Frame of Mine is a gallery and picture framers located on the Lower Ormeau Road. It's not often you…read morecan say a visit to a shop lifts your spirits - however, you can say this about Frame of Mine. I can't imagine anyone would visit this shop/gallery and not love it. Maybe I'm slightly biased as it displays the sort of art I love; contemporary, bright, fresh, illustrative, lowbrow and by local artists. You'll find original art, prints, sculptures, ornaments, jewellery, mugs, novelty items, posters, stationary and cards here. Alternatively if you have a piece of art you can get it framed here too. The perfect spot to pick up an original gift for a friend or relative. Or just pop in for a browse - I think you'll love it...

For a while I have wanted to find an everyday sort of picture framer that is reasonably near me but…read morenot in the city centre. Finally, I think I have found that framer on the Woodstock Road. Tom West do all that you might expect of this type of business and have a selection of familiar views and photographs on show, including one of a place that's close to my heart but rarely photographed except by me so far as I know! There are various posters and local picture books on display. The girl in the shop was exceptionally pleasant and I can honestly say I look forward to returning in future.

If you're looking for a unique gift for a friend or family member I would suggest visiting the Yard…read moreGallery on Holywood High Street. The Gallery stocks photography, illustrations, typography, film posters and other prints all from local artists. You can also visit their website but I would suggest popping in to see the art in the flesh. Sometimes when you view art, especially original art, online it doesn't do it justice at all. The Yard gallery is quite small and when more than 3 people are in at any one time it can get quite cramped. But never fear there is a high quality cafe next door. You can also pick up a prints catalogue in the adjoining cafe that lists the art on sale in detail. So if you see anything you like you can just pop next door and see if it's what you want. Prints can be framed immediately in store, so if you are purchasing something you can grab a coffee and collect your purchase ready to hang on the way out. Also worth noting if you know a friend who likes art but are not sure what they would like you can pick up gift vouchers! Genuinely one of the best places to buy local art.

Have you ever walked into a shop from a quiet street only to be greeted by the hustle and bustle of…read morethe patrons? I was literally gob smacked by this gallery. The walls are lined with artwork - all framed and priced. There isn't a space anywhere and it is just stunning. Having never been in this shop before my breath was taken away - I love this gallery. There is a quirky lady on the desk who doesn't even glance in your direction and I don't mean that in a bad way, I mean she isn't all over you like a plague of wasps trying to get you to buy. The whole atmosphere is alive with people looking at art, discussing artists and drinking and eating in the adjacent coffee house. I could have stayed all day. I particularly love the collection of black and white prints and the unique little gifts made from bottle tops. There is a great Belfast feel with the paintings of Harland and Wolff and famous landmarks such as The Crown Bar. Upstairs is also a buzz with people eating and looking at the gorgeous displays. Honestly, I was blown away - this is the nicest, freshest gallery I have been in in Northern Ireland - fab!

The Picture Gallery on Queen Street just looks cheap. It's been there along time and I'm always…read morepraising independent businesses but the framing business hasn't been over run by any type of corporate machine just yet so I don't think The Picture Gallery can use that as an excuse for its tattered facade and silly pictures it sells. It really does sell a lot of silly pictures. It can be read (vaguely) painted on the shop front that it deals in classic Irish art but that doesn't appear to be what it sells at all. Instead all you can see covering the walls are silly sketches of footballers, wrestlers, MP's and way to many pictures of Elvis. This did work to our advantage when for a birthday joke we got our friend a picture of the Undertaker (which was framed....), but come on, why does a shop selling that exist?

If you want to see pictures crammed wall to ceiling with average Northern Ireland local views then…read morestep in here. For some reason I once got a photograph framed here in a so-so transaction as I noticed greasy finger prints on the inside of the glass when it came back. I'd have been grateful too if they'd let me know when the picture was ready as they said they would. The price was not outrageous but I'd try another picture framer in future.

I was drawn into this place by the amazing (and I think original) iconic film art work in the…read morewindow. At £45 a pop they were not cheap but the art was stunning and classy, making classic almost artdeco style posters for films old and new- there were even a few Harry Potter ones smidged in with classics like The Big Lebowski and Star Wars! Something for everyone there. Inside was a bit small and pokey, but has the look of an old fashioned artists' attic, especially on the upper floor. We were greeted as we entered and the staff seemed happy for us to wander around the shop and take it all in without buying anything. Some classic prints upstairs without frames available as well as a few fairy pictures and even Disney princess images at reduced prices. Well worth popping in.

You know the way your walls are looking really drab, that recent coat of paint didn't help and the…read moretatty Betty Blue poster has seen better days? Got some funky prints and one off gig posters rolled up in your attic? Maybe even some work you or an artist friend have done? There is a simple solution, pick out your favourite three or four and head down to Sheldon Framing. These are the go-to-guys for getting an image expertly and tastefully framed. I know Ikea et al do much cheaper frames but they only come in their restrictive standard sizes whereas these guys will do you a custom job so in theory any shape or size should be catered for. They are also helpful with suggesting colours or options that will simultaneously complement your image without detracting too much from it. I've had tons of posters framed up by these guys over the years and the job has always been quality. They also sell a wide range of art by local artists from contemporary to the usual watercolours etc... Pros: Helpful, knowledgeable staff. Cons: If you're getting larger stuff framed it can get expensive quickly.

I am in no way an art buff. I'm not an art anything in fact. But I do like to have a look around…read morethese places, even just to seem a little cultured to the store assistant who can obviously seen through my nods of appreciation. From the outside it looks a little more commercial to other galleries in the area. It always has advertisements in its windows, stating silly pointless things that you should already expect to find in a gallery (not signs saying 'pretty paintings!' but close enough). The price range clearly shows that the stuff here really is for someone who wants to make a serious commitment. Paying 4/5 hundred pounds for a painting the size of my palm is the biggest commitment anyone can make in my opinion!

Eakin's my favourite art gallery on the Lisburn Road. A lovely little family run gallery spanning…read moretwo floors of a red brick townhouse. Specialists in contemporary Irish art they also have some pieces from the past as well. You'll find a range of Artists' work here including George Callaghan, Brian Ballard, Neil Shawcross, Dean McDowell, Louis le Brocquy, J B Vallely and Terry Bradley amongst others. I always call in for a look when I pass Eakin. Yesterday I visited to view the beautiful, stylised, atmospheric paintings of George Callaghan. His harvest sunset paintings are mesmerising and I adore his 'Purple Haze' landscapes. A beautiful exhibition for this time of year as we near the end of October. Prices vary, ranging from smaller works for a few hundred pounds to larger paintings for a few thousand. If I win the lotto I may one day be able to buy instead of just browse! The owner Brian Eakin is very welcoming and their website's kept fully updated with all current paintings listed. However nothing beats a stroll through Eakin Gallery to see the paintings in the flesh.

I would like to say I got great service from this business, but alas - no. I left my wedding…read morepictures in to be framed LAST OCTOBER, and was told very bluntly that they were very busy and it would be after Christmas when I would get them back. I thought, okay, fair enough - I could do with not paying for them until after the Christmas pinch anyway - so no problem. I didn't really like the proprietors manner, but I let it go. I've been waiting to hear from them since JANUARY - it is now MAY and I had to ring them to find out what had become of my photos. There wasn't a hint of apology or explanation as to why it had taken so long, and the owner was very vague about even knowing who I was. He then called me back to say he had them ready and would deliver them and I gave him the address. That was last Wednesday - I had to call him again yesterday to be told he had forgotten and they were behind the sofa in his house! No apology. He is supposed to be delivering them today - he then asked me to TEXT him to remind him - very professional...they finally arrived today. They are lovely, very well done but I won't be giving my business to this company again..for obvious reasons.

Really nice art store with a wide selection of items. Unfortunately, I was only searching for a new…read morejournal, but the journal selection was also quite extensive. 3-4 racks. Massive collection of Leuchtturms and Moleskins if that's what you're into. Would recommend. I grabbed one for a friend from a brand I didn't immediately recognize in a niche color. Staff seemed quite friendly additionally.

Absolutely delighted with my Bradbury Art Store delivery; was able to order over the phone and my…read moreWinsor & Newton art supplies were delivered to me the next working day. Canvas and oil paints - looking forward to using them. Excellent quick service, very helpful staff and great selection of quality art materials. This will help me carry on painting during the Coronavirus lockdown - thank you Bradbury Art, much appreciated.

Fiddlesticks is one of those shops which feels quite small but has an amazing amount of things to…read morebuy! Jewellery, pictures, candles, furniture, lighting, table ware - and many of the lovely trinkets are surprisingly affordable. It's perfect for teacher's gifts, birthday presents, and treats for your own self too, because you're worth it of course! I love the big chunky bracelets and necklaces they do with lots of bling hanging off them - hearts and coins and that kind of thing. Bracelets are about £12 and necklaces £30ish so it's affordable and they look much more expensive than that. I also have a lovely chunky Perspex ring which cost me a rather pure friendly £7 and which I wear almost every day. Other good buys are the candles in tins. I bought one for the hostess of a dinner party I was going to and she loved it . Oh yes, must confess I bought one for myself too - cinnamon is a much better smell around the house than my boys' smelly trainers. There are also small pieces of furniture - mostly painted shabby chic style which I love.

Besides being a cosy gift shop where you can find special cards and presents for various age groups…read more- many were directed at the 21 year milestone I noticed - there's also a picture framing service. They also sell ready made fine art prints which are displayed upstairs along with lamps and pine furniture. Upstairs has a completely different character to the ground level, where there are lots of silvery picture frames, bags, jewellery and small gifts including some incense sticks in lovely Chinese packaging which would have been a pretty gift even without the contents. The day I was there a girl was being treated to a cup cake stand, a Cath Kidston one, for her 14th birthday present. She and her mother were being well looked after by the friendly, helpful assistant. It's just the place for spoiling an important person in the nicest way, even with something small like bath stuff, candles, soaps and scented potions.