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!

There are much worse things one could be hooked on than crafts, but nonetheless it can be an…read moreaddiction and this shop is here to work with that addiction. Should you be unable to resist taking a pair of scissors to some material and fashioning a purse, for instance, or sticking some fake eyes to a pillow - I don't know - for all your crafts needs these guys can help. From basics like scissors and glues to advanced kits for dressmakers it' all down here for the taking. A wonderful little shop that takes me back to school.

You might have seen the warehouse next to the organic supermarket in St Werburgh's and wondered…read morewhat it was. Behind the doors is a fiesta of paper and fur fabric and bright bits of card. A scrap warehouse charity where people donate all sorts of bits and bobs of craft resources for local schools and youth groups to utilise. You need to sign up for a membership card to shop at Artrageous, but if you have an NUS card you can sign up. Pick up some bargains - perfect for theatre groups, art projects or even a fancy dress party! Despite not being a student, I recently helped out at a local festival, so was allowed to buy some resourses from the warehouse. It is a gigantic treasure trove of foam, plastic pots, tubes and tubs, netting, fabric, books, CDs and a whole load of oddities. I even discovered a job lot of fake Christmas trees and fake fur jackets somewhere in the depths of the place! The suggested donation for a trolley of scrap is only £13.25 - that can get you a whole lot of fun. The best thing about this colourful wonderland is that all profits from Artrageous go back to the children's charity.

There's a little corner in St Werburghs where there's a higher than normal level of wholesome…read morenutritious energy buzzing out the foundations. Downstairs is the Organic Supermarket bashing out more than enough delicious and healthy meals and food stuffs (check out previous Yelpers' reviews). Upstairs is this place, an outrageously extravagant art store. The by-line is 'art and crafts for all' and this is a claim easily reached. Once inside expect to find all the materials that you would actually use if you were an artist or craftsman. That is to say, don't expect the cellophane wrapped tools and items from a high street store - but rather the raw materials in the basic form. Big tubs of PVA glue, blank masks for painting, wire framed sculpture sets and big packets of clay and modelling putty are a few examples. Face paints, colourful chalk and internal mechanisms for various models are on hand for the serious artist. For those a little less keen there's a good kids section for musical instruments, bouncing balls and finger puppets. With a big car park and an adjoining scrap store this is a perfect one stop for all your creative and artistic needs.

This lovely old-style arts shop is one of my favourite in Bristol. Cheap, cheerful and stocked to…read morethe brim with useful arty essentials. It reminds me of when I studied at Art College - smell of acrylics, hard to manoeuvre around and filled with brushes, paints and canvases. The staff are very warm and welcoming, so if there's something specific you're looking for - they'll be happy to help. Quite far from the city centre, but great for locals to Gloucester Road.

Great little art supply shop best visited for their canvas which is always on offer and with plenty…read moreof choice on sizes and styles. The shop is in that lovely higgledy piggledy style that all art shops should have, and packed with ll the pens, pencils and paints you need.

Since knitting has become the new rock n' roll (even festivals had knitting tents this year if you…read moredon't believe me) it is still surprisingly hard to go and score your wool fix. Those unwilling to trudge out to the Cribbs' John Lewis know that this is the place to be. Full of wool, thread and patterns for knitting and embroidery, the staff are reassuringly clicking needles at the counter and keen to help out.

Saw your item on Points West last night, and mention again tonight and was really impressed with…read moreyour wonderful work. Can you let me know how much the pattern and the wool cost. I belong to St George's Wilton Mothers' Union in Taunton, and we have 40 Commando Royal Marines in the town. We already do quite a bit of knitting for babies, premature babies, blankets for babies, knee blankets for residential homes as well as hats, scarves, mittens and jumpers for the children and women in the local refuge - we would love to add your hats to our repertoire. Very best wishes to you and your 'army' of knitters!! Hilary P.S. Although I have never visited your shop I give you five stars for your innovative project

I'm not sure what you can say about Clinton Cards, or any specialist card shop. I don't think I…read morehave ever found a card in this kind of shop but I do find them handy for party peripherals like balloons, ribbon and candles. This store in particular has the space to have a good stock of balloons and banners as well as some packet fancy dress costumes.

If (God forbid) you should find yourself stranded in Brislington, and are at a loss for things to…read moredo (as you would be), I'd recommend you visit Avon Mead Retail Park if you're looking for something resembling civilisation. Here you'll find a long line of huge shops, including The Range. For those of you unfamiliar with The Range, it sells everything from musical instruments to arts and crafts, furniture, outdoor living equipment, toys and pet care items to name just a few of its many wares. Moreover, these can be purchased at trés reasonable prices (but don't expect the greatest of quality). This branch of The Range is gigantic and pretty souless. But for practical matters and rainy days, it'll suffice.

There's apparently a whole host of these shops all over the country and yet before I came to…read moreBristol, I had never heard of them. The Range is one of those wonderful mish-mash shops which sells absolutely everything, except from perhaps vital organs, although they could diversify into that in the future. Seriously, going in here is a real treat. You can buy everything from bones for your dog to every craft item under the sun. Or there's jacuzzis, huge boxes of broken biscuits, wall canvases, dried flowers and garden gnomes. It's all stacked chaotically around so actually searching for something you need is a total mission. But if you want to go in and come out with at least 15 things you absolutely don't need then I highly recommend The Range.

Shiney Rocks is a fantastic little business. Nestled in the creative quarter of Paintworks it…read moreoffers a broad range of products with the convenience of free off-street parking. Other shops of this ilk are generally more central to the city, but have the distinct disadvantage of being in relatively inaccessible places unless on foot. In addition to a glittering array of beads and fastenings, along with all of the equipment to make jewellery, Shiney Rocks also stocks a good range of 'how to' magazines, as well as offering a good choice of workshops that usually allow the participants to complete an item of jewellery. These classes cater for both children and adults, and so it's possible to involve the entire family.

lovely and friendly beadshop with a great selection and especially the findings.huge range of…read morefindings even the hard too find ones.Great place for all your jewellery making equipment.

You ever get that feeling you don't quite belong?…read more When I stepped into Roud Fabrics initially I thought that as I could see no one in the shop, on the door it welcomes you in, saying you have no obligation to buy, but I couldn't help feeling that everything I touched was being added onto some imagenry tab that I would have to pay for before I left. My thoughts on this shop soon changed when the shop assistent(might have been owner or manager... I have no idea!) asked if she could help me, I wasn't quite sure what I was after but somehow I left with a throw for my sofa (yes thats right 'A throw!', I did get my man points back by grabbing a cheeky lunch time pint, I hope). I wasn't sure if I bought something because I wanted it, or if I did indeed feel obliged to as the shop was deathly quiet

This is a brilliant little fabric shop. From the outside it may look quite dated but if you have a…read morelittle look inside you will soon see that it has so much to offer. From you standard carpet off-cuts to larger roll's of beautiful soft materials and silks. I always like to make my room feel homely when I move in, and a few strategically placed lengths of fabric can really help the whole settling in period. The shop is on the whol quite reasonabley priced which is what you get with a lot of the shops in Eastern, so if you want to add something special to an old dress, or just want a throw for a sofa then this is a great place to come.

A nice little shop (with 4 people working inside when I went in!) with an impressive stationary…read morerange. The price is a little more than I would want to spend, but I feel happier buying my stationary goods from somewhere like this rather than a big chain outlet. Also "HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAUL!" have no idea who this particular paul is but a birthday message was displayed to him on the shop window! so lets all hope he had a good stationary full day!

A lovely local shop which is used by local businesses and students alike - just full of your…read moreeveryday stationery needs - pens, some art card, a few kits for children and the like. It also offers photocopying, fax and binding services. Whenever I have needed something for study or felt a little creative, I can normally find what I need here without having to go into town - perfect!