I've been coming to this DeSerres for ages, and the staff are always really kind and knowledgeable…read more The prices are a bit steep, but that's to be expected of good quality art supplies. One thing that annoys me, and the reason I'm giving them 4 stars instead of 5, is that the paint price lists can be a little misleading. They always put the price for series 1 paint (the cheapest) at the top, in a larger font, then all the other (higher prices) are listed underneath. Most of the time they don't organize the paint by series number either, which adds a fun level of tedium to every visit. Besides that, it's a pretty solid establishment, and I'm glad to have a local art supply store.

Please note this store has moved closer to coxwell station: I visit their store fairly frequently…read more I like the new layout of their store. Some of their art supplies could be more competitive with the pricing of the same products from places like office depot, but the staff is quite knowledgeable, and they try to keep up with trends. They've even added supplies for acrylic poured paintings.

I'd give a five-start rating to the very nice young man who helped me, except that he was loudly…read moreadmonished to "return to the cash register" by the manager, as I presume the manager felt he had spent too much time helping me, and of course, we cannot miss a sale, can we. What a turn-off! No one feels valued as a customer in such a situation, and I sure as hell will never go back. I can just as easily get what I want online without having to put up with dismissive behaviour. These types of stores are like dinosaurs, without the recognition that art supplies are very easily available in the much more extensive and often more affordable digital marketplace. I've had it with retail in Toronto. And yes, a three-star rating is MORE than fair.

Alan Stiers provides horrid customer service, and he is the manager. He will ignore and refuse to…read morehelp you. I get that this place offers occasional student pricing that fits into student budgets however, it is not okay to sell paints and supplies way past its expiration date. They also reuse cardboard packaging that they send out to customers in the mail, disguised as "eco-friendly," but in reality, you are getting a really unsanitary used box. All in all, very scummy experience and also, he is very unfriendly to BIPOC! Stay Away, and buyers beware.

Friendly service and a a ton of art supplies can be found here at this staple of Spadina and art…read moreand architecture students alike. From RHODIA notebooks to Kaweco pens, they have it here. Although they have apparently discontinued carrying the RHODIA line they still have a good about of supply and are offering them at 50% off. Sweet deal! They also have tons of paper supplies and rare or harder to find Japanese pens and other ink supplies. Prices are good, staff is helpful! Worth the trip!

Gwartzman's is my "go to" store and has been for 40 years! Great reno and new online shopping.read more

Really, really disappointed with Midoco right now. I bought a fine-tipped marker that was a shade…read moretoo blue for a project and brought it back a day later (unused) and they refused to let me exchange it for another shade (of the same brand). Midoco, it's not underwear, it's a marker and unused. I don't care what your "policy" says, I returned it a day and a half later and this is how you treat your customers? Do yourself a favour and walk another few minutes West of the Midoco on Queen. Go to Above Ground, they're 100x better in terms of stock and prices. I wish I had gone there first too, would've saved myself a lot of hassle and bad feelings over one blue marker.

This is the only place in T.O. that I have seen stocking Leuchtturm 1917 notebooks and that alone…read moreis worth the trek out to The Beach. These notebooks are like "tricked out" Moleskines. They rock numbered pages, are available in grid, graph, lined and blank, have stickers to help organize, have a table of contents page and feature high quality paper (though less impressive than Rhodia). Leuchtturm's website shows no international distributors outside Europe[1] and you can't even find a mention of Leuchtturm on Midoco's website. But none of this matters, because I am telling you: you can find these fine notebooks here. Get one. They also stock a wide array of other (lesser) notebooks, pens, craft paper, markers, art supplies for adults and children and creative gifts for the hard-to-shop-for in your life. If this store has a failing, it's the cramped layout. They have placed all the desireable items (including the Leuchtturms) within 12 feet of the cash register. There's always a gaggle of people near the entrance. Expect to find yourself apologizing and saying "excuse me" a lot when you visit. But also expect to find some cool stuff, and possibly spend way too long here. Obligatory Title Pun: It's OKEY, MI-DOKEY. (So lame, I know.) Menu Readability: I really don't care for rounded sans-serif ultra-modern lettering, and the Midoco wordmark is no exception. Need to mention: This store is superior to the Bloor street store. What this place teaches me about myself: I'm obsessed with notebooks. Help me, please. _____ [1] I hear they are distributed by Kikkerland in the U.S. I don't think this is the case in Canada or we would have seen more of these notebooks by now.

This art supply shop is truly a remarkable establishment. The storefront splits into two…read moresub-spaces: art supplies and instruction to your left, canvas frames and materials to your right. Since the canvas space also serves as a workroom (details below), purchases are made opposite, in the Art Supplies. Special orders can be made in both categories of the store, with no minimum requirement: select cuts and sizes of papers, lot quantities of metallic potter's clay, even custom-made canvas supports. Artist materials stocked include fabric, woodworking and ceramic arts, in addition to the traditional paint (oil, watercolour, acrylic) and drawing (charcoal, pastel, pencil crayon) inventory by reputable companies (Olfa, Derwent, Staedtler, Golden, to name a few.) Exclusive to the store are the wide range of Selectum miniatures (flag push-pins; model trees, cars, buildings), Excel knives and burnishers, and so far, the only place I know of in Toronto, Ontario that retails, Alumicolor rulers and T-Squares. Toose also carries course materials as recommended from art instructors within the shop's academic environ. The manager of the store is knowledgeable, friendly, and presents many options in meeting customer's project needs within a range of budget. Impossible to leave empty-handed, it is an absolute delight to shop here.

What a dream wedding vendor!!…read more Working with Beckee from Paper & Poste for my recent wedding was such a blast. Not only is she super friendly, professional, and talented, she is so much fun - my appointments felt more like chatting with a friend than a supplier! Paper & Poste is affiliated with The Paper Place on Queen, so it was an easy choice when looking for wedding stationary. They do a wonderful job and their work is regularly featured in wedding magazines - because they are the best! While they certainly aren't the least expensive option in the city, I found the prices reasonable and I was comfortable with them. They designed and created our save the date, thank you cards, invitation, menus, favour tags, escort cards, programs, AND some signage, and it was all beautiful and kept a consistent feeling throughout my wedding. I would not hesitate to recommend Paper & Poste for all your stationary needs!!

This is clearly the best place for invitations and paper that you can find. We had them do our…read moreentire wedding and they did such a fantastic job. The invites were so good that everyone had a compliment. The process was incredible - we were late to get them out and they rushed and got them to our guests on time. The girl was very professional, clearly very good at her job, and was quick and to the point - not wasting our time (and we didn't have a lot) and getting the job right the first time. Also, she didn't try to up sell us on things that we didn't need and the quote was very reasonable. I wholly recommend this place to anyone who needs print, especially for a wedding.

Amazing little store. Art supplies, stationary supplies, unique gifts, thoughtfully selected kids…read moretoys. I don't know how they do it in the space they have but they somehow manage to have everything I need no matter what I am doing - drawing, painting, printmaking, mixed media, school and work projects. I find the staff friendly and knowledgeable. I comparison shop and prices are competitive and on many items, better than those on Amazon. I really look forward to every visit to this little jewel of a store.

I ordered some Sculptey Clay and it was hard as a rock. I tried several ways to soften it but gave…read moreup and had to throw it out. What a waste. They should give their clay a squeeze before shipping it out. Very disappointed.

Dear Hiring Manager at Desires Art Store, I've walked past your window a dozen times--always…read morepausing at that charcoal sketch of the woman mid-laugh, the one where her eyes look like they know exactly what I'm hiding. It's the kind of piece that doesn't sell itself; it just... stays. And honestly? That's why I'm writing. I've spent the last three years behind the counter at a tiny gallery in Portland--nothing fancy, just good light and people who'd rather talk about brushstrokes than buy anything. I learned how to spot the quiet ones who come in for just a look, then leave with a $400 watercolor because I asked if they'd ever painted their own shadow. I'm not pushy. I'm patient. And I remember names--like how Mrs. Alvarez always wants the softest pastels, or how the kid in the hoodie keeps circling the same neon print until he finally asks if we do layaway. Desires feels different. Not louder--just deeper. I've seen your Instagram; the way you frame a single canvas like it's breathing. You don't just sell art--you curate moments. I want to be part of that. I'm good with inventory (I once reorganized our entire back room by mood--warm tones on the left, cold on the right--sales jumped fifteen percent). I can wrap a piece like it's a gift to someone's future self. And yeah, I'll admit--I've already daydreamed about restocking your shelves at six in the morning, radio low, coffee black, watching the city wake up through the glass. If you're looking for someone who'll treat every customer like they're about to fall in love--with a painting, with themselves, with whatever--they'll find here--I'm your guy. Let me know if you ever need an extra pair of hands. Or eyes. Or just someone who'll stay late to hang that last piece right. Warmly, Leo P.S.

I probably find myself at Leather & Sewing Supplies at least every 3 weeks. I love this store, and…read moreeveryone who works there. Some are absolute legends (Anita) This place has everything you need for your projects and a lot of stuff you didn't know you needed until you saw it. Great prices. Well stocked store. Perfect location.

Big fan of this type of shop, an opportunity for local artists to share their wares…read more There is also one down the street, check out both.

There is no secret that Toronto has a huge arts community but did you know we have a huge craft…read morecommunity as well? Rather than wait for the holidays to find a well-made, one of a kind piece owner Daniel Cohen wanted to create a space to give artists and crafters a space to sell their goods year-round. The market itself is big and beautiful with a well-curated list of up to 40 vendors ranging from crafted paper goods to delicious smelling bath good to vintage clothes. If you're just looking to support local artists or looking for a new place to support, this place should be on your radar.

Despite the awkward layout of the store staff were very professional in helping me print a small…read moresensitive info document. Some bargains to be had as in a four colour tissue paper pack in the colours I needed to wrap my mom's mother's Day gift for $2 plus tax which I normally would have spent double or triple that, possibly more! Also had flavours of the newer Twigs snack I was looking for to try, although could not afford on this visit.

If your a white elderly male do not shop here.. They just ignore you .. better location is suited…read moreif your in Bangalore. please check your security for the man with his finger up for 15 minutes.