I like funny stories. Funny haha or funny peculiar - either will do. Of course, the unparalled…read morefunny story contains these two aspects; the best of both worlds. The funny haha bit of this story is really that I know nothing about art or framing. I'd like to think I'd know a good frame when I see one, but that really couldn't be guaranteed. The actual painting or photograph is an entirely different story. I really haven't got a clue. This story one circles around a painting of a building in Toronto, which apparently is quite a good one. Of course, I wouldn't know. This painting came to us through a friend of my dad's. He'd picked it up in a charity shop and thought of us as he did so. It replaced a dodgy old picture of something-or-other (having not really had an interest in art, I'd never really paid attention you see), and looked quite well in our hall. Until (cue the funny peculiar part), it fell off the wall, completely randomly, and the glass cover smashed. Thankfully, someone who knows a great deal more about art and frames are Sheldon. The exceptionally friendly lady told my dad and I that she could have the glass replaced with 3 hours (at a very good price, might I add), as well as providing us with a new cord to hang the picture with. There was me thinking we'd need a new frame and everything, but thankfully not. Interestingly, the lady didn't believe there to be anything wrong with the original cord. Mmm, strange. Less than 3 hours later, a phonecall came through, alerting us to the fact that our picture was ready. They had even stayed open slightly later than usual to accomodate us. What nice people. The new glass looked...sturdy, and the picture has remained in tact for 2 months, so we're pretty hopeful. If, by any chance, you should have any picture issues, the lovely people at Sheldon will happily get you sorted. Despite my lack of knowledge of art etc, I never doubted the expertise of this lot.

Sheldon gallery is based in Newtownards and I have used this shop on several occasions. As a…read morepainter who likes to give away my attempts at art I often use the shop to frame my pieces. They have a wide selection of different frames, in different colours, thicknesses and materials. The ladies who work there are all very experienced and they will sit with you to help you choose just the right frame. They do a very clean neat frame, which doesn't cover up the edges of the work - sometimes this happens in other places. The job they do is well worth the price, which I find is reasonable for good service. Sheldon's also sell art by local artists as well as prints, cards and other decorative items. I enjoy calling in for a browse, to pick up ideas and have previously purchased artwork for a good price in their excellent sale, which seems to be on all year round.

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.

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...

I've used a good few printers in my time but know if them compare to Copycats. I find sometimes…read moreprinters can over complicate things and start spitting out gsm's and dpi's left right and centre. But this was not the case at Copycats! I walked in told the lovely lady behind the counter that I needed 40 A4 sheets on glossy paper and she let me have a look through their options. All very straight forward. The printers are at the bank of the post office. It can be tricky to locate. They also sell all sorts of stationery and paper types. I know for sure this will be my first stop for future printing. Great service!

It's hard to get excited about a place like Copy Cats to be honest, so I'm afraid I'll have to be…read moremostly functional here. They provide photocopying and other stationary related services at pretty decent prices. I used to have to go in quite a bit when I was still at school. It was close by and was easy on my cash-poor pockets. Emma P's right when she says the service leaves a lot to be desired, but since you're mostly in and out without too much delay, it's not really worth getting worked up over.

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.

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!

Forget Me Not is a smallish stationary shop down Pottinger's Lane in Belfast city centre. I called…read morein recently to buy a 'Made By The Bride' stamp for my wedding invitations. I had been to another stationary shop and they had none left and I have to say my first impressions of Forget Me Not weren't great. I was a little lost browsing around for ideas and cards when I spotted an area where homemade cards were being displayed. I asked the owner if she had any tips for my wedding cards and she was quite hostile. I was only a little lost bride trying to make conversation and trying to get some ideas. I had just bought a stamper from another stationary shop and I asked her to recommend the best way to use it and was told I should go back to where I bought it and ask them! I later found out that she designs and makes wedding stationary and I guess she didn't want to give anything away for free. Anyway, I had to order in the stamp as she had none left and I had to pay full price up front. I don't want to rate the entire business on that one experience, as I'm sure it was just a flippant remark on her part. I just hope that maybe other brides who want to save a few pounds and are a bit stuck (as they, like me, will probably have never done that kind of thing before) experience a warmer reception.

A lovely shop tucked away, but still in the heart of the city centre, Plenty to spend your money on…read morewith my fav Tim Holtz products and some g45 paper worth checking out I found the staff very helpful

As a lady who likes to paint I have in the last year or so been hoofing it all the way into Belfast…read morecity center to buy my paints, brushes and cleaners - I needn't have bothered as there is a really decent art store right in the middle of Holywood. I have driven past a few times and mistaken this shop for a home decoration or wall paper place it was only after a coffee in the amazing Yard Gallery across the street that I decided to take a closer look. They stock a really great range of canvas sizes, oil and water colours, in fact they have a really great collection of everything you could need. I was after outlining lead for painting on glass and they had run out but the really helpful girl behind the desk offered to order it in for me. Throughout the shop you can also find paintings by local artists which are framed and ready to be sold. This is one of the only shops I have seen that stocks Decopatch - a thin tissue paper like product that can be applied to surfaces to cover or decorate them - the patterns are really cool and there is a huge cow in the shop fully decorated showing you the effect that can be achieved with the paper. I would have browsed for longer but there was a really loud man and really loud kids in the place so I left - I'm a grumpy old hag sometimes!