It doesn't matter how cheap or stylish things are, sometimes you just want to make it yourself. A…read morephotoframe with a ribbon glued on to it, or a crocheted rug make much more personalised gifts than something bought. Also, kids of all ages seem genetically drawn to glitter, poster paint and the glorious mess that only an intensive crafting session can create. Unfortunately proper art supplies are damned expensive, and no matter how much you love your little tyke you probably shouldn't be letting them loose with your $40 guache. This is where Riot Art and Craft comes in. Sure, not everything is of the best quality, but let's face it you're probably no artist so does it really matter? There's a massive range, it's all well priced, and you'll walk out with the materials to occupy every rainy afternoon from now till next Christmas.

Who knew that Spotlight and Lincraft hadn't swallowed every other craft store and spat them out?…read moreProbably those who craft on a regular basis, but I certainly didn't. Cleveland Crafts is tucked away in a little shopping arcade, offering a lot more than meets the eye when you're standing outside. Their specialities are crocheting and knitting supplies. Any other materials you might like can also be found here; buttons, sequins, those fake flowers they always sell at these places although I'm at a loss as to how they tie in with the theme, and much more. It's a lovely little store, and if you're into supporting local businesses rather than the huge corporations you should check it out next time you're in the market for a giant fake flower to cover that pesky stain on your favourite white blouse. Am I on the right track?

The stars are because I've never asked the staff in here for something they didn't have tucked away…read morein some nook or cranny of this old shop. It's bursting with so much craft stuff it makes me wish I was crafty. Over the years I've visited here with friends who were avid crocheters and sewers and stocked up on all kinds of goodies, while I've bought the emergency cotton, needles and pins when I've had fashion emergencies at work, but there are also feathers here to bail you out of a last minute fancy dress boggle, and lots of beads and jewellery makings, for when you go through that phase of making your own dangly earrings. Hidden away at the end of a little arcade on bloomfield Street, this is really a little hidden treasure.

I love going into any Riot store as it always gets the creative juices flowing. The ladies at this…read moreparticular store are amazingly helpful, they always have an answer and there is never any silly questions. There is so many ideas for art and craft that you can get from these store. Also so many gift ideas for any body of any age. I would differently recommend heading into a Riot store first if you are going to undertake any projects. I have been into a number of different Riot stores but I would have to say I always get the best service from these ladies at Mount Ommaney.

I'm not a very 'arty' person. I know this because I'll be impressed by most artworks I see (while…read moreother more discerning people screw up their faces) and the only thing I can draw with consistency is Homer Simpson's head. But I have found myself at this 'artists' art shop' on a a couple of occasions and found it really useful. The first time was to get some paint to cover up a scratch at an old rental property (which shall remain nameless). I took a photo of the paint and the staff happily helped me match it to a suitable paint. Thanks guys -- I got the whole security deposit back! The other occasion went to get some wrapping paper for a wedding gift. Turns out you can get brown craft paper for 80 cents/metre, which figures out much cheaper than buying wrapping paper at other shops. #WINNING!

This place is heaven for the next budding Picasso or Matisse. Stocking a vast amount of canvases,…read moreeasels, water colours, paints, glitter and stencils at wholesale prices (A.K.A. ridiculously cheap!). Whether you're young or not-quite-so-young, this place has all your arty needs catered for. There are stacks of body and face paints, as well as rows upon rows of calico. They advertise art classes around Brisbane, such as life drawing, photography workshops and they even host kids' creative workshops. So it's well worth dropping in to see what's happening in the art world in and around Brisbane.