As a beader, this store is a dream come true. Every item I need from the wires, beads, threads,…read moreneedles, etc. are all in one place. They even carry ultra-suede for my beaded embroidery. The completed projects on display are pure eye candy for me. They also sell some gorgeous completed items for the non-artistic. The only slightly downside to this location is the parking, but it is worth walking a few blocks to visit.

I don't make jewelry. I wear it, though. I haven't ever purchased beads, or even really taken the…read moretime to think about the different types of beads before. But one day, I decided-- 'What the hell. I'm gonna go see what Beadology Iowa is all about.' And I'm glad I did. This store definitely deserves some Yelp love. First off, the storefront and sign are eye catching. And while Beadology Iowa changed names like a decade ago, this go-to bead store has lived in Iowa City for over 30 years. I walked in and was greeted with a smile. (That's always the best, isn't it?) As a non-jewelry maker I was amazed to see the different materials the beads were made of? Like; stone, pearl, metal, organic, glass, chrystal and one-of-a-kind flamework beads. WOWZA. Beads. Beads. Beads. Everywhere! Organized chaos of every color and from all over the world. There was eclectic jewelry for sale throughout the store-- which was made in house? I believe. Plus, an assortment of tools for jewelry making and other supplies. The staff appeared to be super knowledgeable, but I mean-- it's not like I'd have known :) The thing that really impressed me was just how passionate everyone I chatted with seemed. They were definite artists pumped to educate me on their craft. Classes are offered-- which I definitely need to hit up sometime. Wirework, stringing, knotting, flame-work, glass work, etc... Beginners and professionals are welcome! (Just be warned parking COULD be a concern at this location!) Overall, this rainbow store had a non judgey, creative vibe. And even thought I knew nothing, I felt ok coming in just to peruse while an obvious avid customer shopped along side me. I'll definitely come back for some custom accessories, perhaps a repair -- or a class!

So much project inspiration! The owner of this adorable shop hand-selects the fabrics at a fabric…read moreshow and oh my, does she have an eye for drool-worthy, high-quality fabric! They offer loads of classes and I recommend signing up for their newsletter - they don't publish it annoyingly often and when they do, it includes a list of all upcoming events. I also love that they have a cafe side to the craftiness, because all good projects are backed with a hearty dose of super-human powers... I mean, caffeine.

Aside from being rude, these people are either incompetent and/ or thieves. The lady, Sue, is…read moreprobably the rudest in town on consignment, except for the person who runs the second act. Overall, I've brought in dozen of items - once they took about a dozen Wicker boxes and bags and some other items - and six months later I got $20. Recently I brought in brand new and greatly taken care of yard tools. Some of the limb and tree trimmers were even in the box. They're probably $50-$100 new. The next week when I stopped in and noticed they were all gone. I asked for my payout. It was $50. Should have done Facebook market. Either they were pricing in these items obscenely low (although when I look to ship the prices or normal and even high) or fill in the blank yourself. The next week, I took in 2 boxes and a suitcase o clothes... the lady wasn't working and the man took the entire thing, including $100 suitcase that I brought only for transportation, but they said he would take it. I stopped in a week later, and the lady is still not there. The man tells me those weren't the type of clothes they were looking for and they donated that them all to Goodwill but could not provide me the receipt of donation. I could've probably sold it overtime on Poshmark for hundreds of dollars. These people are the worst.

I have lived in Iowa City for a while now and have never been into Blick's until this weekend. What…read morewas I thinking?! It is a great place for all kinds of fun if you're in need in some inspiration. The staff is super nice and were able to help me find what I was looking for quickly. They have a great array of stationeries (my favorite) available for a slightly higher price but still reasonable considering the high quality and service. I will be back for future creative endeavors or if I just want to look some inspiration!

This is a very cool and fun store, with every kind of art tool or item you might need. I also…read morealways find the most amazing gifts here, everything from unique coloring books and cards and journals to jokey office supplies and tchotchkes (I bought a harmonica and mini-sewing kit on my last visit...). Of course the main event here are the art supplies--you'll find many options for every kind of medium, and for every price range, from beginner (or just-putzing-around) to professional grade. On my most recent visit, I was interested in two sets of watercolors and was glad I asked an associate about their prices...because one was around $10 and the other $45. Same thing with a cool set of dual markers/pens I almost bought...I had not looked at the price correctly and the associate pointed it was $161. She kindly found another set for me for less than $10 (which was all I needed). Art things are expensive in general but you can definitely find some good deals here, especially during their sales. The staff here are all very cheerful, helpful and friendly...my favorite store in Iowa City whenever I visit the area.

Great selection & very knowledgeable staff! I have taken many projects in where I did not…read moreunderstand the pattern & they have always gotten me through it!

I've driven by here and never stopped because frankly from the street the place looks abandoned…read more And then Crazy Girl Yarn Shop closed, so I asked around and everyone said "try Knitting Shoppe." They do have a great selection of natural fiber yarns, leaning heavily toward traditional wools. Thankfully, I can navigate yarn stores without too many questions because the single person behind the register was busy chatting with a regular like it was Knitting Group night. If you're a new knitter or need lots of guidance, be patient.

Beatiful paper and gifts. Feels like a portal to another time and place. Where beauty and…read moreconnection are the center of life. And writing is magic.

This place is awesome. There's so many different cards and other stationary goods in there. The…read moreprices are a little high, but they're definitely worth it to get the chance to have so many options in such a convenient area, while also supporting phone businesses. The service is always nice and amazing and I have never had an issue.

I typically go to Hobby Lobby, and this recent experience just proved my point. I placed a mobile…read moreorder at 8 this morning, called Michael's at 9 to see when my order would be available for pick up. The associate on the phone was so unnecessarily rude. I got the confirmation email that my order was ready for pick up and headed to get it, it was not there and all three associates in the store were just as rude. One even used vulgar language in front of myself, a customer, which I find to be extremely unprofessional. One of my items in my order was out of stock, even though the store just opened, and the associate acted as if it was an inconvenience for me to return its counterpart. I will not be headed back to Michael's and I am disappointed in the service I received.

Oh, Michaels. A…read morecouple reasons this particular chain craft store is worth a stop. 1. LOCATION. I love this particular location in Coralville, just off 965. 2. Coupons! Check online or sign up for their email distribution. You can almost ALWAYS get a deal on what you're looking for. 3. Shop online, pickup in the store for free! (They also do a great job showing you what aisle things live in the store online. So be sure you don't go in and leave empty handed.) The staff can be hit or miss. I've had super DUPER knowledgable, cheerful help and then... not so much. Just depends on the day! My basis for a three vs four star is mostly because of an online order I had this part holiday season. I ordered decor, paint and a wood craft. It said it was fulfilled and to come in to pick it up. When I got there, the wood craft wasn't there! When I inquired it was just a shrug, 'we ran out.' All fine... just COMMUNICATE please before I come in expecting my order in its entirety. Overall, a solid craft store. And really the only one of its kind in that part of Coralville. Stop in for a kid's craft, frame or anything else artsy.