First of all, this place has a really good website as well as a good shop so if, for some reason,…read moreyou can't find what you are looking for, definitely do go home and try to find it online. The site is really easy to navigate. The staff in the shop, to get back into the thing that I am actually meant to be reviewing, are lovely. They all seem to be quite passionate about art and crafts, though I realise that that seems to be an odd statement. They all seem to enjoy art and crafts greatly is perhaps better? The prices are really good and the range is just fantastic so you're almost certain to find what you need. I did, as it happens but the staff are so good that I'm sure they wouldn't mind helping you out if you were missing something,

Now I'm not at all a crafty individual, however I can't deny that this shop even touches an…read moreartistic part of my soul. They have a massive selection of craft items such as ribbons, lace, stickers, stamps, and the most beautiful, delicate paper. The staff here are friendly, and even better are willing to offer advice on how to create specific items using these products. In particular I'd recommend this place for those of you who are clever (and frugal) enough to make your own cards.

I'm a sucker for arts & crafts and creativity in general and Craft Works ticks all the boxes. This…read moreshop is one of the most comprehensive of its kind and one of the best in Bristol if you discount the likes of Hobbycraft. From the outside you might be forgiven for thinking this is a frivolous, girly shop for bored housewives and old ladies but oh how wrong you would be! There is a large selection of sketchbooks, drawing paper, paintbrushes and Daler-Rowney paints - all essential for art students and established artists alike. The store itself is lined with cards and displays that have been created using products from the shop, such as decopache kits, rubber stamps, ink and stencils. The only thing that limits the possibilities of the products in this shop is your own imagination. Price are reasonable and there is also a framing department at the back of the shop where you can take in your masterpieces to hang with pride.

Craft Works is probably the largest shop of its kind in Bristol. Stocking everything you can…read moreimagine, (and then some), for those with handicrafts in mind. Reasonably priced with knowledgeable staff on hand to explain what everything is for, Craft Works is creativity made easy. They even host workshops in the evening. They also stock resources for those of us who can't quite decide what hobby would suit us best, or for those of us that would like to be a bit more creative but aren't exactly sure how. A full range of magazines is available with comprehensive advice on hand. And just for the record: I'm in the market for a knitted toilet roll cover with a Cindy-type doll miraculously emerging from the middle. There's a commission in for anybody who can master the skills required to make one. I'd like it in shocking pink. Get enrolling now!

Like Caban, in the Pontcanna / Canton area, at the other side of town, Paperweight stocks a broad…read moreselection of Welsh greetings cards to compliment the ranges that are in English. And it's not just about endearing themselves to the locals by pandering to a whim. There is a very serious demand for goods written in the Welsh language, ranging from books, magazines, cards and instruction manuals etc... The Welsh are determined to keep their language alive no matter what, and the growth rate that it's experienced since consciously deciding to preserve it has mushroomed. I am half Scottish, and have often heard people bemoan that Scottish culture is being diluted because the native tongue is in decline. But there's not such a clear intention up there to preserve it. In Wales there is no doubt! Everywhere you go you see evidence of the Welsh being fiercely patriotic; every shop, every pub and public place, and of course, within people's homes... and there's a lot to be proud of... the Welsh do things pretty well. I have respect for this, but what really makes me love the Welsh is their warmth and sense of community. Maintaining the language, very probably, is helping to keep communities together. Paperweight also stock wrapping paper and tags, stationary, and a small selection of funky gift ideas for the home, as well as accessories like key fobs etc...

A card store which has a nice variety of generic cards available. However they absolutely excel on…read moretheir selection of Welsh language cards. The variety is without a doubt impressive, and I guarantee that any Welsh speaker (or perhaps non Welsh speaker) will be truly satisfied, especially when it comes to the age specific cards. They also stock wrapping paper and gift bags, though not enough for my liking. I do love the small and large dishes available to purchase, which are covered in pictures of either; popcorn, marshmallows, smarties, or strawberries. These are very good value for money and I know for a fact that Urban Outfitters sells them at a far dearer price.

Good selection of items, always find what I'm looking for. Staff nice and helpful. Can get single…read moreitems when needed and not have to buy in bulk.

Crafty Sew and Sew has the dubious pleasure of being located directly next to the ultra pink adult…read moreshop Passion Online at the Newport Road end of City Road. Whilst this business has opted to carry a cheeky little name that may occasionally raise an eyebrow or two, they have definitely been upstaged, in the controversy stakes, by their immediate neighbours! In many other ways this is the ideal location for this old-style craft shop. It is surrounded by fabric stores, many of which are within a minutes walk from Crafty Sew and Sew, and with companies like Calico selling sewing machines, and Butterfly Fabrics carrying some fabulous materials, as well as some really large fabric stores with phenomenally extensive stock ranges like Fusion, Crafty Sew and Sew couldn't be in better company. All of these businesses support the fundamental drive behind Crafty Sew and Sew, offering patrons of the shop plentiful choice where fabrics are concerned. Crafty Sew and Sew offer a good range of craft items and ready-to-make kits of all descriptions. A visit to the shop is an inspiring experience, and the people that work there are only willing to help. If you are looking to take up a hobby, but are not sure of which direction to go in, I advise a trip to this little Pandora's Box of delights. The advice you will get will be invaluable, and the choices available are impressive, and cater to everyone's budgets.

Quaint and kitschy - that's how I'd sum up Polka Dot…read more Much to my surprise, the shop, which appears diminutive from the outside, is actually situated on three floors and filled with crafts, stationery and other goodies like vintage-style home goods (I nearly bought the "My farts hospitalise small children" magnet but decided against it). I'd say this kind of shop caters mostly to tourists looking for a creative souvenir to bring back for their female friends, but that didn't stop me from eying up several items worthy of birthday gifts for my girls here in Cardiff - I dare you to walk in here and not find something you like! Polka Dot is definitely one of the better shops in Mermaid Quay, and a perfect place to buy a knick-knack that you admittedly may not need, but would be a sweet addition to your home or office.

Pop your head in an feel very uncomfortable. Half the stuff and I literally mean stuff, as in…read moreuseless tat, is everywhere. I read the previous reviews and so it seemed odd that it was popular, well at least to me. Yes if your a bloke and your other half drags you in kicking and screaming, your alternative is to check out a bar or pub for 30minutes while she looses all common sense. I couldn't see any real use for a lot of it, unless you want to live in la la land and pretend to have tea parties with your friends or should I say your stuffed teddies etc. Oh and please don't expect you can explain to me why it's so great. I'm sure for the girly girls out there you might enjoy this oddball shop, but for me I'm out! I ridicule in jest, but seriously there are limits.

Bryncoch craft centre is a bit out of the way up in the middle of no where but it is well worth the…read morevisit. It is signposted but the roads are very quiet on the way up and horses on the road are a regular occurance so be aware. The shop is small but stocks lots of bits and bobs that are unique and offer something a little different to what you would normally purchase in the larger chain stores. That said this does come at a price so be prepared a little more. This centre is ideal for Welsh gifts and you will find lots of locally crafted goods and occasional demonstations here. The place has a lovely warm feel to it and you could spend hours browsing this small but well filled store.

Crafty devils is one of the biggest independant craft stores in the country. They sell supplies for…read morecardmaking scrapbooking,cross stitch and also supply schools and groups with educational products. The shop itself is huge with a vast range of products and they also have a mail order service. The staff are knowledgable and helpful.

We wanted to buy things for making a necklace. For Mother's Day. I was looking after a child that…read morewasn't mine or perhaps I might have encouraged the Mother's Day present thing more towards the edible. We went to Carole's Crafts, it was close and you can park. The shop's not huge but they've managed to cram quite a lot into it. We found beads and elastic and even a clasp and a very nice glass leaf thingy. I can't really vouch for artistic integrity of the final product but luckily mothers are usually grateful for any handmade trinket by their beloved offspring. Lot of stuff for paper craft, quite a lot for basic jewellery, not so much fine art supplies or sewing crafts. This used to be located inside the actual garden centre but has moved out and over to the other side. So turn left when you turn off the main road.

I have been visiting Carole's Crafts for a number of years now. In fact, spend that much I should…read moreown it! (he!he!). Always get a smile and a warm welcome from the girls, and it's a joy to go there. Always cheerful and happy to help with any problem and they know their stock. If they had a coffee shop within their premises then I would give it 5 stars and browse for longer! So well done you 'orrible lot!! and see you soon.