San Louis Obispo has its own Makerspace community! Flash your SLO county library card and get a…read morefree pass to come visit. Regular drop in is $30 but most folks opt for the $70 monthly membership. They have a great selection of wood, metal & ceramic working tools. If you have something you are trying to build or repair yourself you couldn't have found a better place. If you are looking for access to 3D printers, laser engravers/cutters or even welding tools they have it here. Lots of hobbyists, arts & crafters and inventors.

Terrific place with all the tools & equipment for your project, whether it's woodworking, pottery,…read moresewing, or even welding.

Shout out to Zoe for helping me with an art project today. I appreciate your authenticity and…read morewelcoming atmosphere of the art shop. If you haven't been by to see the new mural, head over and check it out!

You don't usually find art supply stores as complete as this little gem in towns the size of…read moreAtascadero. The ARTery (puns can be fun) may make most of its money from custom framing, but it is the art supplies that got my attention. If you're a painter in pretty much any of the main mediums, you'll find a rich selection of tubes and cans in a rainbow of colours here. There are stretched canvas' and even some wood panels, you have to special order those from Michael's. Run for the last 15 years by mother/daughter team of Bobbi and Zoe, The ARTery sits on a corner in an old style storefront in the vintage downtown area. Within its lath and plaster walls rest a large collection of coloured papers and drawing pads as well as lots of other art supplies and art-related knick-knacks. During my most recent visit, Zoe was giving a demonstration to one of her customers on how to use some liquid inks in alcohol. The mother/daughter team are happy to show you the technique necessary and even let you get your hands wet if need be. We are all artists and it's small art stores like The ARTery that bring it down to a local level, where it all starts. Take a short walk past the Carlton Hotel and browse the handmade card selection or maybe have a sit-down in the book section and flip thru The Big Book of Art. Highly recommended for all local artists and those of you that don't yet know you are artists.

Such a cute little store! I was a bit fooled because the name made me think of a pet store but I…read morewas wrong. The store is filled with rubber stamps for anything you can think of. Horror, animal, music, greenery, and so much more. Anything you can think of, they will have it. The selection is phenomenal. Karen, the owner, is loved by all and past customers will send in designed cards that they made with there stamps they bought at the store, which is really cool. The letters are adorned to the walls and ceiling to give you some instant inspo. If you are a crafty and enjoy writing letters, this is the place to go. It is unique and one of a kind.

Great little independent craft shop in idyllic Cambria CA. Not to be confused with a pet shop, but…read moreshe does have many animal stamps. Super cute!!!

Kind of reminds me of the ole Woolworths, but not as diverse…read more More crafts & household odds and ends, than Hobby stuff, but it still useful for some items, like doormats. For some odd reason, they typically have many types of doormats and various other "thing-a-ma-gigs", like analog wall clocks. It is best to go when they have a 50% off sale, and then you can save. They do serve a diverse crowd, and one can see Cal Poly students of all types, including international students. The younger crowd goes mostly for dorm furnishings, while the older locals go for fabric, plastic flowers, and crafts. The service here is really nice at checkouts, but you can feel kind of neglected in store...but not as forgotten as in many Big Box or discount stores. As far as where one wants to shop, it is not like Amazon has moral superiority, over here. At the very least, HL does let you touch the items that one contemplate getting. This is more important when one wants to hang a clock in ones living area for example. Many clocks and other items have deceptively rendered near-fake pictures on Amazon for many items, not to mention fake reviews. It is kind of fun to stop in here for targeted missions that could also include World Market, Nordstroms, and off course Sprouts. If one is on a discount mission, then the nearby Ross's, Five Below, and a short drive to the nearby TJX, Home Goods, Dollar Tree, & Grocery Outlet can take up a whole weekend of time.

What a fantastic store. They had a great sale on beads, and my daughter got so many awesome ones…read morehere for half price! She was very excited about that, and we got to spend some much needed father/daughter time together. Very polite and helpful staff. I will be back! Thanks hobby lobby! A++

The Crafter's Library is pure magic…read more It's more than just a retail space for everything crafty. It is also a shared-working-space for artists, crafters, amateurs, kids, or anyone with a day, week, month or annual-pass to come, utilize the store's resources, and work on personal projects....or take a class and learn a new skill!!! I have been coming here for almost two years. Everything from the buzzing creative energy, the friendly-and-professional staff, the layout /environment, as well as the adorable "store dog", Achilles, is superb and unlike anything you've experienced before. Bring the kids, you won't regret it, and you will absolutely love it!!!

The cutest store! Would be nice if they didn't rawdog ceramics/had prices on every itemread more

I shop at my local paper source a lot and stopped into this one while on the road. The selection…read morewas good, it's a good sized store, but the clerk was unhelpful and actually downright rude. It seemed like she hated her life.

this stationary store is so cute. i was on a hunt for a journal and was tempted by all the other…read moreassortment of stuff this place offers. the aisles were a little squished together though.

Loveeeee Art From Scrap! I can spend at least a couple hours in there every time I go. I am always…read moreinspired and the employees are so kind. The prices are great and the selection is amazing. I hope to participate in a workshop soon. They sell everything from pencils, pens, photos, books, magazines, art, jewelry, knock knacks and more!

Wow!! So good to know this place is here! I don't need to own everything they offer, just nice to…read moreknow I could find it if I needed it! It's fascinating to wander through the aisles, noting every miscellaneous item (photographic slides, assorted flags, vintage postcards, weird jellyfish-like shavings from skateboard wheels - - it really goes on and on! I'm also adding this to my circuit to visit when I have friends in from out of town!

Art Essentials had a variety of painting materials. After going around town so happy I found this…read moregem! Has individual watercolor paint tubes available in variety of colors. Staff were super nice and helpful locating color I was looking for. Lots of arts supplies for painting or art activities for all ages.

Great selection! Everything for the artist and the only game in town. Plus the discounts keep me…read morecoming back.