Latest Best of NY

NYC Guide to Arts & Crafts

September 23, 2010 1:02 PM

Photo Credit: M&J Trimmings

(photo credit: Chris Hondros/Getty Images)

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 Kimberly Rae Miller

Photo Credit: Yelp

Pearl Paint Co.

308 Canal St., New York, NY 10013
(212) 431-7932
www.pearlpaint.com

Don’t let the name of this place fool you, Pearl Paint is so much more than just paint. Whatever your art of choice may be, they’ve got you covered with all the supplies you could ever dream of, and some you didn’t even know existed to begin with. Pearl Paint is a crafty behemoth, with six floors fully stocked with all your arts and crafts needs.

Photo Credit: M&J Trimmings

M&J Trimming

1008 6th Ave., New York, NY 10018
(212) 391-6200
www.mjtrim.com

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!

Photo Credit: Yelp

Blick Art Materials

1-5 Bond St., New York, NY 10012
(212) 533-2444
www.dickblick.com

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. 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.

Photo Credit: Brooklyn General

Brooklyn General

128 Union St., Brooklyn, NY 11231
(718) 237-7753
www.brooklyngeneral.com

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.

Photo Credit: The Painted Pot

The Painted Pot

339 Smith St., Brooklyn, NY 11231
(718) 222-0334
www.paintedpot.com

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.