I've been coming to this DeSerres for ages, and the staff are always really kind and knowledgeable…read more The prices are a bit steep, but that's to be expected of good quality art supplies. One thing that annoys me, and the reason I'm giving them 4 stars instead of 5, is that the paint price lists can be a little misleading. They always put the price for series 1 paint (the cheapest) at the top, in a larger font, then all the other (higher prices) are listed underneath. Most of the time they don't organize the paint by series number either, which adds a fun level of tedium to every visit. Besides that, it's a pretty solid establishment, and I'm glad to have a local art supply store.

Please note this store has moved closer to coxwell station: I visit their store fairly frequently…read more I like the new layout of their store. Some of their art supplies could be more competitive with the pricing of the same products from places like office depot, but the staff is quite knowledgeable, and they try to keep up with trends. They've even added supplies for acrylic poured paintings.

I probably find myself at Leather & Sewing Supplies at least every 3 weeks. I love this store, and…read moreeveryone who works there. Some are absolute legends (Anita) This place has everything you need for your projects and a lot of stuff you didn't know you needed until you saw it. Great prices. Well stocked store. Perfect location.

Dear Hiring Manager at Desires Art Store, I've walked past your window a dozen times--always…read morepausing at that charcoal sketch of the woman mid-laugh, the one where her eyes look like they know exactly what I'm hiding. It's the kind of piece that doesn't sell itself; it just... stays. And honestly? That's why I'm writing. I've spent the last three years behind the counter at a tiny gallery in Portland--nothing fancy, just good light and people who'd rather talk about brushstrokes than buy anything. I learned how to spot the quiet ones who come in for just a look, then leave with a $400 watercolor because I asked if they'd ever painted their own shadow. I'm not pushy. I'm patient. And I remember names--like how Mrs. Alvarez always wants the softest pastels, or how the kid in the hoodie keeps circling the same neon print until he finally asks if we do layaway. Desires feels different. Not louder--just deeper. I've seen your Instagram; the way you frame a single canvas like it's breathing. You don't just sell art--you curate moments. I want to be part of that. I'm good with inventory (I once reorganized our entire back room by mood--warm tones on the left, cold on the right--sales jumped fifteen percent). I can wrap a piece like it's a gift to someone's future self. And yeah, I'll admit--I've already daydreamed about restocking your shelves at six in the morning, radio low, coffee black, watching the city wake up through the glass. If you're looking for someone who'll treat every customer like they're about to fall in love--with a painting, with themselves, with whatever--they'll find here--I'm your guy. Let me know if you ever need an extra pair of hands. Or eyes. Or just someone who'll stay late to hang that last piece right. Warmly, Leo P.S.

GO TO CROCK A DOODLE INSTEAD (723 Gerrard St East). My family has gone to The Clay Room for more…read morethan ten years. I've completed many pieces there, including a yearly handprint ornament for my daughter. This time, after choosing our pieces and following their six-colour guideline for children, I was confronted by a clerk who told me my ten-year-old "only needs four colours" and that "it's four when we're busy." The tone was hostile, and the reasoning made no sense. Customers pay for the piece, the studio time, and the firing. Colour limits serve no purpose beyond making it easier for the establishment to handle customers. The same employee who was rude and hostile later called to say she hadn't realized we had more than one piece and that we could use six colours after all. By then, the experience was already compromised, so we did not return. Crock A Doodle was a direct contrast. Seven minutes away. Transit-friendly. Every table stocked with the full set of thirty colours. The price of the item covers everything: paint, time, and firing. It was straightforward and worth it.

A wonderful little gem for kids' parties (they've got party packages), mother-daughter outings, or…read moregirlfriends wanting to chill and do something crafty. (There were some fathers and daughters enjoying themselves too!) Walk-ins welcomed. (That's what we did!) I haven't had experience at other ceramic painting shops before, so I can't really compare to any competitors. So this is based on my first-time experience - and it was really great! My girlfriends and I wanted to do something artsy, low-budget and relaxing. And thanks to great timing, there was a group deal for The Clay Room some months ago! So the 4 of us bought the deal of the day, and headed down to the Danforth for a girls day out. The Clay Room was bustling with activity on that Saturday afternoon. Not packed and uncomfortable but it had a nice vibe and there was steady traffic. There was a private birthday party downstairs, the benches upstairs were about half full when we arrived. The instructions for us newbies were a little confusing at first. There was an instruction sheet posted on the wall, but it was located in an awkward spot and hard to read from a distance. There was only really one staffer behind the counter (another was working the party downstairs, and another was at the kiln in the next room) - so she was kept busy with one group at a time. The staff was friendly enough, and we understood that they had influx of traffic because of the group deal. So, you get there, and you: 1. Pick up an order form (you need this to pick up your piece after it's fired) 2. Choose a ceramic item (prices range depending on its size) and copy its code number onto your form 2. Select paint colours from the paint chip wall (kids only have choice of 3, whereas adults have unlimited selections) - right down their numbers on your form 3. Give your form to the staff and they'll give you the actual paints in a bucket. And you're set to paint! The store is equipped with stencils, hair dryers, sink, sponges and brushes for your use. There is a Studio Fee which covers your usage of all their space and equipment. It also includes the firing cost. It takes a week for your item to be fired in the kiln. So plan to pick up your final artwork at a later date. There is no time limit - which is great! But mainly because... it does take a LONG time to paint. Especially if you want a good solid coverage of paint on your piece. At least 3 coats of paint, and you need to dry each layer before continuing onto the next. Of course, a smaller piece of ceramic would take less time too. And depending on how many colours you're using and how much detail you're adding to it. I painted a medium sized robot money bank (that's right - a robot! They have a wonderful selection of ceramic pieces - not just the usual plates and vases, but some really fun pieces that make great gifts), with 4 colours. And it took a solid 3 hours. So be warned to plan around meal times and such. :P My friends and I all agree we'd go back again! Happy crafting! :)

Love shopping at the Drake General Store in Toronto…read more Wonderful selection of unique items....great quality! Their onesies are iconic! Fast shipping. Wonderful customer service. Thanks Carlo for your help with my order in such a fast manner! Look forward to visiting their store in Etobicone. Rosemarie Taylor

Super cute store that brings good vibes as you check out cool Canadiana gear. It's a warm and cozy…read morestore. They sell very warm onesies and long johns by Arborist, cute enamel pins, nice scarves and tuques. They have kitchen wear and greeting cards. They have generally a lot of stuff in the general store. They of course have an online store so check it out.

Located at Midland and Finch in the Scarboro Village Mall area, It's a large art workshop area…read morespecializing in deco-den. You can decorate a variety of things from phone cases, jewelry boxes to photo frames and mirrors with different silicone whipped cream and cute charms. Reservations are recommended, they get busy with birthday groups and parties on the weekend. The whole experience takes a bit over 2 hoirs depending on what you decorate and prices start from $30+. Lots of charms to choose from and you can bring your own. The staff wad helpful in every step to help teach you how to use the piping bags to decoration ideas. One downside was we were not sure how staff kept track of the cost of our charms after we placed them in our basket. The charm prices are based on size and start from 50 cents to above $5, there are some free items as well. They also offer other art diy activities. Great date night idea They offer other art diy activities as well.

From the owner: The most comprehensive DIY Workshop in Toronto, as we carry up to 20 projects, which includes but…read morenot limited to decoden phone case, neon sign, fluid bearbrick, Beaded straps, etc. Bookings and Walk-ins are both welcome, and we hold group events (birthday or team building events) in our 1300-sqft space.

I love this place! It is great for everything; knitting, crocheting, sewing and more! The prices…read moreare better than Walmart for basic yarns. The staff are really friendly and helpful. Free class every Monday from 1-4pm. Not even a 10 mins bus ride from Main Stn.

Amazing selection. Overwhelming -- floor to ceiling storage of yarn in a low ceiling space -- so…read moregive yourself time. I was in Toronto for meetings, and I called ahead to see if they could possibly have the circular needles that I have been chasing the world for (no joke -- everywhere I go...). He was very helpful and knowledgeable and had options! I trekked out to the shop in the pouring rain. Got the needles! A miracle indeed. Spent at least an hour browsing, bought some lovely yarn for a baby project (that I started immediately on the new needles), and will definitely go back. Very helpful and knowledgeable staff.

They sell really great stuffs in here. Lots of choices and multicultural products, bags, keychains,…read moreand much more for a great price. The bag in that picture costs $9, and sadly I got it for $35 when I was at Mexico. I will definitely go back to this store to buy more things.

I came for the music instruments. I got some nice bells and tingshas here. They were both really…read moreaffordable. They had shakers, singing bowls, etc. If you're into metaphysical stuff, they have smudge, sweetgrass, resins, a bunch of tumbled crystals at like $3 ea and above. There's a bunch of little things to pick up, I got more than I thought I would.

Terrible customer service and unfriendly sour faces. Been…read moreshopping there a few times before but I always get the same attitude. My last purchase was a Veja shoe and when i was at the store it seemed ok but when I tried at home with a sock it was a bit tight. I tried to exchange for one size larger and because I didn't have the box with me they didn't any to do anything about it. I didn't wear once and still sitting on my closet. I have always tried to support the local shops but I don't feel like going back there ever again. thank you so much for your good business " Good Neighbour"

Queen West meets Queen East at Good Neighbour, as they bring that hip west-side taste and retail…read moreexperience to the east end. Housed in a cute Victorian small-town cottage beside the Leslieville Pumps gas station/grub joint, the store is like a teleporter to that other side of Queen Street, that I wonder if I am even in my own neighbourhood anymore whenever I step inside. I guess it's a sign of the times in the east end, as much as it is an interesting addition to the Leslieville strip. I was forwarded a meme whilst contemplating this nonsense (because apparently no one else has yet, bloody hell), and on it, a satirical list of things purported to be signs your 'hood is gentrifying, including an "inexplicable general store." Inexplicable. General. Store. I guess that best explains Good Neighbour. True to form, the place is filled with all sorts of eclectic and stylish stuff of all random categories scattered everywhere, like greeting cards, clothes and outerwear, mugs, footwear, backpacks, cosmetics, stationery. It's sort of like a Drake General Store (or maybe even an Urban Outfitters), but with more emphasis on fashion and lifestyle goods... and less on random cheeky hipster gag gift kitsch. There's a small kids section tucked in the back by the fitting room stalls, with an assortment of dresses, toys, puzzles, and humourous books. The men's stuff upstairs kind of scares me with the quantity of soaps and toiletries for the discerning well-groomed hip man. The place itself is a marriage of curated hip(ster) tastes (oh wait, they even have a table of selected Drake General Store crap for sale), and Club Monaco chic. Thankfully like a good neighbour the folks here don't stink so much of that douchey we're-too-cool-for-thou attitude that many hipster businesses are known for--they instead stink of individual cheerful Queen West-esque personality and a level of helpfulness not normally seen in a more corporate fashion boutique. Pricey? Kinda expected that. What is not expected are the sale offers that do pop up time and time again. My sister claims she bought a pair of jeans here for less than what Hudson's Bay was charging for the same brand. But I usually end up with socks, or scarves, or cards. Or whatever. {TTC: take the 72 bus or the 501-2-3 to Queen/Carlaw}

Today I called Treasure Island Toys to place an order for curbside pickup. The sales associate was…read moreso friendly and helpful. I read her every item my sister recommended I buy for my nephew and she was very patient and kind while helping me decide on the perfect combination of gifts to make his covid birthday special. The associate, helped me go through the virtual checkout so I could use my gift card and had the gifts wrapped and ready to go in a couple minutes. When I arrived at the store I called them and they brought out the gifts and placed them on the table for curbside pickups. The service was perfect, quick, friendly and helpful. I definitely recommend this toy store. Would I go back? Absolutely! This was actually my most pleasant curbside pickup experience in all of covid. Thank you for your exceptional customer service.

You know that moment when you are in a hurry and you start to walk past something so special, that…read moreyou just have to stop? Tonight we were late for a kid's birthday party next door to this place, but realized it would be closed when the party was over. So I agreed we could go in, very quickly, and in about three minutes I spent about $60. What an adorable, thoughtfully curated, independent toy store. Littered with Pusheen the cat, Aaron's thinking putty, butter rum life savers - yes we left with some of each. We don't live in the area, but this gem is worth coming back for.

Big fan of this type of shop, an opportunity for local artists to share their wares…read more There is also one down the street, check out both.

There is no secret that Toronto has a huge arts community but did you know we have a huge craft…read morecommunity as well? Rather than wait for the holidays to find a well-made, one of a kind piece owner Daniel Cohen wanted to create a space to give artists and crafters a space to sell their goods year-round. The market itself is big and beautiful with a well-curated list of up to 40 vendors ranging from crafted paper goods to delicious smelling bath good to vintage clothes. If you're just looking to support local artists or looking for a new place to support, this place should be on your radar.