This place is a treasure trove, a bit of an Old Curiosity Shoppe for artists. Jay, the owner, is…read morevery knowledgeable and friendly. Prices are very reasonable. Paints, paper, canvases, easels, you name it, he has it. A bit out of the way for Torontonians, but worth the trip.

I went to Discount Art Supplies and Framing to find a frame for a 48" x 48" piece of art that I…read morebought from the Florida Artist, Anthony Burks, a few years ago. I was recommended by the Mill Pond Curator to visit the shop. I wasn't sure if it was open or not on Easter Sunday from the way it looked outside because the windows were mostly covered by canvases. I walked in and was taken aback by how much there was in the store. There was a lot of stuff stacked on top of each other but definitely organized. So I was thinking that I've found my local art supply store after walking around the store to see what all they had as inventory. I ended at the frame moulding near the back of the store and picked up a couple of moulding corners to inquire and receive quotes. I was walking to the counter near the register and was told (by someone I assumed the owner) to leave the molding over at the wall area and tell him what I am framing so that he can give me a quote. I found it odd because in order to get a frame quote, you never need to know what a person is framing although it can help to ask if the person doesn't know. I informed that I just want a frame and it doesn't matter what I am framing exactly but I do need just a quote. He asked me to tell him what I am framing. I informed him it wasn't required but I need a quote. He let me know that he can't help me with a quote if I don't tell him what I am framing. At this point, I had already put the moulding corner sample back on the stack of boxes. I let him know "thanks" but I wouldn't be back since he can't help me. ‍ Basically, the store was quite organized but super overstocked with inventory, etc., and their customer service sucked.

I usually go to Gwartzman, which is only less than a block away, for my art supplies. But I was in…read morea hurry the other day, so I went to Daniel's. Daniel's is a small art supply store with a very small range of brands and products. I asked for 2 tubes of acrylic in white and gold, but they only carried the really expensive ones that costs $10 something each. Unlike many other art supply stores, Daniel's does not provide student discount. I was in a rush hurry, so I thought I would still pay for it. Yet they do not accept debit or credit cards - only cash - and I did not have enough cash on me. So I ended up buying only one tube and dashed to Gwartzman for the other colour which costed me $3 something over there. While the products were expensive, I must still give them some points for their service. The cashier insisted on giving me a free box for the one tube of acrylic I bought, even though I do not see the need of it. In conclusion, while their expensive prices can be somewhat justified by their higher quality products and service, other stores offer students discount and payment by debit and credit card. Hence, not likely to visit again.

I have gotten all of my framing done here for the past couple of years, and have never been…read moredisappointed. Prices are extremely reasonable, service is friendly, and the framing work is exceptional. Please do yourself a favour and go to Daniel's for all of your framing needs!

Friendly staff. Dropped in to get this embroidery kit as a gift. Lots of arts and crafty options!…read moreStaff are friendly. The space is big and compact.

A pretend artist (shhhh don't tell anyone I'm a fake), I love going into art/craft stores to see…read morewhat my crafty senses can come up with. This is a nice change from Michael's as it's not cookie cutter type of store. 2 levels with the 2nd floor mainly dealing with paints, fine arts, frames etc supplies and the first floor with fancy paper type of supplies you will definitely get inspired. I found both floors to be kind of crowded but since it wasn't busy when I went it was ok. There is also a register on the 2nd floor so you don't have to go downstairs and wait in line. The staff are really friendly and will make suggestions if you need some help or inspiration. The prices are decent but I didn't see much sales. Some of the stock is what you could find at other box stores but there are a lot of unique items that are catered to the artiste.

This location is great for their selection of pens, markers, and notebooks. The staff is really…read morefriendly and most pens you can open and test out. Fantastic selection of Tombows (individual or kits) and Faber-Castell brush and drawing markers. Good selection of Leuchtturm, Rhodia and Moleskin too.

DO NOT BUY CLAY FROM THIS STORE. I drove to the store…read morebecause it was nearby and came looking for some modelling clay. I decided to buy the firm Super Sculpty clay, which had been given a "Store Favorite" because of its quality. After taking home the clay, I realized that it was super old and had probably been sitting there for several weeks. It was completely unsalvageable. Just come prepared, because I didn't and wasted a valuable $20.

A wonderful experience…read more I live out in the suburbs close to one of DeSerres competitors, so I don't make it into one of their stores often. The times I do, I have my art-obessed daughter in tow, and it makes for a pricey trip. I recently started a new job down the street from this store, so I was able to drop in sans daughter - my my wallet thanked me. What I like about DeSerres as a whole is it is much more art-focuses as opposed to their major competitor who is arts and craft focused. After browsing around taking in the store, I started to look for the products that I had actually gone there for. I was then approached by a lady working there who promptly showed me where both of the things I was looking for were located (Shrinky Dinks plastic sheets & epoxy putty.) I then checked out and had pleasant conversation with the person working the front desk. When people in retail enjoy what they are doing it comes across in their interactions and I defeinitely loved the experience. Will repeat when I can!

Came here with a friend and she was looking for supplies for her fashion project. The man who…read morehelped us was extremely knowledgable and extremely helpful, kind, and patient. Id say this store is huge with lots of reliable resource and great help from the staff. Would definately recommend this location.

Just the best art store. Very knowledgeable staff, lots of variety of art materials, and if they…read moreare out, you can leave your order, and in very short order you get a call that they are in. Pretty well all types of art materials, Oil, Acrylic, Watercolor, En caustic, Printmaking, Book making, mixed media, Oriental Papers.

Knowledgeable staff, great selection and service, reasonable prices. The best retail therapy…read more.. always a positive experience.

I cannot recommend this little oasis for artists,lovers of fine papers and associated creative…read moreparaphenalia highly enough! If you're into well curated,eclectic and quality "stuff,"then this is the place to go. Owner and staff are knowledgeable and super helpful and everyone is made to feel welcome. Stock is continually expanding and although a simple browse is fascinating, I find that leaving empty handed is impossible. My fave retreat when I have cabin fever and need inspiration. Try it.. you'll be hooked!

Great selection of prints/posters. I like the tshirts,…read moreunfortunately 30 bucks is too pricey. Great location and always friendly staff.

Friendly service and a a ton of art supplies can be found here at this staple of Spadina and art…read moreand architecture students alike. From RHODIA notebooks to Kaweco pens, they have it here. Although they have apparently discontinued carrying the RHODIA line they still have a good about of supply and are offering them at 50% off. Sweet deal! They also have tons of paper supplies and rare or harder to find Japanese pens and other ink supplies. Prices are good, staff is helpful! Worth the trip!

Gwartzman's is my "go to" store and has been for 40 years! Great reno and new online shopping.read more

This art supply shop is truly a remarkable establishment. The storefront splits into two…read moresub-spaces: art supplies and instruction to your left, canvas frames and materials to your right. Since the canvas space also serves as a workroom (details below), purchases are made opposite, in the Art Supplies. Special orders can be made in both categories of the store, with no minimum requirement: select cuts and sizes of papers, lot quantities of metallic potter's clay, even custom-made canvas supports. Artist materials stocked include fabric, woodworking and ceramic arts, in addition to the traditional paint (oil, watercolour, acrylic) and drawing (charcoal, pastel, pencil crayon) inventory by reputable companies (Olfa, Derwent, Staedtler, Golden, to name a few.) Exclusive to the store are the wide range of Selectum miniatures (flag push-pins; model trees, cars, buildings), Excel knives and burnishers, and so far, the only place I know of in Toronto, Ontario that retails, Alumicolor rulers and T-Squares. Toose also carries course materials as recommended from art instructors within the shop's academic environ. The manager of the store is knowledgeable, friendly, and presents many options in meeting customer's project needs within a range of budget. Impossible to leave empty-handed, it is an absolute delight to shop here.

I was so amazed with the featured products on this place. They've been very helpful and…read moreknowledgeable of their products. Customer service was great!!!

What a fantastic store, and such a whimsical selection! We walked in, looking for a mirror...and…read morehappily purchased a wall mounted "Sun" that was screaming at us. Inspire will be a regular stop on our neighborhood walks. The shop-keeper was so knowledgeable, and eager to assist. Strongly recommend stopping in, and enjoying the warming comforts of a local, "brick and mortar" business. SHOP LOCAL, and support a family, not a huge corporation.