Arts & Crafts In NYC: Best Stores For Supplies, Classes And More
New Yorkers can be pretty crafty - literally. If you covet the satisfaction that comes with creating art, jewelry, or clothing with your own two hands, you are not alone. Looking to stock up on art supplies or take some classes? Check out these New York arts & crafts shops. By Jessica Allen/Kimberly Rae Miller
Artist & Craftsman Supply
2108 Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard
New York, NY 10027
(855) 325-4700
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If you can imagine it, the folks at Artist & Crafstman Supply can help you build, paint, sculpt, draw, weave, decorate, sketch, frame, knit, color, glue, cut, carve, and model. In other words, this place is a crafter's mecca! As if that weren't incentive enough to hop a train and head on over, Artist & Craftsman Supply is 100 percent owned by its employees—their investment in the business means they care deeply about customer service and satisfaction. The U.S. chain has three stores in NYC: one Harlem, Long Island City, and Brooklyn.
Brooklyn Craft Company
165 Greenpoint Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 1122
(646) 201-4049
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This ain't your grandma's knitting store, that's for sure. At the Brooklyn Craft Company, you can gather skeins in all kinds of hues, along with stocking up on a huge range of other craft supplies. The Greenpoint space feels clean, fresh and modern, with white walls and neon accents. If you want to partake but aren't sure where or how to start, sign up for a workshop and learn how to make leggings for babies and kids, clay wall hangings, and quilts -- among other things.
Cook's Arts and Crafts Shoppe
80-09 Myrtle Avenue
Glendale, NY 11385
(718) 366-6085
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For going on five decades, Cook's Arts and Crafts has served the craft needs of its Queens friends and neighbors. The family-owned shop maintains its small-town feel through free BYO drop-ins, offering advice, and refreshments. The staff here will talk you through sewing, crocheting, quilting, and felting -- making sure you find the products you need. For more in-depth instruction, sign up for a class and consider bringing the little one in your life to one of their kid-focused classes on-site.
DaVinci Artist Supply
Multiple Locations
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Are you an artist? Would you like to be? Since 2005, DaVinci Artist Supply has channeled its namesake. Like Leonardo himself, the store's two locations demonstrate a variety of art-focused interests and passions. From sculptors to photographers to architects -- anyone with an urge to create will find something to enjoy at this store's two locations.
Lion Brand Yarn Studio
34 West 15th Street
New York, NY 10011
(212) 243-9070
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Lion Brand Yarn Studio sells Lion Brand Yarn, in all its gorgeous glory. At their flagship store and retail education center near Union Square, you can choose and print off a pattern from more than 6,000 options, including baby alpaca, cashmere and other luxury yarns. Once a month, there's a Men's Night -- a chance for guys to get together and purl, stitch, cast, and cable, in addition to a range of workshops for beginners and experts of any gender. Free clinics as well!
M&J Trimming
1008 6th Ave., New York, NY 10018
(212) 391-6200
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If Willy Wonka specialized in beads, buttons, and ribbons instead of chocolate, this is pretty much what his factory would be like. M&J Trimmings is a dream come true for the seamstresses and jewelry makers out there…there's a whole room just of buttons!
Blick Art Materials
1-5 Bond St.
New York, NY 10012
(212) 533-2444
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There is nothing pretentious about this store. Whether you're a novice or professional, the staff will take time to help you find what you need -- even if you don't know what you're looking for! The store is fully stocked with easels, paints, charcoal, pencils, pads, brushes, and gadgets galore. They also carry their own line of products. which makes for budget-friendly art supply buying.
Brooklyn General
128 Union St.
Brooklyn, NY 11231
(718) 237-7753
If your hobby of choice has you making hats, scarves, and skirts from scratch you have to hit up Brooklyn General. Knitters, crocheters, and sewers unite at this store with some an amazing stock of yarn, fabric, and needles to be found. Don't worry -- if you're not quite an expert yet, the store hosts regular classes.
The Painted Pot
339 Smith St.
Brooklyn, NY 11231
(718) 222-0334
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If you're more of the 'get your hands dirty' kind of artist, The Painted Pot in Brooklyn will help you with that. The shop is split between general pottery painting and actual pottery making. They host birthday parties for the kids, and date night for the adults. The staff won't even mind if you order in dinner while you work. Pottery classes are held regularly, but fill up quick.
Jessica Allen is a New York-based writer.