i loooooove boesner! it has to be THE best place in Vienna to browse and buy artsy stuff :) being a…read morephotographer myself, I do go there quite regularly to buy various things and staff is always nice and helpful, even if they do not stock something that you might need, they try to help you find something similar or give tips on where you might be able to buy the desired item,...

From the owner: Gemäß dem Leitbild "Kunst möglich machen. Mit fairen Preisen und allem, was Kunst braucht",…read moreversteht sich das Unternehmen nicht nur als Lieferant für Künstlermaterialien. Als engagierter Partner seiner Kunden hat es sich boesner zur Maxime gemacht, täglich darüber nachzudenken, wie die Bedürfnisse und Wünsche von Kunstschaffenden besser erfüllt werden können.

I was on my way to Stephanplatz when my attention was taken by this very charming presentshop which…read moreis "hidden" inside a backyard. It is not so far from Franziskanerplatz. I was curious to see what was in.... Entering I immediately saw the proverbs in English and French on the wall... looking further I saw a variety of goods too much to name (I took some photo's) There is so much in Die Vermischte Warenhandlung that for sure you will find an original present. I like the nice tin boxes of the 60's. The lady in the shop was very friendly and service oriented. When I am again in Vienna I come again to look around and to buy something for home.

From the owner: Glasperlen, Schmuckzubehör und Mineralienread more

Bing out your creative side by painting your own pottery. They have shelves and shelves full of…read moremugs, plates, teapots, bowls, and so much more to choose from. The staff there are incredibly helpful ad they have a very organized setup with lots of colors of paint and baskets of tools, stencils, patterned stamps, and brushes to help you get the design you want. You paint it then they glaze and fire the pottery. You can come back less than a week later to pick it up. This is a wonderful way to spend an evening, bringing out your the artist in you.

Made by You is a great idea for groups, gifts and a fun time! First you pick out your pottery…read more All prices are labeled and there is something for everyone's budget. The price also includes the firing which is why is can seem expensive. Then you paint away with the advice from the patient staff and then you leave your work to be fired by the pros. You can pick up your creations a few days later. The staff are incredibly helpful in German and English, even when the place is overloaded during the holiday season, and they also function as a cafe offering teas, sodas, coffee and prosecco. If you want to visit them without worry, try going in the morning or afternoon. Always make a reservation and give yourself time! Extended hours til 8pm occur Thursdays thru Saturdays during the holiday season.

This is a classic little Arts & Crafts shop that has been on this corner for decades. The people…read moreare very nice and helpful. They have paints, brushes and all sorts of supplies for working with glue, paper, beads, etc. I like them for their plastic and styrofoam Easter eggs. You can paint them and put them outside. They gave me a lot of good advice about which paints and pens to use, what lacquer to apply and how to put on the hooks and ribbons, all of which they sell. They also have a little toy section for last minute gifts.

From the owner: Wir sind ein Fachgeschäft für Künstlerbedarf und Bildereinrahmung in 1140 Wien und bieten unseren…read moreKunden eine umfangreiche Auswahl hochwertiger Produkte. Wir freuen uns, Sie schon bald persönlich bei uns begrüßen zu dürfen!

This store was Disneyland for me. They have everything. I'm from California and we have nothing…read morelike this store. The sales people were so helpful and so nice. Looking forward to coming back to Vienna!!!

I have visited Gerstaeker three times this year. I feel depressed coming out of this shop. The…read morestaff who advise on art materials do not communicate with staff members at the front desk, one can sense that they don't get on. I got physically pushed by one of the staff members (advising another customer on pastels or something) twice and as I have a herniated disc it was painful. They did not ask me to move away or say excuse me just "pushed" me out of the way. The shop was not crowded there were about 5 customers in the shop at that point. I emailed the company, the branch itself, and after 1 month I have not received an apology. Here are the reasons why I would not visit this miserable place: 1. There are no windows, it is an enclosed shop with blaring lights. I would advise people who want to do colour matching not to use this shop. 2. The ambience in the shop is stressful, and very business-minded. A lot of artists (hobbyists, perhaps professional ones too) are dressed in suits and wear a lot of perfume. The type of customers (I am stereotyping here) that visit this shop seem like they are in a supermarket on a tight schedule. I prefer Boesner and Mastnak Papier to Gerstaecker any time of the day. (So note to people who suffer from migraine headaches or allergies/intolerance to fragrances this might be an issue as the shop has not enough ventilation particularly in the summer.) 3. As I mentioned before the staff members are rude and unfriendly. 4. Do not expect to get a reply back from Gerstaecker if you contact them via E-mail. Alternative to Gerstaeker are Boesner and Mastnak Papier, I am not affiliated with any of these companies. There is one positive thing about Gerstaeker, their online shop which has more choice and have reasonably priced art materials. If you are on a budget and need a range of materials, that maybe a better option. I will of course not be returning to Gerstaecker's branch in Vienna.