The delapidated shopfront, displaying the kind of paintings you wouldn't mind hanging on the most…read moreprominent wall in your house, would just be a quirky feature anywhere else, a facade that would vanish the moment you step through the door. Not here though. This is Smithdown, mind. Inside Greenbank Galleries, the ruination continues. Shattered remnants of picture frames lie piled up against the walls like Leonardo da Vinci's cupboard, or the Louvre after a doodlebug hit. The man who works in/lives in/infests the building seemed deeply suspicious of my mere presence in his shop but the frameworking he did for me was done to perfection so I should just hush ma mouth.

I know nothing about the art world or the framing of pictures, prints ect but I ventured in here…read morewith a friend one day and found myself strangely fascinated by the store. From the front it looks small and almost grotty but I instead chose to label it as authentic which perhaps is being kind.If I'm being honest this place could do with a good refurbishment but perhaps if this happened then it would take away some of its' history and its' authentic charm. Inside there are hundreds of frames, some grand and some small as well as there being numerous pieces of art by local artists in some cases available for sale. I cannot say that I came away from this establishment with any greater knowledge of the art world but I certainly enjoyed the chance to view the store. If your in need of a picture professionally framed by people who care then try Greenbank Galleries I bet you will enjoy it.

A must for emerging and established knitters, Purlesque is a gorgeous boutique that sells beautiful…read morewool, yarn, buttons and crochet books. If you haven't got the patience or fingertips to stitch yourself, they also sell adorable hand-made bags, accessories and homeware. I love the mix of DIY jewellery, tote-bags, scarves and cushions but it's the knitted cupcakes and tea-cosies that I have my eye on. You bring the jam and scones, I'll get the kettle on...

This is a lovely little haberdashery store. The staff here are friendly, helpful and knowledgeable…read more Amongst the goodies on sale there is wool, yarn, buttons, jewellery beads, crochet kits, knitting patterns, bags, cushions, fabric and scarves. Everything is arranged neatly and the shop is a joy to browse around. This is a great little shop for when you're feeling a bit crafty :)

A little bit of everything but not enough of anything - quite proud of that succint review but er,…read morewhat? more specific? oh, right well err... There are some cards but well only a small selection that will cover the broadest spectrum of events and celebrations but on the other hand many are made by local designers and artists so you wont feel like you're just handing over conveyor belt message. Some art supplies but well yes only the basic oil and acrylic paints but then you're not getting a Rennie's city centre style supplier here this is a local neighbourhood art supplier-cum-stationary shop that will, I'm sure order anything vital at your convenience whilst providing the basics on your doorstep. Gallery? Well there are a few pictures but, well yes this part is a bit pony...I think the owner just wanted somewhere to exhibit her stuff.

This place is great a real little art haven for the more creative student types situated right in…read morethe heart of student central Smithdown. They have a bit of everything here, arts and crafts paints ect and even a small selection of cards. This is a great place for people of any age, if you are a serious artists then they should have most of the specialist equipment you need and for children there is plenty available also. The staff are helpful and happily spend time with you catering to your needs and supplying you with all that you need to either get started in the art world or continue a passion you may have held for years. This place really put a smile on my face as it is in the middle of pubs' bars fast food restaurants and really stuck out as a good quality alternative shop which indulges the passions of the people.

What a gorgeous little place! I popped in here to buy a birthday card and could have stayed for…read moreHOURS and bought EVERYTHING!!! The downstairs of this fabulous establishment is full of the most adorable trinkets, gifts, jewellery, stationery, homewares and toiletries - almost too much to take in and very dangerous if one is feeling in a spending mood. I actually ended up buying *myself* a gift instead of the person I was buying the card for! Upstairs there is an interesting collection of vintage furniture and bric-a-brac but it is the cornucopia of delectable gifts and bibelots downstairs that has captured my heart. The gorgeous broaches, scarves and handbags, knitted baby clothing, mugs, keyrings, dinner mats and coasters (I bought myself a rather fabulous 'Liverpool's Most Iconic Sights' coaster set - photo below!), fridge magnets and ornaments. I was extremely tempted by the 'retro bunny with a baby's face' lamp but managed to restrain myself. The best thing about Larks is that you don't actually NEED stuff from there...you just WANT it. Because having a cubic zirconia broach shaped like the Eiffel Tower makes you feel happy doesn't it? And that's near enough to needing for me.

Definitely not a shop which was set up to appeal to boys, with a cute selection of all things…read moregirlie, this is a little dolls house style affair with lots of little knick-knacks on sale, from kitsch household items, to some really dainty, bright jewellery and a lot of Alice in Wonderland-esque tea party set porcelain cups and saucers. It's very pink in here and slightly overwhelming but you can't help but have a bit of a root around the little dressing-tables which are crammed with goodies. The kind of stuff you wouldn't buy for yourself but might appreciate as a gift, even if it is slightly tacky. They also have vintage stuff available upstairs and fun cards, it's slightly overpriced for what it is really but worth a look if you have a bit of time on your hands.

This is one of my favourite independent craft shops, I like it because its like an Alladins Cave…read moreinside with lots of interesting items to browse through. Everytime I visit I always find something I didnt know I needed! The shop itself is clean and bright and the stock is new and continually stocked up. The staff are helpful and you get the impression they are passionate about their trade and know what they are talking about which is an added bonus! Ive bought things from them in the past and they have always asked me if I knew how to use it. This is the kind of service you dont get in the larger stores. Its the kind of shop I look forward to visiting and am happy to part with my money in!

This is a brill crafts shop, they have almost everything you could want, if they have'nt they will…read moretell you and try to find you an alternative or order what you need. The staff are very knowledgeable and keen to help, dont be frightend of asking there advise, they always want to help. Lots of starter kits especially at this time of year and there not bad prices, great for stocken fillers.