I was heading from Los Angeles to Harrogate, England for a business trip this past week and used…read morethe internet in advance to look for nearby stores that carried papercrafting supplies (mostly for card making). I was delighted to find this store, just a half hour south in Leeds. The store was spacious and bright. There were an extraordinary assortment of metal dies from multiple companies. And plenty of rubber stamps, both wood mounted and clear, to choose from. The scrapbook paper selection was on the small side, but had beautiful choices. There were also ample paper pads. I appreciated the card sample table at the very front of the store, offering inspiration. My only wish was that the store stayed open later on weekdays. It was hard to get there with enough time to leisurely shop, and I had to leave work early. As it was, I had just a half hour to speed shop!

The Works advertises itself, primarily, as a discount bookstore, but can also be great for picking…read moreup bargains on cards, art supplies, instruments and a whole other load of random things! The Harrogate Works is laid out over 3 floors, the ground floor on which you enter, and downstairs and an upstairs. The downstairs stocks various art supplies, stationary and art related books (with the odd computer program thrown in!). There are some great bargains to be found here, the canvases particularly are great value, and some of the branded stationary is much cheaper then elsewhere. The main floor stocks the most popular books, seasonal products and a whole other random selection of things! There are some good discounts to be found on books, particularly biography type books- you won't generally find the current bestsellers in here. The upstairs is all books, and has a wide selection of different categories and genres. The shop is well laid out and easy to find your way round, and the staff are friendly and helpful. So all in all, worth a look, but don't always go in looking for something specific- it may not be there however you may be surprised by everything you do find there!

This is a highly original place to take children to as well as being a great little gift shop in…read moreits own right. The concept for kids parties is simple - each child chooses a ceramic object (plate, piggy bank, cup, photo frame, mug, animal figure etc. - there are loads!) and paints it. Paints are provided as are smocks/overalls so your children dont get mucky. You can bring your own food and there are pizza places etc. nearby. Names are added to each painted object and these are then glazed and fired and can be collected a few days later. I have several prized things my kids have painted from here. They children really love getting the paint out and there is a great buzz as they paint their chosen object. It's triumphant really and a very different way to spend a party for little ones.