Stallholders simply filled a suitcase with their handmade or second-hand wares, found their allotted spot on the day and promptly opened their cases for business.

More than 400 people turned up to browse suitcases of all shapes and sizes, which bulged with everything from original art and crafts to homemade cakes and sweets, secondhand books and bric-a-brac.

MORE: The suitcase market's new to Wollongong

The event was organised by northern suburbs women Caitlin Marshall and Lizzie Rose to raise funds for their new venture, called ‘‘Wild Rumpus’’, and it was so successful they plan to put on more.

‘‘There was so much interest in the suitcase market – we had to turn stallholders away,’’ Ms Marshall said.

‘‘Those who did get a stall, or a spot, at the market ranged from established artists and craftspeople who were used to running market stalls to those who had never done a market before.

MORE: Towradgi boot sale brimming with bargains

‘‘I think the concept is particularly great for people who are wanting to test the market with their art and other handmade goods, but don’t have enough product for a large market stall.

‘‘This is a no-fuss way for them to launch their wares and see how they’re received.’’

Ms Marshall said she was now looking forward to helping nurture the creative talents of more Illawarra people through the new venture.

‘‘Wild Rumpus is a local initiative that promises fun education and recreation,’’ she said.

‘‘We will be curating and delivering a series of affordable classes around creativity, sustainability and DIY.

‘‘We will be recruiting talented, creative people who have a skill and we will help them design the classes, prepare materials and promote the classes.’’

Classes range from sourdough bread baking to pom-pom making – check out www.wildrumpus.com.au for more.