Manson Framers is a family run business which hasn't got much fancy window dressing on the outside,…read morebut is jam-packed with great art supplies inside. It's a two part business and framing is an important part of what they do, but sorry, I haven't had anything framed so can't comment. I have bought gorgeous paints, pastels and crayons, though and they have a great range of paper. They are friendly, and arty.

Handmade High Street throws together some really great local crafters and creators of all things…read morepretty and fun. The first things that caught my eye was a crocheted rose-shaped brooch with quite a few other similar ones to keep it company. I found delight in the handmade jewellery and recycled accessories including hairpins made out of old buttons and old teacups being transformed into candle holders, which is something I would never have thought to do. They also had one of the very lovely dresses that is so identifiable as one of Rachel Burke's I Make My Day projects, which is surrounded by a mountain of handmade things to choose from like tin earrings and very flamboyant floral hairbands that are just gorgeous. I was most impressed with earrings that were fashioned out of origami designs. Some of the things in here are so original and it's so nice to see support for local crafters. One of the back shelves advertises renting a space in the store so other artists can sell their wares. As I was walking out I laughed out loud at the cute new spin on bottle top jewellery when I saw bottle tops printed with vintage pictures and resold as necklaces. I think that's a really cute and unique idea. Another item Handmade High Street currently sells is a product by Reclaimed Records, who make old records into new products like notepads and use only recycled paper. A recycled record notepad will set you back $45 but hey, you are paying for an old record. I like what this place has going on. They've got some really great pieces and I see a lot of potential for the artists who showcase their wares here.

Kath Chownston, one of three brains behind Handmade High Street, said that she wanted to provide a…read morespace for artists and craftspeople to easily sell their wares. Markets are often exhausting, subject to the elements, and aren't a very reliable way to get the money coming in if you're selling your goods in this fashion. The internet is a great way to get your stuff out there, but still, she went one further and opened a store- for the good of everyone! For her, for the people who rent space in her store, for the person who happens to pop in for a look and take away something local and unique. For the interested artist or craftsperson- the way the rent system works at Handmade High Street works is that there are small 'cubes' (shelving space) that are $20 per month. If you do larger scale work, clothing for example, and you have a rack that you'd like to have in store, it might cost you around $200 per month. The rental price is subject to how big and how much of the work there is, and whereabouts you want it placed in the store. There's some great stuff there too. The beads by Patti Pennisi made me want for the ocean, the glass work of Cairo Made That was gorgeous, and I couldn't help but want to take home some scented soy wax melts by Lisa Macnab. There's not the tired repeat of like works in there either; there's great diversity. Go in and support a new local business that supports it's locals. Handmade High Street. Remember that name.

A tiny little nook of a shop but full of myriad surprises, (m)art is associated with the acclaimed…read moreArtisan Gallery in the Fortitude Valley. As you survey the intriguing range of jewellery, ceramics and other one-off pieces, you get the feeling that you've walked into a modern art museum (though on a small scale), the difference being that you can buy the artworks and take them home with you. The prices aren't cheap, as you'd expect for works of such quality. I've noticed some lovely bespoke ceramic cups and bowls going for $66 each, which I would happily buy for a wedding present or for my home. However, a series of commonplace objects encased in rectangular prism made of resin (the only I can remember was a dead bee) going for $220 each seemed a bit rich to me. Perhaps there's some special reason unbeknownst to a layperson such as myself for their seemingly exorbitant procetags.

(m)art design store has got to be one of my favourite shops in South Bank! This design space, come…read morejewellar, come book store, come gift shop is a mixture of different artist's work and boasts some gorgeous things. The design of the store itself is fantastic, and is one of the first things to catch the eye of people passing by. All of the shelves and display tops are made with upturned takeaway coffee cups. It adds a completely new dimension to your average shopping experience and really gives it the feel of an art gallery. Sure, the prices in (m)art aren't exactly cheap, but be careful to keep in mind that the work on display is primarily by local artists (and let's face it, us creative types are hard-pressed earning a crust). For this reason, I would say that the prices are fair. Next time you're in South Bank, make sure you head in to (m)art for a browse. It's the perfect place to buy a gift for someone who has everything, or even for a wedding present. Plus, it's always great to support local and emerging artists.

While I have never actually had anything framed here I love this place simply because of the…read moreselection of art for sale. Most framing shops will have art or decorations on offer but Picture Framing @ Kenmore Plaza has such a unique and diverse selection. If only I had a few hundred dollars to spare I would certainly invest it in some art. There was a wonderful rendition of the Indooroopilly bridge, funky stylised graffiti-style ladies' faces, serene impressionistic landscapes and much much more. I happily spent my time browsing and the staff were happy to let me do so even though I could not afford anything on offer. I love a place that supports artists and local artists and Picture Framing @ Kenmore Plaza is one of these places.

The products are good quality and durable We have had all…read moreour cupboards fitted with sliding draws and I don't know how I ever did without them The ease of ordering and fitting is outstanding the help from the staff was always done with patience and kindness. Howard's is always my first choice

I've developed a bit of an obsession with organising my home of late and there was no better place…read morefor me to head (to assist with this) than Howards Storage World. With more storage options and ideas than you could poke a stick at and friendly staff, I can see this will be the first trip of many. Heaps of parking in the shopping centre and close to bedding, rugs and other home goods stores. They are a little on the expensive side however they have a really really really great range.

I live for those serendipitous, quiet, humble snippets of ordinary beauty that we are privvy to…read moreevery now and then. As I walked into this store, an older couple, sitting quietly together making beaded necklaces, raised their heads in unison, greeted me into the store and promptly went back to their work. Lovely. This bead store isn't set up like the others in town. There aren't endless aisles of beads here. There are instead, small colour coded collections of beads in pretty arrangements. Individual bead lots are stored in glasses that are then placed upon velvet. They've got some unique beads that you won't find elsewhere too. This is because some of their beads are sourced from American vintage stores. This explains why there aren't hundreds of the same bead available- when the beads run out, they run out for good. They're something special. You are welcome to make your own beadwork in store and enlist the staff (that dear couple I mentioned before) to help you. I don't usually like to be assisted, but when I asked the lady about some of the beads, I realised that she could give an inside story to all of the beads in her store. The jewellery that the couple make in store is perhaps not to my taste, however, they are considerably lovely handmade pieces. You can tell that this pair of crafters love their beads and their craft. Please note: Beads Of The World at Ashgrove are soon relocating to James Street, New Farm.

I look forward to visiting your new store! It will be the same happy mix of beads, findings, and…read moreexpertise that Lesley and Wal provide. Always helpful, giving of their time. The workshops are great and useful, something to 'chew on'. They both enjoy discussions on everything (including beads!) Extremely helpful! Good stock which is not available everywhere...very refreshing! Meet great people through their workshops. In my book, it ticks all the boxes. Wish you well at James Street!

The Gallery of Modern Art was the perfect rainy day activity. From the interactive experiences, to…read morethe moving art installations, it was a captivating and immersive experience. The tickets were fairly reasonable, the workers were kind and welcoming and the selection of art was amazing.

Mostly referred to as the GOMA, this art museum is a great place to learn about different styles…read moreand modes of artistic creation. The facility itself is superb, with multiple floors to view. Also, it has many spaces for quiet reflection or purposeful concentration. FREE! That is right-- this Museum is free so take advantage of its collections. Even just a small amount of time walking through a few of the exhibits can be a wonderful way to take a break.

Upon hearing the sad news that both Nine Lives and Neo gallery…read moreare set to close their doors, it seems that small galleries like Red Sea are left holding the fort. It's central location makes finding this quaint gallery a breeze and if the collections are anything to go buy, these guys are here for the long haul. What I always found great about these guys is the fact they represent such a diverse range of Asian and international artists. With great artworks from the likes of Katrina Read, Gnana, Bevil, Nellie Crawford and more, Patrons here are really spoiled for choice. If you are a business I highly recommend checking this place out, the rooms are clean modern and provide a perfect backdrop for your next function or opening. With its generous trading hours and easy location, This gallery is a worthwhile stop when Valleyside.

I was delighted when I found Red Sea Gallery's collection of Vietnamese art nestled amongst the…read morecommercial galleries of New Farm. I wish I could afford some of their pieces but it's just as important to be an admirer of art as a patron (or so I tell myself). Unfortunately, on my last visit most of the Vietnamese art were replaced with Australian artists. Their works were still modern, surreal and whimsical but I missed the Asian influence of this gallery. The curator explained that there just wasn't enough market to sustain the Asian artists in Brisbane and it was a case of meeting the market or closing shop. Fair enough, I suppose. This gallery is still one to check out for collectors and art lovers alike. It has a fresher feel than either Jan Murphy or Philip Bacon, with some of the artworks exuding a whimsical, illustrative feel. This gallery is also for hire for corporate events and parties. I'm yet to work at an office where the boss books a gallery space for a Christmas party. I still live in hope that it will happen soon.