Tucked down a side street from RMIT's maddening architecture, Melbourne Artist Supplies can feel a…read morelittle like a bat cave. The artificial light contrasts with the sunshine streaming in the roller door, so your eyes may take a second to adjust to the wonder that awaits. All manner of art and craft supplies inside, with friendly staff who know what they're talking about. The prices march the quality, and every now and again a sale will have the place crawling with crafty types.

Are you a creative person? An artist? A painter? Someone who loves craft or just a good ol' doodler…read morelike me? If you love getting lost in your craft and you live in the South Yarra/ Richmond area, get acquainted with Arthouse on Swan Street. It may not be a large store but it sure does have a pretty good range of materials from pencils to inks, crayons, paints, pastels, clay and modelling items, canvasses, sketch pads etc. The funny thing is, every time I go into this store, I feel inspired to create something original. Whether it's a collage, homemade cards, a sketch or painting, just being around the creative materials and energy, makes me feel like I can take on the world - artistically. And that's what I do. Sometimes, this results in a really good art piece and other times, it's plain ugly. But the important thing is I have a good time creating and getting lost in my choice of art. Call it creative therapy if you like and with Arthouse just near my house, I can do this anytime.

Lovely store with a good range of art supplies and often has really useful specials. Recommended!read more

When I have a creative itch and want paint or "artsy media" I usually head to the paint shop or a…read morechasian store, but I guess the pros can't rely on Dulux and pipe cleaners to create a masterpiece. Strategically placed next to a gallery "I could paint that! Oh look heres a paint store" St Luke is a richly stocked store that caters for the serious art/craft individuals. The range of paints and materials is extensive and the staff are happy to explain their various uses/potential. When I say serious artists I mean serious prices for example a 60ml 'Heavy body acrylic' averages around $17 and around $60 for the more interesting metallic paints (200ml). 'St Luke' also offers art classes, custom canvas stretching and a unique range of stock that really cements itself as an artists retail haven.

Senior Art Supplies is the ideal place for anyone interested in art. It doesn't matter if you are a…read morepracticing artist, or someone who's looking at taking some drawing classes, Senior Art Supplies is a great place to either stock up or get some inspiration. Inside you'll find sections devoted to mediums. I personally love browsing through the pastel range with tiny little pencil-sized tips to the large chunky oily pastels. The pencil section is enormous and like the pastels, features every colour you could ever think of. Towards the front you'll find the paintbrush section, which again has a huge range, and the canvases at the side come in all different shapes and sizes. It's easy to get overwhelmed in a place like this, especially if you are new to the store. Have a chat with the sales assistants (the counter is in the middle) and they'll work through the store with you.

I went in here to see if I could find some hanging alternatives for works on paper that I was…read moreexhibiting. I didn't want anything that would damage the paper and I didn't want to leave the paper unframed yet somehow attached to the gallery wall. That might sound like a difficult request but it wasn't for the staff here. They stocked a magnetic hanging system that was perfect for what I wanted as the powerful magnets would hold the paper to the small metal plates attached to the walls without leaving a mark on the paper. This many not be the largest art supply store in the city but they do have a good range of quality materials and the staff are very helpful. They are also conveniently located on the ground floor of the CAE building so if you run out of art supplies before your class.

I had some of my artwork printed on large scale paper and needed some frames to put them in…read more I came to Picture Box and was greeted with a friendly smile and introduction from the staff. They can make up a frame for you with an array of different patterns and designs but also have a whole bunch of pre-made frames in the back. Up for sale as well is art from local and international artists. There's a bunch of eclectic styles on show that would suit a variety of individuals. Unfortunately i couldn't find a frame that matched my print size so the gentleman in the store informed me that their Clifton Hill store have a much larger selection of pre-made frames (i did need the frames on the day).

I have bought so many Birthday & Christmas presents for my little lady here, that we have no room…read moreon our walls for anymore! The Picture Box can custom frame anything you desire, and also have a great selection of pre framed or ready to frame posters and prints. Search through the rack for an abundance of music and pop culture posters, from photo based prints to vintage style gig posters. Or, check out whats on the wall for something ready to hang up at home. With a fantastic selection of art prints that range from Banksy to Art Neuveu and vintage advertising signs, you're sure to get something special for a special someone here. The Picture Box is also located in Clifton Hill at 342 Queens Pde & 133a Lygon St East Brunswick.

Sticky is an artist-run and focused initiative that facilitates and promotes zine culture in this…read morecity. It's an amazing concept: you can go in, use their resources, pick their brains and be blown away by the wealth of incredible artists and artisans working in the zine realm. Sticky have a lucid idea of who they are as a collective. Their mission statement says: "By bypassing the conventional gallery system, Sticky redefines the notion of a retail environment as a non profit arts space dedicated to Australian and international zine culture." And in doing these things, the institute allow the proliferation of this otherwise underground and often off-kilter art practise -- a great thing for any city. Any gripe with the place would be that it is cramped and can feel a bit exclusive at times. I've had slightly mixed experiences with staff, but they're mostly volunteers, so there's no shortage of passion.

Zines, the DIY behemoth that excites photocopiers, writers and artists alike has a home in…read moreMelbourne. Situated beneath Flinders st as one enters the train station, one will find every surface adorned with self-made paraphernalia, complete with badge machine, stapler and photocopier for the budding Zinester in all of us, Sticky is an institution.

One of those stores where you don't expect anything going in (not that impressed with their…read morebranding to be honest) but then omg! completely loved everything inside. Leaf-shaped soaps, unicorn pins, adorable cards, just so many cool and unique things sold here.

So many nice things at this store. I thought it had more art supplies, but its more giftware now,…read morebut really really nice giftware. Check it out.

Needed a strap and buckle solution for my camera pouch and was wrapped that I went to Lincraft…read more Ashley was amazing and the guy that took my call and understood my needs was great too. I'll be back great friendly service good range.