I'm happy to support this local, family-owned business, not only for the aforementioned reasons but…read morealso because their employees are both knowledgeable and helpful. I tend to come in to have prints matted and/or framed. Archival materials are the norm. The staff will also mat to ready-made frame sizes or custom. Their training also makes choosing mats easier. "Do you want bright white or eggshell white?" "Let's look at them together." Additionally, they offer to amend things that I didn't notice. A print I asked to have matted and framed was slightly curved. I was assured the print would be flattened prior to being matted and framed so it would sit more snugly. I'm sure most customers would appreciate that attention to detail. Here's to hoping this establishment continues to provide goods and services to this community for a long time to come.

This store has been around for years and always has a great selection of products. My mom loves…read moreadult coloring books and comes here to stock up on assorted color pencils. They sell the pencils individually so she can selectively restock the ones she runs out of most. Apparently, green is the most frequently used color for all the grass in landscapes so she can buy individual ones here very reasonably instead of buying a whole new package of pencils. They also have a nice selection of gift items like small pouches, reusable bags, socks, cards and assorted small art themed things. The selection of easels is extensive and includes table easels and standing easels. Tons of canvas, paints and paint brushes. Prices are reasonable. I found the staff a little overbearing (they greeted me multiple times) when I entered the store but were friendly at checkout. Highly recommend.

This is my favorite Michaels' store! Everything is always so well organized throughout the entire…read morestore and I always find what I need. I mostly shop at Michaels for scrapbook supplies such as letters and stickers. This Michaels has the best selection of scrapbook supplies. Also, don't forget to check for coupons on their website (put in the zip code for the store you are shopping at) and use your teacher's ID for discounts! :)

I came over here, hoping to find some fabric. Due to a back injury, I assumed they would have…read moremotorized carts because they've always had them in the past. Not only do they no longer have them, but they also no longer have paper bags to put your items in. The staff doesn't give a shit about you, refuse to help, and act like it kills them to have to wait on you. Selection is piss poor at best lots of empty shelves. This store and its employees are typical of the attitude in good old Smallbany. Congratulations on being one of the worst Michaels I've ever seen.

Hands down my favorite shop in the Capital Region. This place is adorable and their inventory is…read moreimmaculately curated. They sell a range of home goods, jewelry, accessories, and other various trinkets. I wish I could live in this store - I want my apartment to look like this! This is a great place for gifts, and prices are very reasonable.

Lots of cool Albany swag. Even if you live here, you'll want a sweatshirt! Or a shot glass with…read moreNipper on it. Lots of unique things too, from body butter to bar tender essentials to books about Albany. Stop by and browse! It's a small boutique located in downtown on Broadway.

Love this place. I wouldn't even necessarily go there for their books (which they have a good…read moreselection of) but for their interesting toys, gifts, and cards. Need a pair of silly socks or beautiful jewelry for a friend or yourself? Then come here! If you're ever in the area just stop in and have a look around for fun.

When I walked in, I wasn't greeted, even though staff acknowledged other customers who entered…read moreafter me. I spent about 15 minutes browsing and tried to ask a question about a title I was looking for, but the response I received felt dismissive and rushed. The staff member didn't make eye contact and seemed uninterested in helping. What stood out most to me was the difference in tone and attentiveness shown to other customers compared to my interaction. I left feeling uncomfortable and unwelcome, which was disappointing because I wanted to support a local bookstore.

I'm about 7 years late with my review but better late than never!…read more I came to Alacrity with a canvas painting that I got as a gift from my translator when I studied abroad in Tanzania. It was super precious to me and Alacrity's could tell. An employee (I don't remember the name now) took the time to give a list of options for my piece, but gave his input on what he felt would work best. Let's just say that up until this day, it is my most PRIZED piece hanging in my Brooklyn apartment. The choice of wood frame and the black paper lining the canvas was "picture perfect!" I couldn't have asked for a better first-time experience at a frame shop. I'm considering coming back here to frame another piece in the near future. Thank you for making my Maasai warrior painting super special, Alacrity!

I have had 20+ pieces framed over the past few years and extremely happy with their work…read more Meticulously created frames, creatively helpful and friendly staff, and fair pricing. Thank you!

They did a wonderful job with the silk flowers. Knowledgeable and reasonably priced. I highly…read morerecommend them.

I love Hobby Lobby and this store is about as good as the one in Latham. They don't seem to be…read morearranged exactly the same, which means that I sometimes wander around a bit more looking for things that I need (balsa wood, beads, paint, glue, etc.) Then again, there are much worse fates to have then being stuck in a craft store. True, there is what appears to me to be a lot of useless kitsch junk in the middle section. However, I sometimes go visit places and see that same kitsch so apparently someone is buying it. And, around the holiday season their Christmas display can be overwhelming (I bring my wife at my own risk!). But, in general, I like what the store is and what it stands for.

Way overpriced, I mean you can google amazon while you're looking at an item in hobby lobby and…read moreamazon beats it by a longshot. But the kicker for me was when I asked for a bag the cashier said it's .53 $ for a plastic bag. Are you fking kidding me. This is disgusting. FU hobby lobby.

My wife and I had been here a few times on dates, and she mentioned that it's cool that they do…read morebirthday parties.. SO I called in a reservation and got it going! The person on the phone got it in with a 50$ deposit, you need a min of 8 people which wasn't an issue. Lou was our host and they were very helpful, fun and nice. We got everything a week later and it was all wrapped up beautifully. They always have rotating items which I like. Lots of cute vintage and some creepy, cursed looking things (my fav.) The price covers the piece, supplies, and firing which I think is great. The 420 pieces are especially fun. The pricing can add up (we usually drop $60 when we go there just the two of us) but in THIS economy, and with everything you get in the overall process, it's well well worth it. Staff is always nice, place is always clean, and it's a great local business.

Wide variety of pottery and paint colors, clean studio and reasonable pricing. However, the staff…read moreseemed overly controlling and particular. Not sure why we have to write down the colors we want for them to put it on our pallets, but then later are able to refill or add new colors if we need? I don't see a difference that makes... It would also be nice to have the painting tips and tricks lesson to be optional. While I never came before this I have taken many pottery classes and made my own pieces. Having to wait for the whole studio to be ready for the lesson took away from the time I had to paint before closing. Not to mention the now extra $10 to bring it back and paint again. I can slightly understand that but all of this together I probably will choose another studio next time.