Top 14 arts and craft stores in Chicago
Chicago is a vibrant city with a thriving arts and crafts scene. If you're looking to tap into your creative side, there are numerous arts and craft stores in Chicago that cater to all levels of crafters. From paper goods and yarn to painting supplies and beads, these stores offer a wide range of products to help you bring your ideas to life. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting out, you're sure to find everything you need at one of Chicago's many arts and craft stores.
- 1. Blick Art Materials
- 2. The WasteShed
- 3. Michaels
- 4. Lake View Art Supply - North Park
- 5. Martha Mae Outpost
- 6. JOANN Fabric and Crafts
- 7. Michaels
- 8. Michaels
- 9. Folklore Crafts
- 10. JOANN Fabric and Crafts
- 11. Lozano's Arts & Crafts
- 12. Artist & Craftsman Supply Chicago
- 13. Studio by Garden Streets (Chicago Store)
- 14. Hidgey's Box Club
1. Blick Art Materials
Knowledgeable and friendly staff

Blick Art Materials is a store that has received a rating of 3.4 stars out of 5, based on 94 customer reviews. This rating suggests that the majority of customers are content with their purchases from the store. Many of the positive reviews highlight the store's selection of art supplies, which customers seem to appreciate.
One satisfied customer described Blick Art Materials as "a really nice art store" with a large selection of "great art supplies." According to this customer, the staff is also knowledgeable and helpful, providing assistance when needed. Additionally, the store features artwork created by its employees along the walls, which can serve as inspiration for customers.
2. The WasteShed
Non-profit organization with sustainability focus

The Wasteshed, located at 1754 N Kimball, is a store that offers a unique and environmentally friendly shopping experience. I am disappointed in myself for not discovering this place sooner. The Wasteshed operates on specific days for donations, and I was fortunate to visit on a weekend when they were accepting them.
The store is well-maintained and the items are neatly organized by craft type. What makes The Wasteshed so special is its concept of being a thrift store for craft supplies. Shoppers can find a variety of materials such as fabric, yarn, paper, beads, and much more, all of which have been donated by the community. The store's organization made it easy for me to find what I needed and explore new materials I hadn't considered using before.
3. Michaels
Supports hands-on arts and crafts learning

The store is spacious and well-lit, with various sections that cater to different audiences. There is an area for knitting supplies, attracting a crowd of older ladies, and a section for school supplies, which caters to teachers and children. Additionally, there is a section dedicated to wreaths and artificial flowers, appealing to those who appreciate realistic floral arrangements or have a fondness for such items, even when real flowers are not an option. The store also offers an extensive range of crafting supplies, such as sequins, beads, feathers, and hot glue guns, catering to the needs of local drag queens.
During my previous visit, I received exceptional customer service. A kind lady took the time to accompany me to the appropriate aisle, guiding me through the store until I found my desired merchandise, which was all the way across the store. The helpfulness and attentiveness of the staff definitely enhanced my shopping experience.
4. Lake View Art Supply - North Park
Knowledgeable and friendly staff

I have a passion for drawing and painting, and I enjoy creating portraits as gifts for others. There is a small store nearby that offers high-quality products for artists, such as those from Golden, Prismacolor, and Windsor Newton. This store stocks all the essential tools and materials needed for creating beautiful artwork. I am grateful for the friendly and helpful service I receive there, and I appreciate the wide range of options available to me.
My love for art has led me to develop a skill for creating portraits, which I enjoy giving as gifts. I am fortunate to have a nearby store that specializes in providing top-notch art supplies. The store carries popular brands like Golden, Prismacolor, and Windsor Newton, and offers all the necessary tools for producing beautiful artwork. It's always a pleasure to shop there due to the friendly service and ample options available.
5. Martha Mae Outpost
Curated collection from local and international designers

Martha Mae: Art Supplies & Beautiful Things is a popular establishment in Chicago, offering a wide range of art supplies and decorative items. Yelp, a platform for sharing recommendations and opinions, features numerous reviews of Martha Mae by local residents. The store is located at 1727 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 and can be easily accessed by the community and visitors.
Yelp users have provided ratings, reviews, and comments about Martha Mae, highlighting the store's diverse product selection, knowledgeable staff, and welcoming atmosphere. Additional information such as the store's hours of operation, phone number, and directions are all available on Yelp, making it a convenient resource for anyone interested in visiting the store. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a casual browser, Martha Mae is a must-visit destination for high-quality art supplies and beautiful things in Chicago.
6. JOANN Fabric and Crafts
Offers custom framing and classes

I visited a store in Warrington, where they were promoting 50% off items for the fall season. Unfortunately, my experience was not positive. I purchased a few straw bales, 20 inches in size, and was charged 6.99 each, even though the advertised price was 3.99. This incident left me with a negative impression, as it seemed the store did not prioritize customer satisfaction or honoring their advertised prices.
In the past, I enjoyed shopping at the St. Cloud, MN store. However, things have changed since the manager was replaced. The store's condition has deteriorated, with shelves frequently empty and boxes scattered throughout the aisles. Although I understand that the building is old, I believe that basic upkeep, such as stocking products and clearing aisles, should be maintained. I am concerned that the store's current state may lead to a closure by the fire marshal.
7. Michaels
Kids and family-friendly classes and events

The store is well-lit and put together, creating a pleasant shopping experience. Some reviewers have noted that Michael's offers great deals, and they allow customers to stack coupons if necessary. This is a great advantage for those looking to save even more money. Both Michael's and JoAnn have unique products and offerings, so it's worth checking out both stores to find what you need.
I personally visited several Michael's locations while searching for clearance Easter items. I was pleased to find what I was looking for, and I appreciate that Michael's had these items available. It's clear that they take the time to stock and organize their seasonal products, making it easy for shoppers to find what they need. Overall, Michael's is a great destination for crafting supplies and seasonal items.
8. Michaels
Michaels Rewards program, classes & workshops

The framing department at the establishment I visited seems to have some issues with their framing process. I had some old drawings framed for a collector, and the screws used to attach the wire were screwed in too deep, creating dimples in the frame. This issue could have been easily avoided with better attention to detail during the framing process.
On a more positive note, the store is well-stocked with a wide variety of merchandise, and they often offer deals on scrapbooking supplies, which is my favorite section of the store. During my visit, there were three cashiers working, which meant that there was no wait in line to check out. Additionally, there was a large selection of Easter decorations available for purchase. Overall, despite the issue with the framing, the store offered a positive shopping experience.
9. Folklore Crafts

10. JOANN Fabric and Crafts
Knowledgeable staff, classes, custom orders

This store is an excellent place for arts and crafts enthusiasts, with a wide variety of supplies available at reasonable prices. The selection is diverse, catering to a range of projects and needs. The store's organization allows for easy browsing and discovery of new materials.
The staff contributes to the positive experience by being consistently helpful and approachable. They are knowledgeable about the products and can provide assistance and suggestions when needed. The well-organized layout and helpful staff make for a satisfying and efficient shopping experience.
11. Lozano's Arts & Crafts

12. Artist & Craftsman Supply Chicago
Knowledgeable and helpful staff
This place is wonderful; friendlier and more affordable than Blick. The staff is incredibly helpful, making the shopping experience even better. They offer a wide range of products, from high-quality drawing paper and paints to more standard items like posters. If you're someone who enjoys being creative and crafting, this is the perfect place for you.
The selection is diverse, including both high-quality materials for artists and more routine items. Pricing is a great advantage, with reduced costs compared to competitors like Blick. The knowledgeable and approachable staff contributes significantly to the positive atmosphere. Whether you're an artist in need of specific supplies or looking for basic crafting materials, this store has you covered.
13. Studio by Garden Streets (Chicago Store)

14. Hidgey's Box Club
