I don't know about you, but I love the smell of a good craft and hobby store. Call me demented, it's just who I am--I can't deny it! This particular Michaels does not disappoint in the smell department. Upon entering and grabbing a cart (always grab a cart, even if you don't think you need one... your arms will thank you and your impulse purchases will be much better accommodated) you will smell seasonal candles and that soft aroma of artificial plants mixed with the comforting ambience of yarn and fabric that remind you of that favorite older relative who got you into crafting in the first place.
This store is laid out in a way that's both logical and appealing--always clean and orderly, with rotating selections of seasonally appropriate interior decor up front and pleasing tableaus staged in the center to get your own creative juices flowing. Further toward the back you will go deeper and deeper into expert mode for specific hobbies like art, organization, scrapbooking, and other things you've seen on DIY TikTok but haven't dared try yourself yet. Not to worry--friendly staff are usually easy to find and more than happy to direct you or answer questions.
The part of the store I spend the most time in and the impetus for this review is the framing section. Now listen: I went to a liberal arts college but I am not artistic even by the most generous of definitions. That said, I have amassed several elephant herds worth of posters and photos and prints over the years that I bought or acquired thinking, "That would look cool as hell on my wall!" And then later realized that putting tacks or tape or that super annoying grease-mark-leaving gummy stuff on my walls would please neither my landlord nor my maturing aesthetic taste. This is where the frames department comes in. They have frames of many different sizes and styles and if you know Michaels, you know there's always a coupon or a sale going on so you can usually stock up on a few frames for not much cashola.
Now for the part where I get a lil boujee: Custom Framing. I know, I know. "Isn't that so expensive? Couldn't you just do it yourself? Do you trust strangers with an irreplaceable and already deteriorating portrait of great grandma Doris with her two mean but beloved Dobermans?" Listen. I hear you, but believe me when I say that these precious pieces of art and sentiment are in much better hands with the pros at Michaels than they are with me. For starters, the Michaels framing team will wear special gloves to handle the items you bring in for framing. They use this fancy overhead camera deal to scan the item in and then you can experiment with different framing and matting styles til you figure out exactly how you want it to look. They're honest about the cost and will also give you an estimate if you need to think about it (or wait for a 70% off sale) before committing. I have now gotten 4 items custom framed here--two were fragile movie posters from the 1940s, one was a canvas in need of backing, and one was a photo. All have turned out GORGEOUS and look incredible on my wall, and now they'll be preserved in perpetuity instead of sitting in questionable containers (like shoeboxes and crates) in my storage unit gathering dust. Also--the cost IS an investment, but there are frequently discounts and if you do a piece every few months it is totally worth it. The staff really make the experience wonderful--they are so knowledgeable and kind, using their expertise to make your item look even cooler and more custom to your needs and style. It's pretty rad, honestly.
So if you are looking for an awesome atmosphere, friendly and intelligent and creative staff, and an upgrade to how you display your artwork, definitely give this Michaels a go. You won't be disappointed! read more
