I absolutely love this place! I've been to their fund raiser and to a print class... and I just…read morecan't say enough great things about it. First, the people that work here genuinely love what they do... and it shows. They organize things PERFECTLY. It starts on time, is well-run, and the people that join in on these events are also just amazing. What a fun experience from start to finish. The parking nearby is a little rough on the weekends, obviously... but otherwise, this place is the best! Do a class, do an event... you won't be disappointed!

Family Fridays : painting soup mugs! So fun except for the little loudmouth jerk that won't STFU!…read more My little and had so much fun painting our mugs. It was a great experience to do this together. Two hour time was perfect. Good instruction and great supplies. I love the colors and getting creative though this is not my wheelhouse, it was still a lot of fun. Classes are very affordable. The instruction was great and gave me some ideas to play with layering. I had a little problem with using a gift card but they were great in the office to get us signed up and squared away. We'll definitely be back!

I've been taking handbuilding pottery classes at another space in town but I wanted to try out…read morewheel throwing before committing to a full semester. My hand/eye coordination is not great (which is why I tend to gravitate towards sculpture and more controlled building) but wheel throwing is such an amazing artform I wanted to give it a shot, but I knew if I didn't enjoy it right off the bat that I didn't want to be stuck for weeks doing it. Luckily, Yourist offers a "try it out" wheel throwing session once a month and I was able to sign up for the May session along with my husband, cousin, and aunt. It was so fun to do this experience together with my family and I surprisingly took to the wheel pretty easily. During this session you're given a tutorial on the equipment then a demo with explanation of how to throw your own bowl, including posture, hand positioning, and tips for success. Then you're given three balls of wedged clay and are let loose to practice on your own as they instructors work the room to help you if you're struggling and cheer you on if you're doing well. You're then welcome to keep any three of the bowls you make and they'll fire and glaze them (based on your choice of glaze for each piece) for you for pick up a month later. First piece is $10 with every additional piece $5. I'm proud to say that I made 2 very nice bowls and one bowl that turned into more of a sake cup after I got too ambitious and the top of my bowl collapsed. But they all looked nice in their own way so I decided to keep all three. The glazes they have are really lovely, too, and make any piece, no matter how wonky (like my sad sake cup) look beautiful. I also found I loved the experience so much that for my next class I signed up for a hybrid wheel throwing and handbuilding class so I could get better at both. I also really enjoyed my time at this studio and have bookmarked several classes I'd like to take there in the future, including day workshops focused on specific topics. Once I feel confident enough in my foundational education I hope to also join the community workspace where, for a monthly fee, you have access to their studio to work independently. It's such a welcoming environment, I highly recommend checking it out!

This is a cool little studio. I was actually just stopping in at the convenience store that's in…read morethe same little strip mall and thought I'd stop in to see what Yourist was about. They have a tiny one-room gallery, but it's full of nifty pottery. Some of the items are mostly decorative, but the display also included useful items, like an olive oil/garlic plate, a soap holder, mugs and so on. There were many items for sale under $20 and even several under $10, and this would be a good place to pick up unique gift items for the artsy friend on your Christmas list. The other half of the Yourist building is a studio/art school. They offer classes for beginners and more advanced students, ranging from a beginner's class in throwing pottery on the wheel to a class in learning to glaze and paint the pottery you've already created. In addition to several classes for adults, they offer after-school kids clay classes as well, at pretty reasonable rates.

In a day and age when bookstores are being run out of business by Amazon and other online…read moremarketers, it is good to see an old-fashioned used bookstore stocked to the ceiling with titles. This was a very nice bookstore with a wide variety of genres, most appropriately stocked and identified. Not surprising we'd find it in a major college town ... University of Michigan ... and this one was a delight. We'll be back ...

What a cute bookstore! I just happened upon it while walking the street and stopped in. There are a…read moreton of books and not a lot of space to walk. But things look generally well-organized. I love the collection of Easton Press books, vintage books, and signed/rare books as well. They have a pretty good selection. They also sell postcards and other small things, and have a discount cart outside.

They moved locations since the last time I was here but it's still a pretty rad concept--a…read morenonprofit resale of craft and art supplies and other goods that can be repurposed and upcycled into art supplies. There's a lot here if you're willing to dig through! There's a vintage area with tons of old, vintage papers, photographs, sheet music, postcards, photo albums, negatives, etc. Loads of scrap fabric and remnants, yarn, embroidery floss, notions, scrap paper, scrapbooking materials, stickers, stencils, even industrial supplies like foam scraps, and household materials like pill bottles (empty of course), lids, jars, storage containers, craft kits, old calendars, big bins of wine corks, pens, etc. They have a HUGE selection of old National Geographic issues, some going back as far as the 1930s. Perfect for collages or collecting. They also have a few machines like scales, microscopes, sewing machines, etc. As well as a few tools, wood and metal working items, just bits and bobs of tons of things to sort through. It changes all the time so stop in regularly to see what they get in! And the best part? It's all SO cheap and keeps all these things out of landfills (56K lbs just last year)! Upcycling FTW! Some things are in better condition than others but if you're the creative type you will be inspired by all you can find here. And since things are so affordable you can really take risks and noodle around without worrying about wasting your supplies. Want more inspo? They also offer workshops and classes to get your creative juices flowing. Swing by and check it all out!

Lots of random trinkets that can be used for many different projects!…read more Unfortunately, I didn't find what I was looking for (something to decorate/sew onto a Christmas stocking). But I would definitely come back! I will take my mom here too as she loves scrapbooking! I was very close to getting an embroidery packet but decided I probably won't have time for it (only $4)!

My heros of a bygone era, local and mega chain bookstores used to be where you'd go to find the…read morelatest and greatest print media. Used bookstores on the other hand, were where you'd go digging for treasure among aged tomes and other peoples' cast offs. Perhaps that's what's keeping West Side Book Shop around. When the instant gratification of new novelty is clicks away at your fingertips, the promise of unpredictability, mystique and snippets of nostalgia draws customers to enter its doors. The space isn't large, really more of a living room transformed by wall to wall shelves and mini mountains on the central surfaces and displays. Here you too can own a piece of history or simply extend the life of a book or periodical. Sometimes you can find a rare edition or obscure title. Past times I've been there I haven't had much interaction with the staff though they were pleasant when checking out. The shop is located in downtown Ann Arbor so parking can be a pain, though if you're not too picky and prefer not to pay, you can always park a little further in the more residential areas and walk over. There are plenty of structures and lots too. They'll be celebrating 50 years in 2025. Hope they continue to be celebrated in Ann Arbor for years to come!

What an amazing little gem in the heart of Ann Arbor! There are so many books stacked all around…read more Had a great feeling and I have bought some great books from there. In my experience, this is one of those places where the "book will find you." Great place to stop in and look around. Prices were not too bad on the purchases I've made. Highly recommend! Will definitely be back!

A magical, zastical, wonderfilled place! There isn't any other color like it in the city. In the…read morestate! Why aren't there more of these? There is so much art. So many creative tools. Drag makeup, dresses, wigs, paint supplies, recording equipment, a projector, a stage--it's an underground creative paradise! There are events all week long and tons of inspiring people to meet. Did I mention it's a technicolor overload explosion of yes wow? Yeah! You gotta see it. Or at least go to the website and see the virtual tour. But preferably go there! This place soothes my soul and reminds me that it's okay to be different, to be free, to let your wild bits out sometimes, to explore the edges of possibilty! Gosh there's so much, craft tools, tarot readings, postcard parties, queer film screenings, drag shows, open mics, performance, activism, love, energyyyyyyyy...... Go feel the vibes, baby! (disclaimer: i am a co-founder )

"A creative adult is a child that has survived." - Unknown…read more Calling all craftaholics!! AR Workshop is a DIY shop where you can sign up to do pre-determined crafts throughout the week and weekends. Examples include cake stands, signs, tote bags, and clocks. The inside is adorably decorated with a modern rustic theme. There are large tables where you and your group can sit at to work on your crafts together inside. You can also book a private event in advance through their website which is pretty easy to navigate. There is ample parking space which is always a plus. I came for their grand opening with a friend. This event was well-planned and so much fun! They had teal decorations and balloons everywhere and were well-stocked with alcoholic drinks, water bottles with their logo, sparkling juice, a charcuterie platter, shrimp with cocktail sauce, and burritos. Guests were able to make a simple craft which were small wooden boards with various stains and cute phrases stenciled on top you could choose to paint with a variety of shades and colored glitter. They even had a cute photobooth 'van' outside, live music, and raffles throughout the evening. Seriously well-planned, my friend and I had a great time. This would be a great place for showers, bachelorette parties, birthdays, and special celebrations. I'm excited to come here for another event in the future!

Meh. If you're into mediocre decor, this is the place for you. But beware, the employees don't…read morealways get your design right. One person in our group actually had an employee tear off her stencil before she was finished so she didn't even get to take her work home since they had to "fix it" for her. And if you step away from your project for more than a second, the employees take the liberty of doing whatever they want with it. I definitely wouldn't recommend this place if you expect your work to be "yours." They take it upon themselves to do whatever they choose to your project. I actually left without them even putting the legs on my stand because they split one of my friends projects by nailing where they shouldn't have. They ruined the whole look. I recommend going elsewhere or ordering your own design from Etsy.

They are located in a shopping plaza with good parking. The inside of this place is so cute. We…read morewere unable to sign up online for the class (recommended method) because they were full, but we called and they added us into their afternoon on the same day. We did two projects with the city scape and they turned out really cute. The have lots of color selections and stencils, and the employees (Jen, Emily and all the gals) were super friendly and helpful. One of us did get a splinter because of the woodworking, but they had tweezers and basic medical supplies. They had a birthday party there for kids, and they were very into the projects. They seem to have options that are engaging for all ages. They also have a punch card for a free visit once you've been here five times! We will definitely be back.

This place is so much fun! My work went for a team building night. Everyone had so much fun. There…read morewas many crafts to choose from. The colors of stain and paint for your project were bountiful. Something for everyone.The girls working there are very helpful, and friendly. I would for sure recommend this to do with friends or family! Great place, I'm not sure on the price of things because the doctors we work with paid for everything, but I'm sure it's reasonable.