A tiny little nook of a shop but full of myriad surprises, (m)art is associated with the acclaimed…read moreArtisan Gallery in the Fortitude Valley. As you survey the intriguing range of jewellery, ceramics and other one-off pieces, you get the feeling that you've walked into a modern art museum (though on a small scale), the difference being that you can buy the artworks and take them home with you. The prices aren't cheap, as you'd expect for works of such quality. I've noticed some lovely bespoke ceramic cups and bowls going for $66 each, which I would happily buy for a wedding present or for my home. However, a series of commonplace objects encased in rectangular prism made of resin (the only I can remember was a dead bee) going for $220 each seemed a bit rich to me. Perhaps there's some special reason unbeknownst to a layperson such as myself for their seemingly exorbitant procetags.

(m)art design store has got to be one of my favourite shops in South Bank! This design space, come…read morejewellar, come book store, come gift shop is a mixture of different artist's work and boasts some gorgeous things. The design of the store itself is fantastic, and is one of the first things to catch the eye of people passing by. All of the shelves and display tops are made with upturned takeaway coffee cups. It adds a completely new dimension to your average shopping experience and really gives it the feel of an art gallery. Sure, the prices in (m)art aren't exactly cheap, but be careful to keep in mind that the work on display is primarily by local artists (and let's face it, us creative types are hard-pressed earning a crust). For this reason, I would say that the prices are fair. Next time you're in South Bank, make sure you head in to (m)art for a browse. It's the perfect place to buy a gift for someone who has everything, or even for a wedding present. Plus, it's always great to support local and emerging artists.

Handmade High Street throws together some really great local crafters and creators of all things…read morepretty and fun. The first things that caught my eye was a crocheted rose-shaped brooch with quite a few other similar ones to keep it company. I found delight in the handmade jewellery and recycled accessories including hairpins made out of old buttons and old teacups being transformed into candle holders, which is something I would never have thought to do. They also had one of the very lovely dresses that is so identifiable as one of Rachel Burke's I Make My Day projects, which is surrounded by a mountain of handmade things to choose from like tin earrings and very flamboyant floral hairbands that are just gorgeous. I was most impressed with earrings that were fashioned out of origami designs. Some of the things in here are so original and it's so nice to see support for local crafters. One of the back shelves advertises renting a space in the store so other artists can sell their wares. As I was walking out I laughed out loud at the cute new spin on bottle top jewellery when I saw bottle tops printed with vintage pictures and resold as necklaces. I think that's a really cute and unique idea. Another item Handmade High Street currently sells is a product by Reclaimed Records, who make old records into new products like notepads and use only recycled paper. A recycled record notepad will set you back $45 but hey, you are paying for an old record. I like what this place has going on. They've got some really great pieces and I see a lot of potential for the artists who showcase their wares here.

Kath Chownston, one of three brains behind Handmade High Street, said that she wanted to provide a…read morespace for artists and craftspeople to easily sell their wares. Markets are often exhausting, subject to the elements, and aren't a very reliable way to get the money coming in if you're selling your goods in this fashion. The internet is a great way to get your stuff out there, but still, she went one further and opened a store- for the good of everyone! For her, for the people who rent space in her store, for the person who happens to pop in for a look and take away something local and unique. For the interested artist or craftsperson- the way the rent system works at Handmade High Street works is that there are small 'cubes' (shelving space) that are $20 per month. If you do larger scale work, clothing for example, and you have a rack that you'd like to have in store, it might cost you around $200 per month. The rental price is subject to how big and how much of the work there is, and whereabouts you want it placed in the store. There's some great stuff there too. The beads by Patti Pennisi made me want for the ocean, the glass work of Cairo Made That was gorgeous, and I couldn't help but want to take home some scented soy wax melts by Lisa Macnab. There's not the tired repeat of like works in there either; there's great diversity. Go in and support a new local business that supports it's locals. Handmade High Street. Remember that name.

Being a fan of art and illustration, I find framing stores really appealing. Usually they are too…read moreexpensive to warrant the money for the 5 minute scribble I come up with as an illustration but I like them anyway. The Framing Corner has a great range of frames. The sample board across the back of the store showcases a range of materials, cuts and colours for frames so you can mix and match with what you need. I also like the prints they have on display of different posters and artwork. It is a nice place to browse and to keep in mind for your next potential masterpiece.

Now I haven't exactly frequented many framing shops, but maybe that's just because most of them…read moredon't place themselves as strategically as this place - in a busy shopping centre with an open store for everyone walking past to be able to get a good look inside and see exactly what they do. While I may not be an expert, these guys sure are. Every inch of the shop is covered with framed pictures showcasing the work they do, while half of one wall has a closely packed display of all the different types of frames on offer here. When I visited there were two people working, which might seem like an extravagance for this type of shop, but I guess that indicates just how busy they are.

In another lifetime I use to be a ceramic sculptor so I'm a huge supporter of Monte Lupo. This mob…read morehas been around for around twenty years - I remember when they had their shop had Garden City but then they expanded and moved out to Eight Mile Plains. Monte Lupo is an initiative of Multicap to assist people with a disability learn the skills to become professional artists. You need to check out their gallery because damn - their work is GOOD. If ever you're looking for an original tea set or a unique sculpture for your house, check out this place before going to the fancy galleries in town. Not that the galleries in town focus on ceramics anyway - the only other ceramic gallery in Brisbane Fusions was 'temporarily closed' the last time I checked in December. The ceramic pieces here are brightly coloured which may not be to everyone's taste. I personally prefer raku, celadon and the more Japanese inspired glazes. The artists do accept commissions though if you want a made-to-measure. Monte Lupo is one of those places that make me proud to live in Brisbane. NB Monte Lupo is usually open on Saturday mornings but they are closed on Saturdays for the next month. Call to confirm before making a visit on a weekend.

On boxing day my son and I walked into Mott and Mulberry Brisbane the costumer sales agent gave us…read moreassistance on other shops as we could not find what we were searching for we ended up back at this store because of the great service from Helen and because of her great service the first time returned back within the hour and found something else suitable as a gift and Helen wrapp3d both purchases quick efficiently and presented so beautifully. Because of Helen this shop is highly recommended great gifts excellent service outstanding and so personal thank you Helen for making that morning before our flight so much ease in shopping for gifts. We Wil definitely be returning everytime we visit Brisbane airport as we are now locals who relocated from Perth.

This shop is a gem! It is filled with beautiful gifts and homewares from Australia and abroad…read more Beautiful baby gifts and a great selection of cards. I recommend you check it out if you are looking for a special gift for someone - or even yourself! :) I stumbled across this shop while hunting for a particular gift book. Ellen went out of her way to search the store and when they were out of stock called her supplier. The supplier then hand delivered the book to the store. Ellen made our day with her attention and generosity. I will definitely be visiting again when back home in Australia. Thank you so much!

Love Love Studio is a bit of a square peg in a round hole...in a good way! Nestled upstairs in a…read moreQueenslander on leafy Florence Street, it's not the kind of gallery space you would expect to find in ritzy Teneriffe. The studio itself is comprised of 3 spaces, The Small Room which is a skateboard shop, a bar and outdoor space and then the room in which art is exhibited. The exhibitions change frequently and I went in to check out their last one for this year. The actual studio is as interesting and eclectic as the art it displays. OK, so it smells a little like cigarettes, but no one is perfect! There's nothing pretentious or fancy about it, the perfect place to take someone who doesn't go regularly to galleries. It's the kind of artist run, community gallery that can be difficult to find nowadays, all the more reason to support it. There is also the added bonus of being able to hire the space for events or functions. Even if you're not a great fan of art, Love Love Studio is worth a look. I sometimes question the calibre of art on display, but that's probably just me being a snobby GoMA regular.

This is a fabulous little tucked away place. Next to the Indooroopilly Laundromat in Hillsdon Road…read moreCentre, you probably wouldn't know it's there! It's a skinny little shop, but inside it's full of wonderful art, crafts and gift ideas! It's a gallery and studio for local artist Leesa Bradford and she sells her works and other artists works and jewellery. Lots of lovely and changing art pieces, good value too. And the jewellery is wonderful. If you are doing your laundry, popping in to the Corner Store of having a Coffee in the Courtyard around the back....stop in and have a browse. You may just find something you HAVE to have....like I did!

Upon hearing the sad news that both Nine Lives and Neo gallery…read moreare set to close their doors, it seems that small galleries like Red Sea are left holding the fort. It's central location makes finding this quaint gallery a breeze and if the collections are anything to go buy, these guys are here for the long haul. What I always found great about these guys is the fact they represent such a diverse range of Asian and international artists. With great artworks from the likes of Katrina Read, Gnana, Bevil, Nellie Crawford and more, Patrons here are really spoiled for choice. If you are a business I highly recommend checking this place out, the rooms are clean modern and provide a perfect backdrop for your next function or opening. With its generous trading hours and easy location, This gallery is a worthwhile stop when Valleyside.

I was delighted when I found Red Sea Gallery's collection of Vietnamese art nestled amongst the…read morecommercial galleries of New Farm. I wish I could afford some of their pieces but it's just as important to be an admirer of art as a patron (or so I tell myself). Unfortunately, on my last visit most of the Vietnamese art were replaced with Australian artists. Their works were still modern, surreal and whimsical but I missed the Asian influence of this gallery. The curator explained that there just wasn't enough market to sustain the Asian artists in Brisbane and it was a case of meeting the market or closing shop. Fair enough, I suppose. This gallery is still one to check out for collectors and art lovers alike. It has a fresher feel than either Jan Murphy or Philip Bacon, with some of the artworks exuding a whimsical, illustrative feel. This gallery is also for hire for corporate events and parties. I'm yet to work at an office where the boss books a gallery space for a Christmas party. I still live in hope that it will happen soon.