Amazing community and awesome space! I took a beginner wheel…read morethrowing class here and loved it but it took me awhile to commit to a membership; when I did, I was so psyched and found it was great value for me. The space, equipment/materials, lovely people, firing schedule together make this place a really special and productive creative zone for me. Yay, MUD!

Fair Warning MUD's…read more12-week ceramics course was advertised as comprehensive, but the first six weeks fell far short. Instruction was incomplete and lacking, and multiple students had various in-progress work go missing, showing serious disorganization. Management acknowledged these problems only after many students raised complaints and switched the class instructor--by that point, half the course was already over. When I asked Austin (management) for a reasonable resolution [a 15 to 20 percent partial discount] his response was to remove me from the class entirely, discard my work, tell me not to come back (he changed the code used to enter the studio mere moments after sending me his email), and issued a refund. His message frames this as the "fairest resolution" and suggests I simply seek another studio. While his email reads polite in tone, it made clear that student concerns and work are not treated with genuine care or respect. Instead of addressing my concerns, he removed me from the course entirely without my consent to do so. Based on my experience, studio management (Austin & Fae) does not address problems in good faith. I would strongly caution anyone considering signing up. Leadership culture at MUD lacks empathy.

I have taken classes at the Baker Creek Ceramic Studio for 1.5 years. I have learned so much from…read morethe expertise, coaching and support from all the studio's instructors. Brecken, the studio owner, creates a fun and safe place to make mistakes, learn and grow. I am not quitting my day job quite yet to make a living as a potter :), but I am improving with each class and am having a blast. I highly recommend giving your creative side an outlet at Baker Creek.

My 13 y/o daughter and I took a beginner throwing class with Brecken. I cannot say enough good…read morethings about the class and the studio as a whole. The instructor is very knowledgeable and really takes the time to ensure the students understand what they are being taught. There are regulars taking classes to continue their skills. Everyone is welcoming and encouraging. I really found the community aspect refreshing. We will be taking another class in the future. This was a lot of fun, and a great way to express creative energy.

I always find something too good to pass up when I drop off my donations. This place is a treasure!read more

It pains me to write this review of what used to be one of my favorite stores. And I was a sad as…read moreanyone when I saw they had to close over a year ago due to a fire. And just as happy when they announced they'd found a new space and were planning to reopen. I have to say, having visited there a few times now, I'm pretty disappointed. The new space is still downtown, but a few blocks west of their previous location. Where parking was free at that spot, it's metered at this one. When I think of all the vacant retail spaces in town, many with parking lots or at least free street parking, it leaves me perplexed. And the new space itself is so incredibly small and disjointed. It's separated into multiple, small rooms. Their inventory is but a shadow of its former self. And the prices have gone up. Wayyyy up. Perhaps most perplexing is the complete lack of classroom space, which they'd gone to so much trouble to add in their own space. Combined all of this with semi-surly, N95'd employees and well... to put it simply...I don't see the appeal in returning here anytime soon. For now, I miss the old Ragfinery and hope they turn things around.

Prices are fairly steep at this Habitat for humanity. There are a few deals to be found but you…read moremust search for them, but hey isn't that part of the fun?

Newly organized, constant discounts, rapid turnover of items. Our favorite place to shop!read more

Northwest is a staple of the local Bham community and beyond. The space is pure magic with so many…read morekinds of crafts available to you (sewing, spining, weaving, knitting, crochet, tie dyeing, and the list goes on!). Any time I've been you can see various projects in progress around the store. To say the staff is helpful would be an understatement. The staff are all quite unassuming, so you have to go up to them.... but when you do they are super helpful. Each staff person is incredibly knowledgeable and have each helped me with knitting projects and patterns. Thay being said, Heather (one of the owners) is the true star. I know so many people shes taught so much to. I go to the weekly stitch and bitch on Thursday evenings and a dude showed up and sat down with no real direction or plan other that "I want to learn how to knit." The group threw him the ball of learning yarn and some knitting needles. Heather taught him right then and there and used the most hilarious, memorable phrases ("stab your friend" is the one I remeber). He was happily knitting and inspired by the end of stitch and bitch. Their yarn selection is comparable to other stores I've been to, with more eclectic color choices than other places. The fabric is also quite eclectic. So, thats the brand. Eclectic and quirky. I am obsessed. I am moving back to California in July and am so bummed to be moving away from Northwest. There is no place like it! I will surely order yarn from there to keep supporting this local gem.

Not a huge selection. A lot of the store was not well organized and when I climbed the stairs to a…read moresign for a clearance section, it was just a huge mess everywhere. No one offered to help, employees were just hanging around talking to each other.

Customer service was awful. They must not treat their employees well because the vibe was off and…read moreuncomfortable

I've been getting lots of my plants from the Garden Spot for over 15 years. The staff are always…read morefriendly and knowledgeable. The plants are healthy and there is always a wonderful selection. I can find perennials I can't find other places. The employees go out of their way to make sure you find what you are looking for and are always ready to help load your car. It is so much nicer then going to one of the chain stores. Oh, and they have fun classes throughout the year. I made a Christmas Wreath last year, the Garden Spot provided all the materials. Worth a stop in!!!

Shockingly nice thrift store! Not what I was expecting at all. Beautiful items, well displayed, at…read moregreat prices. And friendly, fun staff. What more could you ask for?

We have these same resale stores where I live but they operate slight different. This is the…read moresmallest version I've been in, but it was packed with some nice finds! I picked up a bone chain Wedgewood teapot. Super cute!

If I ran an art space, this is what it would look like! A little dark, a little moody, with high…read moreceilings and all sorts of art hanging every which way. This place is super cool! I visited during a recent Art Walk when they even had a great band playing, and some tasty nibbles too. The art when I was there included oil paintings and charcoal. There was also an extensive class schedule (now doesn't that sound like fun). This place is definitely staying on my must-stop list for the next Art Walk.