Well, you can't always find what you're looking for. The same goes for this little art supply…read morestore. Never mind the colourful sign indicating its whereabouts, you still have to enter through doors prior to the shop and manoeuvre your way through the small halls with low ceilings. But hey, once you've found it, you'll always know how to get there. Okay, difficulty locating it aside, this is a pretty nice little art store. It isn't too big so you don't feel overwhelmed by different gadgets, but it still has all the necessary tools for the true artist. Sadly, that isn't me. I didn't know where to look or where to even start. Lucky for me, it is small so there wasn't much room for getting lost. I ended up finding something that seemed like what I needed, but when I asked the clerk if it would be suitable for my project, he simply responded with, "I don't know." That was all. I was hoping for a little more help than that. I think he could sense I wasn't the artsy type and therefore snubbed me a bit. Even when I asked a couple more questions his response was always the same. I didn't feel too confident about my project after that. At least I know I can find this place again if I ever decide to try another project. Perhaps I'll be given a different answer than, "I don't know," to any question I may have.

This is an exciting little shop that can be easy to miss. Concealed in the depths of the Granville…read moreMall and predominately frequented by NSCAD students, this is a space available to anyone and everyone with the artistic will. Its just a tiny little thing, but packed with a wide variety of art supplies and books of the art related. The store lay out is straight forward and well maintained, making it easy to find what you're looking for. I've found they can run low in stock on special items throughout the school year if there's a NSCAD class requiring specific materials. But most of the time they are pretty good for having things on hand. They have a lovely selection of paper. From Mayfair to more exquisite, textured Japanese papers... certainly a highlight for me! From all the basics to the more nit-picky tools, the NSCAD Supply Store has a well rounded body of product and at reasonable prices. There are also certain items they keep behind the counter, so if you're having trouble finding it, ask an employee! The books are mainly there for classes, however if you're interested in learning some art history or teaching yourself photography, the selection offers a great platform for some self education! I'd recommend this store for all creative individuals around the city!

Now here is a huge, somewhat overwhelming art and craft store. This place seriously has everything…read moreyou may need to tackle a craft or any sort of art project. Deserres has everything from scrapbooking items to a rather large framing center. They've got a diverse selection of paints and colours, as well as a lot of different canvases to work with, in all shapes and sizes. There's even a kids section with fun projects for children of all ages. What I really liked about Deserres is that it's nicely mapped out. There are large signs above head indicating what is in each section. Everything from the fine arts to graphic arts is conveniently labelled so you know exactly where to go. I had a couple of questions about products and the nice salesman was very eager to help. He told me everything a I needed to know and even gave me other options to choose from. I was very grateful for his help. I really enjoyed just browsing through this store at all that they have, even if I wasn't interested in buying most of it. I thoroughly enjoyed how organized they were. It made it easy to be in there.

'Deserres' is currently located where 'Loomis Art Store' used to be. I'm not entirely certain that…read more'Deserres' didn't just absorb this smaller art store chain, since the interior doesn't appear to have changed very much. Whether you're a professional or simply a crafty weekender, Deserres caters to every level of artiste. They truly have something for everyone! I was impressed to pop in last Saturday and find pink pipe cleaners. (A naturally integral component of my Halloween costume) Deserres also carries those stick on wall designs that you've probably started noticing. These are super funky and a nice alternative to sponge painting your bedroom, etc. They also come in a chalk board variety so your grocery list can be a tad more noticeable 2'x3' tacked to your wall. Definitely recommend trying this art store out! Lots of great gift wrapping paraphernalia too!

There is not much else to say about this store except it is pretty special!…read more Ditto to all the other reviews and comments. It really is a place you have to go for yourself. I do not think there is once spec of room left in the store to put anything. It is jammed packed! The staff are great and friendly. We went there to look for a few of the games we like. It is true , most people probably walk by not knowing what is on the other side.

If you have kids this is a place to go when you want something fun and interesting and even…read moreeducational. Taking my son there when he was smaller we purchased many items from this location and he still have two of these today. This is a store that is for the Hobbyist. Not only do they have games for kids they have fun and interesting they have hobby kits for adults. Ship making kits was something that was very interesting. Puzzles and paints fill the walls and ready for that little one to make something special from. Honestly this is a store that is different and unique and a must see for all to enjoy and learn. Can you honestly put a price on education? This store is a bit pricey but like I said my son still has two of the games and he is 22.

I can't believe I've never been here before because this is everything I want in an arts and crafts…read morestore. Not only does it carry gorgeous local art from some of my favourite artists, but they also do workshops and classes. I believe the post them on their website, but I heard there's a book binding one coming up that I would love to go to. When I went last weekend it was because I wanted to meet Amy of Friday55 (one of my favourite local artists) and I ended up learning how to do some embroidery while there. It was really lovely! The Lunenberg Makery was also there showing how to do felting, but I ran out of time to learn that one because I was loving embroidery so much. I think I've found a new favourite hobby. The Trainyard General Store is one of those stores that is completely community-oriented, and I adore it. It's a bit hidden on Portland Street, so a keep an eye out for the sandwich board pointing you in the right direction.

From the owner: Unique and practical handmade goods…read more Workshops led by the Makers whose goods are in store are offered weekly.

I have gone to the Art Expo quite a few times for several reasons. Now admittedly they are the only…read moreones within the downtown core...or really all of Halifax to my knowledge, that do what they do. BUT comparing them to similar stores in other cities, they still do it quite well. Customer Service - Always friendly and real. Not overly friendly/fake and never grumpy. I believe the owner runs it half the time and he's a really nice person. Selection - For the space, it's as much stuff as they could cram in there. And the variety is really good. They try to cater to every age demographic. I went to get my poster mounted. They were definitely the cheapest in the city. I called around. The end result was perfect! A few minor problems with the poster were ironed out in the mounting process as well. It was exactly what I was looking for. If you need a poster or need some mounting, I believe also framing done anywhere, they should be your first phone call. :)

Art Expo is a store if you are looking for cheap wall hangings. Walking through Park there was…read moreCrammer hanging on the wall for $59.95 I have not seen this print for a long time. This caught my eye and I decided to pop in and see what else I could find. Now I can see my son going and grabbing a few pieces from this store for this apartment as the prices are reasonable for what he might consider something to hang on his wall. Scarface who does not love that and $19.95, as well the famous pose from James Dean. Now am I saying that everything in here will be hanging in your living room no, but it is a perfect stop for those young ones starting out and need some great wall mounted art for a good price.

I love this store! The staff are always friendly and willing to help when you're looking for…read moresomething to fit your needs whether it's hot pink sheer fabric for curtains or a shiny star fabric for that galaxy themed quilt. The store is large and always has decent prices. It has everything from fabric to yarn to beads. The selection could be a little better for the fashion fabrics while the quilting cottons have quite a large selection to choose from. They offer a membership that comes with discounts and they also offer classes if you're new to sewing or want to learn a new skill/hobby. Definitely check these guys out if you need to pick up a gift for someone in your life that does crafts.

Always a great selection of cotton, great staff. I sometimes have to callabout fabric orders…read more Everyone is patient

Lots of hand dyed yarns and embroidery kits made in Nova Scotia. Owner was very knowledgeable and…read morehelpful. Bought a linen/silk blend called Flyss by Fleece Artist & Handmaiden Fine Yarns for a sweater. Prices were average for what I expect for a quality yarn shop. Shop was bright, lots of big windows and easy to navigate. Hours didn't match what was listed on Yelp so we went to the Citadel and swung by on our way to lunch. Convenient walk to dining and entertainment.

I had a very good experience at this shop. I like to buy local yarn when I travel. I found lots of…read morechoices. I even got an amazing restaurant recommendation. Would totally recommend this shop.

I discovered this place after a friend told me about it and my friend and I have made it a weekly…read morestop recently. Attached to the historic brewery market. Part craft/art supply store, part teahouse, combined equal perfection. I think absolutely everything about this place is adorable. The art supply area of the store has cute postcards, stamps, stickers, journals, planners, pens, jewelry beads, tea sets and so much more. The teahouse portion offers hot beverages, as well as, vegan and nonvegan light food fare. Vegan options include a rice, seaweed and mushroom soup (doesn't sound like much but it's actually delicious), a fruit breakfast bowl with rice, green onion and seasame pancakes and candied walnuts. They also offer soy milk for drinks or to bring home. The gentleman who has always been working when we have gone (I believe he's also the owner) is very nice as well. They have a nice seating area and my favourite spot is the window where there are stools. There's a little rock garden with adorable plants and cacti. It's simply heavenly. Prices are also very reasonable. It is probably my new favourite place to relax.

Disclaimer: I haven't experienced the tea house portion of Yu Yo yet. I was drawn in for the crafty…read morebits, and oh boy are there lots of crafty bits! The room is divided between the craft section and the tea house, where there are tons of different types of tea and lots of places to sit and sip, or craft away to your hearts content. The art/craft section sells just about everything you could want from washi tape to brushes. I really need to make a point of going in again and having a more thorough look because I got so excited about the washi tape that I didn't look as closely as I wanted. I bought a couple of tea samples to take home with me as well and the green tea is delicious! Man...this is really reminding me that I've got to go back and have tea!

Love, love, love this store. If your looking for that 'special something' for yourself or a friend,…read moreneed paint/supplies or have the desire to be creative, need inspiration or advice for a project, this store provides all of that and more! Nichla has years of knowledge and experience with creativeness and her goal is to empower others to do the same. I especially adore the upcycled and re- loved furniture pieces in this store. You have to see them to believe it. Ohhh, did I mention ' I love this store!"

From the owner: We specialize in DIY workshops and projects for your home. We carry Annie Sloan Chalk Paint, the…read moreoriginal upscale furniture paint. We also carry a selection of ReDesign with Prima decor transfers and decoupage papers. We'll help you create beautiful decor for your home.