Discovered this gem through a LivingSocial offer: BYOB mixed media arts class for two for $55…read more Booking: Due to the demand for such a unique class and the typical size of classes (4-8 people), you'll want to book 2-3 weeks in advance. I called in early January and booked a class for the last Friday of the month (about 2.5 weeks out). The Location: Nice, quiet neighborhood tucked in the hills off the 192. She's at the end of a cul-de-sac, so there is a good amount of street parking. You walk down a long driveway, take some stairs down into the hillside, and then you enter LeAnne's adorable and intimate art studio. There's a canopy overhead made from yards of fabric loosely draped over tree branches. Two little tents house vintage aprons to protect your clothes, LeAnne's own artwork examples, drawers full of arts supplies, and more. There's a cute little wicker patio furniture set off to the side, next to the rabbit cage. And everything is lit by strings of twinkling lights. Wonderful atmosphere to get the creative juices flowing! The Group & the BYOB aspect: I went with a coworker, and we were joined by a couple. There was supposed to be another couple coming, but they cancelled. Personally, I was pleased with the small size of our group, because it facilitated great conversations and we all really opened up to one another! My friend and I brought our own beer and some cheese and crackers. The other couple brought wine and cheese as well. Highly recommend bringing a good array of treats to snack on while you work; it makes the whole thing seem like a fun weekend gathering among good friends. The Experience: The class is listed as a 2.5 hour class. We stayed from 6pm to nearly 10pm. We got so into our artwork and our conversations, and everyone was having such a great time, I had no idea we had been there so long! LeAnne was amazingly patient and never rushed anything, always allowing us to take as much time as we wanted on each layer of our artwork, and really encouraging both our art and our conversations to develop and grow organically. Her instructions were the perfect balance: enough guidance and suggestions that I didn't feel totally lost, but without strict boundaries, gently pushing me to take creative risks and explore. Not only was the art process itself a great experience, we had a great time getting to know the other couple in our group. I feel like this is the type of class you could make some great friends in! Recommendations: 1. You do have an apron, but you should still wear clothes you wouldn't mind getting paint on! I made the mistake of coming straight from work and almost ruined a pair of nice work pants... (my coworker saved them though!) 2. Bring snacks! If it wasn't for the second group, our snacks would have been long gone early on. 3. Bring a plastic bag or a tarp to put your painting on when you drive home! You put a lot of layers of media on your canvas, and it may not be dry when you leave. All in all, I'm incredibly happy I stumbled upon this LivingSocial deal. I would go back for another session in a heartbeat, and I highly recommend it to friends, couples, anyone at all. There's nothing else like it in the Santa Barbara area, and it's an experience worth trying at least once. Even if you don't think you're creative! You will make a masterpiece, and it will be associated with a great night.

The whole event was great but the towards the end when it came down to pay most of my groups of…read morefriends had groupons and the owner seemed very irritated like as if she didn't want us to use them.

Karin, Thank you so much for your help this morning! Fantastic one on one customer service! Like…read morehonestly, your sweet heartfelt gesture just made my day! You're awesome! Your shop is lovely and stocked! I went when you first opened, and I don't know why I don't stop in more often?! It's so inviting when you walk in. I love the displays, the gifts galore, the friendly customer service and your options! It's a one stop shop! I like that you have a big selection and your prices are comparable to any other hardware store. I love the knick knacks! Thank you for having a big smile and being so personable too! ‍So folks, I recommend, 5 stars, if you are in the neighborhood, stop in, browse around, it's not crowded and you get front row parking.. pick up a gift, a hammer, some paint or even some pull handles! Haha They have it all!

Went to Channel City for the first time this afternoon looking for an O ring and plumber's grease…read moreto fix my leaky kitchen sink. The young man behind the desk was extremely helpful in locating those items and I was in and out in a flash. I've never been here, as it's kind of tucked away behind Chuck's on State, but I was reminded by my wife to go here instead of the big box store in Goleta or the hardware store on the Eastside and I'm so glad I did. Plenty of parking, too, just go around back. I'll be back.

BEE'S WING ARTS - CLOSED…read more After walking by Bee's Wing Arts for the better part of a year I finally made it inside today in my quest for finding a birthday present for a dear friend. I'm not sure why I had never ventured in before but I was so happy that I finally made it. They carry all sorts of artisan jewelry (some local, some not), funky cards, home decor and some women's clothing. I ended up finding a great necklace for my friend that is feminine and dainty and didn't break my piggy bank. They mentioned that they were looking for a new location but I recommend checking it out if you have the chance... I have my eye on one of the ceiling mobiles that are currently hanging up.

SBCAW is the best! They are so organized, professional and friendly. I have submitted art to their…read moreReady to Hang show for the past three years and am already looking forward to next year.

Treasure trove of children's clothing, shoes, hats, books, and helpful items all at wonderfully low…read moreprices. And it's a joy to shop here. Make sure to look up and around, so much whimsy and delight. A little bit of time travel back to the sweet fun 1980's. And don't be afraid to go in if you don't have children or whatever, you might find a perfect gift and see something from your own childhood...and, it is a little bit of time travel back to the sweet fun 1980's too! You can bring in children's clothes,etc, in excellent condition for store credit. The owners keep track and are such pleasant people. Parking is a bit tricky. Some street parking- keep your eye out for. And it is okay to park in City Hall lot ( across the street) on Saturday.

Santa Barbara has a few gems, and this children's store is definitely one of them. With a plethora…read moreof items to choose from, you should be able to find whatever you need. Everything was so clean, organized and sweet, especially the prices, which I thought was a true expression of how classy and kind the owners really are, and how they understand that raising a family can be hard on our pocketbooks! I love POLAR BEAR!

Great customer service. My 880 Bernina was on the fritz. Instead of taking it in to repair, Mr…read moreHouse called his repairman Ted. Ted walked him through the fix for the problem. It saved me money and time. I so appreciated this. Grant and Ted get 5 stars from a very satisfied customer.

Grant is amazing! He is so helpful and really cares about his customers. He drove this beautiful…read moreindustrial sewing machine that was deeply discounted and barely used all the way up to SLO for me. What a great deal! The support and technical help he's continued to provide for this machine and the last one I bought from him is unheard of. Highly recommend this shop.

A luxury home store that specializes in hand painted fabrics. It's among other restaurants, bars…read moreand shops near the train station. We came in the take a look while waiting for our dinner next door. Very beautiful store with unique items and they are very well made. It's luxurious and stylish, very much fit in the wealthy Santa Barbara style! LOL

Delightful & satisfying even if you leave only have enjoyed walking around this shop…read more Whether for that unique item, great pot, Ethiopian hat, vintage to new pieces, or that gorgeous fabric...Raoul will leave you with a smile! Great area for some sauntering into shops...and good coffees around the corner at Helena Bakery for pre or post visits. Than you Raoul...you remind us what a great shopping experience is. Oh and if you forgot a hat on a usual beautiful SB sunny day, you might find a hip, slightly unique hat from Ethiopia as I did.

Stopped in this store after lunch on a day trip to Santa Barbara. Loved the little spinner ring I…read morebought and the sales person was really sweet and friendly. I also purchased a blouse with Ohm symbols all over it for $15. Lots of cute things inside. Wish I'd purchased two of the spinner rings though because when I came home I realized my ring perfectly matches a Tibetan bracelet I have. Don't know how soon I'll get back to Sta. Barbara but I will return to this store. Wish they had a website I could order from.

I absolutely ADORE this State Street gem! The owners are the NICEST people and are always so…read moreencouraging and helpful. I have so many unique pieces from here! What a collection they have! Dresses, flowy/comfortable pants, summery tops, handmade bags, traditional garments and more. The thing I love the most here is their jewelry selection. The rings are so unique and gorgeous. I also love that they have anklets and toe rings (yes, I'm THAT girl). You'll be in awe of how many unique things you can find here. Whether you're local or from out of town, definitely check out this one-of-a-kind place!