I'm a crafter/hoarder and I was in the neighborhood, so I stopped in. I'm going to need to go back…read morebetter prepared next time... That is to say, I should've brought my own small containers and cash. There were a few things I might've taken home with me if I'd had a good way to hold them and pay for them. (It's a $1 fee for credit/debit under $10 purchase, which... getting above $10 here is actually something that would take genuine effort, lol.) While I was there on a Thursday afternoon, it was quite bustling with people scrounging about. I overheard a lot of chatter from those who are regulars who come in once a week to see what's new to choose from. My guess is there's likely a lot of turnover in what's available, since it all comes from donations. I could probably stand to bring them some stuff I have that's been lying around and not being used. This is not a large shop, but it's packed with all sorts of stuff. Honestly, you kind of just have to go there to experience it. But I tried to take some photos of the kind of stuff you MIGHT see there to give you an idea. For example, I certainly wasn't expecting to see a 55 gallon drum of tennis balls or bottle caps. But there they were! You'll need to parallel park on the street as there is not a lot that I saw, but the good news is that parking seemed to be ample as it's a mostly residential area. They do have a bathroom for customers if you need.

This store is incredible! The only place I know you can walk out with a bag full of unique craft…read moresupplies for like under $5. And they do classes! highly recommend. Feels like walking into an art teachers closet.

I stumbled across this craft store and I'm so happy I did! I love planners, pens and everything…read morejournals and this store delivered. It spread to be small but once you go inside it's bigger than I expected and they have packed the store with goodies. Amazing collection of fountain pens and inks, regular pens and markers as well. They had paint, sketchbooks, journals, washi tape...the list goes on! Best part was the prices were good! I will be back!!!

Wet Paint is an amazing , locally owned art haven. It is more that a store, it is a refuge, a…read moreplace where you feel welcomed and encouraged ! The staff are happy to help you with any questions, and a have a depth of expertise. This is the place to go, whether you are beginning your art adventure, or well into it. The big box stores ... well, staff is usually sitting behind the counter, too busy stocking to help you, or have limited experience with art. Come here ! It's worth it !

I'm so glad I actually got to check this place out, I will definitely be coming back! This is an…read morearts and craft thrift store and everything is genuinely so cheap! I appreciate the way they offer lots of random trinkets for people to use in crafts, and it's a great way to bring life to things that would've been otherwise thrown out. Especially for people who junk journal, this is the place for you! They literally have anything you could think of, fabric, buttons, paper, newspapers, etc. The place itself is a bit small but still navigational. There's street parking right in front, but also make sure to look up the store's hours beforehand because they're open only on specific days. They also apparently have been around forever and offer classes for kids! I'd recommend anyone give this place a try!

As an Art Student, this is one of my favorite stores!!!! I was able to get so so so many things for…read moreone of my up coming projects, all for just $15!! It was a huge paper grocery bag too. Something to keep in mind is that the store had a mandatory mask policy, and if you don't have a mask they have really nice clothe masks. The staff is all super kind, and you can tell they want to be there!

Love these kind of novelty shops. So many things to look at. They have a ton of cool gift items. I…read morelove stickers so found some cool ones here. I used to live in the area and would drive past when they would have the big door open and I was always interested in stopping but it's pretty busy traffic wise and parking can be tight. So glad I finally got the chance to stop by. Generally a cute shop & they are community forward, love that!

This is the coolest little shop! Highly recommend visiting…read morethis cool little shop. All the ladies that were working were so nice and helpful. They even had a special little surprise for my kiddo.

Nearly two weeks ago, I wanted to visit a diner on Grand Avenue in Saint Paul. On Google Maps, it…read moresaid that it was open till 4 pm on a Thursday. I got there at 2 pm and it was closed. So much for that visit. I drove along Grand Avenue to check out what was around the area. I saw Paper Source. It reminded me of a store in Winnipeg that I used to frequent. It was called The Paper Gallery. I loved it so much. If you are the type who loves stationery, greeting cards, pens, pencils, and more, you'd love this store. Paper Source gave me the same vibes. I turned around and parked on the street. It was free parking. Great! I walked into the store. My instincts were correct. The store had pens, pencils, greeting cards, and a lot of gift ideas. In short, I was in heaven! A post-Christmas sale greeted me. I saw ornaments, cards, and more all discounted. I did see the cutest felt penguin that was on sale, but the price after the sale didn't justify my getting it. I loved the pen section. From cute dog pens, to fountain ones, there was a pen for everyone. I ended up getting a disposable fountain pen. It writes well and it's the perfect size to carry in a small purse. Yet, it's the right size to write with if you have big hands. The plushies were adorable and deadly. I saw everything from avocados, to tacos. I loved the cookbooks. I wanted them all. I liked the one dedicated to soup. There were also book titles that made me crack up. If you can't think of anything to get someone as a gift, I'm pretty sure that you can find something in this store. I saw satin pillow cases, drinkware, candles, Spirograph, and more. If you're into sending cards, you can get extremely fancy by getting inkpads and stamps. I was into stamping in high school. It was nice to see how stamping has improved, but is still the same, if that makes any sense. I ended up also getting a sticky note dispenser in the shape of a typewriter. I have always loved typewriters, so I had to get it. I waited for a staffer to come to the payment area. She was pleasant and was helping another customer. I am a patient person who was not in a rush this day, so I was good. She came over and was extremely apologetic. She rang my items through her payment system. She then asked me whether I was a Paper Source, or Barnes and Noble rewards member. She uttered such magical words. I was the latter. It felt like Christmas. She let me know that my membership got me 10% off everything at the Paper Source. She also said that yearly, I get a premium tote for free. It's funny how I had eyed this tote when I first walked in. She showed me the pockets and keychain hook inside the bag that sold me. I loved it so much because the canvas thickness was perfect and it felt soft to the touch. I actually used this bag as my personal item on my flights home because it was more spacious than my purse and I could bring back more goodies! I paid with a credit card. I tapped and my transaction was done. She asked if I wanted my items in the bag. I said yes. I thanked this woman. She wished me a great day. I reciprocated and left with my new bag and goodies. I had a fun experience here. It's great when your original plans don't pan out, but you find a new store that you end up loving. (26)

Again - I truly do love paper source. Well that is back in…read morethe day when they acknowledged you at some point. Provided some kind of customer service and weren't just slapping product around. There is such a huge opportunity to create a fun experience that you can't wait to get there and see what's new and exciting. If I could find their paper products else where I'd choose that. Yes I could shop online but I choose to give my money to local businesses.... Not sure it's going to be here though. Ugh! And one more thing - Do they really think I want to buy Easter candy now.... ahhh no. 2019 calendar's no again.

This is the cutest shop and I bet no one can walk out with at least something for themselves or…read moreothers. I especially love all of the little animal trinkets - I got a few of those. Also a cute pen, a stamp, and a keychain. I will definitely be back when I need to stock up on cute notepads and stationery items. Staff was super friendly and interested in our purchases and how we heard about the store. They change out the dioramas in the store window seasonally, so definitely don't miss those!

This is one of my favorite stores in St. Paul. The shopkeepers are super super sweet, and I always…read morefeel so happy. This is my instant serotonin boost spot! I'm enamored by the selection- Japanese crayons, stationary, little tiny trinkets, miniatures,,, a girl could spend forever in here! The prices are also fair, I've never left feeling upset with how much I paid. Overall, please stop in, these gals know how to run a shop!

Grey sky, feeling blue...I happened upon Mosaic on a Stick! Walking into the the Stick I was…read moreimmediately met with a dazzle of bright color and a table full of people hunched over tables intently working on their mosaic projects and laughing. Mosaic Artist and Owner, Lori Greene, invited me in and asked if I was ready to get started! This creative mecca is not just for mosaic experts. The studio is open to the public for classes and affordable studio space for more self assured aspiring mosaic artists. I took a popular "Trash to Treasure" class to learn the basics and got to work making some holiday gifts for friends and family. It 's a unique creative experience for all ages. I felt comfortable going it alone, but groups are welcome too. The place has a great vibe !

From the owner: Mosaic on a Stick is a community art space created to promote mosaic art by selling quality…read moresupplies, teaching mosaic classes, and creating private and commercial commissions. Mosaic on a Stick is a values-led business that strives to be socially responsible, invested in the community and passionate about mosaics and the people that create them

I was the sole ambiance committee for a healing retreat I was planning and was scrambling at the…read morelast min for items. I asked around where I could buy some artwork by Asian American artists. Someone reminded me of this newish gallery that I had heard about but hadn't been to yet. Thank goodness for this place! They have art and crafts made by local Southeast Asian artists that you can buy in the spot. I bought some lovely drawings by Tori Hong for just $30 each. They also have a good stationary selection. I got some thank you cards that say "thank you" in Hmong! I saw aprons with Hmong designs, cute pillows, stickers, mug coasters and more. The space felt airy like a gallery and the folks running the store were super friendly. Do you need gifts for friends, family, or coworkers? Are you needing things to make your office space or retreat space more fun, colorful, & inviting? If yes, you def got to check out XIAART & support some awesome local artists at the same time. Win-Win!

This is such a fun store! It's a great destination when people come visit and want to do some…read moreshopping. I really loved the feminist rage + quirky vibes of this store, and there were so many things I thought were fun (for me) or would make good gifts (for me, but also for other people). I got some adorable earrings and a hat! They have a hat bar, where you pick a hat and then pick patches to put on it. Then they cover the patches in a heat-protecting film, and put them wherever you want them. There is street parking right in front or around the block. they will also do corporate events and parties, where the close the shop to the public!

I first stumbled upon Larissa Loden last spring in MOA. I had no idea they even moved out of the…read moremall. I was happy to be driving down Marshall and seeing LL near other cute shops. I love everything about this store. Such cute items, super women empowering and they do permanent jewelry!! I have been wanting to get anklets and add another bracelet to the one I already have but due to needing to have surgeries this year I have to wait a bit longer before committing to more permanent jewelry. The staff were super friendly! Store was clean. Street parking (no issues finding a spot out front but I could see it being a busier area in the warmer months).

The Stashery is a perfect (cheap) resource for people who sew, knit or hand stich. It fills the…read moregap between big box stores with limited quality materials and the great online sewing/knitting options that have everything, but you can't touch it until you have paid for it! This is a great source for students, dabblers and costumers. It is an even greater resource for those with lots of experience. Come often. The inventory changes every day. If you are into reuse-recycle-reinvent, then your purchase is so much the better for the world.

Okay crafters and fiber artists. If you ever look forward to garage sales for crafting material…read moreremnants, behold ... A reliably open, year-round secondhand supply source! Decently organized, good prices, accepts donations. Check out classes, workshops, the gift shop, other pop-up sales, and rotating galleries at the Textile Center during your rummaging visit. Theres bike racks outside and a parking lot in back.