Although 'Clay & Cupcakes' is a public establishment, it's been THE ideal setting for some of the…read morebest activity-based, one-on-one bonding experiences I've had with my teenage son AND my husband. My Love Language is 'Quality Time', and C&C's public-yet-surprisingly private environment is a game-changer. Whether you're painting an item or decorating cupcakes, it's perfect for all skillsets: from curious, 1st time beginners to advanced regulars honing their skills. I adore the woman who was working at the front desk both times I've been there (thus far)... she is extremely positive, helpful, encouraging, and not the slightest bit judgemental towards newbies like me and my family. After all: practice makes progress, and I'm looking forward to many outings at Clay & Cupcakes in the near future (while spending quality time with the people I love most!)

I brought my daughter and a few friends to Clay and Cupcakes for her 9th birthday and…read moreunfortunately, our experience was disappointing from start to finish. When we arrived, no one explained the process or rules, even after we had been there for about 10 minutes. The kids naturally started looking at paint colors, and instead of being guided through the process, they were reprimanded quite harshly for touching the paint. When I explained that it was our first visit and no one had told us how things worked, the staff member responded dismissively that she was "getting to that." Throughout the two hours we spent there, the staff seemed largely absent, spending much of their time chatting in the back room. When I approached with questions, I often felt ignored, and when I did receive answers, they came across as curt and unfriendly. The store was also filled with boxes due to restocking. While they did apologize and explain the situation, the boxes remained throughout our visit, making it difficult to move around the already tight space and browse pottery pieces comfortably. What was most disappointing was that the lack of customer service wasn't limited to our visit. When my husband returned a few weeks later to pick up the finished pieces, he was treated discourteously as well. We were excited to celebrate a birthday here, but the atmosphere felt unwelcoming and stressful rather than fun and creative. I rarely leave negative reviews, but based on our experience, I would not recommend this business.

I've been here a couple times and have enjoyed it each time. It's always busy on the weekends so if…read moreyou're a bigger party make reservations! The staff are friendly and helpful. I do wish they offered payment options outside of cash & e-transfer so keep this in mind when you go. There's also a parking garage about a block away. Overall it's a fun time

My experience started by being shown where my assigned seating was. Next, I went to the shelf where…read morethere was a pretty decent selection of ceramic trees to choose from. I had prepaid via Eventbrite for a $50 tree. When I saw a bigger and fancier tree, I chose to upgrade to the $100 tree. I just had to pay the price difference. After this, I received a brief explanation of a couple of paint options I had to choose from and then I started painting! This wasn't set up like one large ceramic painting class. People came and went at different times. Each group that came in would get separate instructions by the staff members. This worked out because painting times definitely varied. I honestly underestimated how long it would take to paint a ceramic tree. I think I must've painted a total of 6 coats of paint. It's partly because of the paint option I chose. I required a base coat to ensure my tree would come out shiny dark green. It took me about about 3 hours to paint! I wanted to make sure all the crevices of my tree were covered. I did this activity after work on a Wednesday night. It was a fun way to unwind and chat with my friend. However, in the future, I would prefer to do this on a weekend instead. I finished painting right before the store closed around 9pm. It would've been more relaxing if I knew I didn't have to work the next day. Once I was finished, I painted my initials under the tree. I was told it would take about a week for my tree to be ready for pick up. When I was reunited with my tree, I was super happy with the result! The wiring for the light bulb was inserted. Light bulb not included. I also received a bag of multicoloured mini plastic bulbs and a plastic star topper to decorate my tree. Overall, I had a good time here! I would definitely consider coming back to paint something else. The staff were helpful and the products are good quality. I know I could've easily bought a ceramic tree instead of painting one. It might have been less expensive and definitely easier to just buy a finished tree. However, I'm proud to say that I painted my tree!

I enjoy going to this every year... it feels like admission cost is rising but at least the price…read moreis valid for all 4 days rather than day of and next day only. There's also no scratch n win promotion cards for next season like previous shows. It's very warm in there, so expect to use $2 coat check. Your admission ticket also equals one ballot for their prize draw. There are draws for free admission pre-event on their Facebook page. If you're really keen, they have links that showcase the vendors this season. Vendors offer a large variety of unique crafts, some are similar to each other though. Prices and deals vary depending on the vendors; but keep in mind that unique tends to be more expensive than big box stores. It's mostly the same vendors as previous years, so it's easy to shop if you know what you want... or if you had regretted not buying something from this year, you'll probably get a second chance with the next year's craft sale. It easily gets crowded despite the decent amount of spaces between booths. If you can avoid using a stroller, you'll be able to get around more freely for sure. That being said, the butterdome is wheelchair & stroller accessible, which I appreciate. I also like how most of the food vendors are along the same area. There's always a bunch of samples to be had & popular items to pick up are wild dried mushrooms, butter tarts, bread, and maple products; just to name a few.

I rarely buy anything at the Butterdome Christmas Craft Sale - not that there isn't a million…read morethings to buy (I gal could spend a fortune!) no, for me I just love strolling the isles, with my Mom, Sister-in-law and Aunt, spending time together and getting in the Christmas Spirit. For me, the Butterdome Christmas Craft Sale is a tradition, and I love it! I love meeting the busy vendors, seeing the new or "it" products side-by-side with classics like hand carved wooden toys or home-made fudge. I love the hustle and bustle of people doing their Christmas shopping in one big go, and trying to find my yearly must-gets! The Craft Fair is usually the last week in November or first week in December, so keep it in mind to add to your list of holiday events. Make sure to bring cash!! That's a must. Parking can be tough, the SUB parkade is the best bet, but you can take the LRT! And wear your comfy winter boots, it's a lot of walking! Happy Crafty Holidays!

This store is like Disneyland for people who love beading! The selection is beyond amazing here…read more You definitely need time to explore the store. Do not come here if you are in a rush and have a limited amount of time. I came here specifically to check out the beads made of semi precious stones. I had some ideas of what I wanted to buy before coming to the store. However, I left with more items than I initially planned. I found the products were clearly labelled with the type of beads, size of beads and prices. The store was well organized. I didn't have any difficulty finding what I was looking for. However, I did go around the store a few times to make sure I saw most things at least once. This store is jam packed! They have all the supplies you need to make beaded jewellery. For example, they sell different kinds of string, glue, jewellery findings and tools for jewellery making. They also have a random selection of costume jewellery, socks, purses, wallets, embroidery, sage, essential oils, books and so much more! This store had larger selection of beads than what you would find at a big box craft store. I found the prices pretty reasonable. I will definitely be back here when I need more supplies!

Making bead necklaces was a huge hobby for me years ago. Lately, I have been wanting to get back…read moreinto it. However, it can be difficult - and expensive - to find beads, charms, pendants, and all of the findings (the parts needed to put everything together, like clasps). Then I discovered Bead World. Beadmaking is not just for hippies anymore. This store is huge on the inside and features several rooms of charms, strings of beads made from different materials like glass or stone, ribbons and strings with clasps already attached (just add charms), and even a small selection of wallets, purses, and pre-made jewelry. The charms and pendants are incredible. There is a huge selection of religious ones for Christians and Buddhists, ones for sports, ones made from fimo clay, and even ones from Swarovski crystal. Many are from the Shag Wear designer line. I bemoaned the lack of Stars of David, but otherwise had to exert a great deal of self control. I got one horizontal fimo charm, a string of beads that look different than anything I own, and a bag of jump loops (used to connect pendants to a necklace). The prices are much lower than any other bead store I have visited and the selection is better. I am inspired and will be back.

Artists & Artists to be ~ wannabes (me) UNITE!…read more I've been looking for canvas primer! The Gilded Rabbit off 149th & Stony Plain Road was the perfect place to shop for it! They had a cool collection of gifts for budding artists, kids and professionals. Tools for painting, carving, crafting & POTTERY!! my good friend just purchased a pottery wheel. I will be sure to tell her to visit the gilded rabbit. Two woman working we're helpful. I loved the smooth artsy jams playing over the radio. It got me in the mood to create. Prices are reasonable for a standalone art supply store is comparable to those you would find in a big box store. Although you would never find the selection or specialized tools in a big box location. Having said that ...... WHY NOT SUPPORT THE LITTLE GUY! If you've been holding out on art supplies or thinking about getting into an ARTSY MESS, I recommend checking out the gilded rabbit!

This is my "go to" spot for quality framing (I always get really good advice and is always an "easy…read morepeasy, lemon squeezy"process) as well as special art supplies for my classroom :-) Marion and her staff are very accommodating and SO knowledgeable about their inventory. As well, it is a great place to stop in and talk all things art, art supplies and everyday. This is what makes this place special....it is not only a shop to acquire art materials, but a space of community where you can drop in and see the wonderful things to buy AND to have a quick visit with those who work there and enjoy their customers business and their company :-)

I don't buy a lot of stuff here, but it's the first place I go when I need anything crafts-y like…read more The coolest thing I bought was fabric printer paper. I like paint pens as well. I have not been to any of their art classes, but they always look well attended. The angle parking out front is always full. There is so much stock in there, it's overwhelming, but the staff is very helpful. It's technically off Whyte Ave, but I'm adding it to my cool East Whyte ave list.

I enjoy abstract painting and a little sketching here and there. If I am on Whyte Avenue and need…read morebrushes, pencils, pens, or sketchbooks, I head to The Paint Spot. The selection is great, prices are reasonable, and staff are helpful. Students get a discount with ID, and the staff themselves are artists, so they really know what they are talking about. Other supplies available at The Paint Spot include canvasses, cutting materials, and, of course, paint of all kinds. There is even a gallery in the basement featuring the work of local artists, and The Paint Spot is central to the annual Art Walk on Whyte.

For years, I had no idea there were any options other than Fabricland here in Edmonton, but found…read moreout about Marshall, and had been wanting to get in here for a long time. I don't buy fabric that often, but I happened to be out in this part of town on a Saturday and thought, "Why not?" Years ago, Allan G built me a framed board that I upholstered & added cup hooks to to hang my necklaces in my dressing room on (our 1950s house had NO closet space, so I made one of the bedrooms my IKEA-closeted paradise). However, in my new house, the fabric no longer worked where I wanted to put it. My new bedroom is in silver, gray, and very pale lilac-- sort of Jean Harlow 1930s glamour, so I was looking for some fabric with a nice shimmer or an actual metallic fabric. Found one! Absolutely gorgeous silvery print-- almost like a shantung. My cutter was super friendly and helpful (I can't think in metric). When she asked what I was creating, I had to explain that I had this board, and it was 24 x 26 inches...). When she told me the price I just about fell over, considering the exorbitant prices Fabricland charges. I think I paid around $22.00 for my find. They now have a customer for life, and I'll come back here FIRST before ever spending a dime in another Fabricland.

Great value and great selection, but not enough to get me a perfectly matching seat over for my…read morekitchen chairs. However, I still got an acceptable replacement at a great price. I suggest you should visit Marshall Fabrics before trying elsewhere.