describe.
A Moment I'll Never Forget
Being part of the Interflora World Cup 2023 Artisan Market was genuinely one of the highlights of my journey with Created By Lau. It was a privilege to stand alongside world-class floral artists and share my handmade jewellery with an international audience. Manchester put on something truly special that year, and I feel so lucky to have been a small part of it.
If you'd like to see more of what we get up to behind the scenes, follow us on Instagram — or explore the full Created By Lau collection and find your own piece of handmade magic.