GO TO CROCK A DOODLE INSTEAD (723 Gerrard St East). My family has gone to The Clay Room for more…read morethan ten years. I've completed many pieces there, including a yearly handprint ornament for my daughter. This time, after choosing our pieces and following their six-colour guideline for children, I was confronted by a clerk who told me my ten-year-old "only needs four colours" and that "it's four when we're busy." The tone was hostile, and the reasoning made no sense. Customers pay for the piece, the studio time, and the firing. Colour limits serve no purpose beyond making it easier for the establishment to handle customers. The same employee who was rude and hostile later called to say she hadn't realized we had more than one piece and that we could use six colours after all. By then, the experience was already compromised, so we did not return. Crock A Doodle was a direct contrast. Seven minutes away. Transit-friendly. Every table stocked with the full set of thirty colours. The price of the item covers everything: paint, time, and firing. It was straightforward and worth it.

A wonderful little gem for kids' parties (they've got party packages), mother-daughter outings, or…read moregirlfriends wanting to chill and do something crafty. (There were some fathers and daughters enjoying themselves too!) Walk-ins welcomed. (That's what we did!) I haven't had experience at other ceramic painting shops before, so I can't really compare to any competitors. So this is based on my first-time experience - and it was really great! My girlfriends and I wanted to do something artsy, low-budget and relaxing. And thanks to great timing, there was a group deal for The Clay Room some months ago! So the 4 of us bought the deal of the day, and headed down to the Danforth for a girls day out. The Clay Room was bustling with activity on that Saturday afternoon. Not packed and uncomfortable but it had a nice vibe and there was steady traffic. There was a private birthday party downstairs, the benches upstairs were about half full when we arrived. The instructions for us newbies were a little confusing at first. There was an instruction sheet posted on the wall, but it was located in an awkward spot and hard to read from a distance. There was only really one staffer behind the counter (another was working the party downstairs, and another was at the kiln in the next room) - so she was kept busy with one group at a time. The staff was friendly enough, and we understood that they had influx of traffic because of the group deal. So, you get there, and you: 1. Pick up an order form (you need this to pick up your piece after it's fired) 2. Choose a ceramic item (prices range depending on its size) and copy its code number onto your form 2. Select paint colours from the paint chip wall (kids only have choice of 3, whereas adults have unlimited selections) - right down their numbers on your form 3. Give your form to the staff and they'll give you the actual paints in a bucket. And you're set to paint! The store is equipped with stencils, hair dryers, sink, sponges and brushes for your use. There is a Studio Fee which covers your usage of all their space and equipment. It also includes the firing cost. It takes a week for your item to be fired in the kiln. So plan to pick up your final artwork at a later date. There is no time limit - which is great! But mainly because... it does take a LONG time to paint. Especially if you want a good solid coverage of paint on your piece. At least 3 coats of paint, and you need to dry each layer before continuing onto the next. Of course, a smaller piece of ceramic would take less time too. And depending on how many colours you're using and how much detail you're adding to it. I painted a medium sized robot money bank (that's right - a robot! They have a wonderful selection of ceramic pieces - not just the usual plates and vases, but some really fun pieces that make great gifts), with 4 colours. And it took a solid 3 hours. So be warned to plan around meal times and such. :P My friends and I all agree we'd go back again! Happy crafting! :)

Located at Midland and Finch in the Scarboro Village Mall area, It's a large art workshop area…read morespecializing in deco-den. You can decorate a variety of things from phone cases, jewelry boxes to photo frames and mirrors with different silicone whipped cream and cute charms. Reservations are recommended, they get busy with birthday groups and parties on the weekend. The whole experience takes a bit over 2 hoirs depending on what you decorate and prices start from $30+. Lots of charms to choose from and you can bring your own. The staff wad helpful in every step to help teach you how to use the piping bags to decoration ideas. One downside was we were not sure how staff kept track of the cost of our charms after we placed them in our basket. The charm prices are based on size and start from 50 cents to above $5, there are some free items as well. They also offer other art diy activities. Great date night idea They offer other art diy activities as well.

From the owner: The most comprehensive DIY Workshop in Toronto, as we carry up to 20 projects, which includes but…read morenot limited to decoden phone case, neon sign, fluid bearbrick, Beaded straps, etc. Bookings and Walk-ins are both welcome, and we hold group events (birthday or team building events) in our 1300-sqft space.

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.

I recently came across fluid bears on social media, and it looked like such a fun and unique…read moreactivity. My friend and I booked through an Instagram direct message and went during their "buy one, get one free" promotion for the fluid bear. The bears come in many sizes, and prices increase accordingly (keychain $22, 7" $58, 9" $68, 13" $108, 21" $168, 1 mini bear and canvas $38, and 2 mini bears and canvas $48). On the website, it also lists how long each project is expected to take. They also have pom-pom canvases and bags. The pom-pom canvases are: 8 x 8" $58, 12 x 12" $68, 18" x 18" $88, 18" x 23" $108, 23" x 23" $168, and 40" x 40" $328. The pom-pom bags are: A4 $88, A3 $108, and B5 $68. When we arrived and checked in for our reservation, an employee showed us the different-sized bears, and there were even some that were sitting or leaning back in addition to the standing ones. He gave us some time to decide, and then we also chose paint colours. We weren't sure what colours we wanted, so he showed us photos of previous customers' projects. We were set up at a table with aprons, our chosen paint colours, our bear on a tray, and even given a hair tie if we didn't have one with us to keep our hair out of the way. The employee showed us how to pour and mix our different paint colours and then pour them on our bears. The first pour was definitely the best one for me. The colours and patterns were astounding. Sometimes the paint doesn't completely cover the bear as it drips down, so they provide a plastic spoon to fill in those spots. The last thing before paying was deciding whether or not we wanted the bears to have a matte or gloss finish. Also, there's no tax if you pay in cash. We were informed that our bears would be ready for pickup in two to three days, and I did get a text informing me that our bears were ready within two days. I wasn't sure how to transport my finished bear home. It turns out that they put them in a case for you.   Overall, my friend and I really enjoyed our fluid bear experience. instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whitebear_trt/ website: https://www.whitebeardiy.com/

A really creative, cute and cool experience in Markham. Mixing your favorite colours in your little…read morepaint cup and pouring it over your chosen white bear. Sarah had a tablet to help you with your design ideas filled with past customer's creations if you needed a kick start in design. I felt like a kid again creating something with my hands. We had a great time! As the only ones in the shop our session was about 30mins. Check them out!

From the owner: DIY art & crafting studio read more

November 9th, 2024 - I went here with a friend a little while back, he was making a keychain for…read morehis gf. Ain't he the cutest!! So I decided to take my sister, and two nieces. We spent quite some time deciding what to get. Some patches I noticed before weren't there today. But there is so much to choose from. We all had a great time. It definitely cost a bit. But a great experience. 3 Key Tags 2 Regular Pouch 1 Small Tote Bag 6 Regular Patch x 4 6 Mini Patch x 4 Total: $160

Horrible. Customer service is highly ignorant and uneducated about the store. Some staff people are…read morehelpful

I'm shopping for a paint set for an aspiring artist. No, it's not me and I am the first to admit…read morethat fact. This large hobby, decor, arts & crafts supply chain has lots of ready made arts & craft items, decorations and just about any that can be classified as decor for any season or situation. If you don't have a particular area of interest but time on your hands, you can easily spend an hour browsing every aisle while letting your imagination run wild. Take a look at the hot specials for an incentive to buy! Staff are helpful and checkout was slow due to social distancing measures but efficient.

My friend and I took the pottery wheel class and it did not disappoint! We received so much support…read morefrom staff and we had a blast. Would definitely recommend as a fun project with a friend!

I held my daughter's 9th birthday party here this year. Tanya (owner) hosted the painting portion…read moreof the party. She was great with the kids, encouraging them every step of the way. She kept them and the timing of the party on track. The girls had a wonderful time and all left with smiles! The cost of the party included all paint, use of brushes as well as packaging for transport home. I was so pleased with this experience that I purchased a custom, in-house made snowman ( he lights up!). Pricing was very reasonable and included use of the studio, paint and brushes as well as the firing to complete the piece. My friend and I went in together to complete our projects. Tanya was very helpful. She answered all of our questions about what to tackle first and gave us her opinion when asked about colours etc. The experience was relaxing and we can't wait to come in to do our next project. I highly recommend this company. Thanks Tanya!

Location/Service This place is in the old Midland/Finch…read moreplaza that has Marathon Cafe, Coco Tea. Parking is quite limited and it does get busy - but there are some spots behind the back to use. The place is on the 2nd floor - so you have to head up the stairs by the ends of the plaza. Very spacious inside with a clear section separating between the turfting and fluid bear. Staff were very nice and often gave tips to help you execute with ease. Service I did the fluid bear - which you can choose what size you want, along with figure. It'a set price - and you get to do as many different colouring setup as you like. Often times, you mix 2-3 colours and you let your creativity explore - where you pour it over top, section it out or just re-pour with new colouring. It's a pretty fun experience and perfect for those who aren't very artsy (like myself). Afterwards, they have to let it dry for at least 24-48 hours. So you do need to come back to pick it up - and it's nicely wrapped within a container and ribboning - so it can be a nice gift for display.

Tufting is the latest hobby for DIY enthusiasts! I visited @zuozuotufting and made a mini rug based…read moreon my drawing. How it works: I supplied a design for my rug (mine is 20"x20") and picked out all the colours to match. The entire process took about 1.5 hours and another hour for the staff to trim, glue and put it altogether. It was such a fun experience to do with a date or with a group. I want to come back and make a larger size next time! Tips: Choose a simple design for your first time and try to avoid design with a lot of small details. Book an early time for larger sizes as it will take more time to tuft. We went around 5pm and finished by 6:30, went to grab dinner nearby and came back to pick up the final product. We also ordered bbt during tufting. It was a perfect and fun date #TingsFunThings