Great shop for all things crafty. Its not very often that I go in here and cant find what I want…read more There is a great range of papers, pens, beads and stickers. It caters for stationary, jewellery making, card making needs

Patricia Ann is where I go to indulge my worrying ribbon addiction. It is also where I go to…read morerestore my faith in independent retail. I get easily bored with twee craft emporiums flogging over-priced tat with birds stuck on it. Patricia Ann is an oasis of unhip haberdashery. Let me explain: I walk in and see shelf-upon-shelf stacked with plastic storage boxes. To say that the place is cluttered is an understatement. But it all makes sense to Patricia. She is sitting at her chair, normally reading the bible or knitting. A gas heater blazes away in the corner, filling the space with a cosy heat and a smell that reminds me of camping. I ask for a bodkin and she smiles, she puts down her bible/knitting and locates the bodkin box. She then charges me some ridiculously low price, says "god bless" and I leave thinking "Woah, that was one cheap bodkin". This shop sells all sorts of knitting and sewing paraphernalia. I think it is wonderful, but I do tend to get excited about things that other people think are a bit rubbish (I once declared Gossip Girl the "definitive TV show of a generation"). Go there at Christmas to stock up on ribbon - it is ridiculously cheap and there is a huge choice.

This shop is primarily a cobblers, though it also sells second hand books and craft supplies…read more(especially for leather work). It really is quite a bizarre little shop. You have to ring an old hand bell at the counter to get service. The books are displayed on an ancient cabinet by the door. I picked up an old pelican art book and a copy of Henry Fielding's Tome Jones for 50p each. There are odd scraps of stock on the counter, including a set of miniature padlocks and some birthday candles. The man who served me was nice, though he was confused when I asked him how he came to be a cobbler and bookseller. He said that he had "never really thought about it". I told him that I though his shop was brilliant and he replied "no one has ever called it that before."

With fathers' day fast approaching, I thought I'd head to Secret Crafter rather than Something…read moreSpecial, for a change. Leaving my trust 'Something Special' was a big decision, yes, but Secret Crafter did a good enough job to make me think twice about where I visit before the next birthday/anniversary or ermm Christmas. There isn't too much to say out of the ordinary about this place if I'm being honest; prices were average, service was pleasant as was the shop as a whole. I can't see Secret Crafter attracting visitors from all over the Midlands, but for those who live nearby it really is a great convenience to have.

This store is in the Upper Mall, next to Laura Ashley. It looks very warm and inviting, especially…read morewith it's very impressive double fronted window display. Inside you can purchase handcrafted gifts, plus much more, which range from home decoration with a shabby chic style to individually handmade cards and stationery. I liked the design and layout - every where you looked there was something to behold! As with many of these "shabby chic" type of stores, there was a great deal of various shades of white, cream, beige and grey. Which does look nice, especially with pastel shades thrown in. But I have to wonder, how long will our love of all things "vintage & shabby chic" last? Oopsy Daisies supports the Rheumatology Department at Russells Hall Hospital through the sales received.

This is an arts and crafts shop that sells everything you need to make beautiful cards. There are…read morealso some lovely add ons to brighten up any shop bought cards too. You can choose from the paper you would like which the lady will then prepare and size it for you and then work around the shop with you helping you choose anything you might need. I found the shop really well laid out and interesting, the staff were also very informative and kind. The only problem was the bill as I did get a little carried away and the small packets of decorations can be quite costly.