Great staff - when they know something, they really know it, and even better - when they don't,…read morethey admit it! It's so refreshing to talk to salesmen that treat you like a human being, and that act like human beings themselves. I never feel like I'm being ridiculous when I ask about strange art supplies, even when I probably am, and whilst it's not always possible to fill those odd requests, I never feel stupid for making them. The selection on offer is enormous and wide-ranging, and pretty good for it's cost - I never feel like I'm being sold the cheap stuff at bargain prices, it's all at a quality that matches the asking price.

A good place to go for all your basic stationary needs. They sell your usual pens, envelopes,…read morepaper, diaries, rubbers etc... Be warned though, most of the items here are pretty basic, if you fancy a cute, or quirky notebook, I'd recommend heading over to Paperchase instead. Another thing to watch out for is that this store can be a bit pricey in comparison to places like Staples, and your local supermarket. Where Pen and Paper excels however, is in its art materials. If you're studying art in school, University, or even if you're a professional, this is definitely the place to go. The supplies are all of the best quality, and what's more the staff really know their product, and can advise you on what would suit your particular need (which you really wouldn't get at the large chain stores). Perhaps a little randomly, Pen and Paper also has a fantastic selection of jigsaws! Now personally I'm not particularly in to jigsaws, but if they are your thing, you'll just love this store!

Churchills has most things you'd need for arts and crafts although it is a small shop, paper and…read morecard is quite cheap although other things can be a bit over-priced but never the less staff are always willing to help.

For someone who is very interested in craft it has a lot of interesting stuff you may need at low…read moreprices. For student studying art it has all the equiptment you will need/want. Relativly big shop, has two levels, And the staff are very helpfull.

An Aladins cave , full of great art stuff- and good prices too!read more

From the owner: Bargainarts are a chain of 3 independent art supplies shops based in East Devon, our shops are at…read moreTopsham, Exmouth and Ottery St Mary, we are open Monday to Saturday 9.30- 5. A great range of Art materials at competitive prices. This branch has now relocated to bigger premises on Rolle Street, Exmouth, EX8 1NH

The Blue Gallery situated in joy Street is a small arts and crafts supplier. They have a good range…read moreof products including painting supplies, a cross stitch and embroidery section at the back of the store and craft supplies at the front. They do concentrate more on art and painting than the more 'fashionable' crafts such as cardmaking and scrapbooking so if you are after these then you will need to look elsewhere.

This is the place where the hole from the polo mint ends up…read more Recreate is an Aladdin's cave of scrap, stuffed full of things that sparkle and crackle, plus cheap as chips arts and crafts stuff to boot. With boxes and boxes of industry offcuts from see-through acrylic sheets to extra long cardboard tubes. The Recreate motto is "Reduce, re-use, recycle" and that's just what I did on a recent visit, purchasing a carrier bag full of soft drink 'can pulls' aka 'dragon scales' for a quid. Recreate also offers a hire service, equipment includes a badge making machine, giant Jenga, parachutes, a smoke machine and more. You will need to become a member to hire equipment but it only costs a quid for schools or individuals. Recreate is great for Wombles and those in search of material for an art project. Fill up a colourful customised trolly and pay with a pocketful of change. Just watch out if you're a magpie and leave plenty of time for scavenging and thinking up weird and wonderful uses for the odds and sods you'll find. Top tip: Sign up for the Recreate online newsletter and get alerted when the latest 'goodies' come in. Open Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 10am - 5pm, Wednesday 10am - 5pm, Friday & Saturday 10am - 4pm

Banburys is a huge department store, it incorporates a lot of concession store and also a huge…read moreperfume counter and homeware section. Upstairs is a restaurant that is well frequented by locals looking for a quiet break in the middle of their shopping. It is a higher end store and therfore tends to be quite pricy but it is well alid out with an great selection of products.

This Banburys is a very big store. When you go in the door you come straight to the fragrance and…read moremake up counters. There are always really friendly staff here who are happy to advice you on what products are best for you, they also let you sample the fragrances. The you will get to the clothes and shoes. Then at the very back of the store they have the bits you can buy for your house like plates, kettles, and glasses etc.. I do find some of the bit a a bit expensive but you can see they are good quality. Then to the left of the shop they sell craft stuff such as wool for knitting, cross stitches, patterns etc.. There is a another entrance door here so if you are just after buying some wool you can go in this way. Upstairs there is more clothes and underwear for sale and there is a big cafe. They sell some lovely food in the cafe we often go there when we have been shopping and need to sit down.

The gals at Totally Crafty are eager to help and share their knowledge. There are lots of new tools…read moreand things to try. Brads, paint, ink, stamps, paper and cool tools to cut, punch and do other things to paper. The ladies are always happy to chat, and help, many a day I would visit after walking in the pouring rain, for a little cheer up. I always went away with a smile on my face and sunshine in my heart after hanging out for a bit. I haven't been here in awhile, but used to buy gifts for my godkids there. I bought albums to make scrapbooks for friends and family. Prices went from cheap to steep. They always had something I needed! LOL!

First of all, this place has a really good website as well as a good shop so if, for some reason,…read moreyou can't find what you are looking for, definitely do go home and try to find it online. The site is really easy to navigate. The staff in the shop, to get back into the thing that I am actually meant to be reviewing, are lovely. They all seem to be quite passionate about art and crafts, though I realise that that seems to be an odd statement. They all seem to enjoy art and crafts greatly is perhaps better? The prices are really good and the range is just fantastic so you're almost certain to find what you need. I did, as it happens but the staff are so good that I'm sure they wouldn't mind helping you out if you were missing something,

Now I'm not at all a crafty individual, however I can't deny that this shop even touches an…read moreartistic part of my soul. They have a massive selection of craft items such as ribbons, lace, stickers, stamps, and the most beautiful, delicate paper. The staff here are friendly, and even better are willing to offer advice on how to create specific items using these products. In particular I'd recommend this place for those of you who are clever (and frugal) enough to make your own cards.