Now here is a huge, somewhat overwhelming art and craft store. This place seriously has everything you may need to tackle a craft or any sort of art project. Deserres has everything from scrapbooking items to a rather large framing center. They've got a diverse selection of paints and colours, as well as a lot of different canvases to work with, in all shapes and sizes. There's even a kids section with fun projects for children of all ages. What I really liked about Deserres is that it's nicely mapped out. There are large signs above head indicating what is in each section. Everything from the fine arts to graphic arts is conveniently labelled so you know exactly where to go. I had a couple of questions about products and the nice salesman was very eager to help. He told me everything a I needed to know and even gave me other options to choose from. I was very grateful for his help. I really enjoyed just browsing through this store at all that they have, even if I wasn't interested in buying most of it. I thoroughly enjoyed how organized they were. It made it easy to be in there. read more

DeSerres - Art Supplies Near Me - Halifax, Nova Scotia

'Deserres' is currently located where 'Loomis Art Store' used to be. I'm not entirely certain that 'Deserres' didn't just absorb this smaller art store chain, since the interior doesn't appear to have changed very much. Whether you're a professional or simply a crafty weekender, Deserres caters to every level of artiste. They truly have something for everyone! I was impressed to pop in last Saturday and find pink pipe cleaners. (A naturally integral component of my Halloween costume) Deserres also carries those stick on wall designs that you've probably started noticing. These are super funky and a nice alternative to sponge painting your bedroom, etc. They also come in a chalk board variety so your grocery list can be a tad more noticeable 2'x3' tacked to your wall. Definitely recommend trying this art store out! Lots of great gift wrapping paraphernalia too! read more

DeSerres - Art Supplies Near Me - Halifax, Nova Scotia

Oh yeah, I'm a wannabe artist, just like everyone else. I don't pretend to have a lot of talent or anything, but I've picked up a paint brush from time to time. My mother used to frame and hang my pencil sketches from my high school art class. So that's kind of proof that I'm extremely talented. And I love making little clay-mation films. So that puts this shop high on my list of "want to buy everything in it" stores. What I like about it is that they seem to stock every art supply you can imagine - canvases, brushes, paints, clay, easels, crayons, paper - and more. The staff are really knowledgeable, and, hey, all the other folks wandering around in the store are artsy like you, so it feels like a bit of a club, really. read more

DeSerres - Art Supplies Near Me - Halifax, Nova Scotia

I still can't get the name of this store straight. I still call it Loomis & Toles. Corporate offices for DeSerres probably hate me. Whatevs, I'm not good with change. Anyway, I like to pretend at being an artist. You know, I paint, but I don't show anyone what I paint unless it's cartoonish acrylics at my craft show table. But this place is perfect for the Pretend Artist. Here's how I do it: I avoid the scrapbooking section when possible (lest I be mistaken for a scrapbooker) and pretend I know what I'm looking for as I wander through the paints and brushes and canvases. I don't really, but things like brushes are well labelled (ie. "for acrylic" "for watercolour"). Prices range from reasonable (good for the pretenders) to expensive (if you're serious enough about your art to drop some serious coin). They often have sales, which are usually awesome. The selection can sometimes be overwhelming, which explains how I can lose so much time in here feeling up the drawing paper and trying out the pens. Staff are really good at helping you as well. Like the time I asked for "that thingy you use to fold paper with nice clean edges" (turns out it's called a bone folder). read more

Good stuff. Great staff. Very helpful in the transition from complete junk art supplies to higher-end, more professional supplies.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: I am the anti-craft. As soon as something more complicated than scissors and tape is involved, I'm out. While that means I rarely have any reason to pop into Deserres, it does mean that I occasionally show up here to throw money at the problem. Once my improvisational approach to a complicated project fails, I often believe the most expensive solution to be the best. And expensive solutions are what you'll typically find at Deserres. That's not a bad thing, particularly for crafty pros who know what they're doing and are far less likely to ruin a brand new high-end black board thing that you bought instead of cheap bristol board and proceeded to cut up like a moron. For me, I'd be better off making crafts out of $20 bills in the comfort of my own home. I would have the same success rate for about the same price. read more

Deserres is more of a candy store to me than a candy store (and I really do love candy, so you catch my full meaning.) It's hard to go in there without coming out with a whole host of fun new stuff to try. The staff are very helpful and clearly use the stuff themselves. Some of their stuff can be got elsewhere for cheaper, but for the most part, their prices are fair and competitive, and they have practically everything you'd need. Once or twice, I've come up with an item I was positive they'd have, but it turned out they didn't carry. Weird. Also, if you ever need to entertain a child on a rainy or snowy day, they've got you covered with their big kid-craft section. I haven't had to do that myself, but you bet your ass I'm coming to Deserres if I ever get roped into babysitting. read more

Deserres is a staple spot for things of the arts related. Materials and tools to accommodate the full span of creative endeavors can be found here. I spent plenty of time buffering back and forth between Deserres and the NSCAD supply store during my time as an arts student. Both were key stops with an assured range of product. Deserres is significantly larger and extends itself into crafts, work spaces, framing, among other things. Essentially, Deserres just carries more of everything. (Although its good to have both on hand. Some select product required for classes were sometimes only stocked at the NSCAD store) The employees are well acquainted with the multitude of sectors this store entails, and can direct and advise you accordingly. I've always been impressed by quick direction and service. Its the spot to go if you're in need of art equipment. Whatever you're looking for, chances are they've got it or can tell you need to go to get it. read more

DeSerres is a mainstay for any art loving individual. I don't ~art~, though I've taken some art classes, so going into DeSerres mostly makes me nostalgic for previous versions of myself that thought maybe one day I'd like to draw for fun (no thanks). I still love to wander the aisles, though. Between the rainbow of markers, the oodles of paints, the glorious pen selection and the entire wall of journals, it's hard to go wrong at DeSerres. And hey, if you're also not ~arty~ that's okay. They sell Lego, yarn, lots of hobby-type things. The only problem you have is now...how the heck are you gonna resist buying something? read more

Deserres is an artist's arsenal supply store. If Vitrail, Copics, or Basics speak to you, this place is for you. Or if you're just in the market for some sketch pads and coloured pencils, they can accomodate you, too. It's an artsy megastore. Deserres offers a wide variety of general arts and crafts supplies, covering the wide range of beading, all kinds of painting, ceramics and pottery, and everything in between. They also carry random household items that any busy artist needs, like heavy duty lunch thermoses-- maybe I'm not crafty enough to tell if it's just to make sure those artists don't literally starve, or if there's an alternative use for them. It's also a great place to get cool and inspired gifts for younger ones, with science and art kits to foster a budding artist's creativity. Heck, even some of the kits appealed to my 27 year old muse! For the most part, I've found the supplies I needed, and the staff has been pretty good at pointing me in the right direction for some items. However, the store does skew a lot more towards fine arts than crafts, so you might have better luck finding certain supplies or more variety at a dedicated craft store. read more

This is the store for you if you're in the business of crafting or creating art projects. From stickers for scrapbooking to clips for making your own hair accessories, you can find everything at Deserres. I've bought so many different types of goods from this arts and crafts Mecca over the last couple of years. The last time I popped by it was to purchase a blank paged notebook to create a little scrapbook. I've also bough Fimo here, which is a fun clay type product great for molding and then baking to solidify your creation. If you happen upon this shop on the right day, you may find classy picture frames on sale for great prices. You can also find paper in every variety, from plain to designed, your needs will be covered. If you have the itch to get creative but aren't quite sure where to start, you should swing by Deserres to help get the old brain juices flowing. You can even talk to one of their knowledgeable employees who can assist in getting you on the straight and narrow, or perhaps wiggly and wide road to creative fun. read more

As a small business owner downtown, I love the fact that there is a store that I can walk into and get anything from tape to liquid chalk pens. They staff are always willing to lend a hand and even give cool ideas for crafty items to make yourself. Things can be hard to find at times... so don`t go in here in a rush unless you know exactly where things are... but part of the fun of this store is exploring and letting your creative brain run free. read more

I'm still a fan of the place but they really need a bigger location! Staff are still hard to locate sometimes, but are always friendly. The only downfall of this place is that there are so many lovely art supplies to choose from that you some can't find what you need because the store is so packed with stuff. read more

Walking in this store is kind of like walking into heaven. I've not been the most creative person as of recent, partly being busy, partly laziness. This store brings back all those desires to be artistic again. The only problem is not having the money. I felt like a kid being in there. They have so many cool products for kids and kids at heart. Lots of supplies for the painter, sculpture or crafter. read more

Deserres will allow you to bring out the inner artist. Here no matter if you are a beginner or on the verge of being discovered, they have it covered for you. It is always amazing how much stuff is here. We found the scrap-booking materials needed along with some great brushes. The prices here were fine and the staff was helpful. Although I am not an artist, I spent many a years very close to it. I can appreciate all the things needed, and it seems Deserres has it all, including framing. read more

For the artist in everyone. If you can think of something creative (at least with your hands), then they have the supplies. It's where I head when I need more material for my makeshift "photo studio" - and I do use the term loosely. Brilliant bristle boards of every size, weight with colors of the rainbow, frames to build my light box, all make my work look so much better. But that is never enough reason for a visit. It's just fun to wander about. It brings out the artist in all of us. Supplies for the budding artists (little kids to retirees), the professional (and us wannabees). And did I mention the glorious moleskin books of every size - lined, unlined, or my favorite - graphpaper? Well, I should have, it's the best place in town to find just the right one for you. read more

Great art supplies - not a large selection of stamping and scrapbooking supplies, but high quality art supplies including watercolor paint, colored pencils and kids crafts. read more

It's a great store, jammed packed full of any hobby or art materials. The only thing is, if you are not a know-how, it is difficult to find the right materials for your project. The staff is super helpful though and I would definitely seek out their advice. I find their prices pretty on par and they seem to have great variety. Their points card is fantastic- and free! They add up quickly and turn into cash taken off your purchase. After 3 purchases I was already redeeming. And students, all students, get double points! read more

The go-to spot for art supplies in town, unless you're looking for something funky that you wouldn't expect to find in a store. If it doesn't fall into that category of outliers then DeSerres probably has it. In fact they've definitely got a whole lot more than what you're looking for, which can make for some longer-than-expected shopping "tours". In addition to shopping here for supplies I have also used their framing service. I had a bunch of art that moved with me from Vancouver but was just chilling in a tube on my floor for months. "Enough!" I said, "Let's get you on the walls!" So off to DeSerres I went, and three days later I had nicely framed pieces to carry home. They were happy to accommodate the special requests I had, too. I brought in a well-worn old frame that I had found on the side of the road and they fitted it with matt-board and glass. Second, they cut a special display for a set of four photo booth strips I had and wanted mounted together. Everything looked great in the end, and I would definitely use their framing shop again. read more

This is a great place if you are an artist or wanna-be for art supplies and inspiration. Wandering the isles and looking at all the varied art supplies gets my creative side tingling and makes me want to let my inner artist out. It matters not what medium you create in, they will most likely have the supplies you need. My wife is an artist and shifts mediums dependent on her mood and always finds what she needs here. Whether it is Windsor Newton acrylic paint, canvas on stretcher frames, rubber sheets for block printing or whatever her heart desires, She gets it here. I get to look at everything and imagine what I could do with it..... read more

I love this place! The staff is friendly, and the variety of art supplies they carry here is incredible. :) It's easy to find what you need in here as everything is kept very neat and organized. 10/10 :) read more

I'm an international student with a passion for art. Though I no longer have access to my extensive array of supplies back home, a quick stroll through DeSerres was enough to lay my worries of not having any good materials to rest (and put a hole in my already sad pocket). Given that, I bought a Strathmore sketchbook and blending stumps, along with quite a bit of charcoal. This place is perfect for art enthusiasts such as myself. I did, however, find that DeSerres has a distinct lack of mechanical pencil lead variety (the only brand was Staedtler, only in black, and only up to 2B grade). Not affecting my review because it seems constant throughout all art shops in the vicinity, I also noticed that Sakura Micron pens go for $3 each there; whereas it would only go for $1.50 tops in my country (probably because it's basically next to Japan where they're produced). read more

This store is an hour and a half drive from where I live. Closer to home I have Micheals and an local art store that unfortunately doesn't carry most of what I need. I don't mind the drive though, because Deserres is always worth the trip. Not only do they have whatever is on my rather extensive lists, but the staff have always been willing to help me find anything. I once had a staff member volunteer to dig through unsorted boxes to find the specific marker that I need, and another time, had one make a suggestion based on what I was buying, which turned out to be something I had needed and been unable to find earlier. I've found a couple of items that are the last ones available, that have had minor damages, and found the staff very good about being willing to be flexible on price. I recently had to do a return of paint, because I looked at the shelf label, and didn't cross check the tube, and since I had my receipt and it was within the time, they were really good about getting that done quickly and efficiently. The guy in front of me didn't have a receipt when making his return, but after talking to a manager, they figured out a way for him to leave happy. I also had a staff member, after I had finished making my purchase, give me very helpful directions to the NSCAD store after I asked how to find it. This long ramble, in short, is trying to say... a store well worth going, and going back to for art supplies. read more