The button bar is wall to wall glitz and glamour. Bespeckling every corner are sequin patches,…read moretrimmings, buttons, and findings most dazzling. You're not going to find these items on offer anywhere else in Adelaide. If you're into costuming and craft, this is the place to go. The last time I was here I bought a sequin palm tree patch which I used for a burlesque costume. On that occasion I also bought a rhinestone skull patch which I am not sure what I will use it for, but whatever the lucky garment that uses it, you can bet it will be the better for it. Items out of display cases are extremely affordable, so if an item of clothing is missing that something special, tweak it with a pretty patch or button. Within the display classes are thousands of rhinestoned and sparkly jewels to bling you up massive. The bling is a bit more expensive, but as I said, where else are you going to get it?

Hundreds of sparkling and colourful eyes welcome you into the shop. The store is filled with…read morebuttons of all sizes and designs, shapes and styles. I came in here on a mission to replace the 12 buttons on the front of a dress bodice. The shop owner helped me find something matching, leading me away from the large, cloth coloured pieces to the smaller, less conspicuous ones which I had to agree looked better on the dress. Yet next time I want to make a button necklace, I'm going back for the cloth ones! They also have many appliques, sequins, beads, badges, brooches, pins, belt buckles, lace, edging and sewing equipment. This is a one stop shop for all the finishing touches on a special outfit. And a great place to browse for ideas if you're wondering what you could make.

While the sign says Picture Framing, what caught my eye was the jewelry in the window…read more Crossley Picture Frames stocks a large range of Blu Shimma jewelry, made by an Australian woman named Tanja, who usually sells her jewelry wholesale or at markets. Crossley has been selling her stock for over a year, and the blown glass beads and pearl pieces make an interesting contrast to the enormous body of the building, with picture frames and prints covering large work tables. The jewelry is large yet elegant and ranges from casual glamour to pieces suitable for a mother of the bride. The prices are reasonable, ranging from $15 for smaller, simpler pieces up to $100 for the better quality. Nothing is overly expensive, but it all looks like quality without screaming expensive. The framing part of the shop sells a wide range of realistic and traditional art prints, many on an Australian landscape theme. There are also many large wall mirrors in classy frames. So be it your house or yourself, you can find a beautiful decoration here.

This is my first port of call when I need to restock on art and craft supplies as they really are…read morethe cheapest, have the biggest range and have two stores to choose from..this one and one at Harbourtown at the airport. A friend of mine once purchased a whole carton of decorative picture stands from this store at a even further discounted price, she paid $2 a stand, whereas elsewhere they were going for about $7 each. A few months ago I purchased five cartons of ten slightly bigger than A4 size canvases for a project I was doing and it was the equivalent of paying $3 each...bargain! Now these products and prices are not always available but keep and eye out for specials and grab them...if you need it that is and support your inner Picasso!

I LOVE this shop so much! My imagination runs wild here and I create at least 20 masterpieces…read morebefore I've even left the store. They stock a massive range of art materials including my favourite paint. They don't have all the top end supplies, nor do they make canvases to order (I recommend Pimlott Framing for that), so there are times one might want to visit the likes of Premier Art supplies or Eckersleys for some specialised items. There are a range of craft and gift items to bring out those creative juices for everyone. There is also off street parking and the staff is helpful and will help cart big boxes of canvases to your car (so I've discovered! And also help squeeze them into said car). They also promote local art classes and happenings via a noticeboard in store. My tip is to visit and let your imagination soar!

I put as many categories as this site lets me but there are heaps more than just what is listed…read more They also sell all electrical and appliances, big and small, anything from a blender to a pidgeon pair fridge/freezer. Basically most Harvey Norman stores are set up the same. Huge entrances to the furniture department. Usually entrances are in the middle of lounges, if you go one way you will ge tmore furniture then curve round to televisions and the likes, go the other way and get beds and bedding. I have managed to grab some fantastic bargains on some great pillows here actually. Heaps better quality than at department stores and they lasted heaps longer. The Electrical and Computers are usually in a separate section at the rear or one side of the store, with electrical left of the spearate entrance to this area and computer, mobiles phones, camera's, PC software, etc to the right of the registers. I have never purchased nay major electrical items from this store but have bought some really good computer equipment here. Including a fantastic Acer laptop. It was already out so cheap and had a cah back offer making it even cheaper in the end. I have always received good service here and been given some great advice from people who obviously know their products. Getting the service is the hardest part - they are usually really busy, more so in computers and electrical departments, and it may take a little wait before someone is available to help you. However once you have someone their service is usually very good, I have never had an issue with a staff member at any Harvey Norman store.

Grabbed myself a PS3 from here a little while ago, when it was on special. Which is the only time…read morethat I buy anything from any Harvey Norman. What I like about the place is the service. But I find that you're paying for it when you buy stuff here. That's why they bitch and moan about online shopping. You'll get exactly the same thing and pay less than half the cost in many situations. I haven't ever bought furniture at Hardly Normal's, just because if I'm paying that much, it'll be from a premium store, not this place, or any of the others. I do feel a bit sorry for those that have to buy their computers here. Seriously, go to MSY, buy the parts, and learn to do it yourself. You'll end up with a new skill, a computer that costs literally half the price (or less), and everyone will tell you you're awesome. Which is what I can't tell this place.

Central Art Supplies is an independednt business housed within Adelaide Central School of Art…read more Entry is via the laneway just before you get to the school if heading from the parade. It's proprietor is Greg Hanisch and he is a most amicable chap. If you have been there three or four times he will more than likely remember your name. If you are looking for budget supplies it is probably not the perfect place, as Central Art Supplies primarily caters to the proffessional artist and the serious art student. Quality is of main concern here, and although they do stock some student brands, such as Van Gogh oils and acrylics, their specialty is really at the high end, for instance, the Michael Harding hand ground oil paints, which although amazing, can be a bit on the pricey side. Greg is extremely knowledgeable and of great assistance. If you have any queries as to the properties or use of materials he is certainly the man to ask and will often be of much more assistance than one could find at Eckersleys or other big retailers. Unstreached canvas, calipers for sculpture and various interesting painting mediums are on sale here, which can be tricky to find elsewhere. They also have on sale some fine hand crafted easels and offer canvas streaching services.

In recent years Jeremy's has completely re-done its layout so where it was once completely…read moreuncomfortable it is now mildly cramped. They have definitely done the best they could with the space, and the flow of patrons is quite easy now. Although this place can be very busy during big upcoming holidays (mother's day, Christmas etc.) staff never appear flustered. They're friendly but not unprofessional and accommodating but not slow with their service. The cards and giftware are the best part of this store although I've heard a few brides swear by their stationery options. Whenever I've needed to congratulate or commiserate someone, I always manage to find the perfect card here. There are some items for the men folk and certainly for newborn men folk, but this is more a girly giftware store. If you've a special lady who's hard to buy for, head here, you're sure to find a sparkly doodad or thingamabob to make her beam.

Jeremy's specialises in DIY wedding invitations, or any kind of invitation you like really. I…read morebought paper from here for my 21st invitations. There is a large selection of paper and other bits and pieces you may need. There is also gifts available here for weddings, birthdays, baptisms, etc, along with a large selection of greeting cards, journals, diaries, jewellery boxes, wall clocks, personalised items (with names printed on them), the list goes on. And what's even better is this is the only Jeremy's store, so it's unique and not just another chain store! I love coming in here and seeing what's new, The only problem is it's a bit small and it can get annoying dodging around people if it's busy. So I'd suggest going there if it's a quiet time. The staff are helpful, but can get caught up with serving customers at the counter, so be patient :)

Maxmix is full of bits and pieces. It's one of those shops you can walk into and find a gift for…read moresomeone, or something you need for your own home. Items range from photo frames and prints, to vases, fake flowers, candles and garden statues. There is even kitchen utensils, arts and crafts, greeting cards and things for pets. I've been in here a couple of times, but haven't been greeted or asked if I need assistance with anything. I'm not even sure what the staff look like actually. I think if they had at least one staff member walking around when it is busy, this could improve the store. I would come here if I needed a new photo frame, or maybe something new and different for my home. Come have a look for yourself :) - it's located on the first floor in Marion Shopping Centre (below the food court).

Maxmix was a surprisingly good find and offers the best of bargain stores and cute little gift…read moreshops all in one place. The staff were quick to greet me at the door and asked if I needed any help with anything. After seeing the staff the first thing you are met with is the quiet sound of several water features which I loved but others may not, especially if you really needed to go at that moment. The store's soundtrack is also meditating, soothing music which again some might find annoying but I found quite pleasant. In terms of stock it is a bit hit and miss. There were some really nice homeware and gift items that looked good quality and were priced reasonably high. I really wanted to buy a beautiful bronze wire mannequin as a statement decorative piece for my bedroom but at $100.00, it wasn't in my price range, nor the bargain price range I was expecting. This does mean however, that not all of it is crap and there is opportunity for getting quality product. They also stock ranges of cards and arts and craft items, incense and ornaments and a massive range of photo frames in every style and colour you could think of.

I LOVE visting Bellatextiles! Very inspirational for textile artists and hobbyists alike…read more Bella herself is inspirational, and very knowledgeable. I bought my Ashford tapestry loom from here, and my partner her Ashford spinning wheel. Bella also sells her gorgeous hand-woven shawls and scarves, as well as a wide range of Ashford dyes, Corriedale wool slivers and knitting yarn. This is my one-stop-shop for textile art supplies. EDIT 30.11.12: Bella no longer sells supplies at her shop, since she is now working as a full-time weaver! She still sells her gorgeous woven products, and will still be attending Bowerbird Bazaar (probably once per year). Check her website for details ;)