Just got some artwork framed beautifully at Starvin' Artist, for a great price. Excellent selection…read moreof mats, moldings and glass. And you wouldn't believe the customer service: the woman working there (Judy) actually called the framer (Brock) at home to see if he could meet with me before their usual opening time (it was the only time I was available) -- and he did! Then, he went out of his way to offer me less-expensive (but still archival quality) options; when was the last time anybody tried to down-sell you instead of up-sell? Truly refreshing. Finally, he proceeded to complete the job at double the estimated speed! Whether you're an artist or just have some items that need framing and hanging, this is the place to call.

Never open. Came by at 1:30pm on a Tuesday and it was locked. Why even bother pretending like…read moreyou're a legitimate business?

There are some really cute things in this store. If you need fancy paper, this is the place to be…read more But, if you also need a llama shape duster, come right now. They have cat magnets, cat sticky notes, llamas, unicorns, soft plush, toys, children's stuff, beauty stuff, kitchen stuff...all kinds of stuff. ....| \ _ , , , - - , , _ , .../ , ` . - ' ` ' . _ \ - ; ; ; , _ ..| , a - ) ) _ . ; . ( ` - ` - ' - ' ' - - - ' ' ( _ / . _ ) - ' ( _ \ _ ) 2019

I've always been a bit fan of stationery and have shopped at Paper Source both in person and…read moreonline. When I saw the Oakbrook Center mall directory, I was stoked to see Paper Source and that it was open until 9pm on a Monday evening. I naturally had to come in to check out the selection. It's dangerously addicting and it was hard to control myself from wanting to take the store with me. I came in wanting to see what I can get last minute for others but ended up spoiling myself -- self care, right. I found a cute journal that's good for up to 3 years, and it's a daily question you answer about self care which I think is truly necessary in these trying times. I can use some daily affirmations, and then I found these cute narwhal pens so I had to get them too. The staff were friendly and available as needed. I love that I wasn't upsold anything, I wasn't followed around, and I was given the space to do my thing. When I had questions the two ladies were more than happy to assist me, though they couldn't find an item I was looking for, I still appreciate their efforts and how they worked together. It's one of the better experiences I've had in person at Paper Source. I also wasn't pressured to sign up for anything. I do have to say that the Paper Source location I've been to in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood does have a bigger selection than this one. However, the brand and this location is still pretty consistent, it just doesn't have everything and if they do it's in smaller quantities. I do recommend this location to anyone in the area looking for stationery items, greeting cards etc.

I've used them several times, they are always very helpful. All of our projects turned our…read morefantastic.

As I read through the other reviews I see that I'm not the first to run across Ms. Maryann's…read more(owner) nasty attitude. I had been saving up a visit to this art store as a treat to myself, because as an artist, to finally find an art store near home (La Grange), well, let's just say I was excited to find a local business with which to spend my money. With Blicks more than 15 miles away, I thought I'd hit the jackpot. WRONG. I walk in and was accosted by the owner. Maryann: "What's up"? Can you imagine my face? Imagine, shock, amazement...stopped in my tracks. Who greets a customer like this? Furthermore, do I know you? That you feel you can dismissively ask me, "what's up"? As if I'm interrupting you. OK, you know I'm thinking happy, happy--joy, joy when I arrived and she just BLEW THAT FEELING the moment I walked in the door! Me: (trying to recover and remember why I came) I'm looking for some art paper. Maryann: Bristol board? Me: Yes. But in tan or grey or brown. Maryann: That's not Bristol board. Me: (Thinking....ok.....so, what do you have?) The whole time, I'm still standing by the door because basically, she's working on framing (because I guess that's her bread and butter). And her back is to me. So I try again to explain what I want because she literally hasn't welcomed me or invited me to browse her store. And maybe I'm still a little in shock, so my feet are stuck. LOL But I'm looking around and I see mostly FRAMES. About 1/5 of the store is art supplies. When she finally decides to show me what paper she has, its in a cube, low on the floor. Each bundle wrapped in some old yellowed plastic with handwritten prices. So she points to the floor and says, this is what I have you can look through it. And she walks away. OK......So I get down on my knees and start looking. First trying to lift each packet of 24x28 paper, then deciding that's not going to work, and I don't want to ruin any paper. So, I bring out each packet, look at it, stack it beside me and go to the next one. Next thing I know, she's back again, standing 4 feet away asking, "Can I help you"? (asked in a way that I knew she meant the exact opposite) I look up at her thinking, wtf? But I say, "in what way"? She hesitates and then.... Maryann: Well, I'm pretty sure I don't have what you want. I'm thinking, wait a minute, what? Who says that to a customer? So, needless to say, I'm DONE with this whole scene, so I start putting the stuff back. Maryann: I'll put it back. Me: No I'll do it. Maryann: No, because you're putting it in wrong, the prices have to face out. I almost just threw the paper willy-nilly across the floor, but I didn't. I turned the blasted paper around so the prices faced out. So basically, she just came out from whatever the hell she was doing (instead of serving her ONE customer) to interfere with me going through her old ass paper because she didn't want the task of having to return it to its bin! When I was done, I started to say, "Wow, I'm really disappointed in my experience here". But I didn't get to finish because Miss Maryann said, "Well, I don't get a lot of requests for brown paper". That was it, I was out! OMG, this woman and her attitude! It's absolutely no surprise to me that her store was absolutely EMPTY. Typically my fellow creatives are friendly, curious and some may be introverted, but they're polite. Not this one. ARTISTS stay away from this hole in the wall. Pull up your big girl panties or jockeys and drive out to Blick's, Michaels or even Joann's Fabrics where customers are #1. Concordia University Chicago art department, this place is a big NO!

This Michaels has good staff, they are always very nice and attentive. and pickup is fast here too.read more

Stopped in to grab quite a few picture frames. Went to pay and line was 20 customers deep and not…read moremoving with one very slow cashier. Almost walked out which i saw 2 customers leave. After waiting 15 minutes with no movement I look and whoolha. 3 wide open self checkout stations. Got done paying and announced to the people in line who immediately started using them. Asked an employee why they don't let people know. He ignored me. Could care less.

If you're looking for a truly unique art piece- this is your place. Larry was so great to work…read morewith. Very creative and full of ideas. We went through several drafts of what we originally wanted to have made- and what he created was truly a beautiful work of art. The laser cutting machine produces such precise, beautiful cuts. Couldn't be happier with our res

The store is nice and organized how ever the cashiers are always upset. It's pretty upsetting every…read moretime I visit the store there's the same employees being rude to customers. I have been avoiding going even though I'd like to go since hobby lobby offers so many products. I had enough of their bad attitudes.

I went in to Hobby Lobby to get some framing done for a picture, I Rand the service bell and…read morewaited. Rang it again, and an employee yelled from one of the isles that nobody would be there for another hour. I was irritated that she had to yell across the store, didn't ask if she could help me in anyway and just started to walk away. I did ask if she could answer a couple questions, again she yelled across the store What?!? I was just so irritated. Clearly it was a complete bother for her. I wasn't going to scream across the store to have a conversation. I left, I didn't talk to the manager or get her name, but I won't shop there again.

The Oak Park Fine Arts show is sponsored by the American Society of Artists. The show is always…read moreheld in August. This year, it is August 16 and 17 (Sunday, 9 am to 5 pm). We have been to this art show several times over the years. I love this art show for many reasons. First, the Artists are very creative and down-to-earth and excited to discuss their art pieces. I always enjoy hearing the story behind HOW an Artist got the inspiration to create a piece of art. I always ask the Artist questions and they are always happy to answer them which I appreciate. Second, this Art show is just the right size and you can actually view all art exhibits (from beautiful Artisan sterling jewelry to sculptures, to photographs, paintings and art work made from tiny tiles creating an actual picture as well as beautiful and colorful handmade unique tote bags, handbags, scarves and so many other things) in under 2-hours! Third, parking is easy and, best of all, it is FREE on Sunday (if you park on the street). This Fine Arts and Craft Show is now in its 40th Year! We checked it out on Saturday, but it was too hot/humid so we left within 45-minutes without a purchase. There were less than 50 exhibits/artists which made the event nice and easy for viewing all the exhibits. This Art & Craft Show is held in Scoville Park at the corner of Oak Park Ave and Lake Street. Although we didn't stay long we stopped off at our favorite Venezuelan restaurant, Aripo's on Marion Street, and enjoyed a very good lunch. The food is hearty, incredibly reasonable and service is always hospitable and warm. This is a mom and pop operation. Best of all, the food is incredibly flavorful, perfectly seasoned and the meat is melt-in-your mouth tender. It is worthy of 4-stars! We found a free spot on Oak Park Ave on both days. We were really lucky! I also like the fact that there tons of restaurants nearby. We returned Sunday, and stayed for 2-hours. It was an overcast, dismal day, but there was a nice breeze which made it nice for staying longer. Afterward, we walked over to Erik's Deli (I wrote a review for Erik's Deli) for sandwiches. There are so many art and craft exhibits in Chicago and the suburbs during the summer months. My two favorites are in Oak Park, IL and Evanston, IL. The price-point for the arts & craft shows varies from moderate ($$) to expensive ($$$$) depending upon what you purchase at the Fine Arts Show. This is a great Fine Arts Show, because it is family friendly and dog friendly. There were so many beautiful pieces of Artisan jewelry, but I didn't purchase any jewelry. We ended up purchasing a beautiful Fall painting with bold colors. The Artist was very friendly and took the time to talk with us about her work. If you cannot find legal parking spot on the street, head over to the Oak Park Public Library (Lake Street just a bit west of Oak Park Ave), and walk over to the Art & Craft exhibit. I am not 100% sure if parking is FREE at the library parking lot on Sunday. However, I do know that if you are at the library parking lot less than two hours it is only $1 -- if you are there for over 3-hours it is 5 bucks-- still a lot cheaper than getting a parking ticket from an Oak Park cop! If you missed this show, you can always check out the Park Ridge Art Show which is also sponsored by the American Society of Artists, September 20, 2014 from 9 to 5 pm.

RUN AWAY! DO NOT DO BUSINESS HERE! I was given a receipt to wrap 10 gifts for $291.00 which I…read moreagreed to. The next day when the gifts were ready they said it was $453.00. I lost 6 hours of my life driving back and forth and spending time at the store for nothing. Emma the manager is a criminal, trying to extort money out of people. No call about the increase in price. She just thought because everything was ready someone was just going to pay $160 more for the same thing her manager agreed to with me the previous day. Horrible place, ripping people off. Wanted $45 to wrap one gift.

Cute little shop I accidentally found! They have a lot of misc things in there, but I eventually…read moresettled on some new planners, journal and a bunch of gel pens. A bit pricier than I expected but still not much more than what you'd find elsewhere.