The Button Factory Studios are a collection of artist studios about 1/2 mile from downtown…read morePortsmouth. It's not the only mill building to be converted into artist's studios, but I think they've done the best job. More than any other similar building, when I'm walking through the halls of this place I just want to chuck it all and pretend that I can paint. Or draw. Or make furniture. Or maybe jewelry. You get the idea. Just being around all of the creativity in this building (actually several buildings) is habit forming and I want to be a part of it. Every year they have a weekend called Open Studios. Many of the artists open their studios to the public and other artists rent space in the hallways, and they'd all be happy to sell you whatever they've made. Since this is during the holidays and it's in a fairly artsy community, it's popular. Parking is horrible, it's hot inside, and you won't get anywhere in a hurry because of the crowds, but the stuff you'll see is amazing. I have no idea what the day to day issues of working in this space are. I don't know if the owner keeps on top of things, I don't know who pays the heat or picks up the trash. All I know is that this space is one of the coolest and most creative spots in a very cool and creative city, and there's a waiting list to get in so having a studio here is probably a terrific thing.

Nothing brings me more joy than being able to see what other loyal art laborers have for exhibit…read more The old button factory has since been converted into a labyrinth of artist studios (inspiration, color, and life around each corner). Once a year, the artists open their studios and exhibit their work to the public... ~~OPEN STUDIOS is usually the first weekend of December (2011: DECEMBER 3 and 4, 2011 OPEN STUDIOS! 11-5pm!!!) admission fee 0$~~ *Several of the artists offer classes (painting, sculpting, quilting, etc). *My favorite studios to visit: Emma Ashby (an increeedible wax artist - her work breaths life and brightness), Erin A. Ellis (an aspiring childrens book illustrator who has created this adorable creature: the chubbikin), Jen Murray (wonderfully talented photographer - - - great to keep in mind for wedding planning couples, or collectors of unique prints), Sarah Minor (painter of canvas floor cloths), and Roger Goldenberg (crazy awesome, 3-dimensional paintings!). *For SALE??!!! Yes, some works are a bit...costly, but these are pieces which will last a lifetime (and then another...and another). Spread the love, invest in art! Just when the holidays are shifting into fourth gear, it's a wonderful way to spend an early-December morning. Great (brilliant!) people, a unique space, and (of course) enough artistic eye candy to light your own wee inspiration candle.

This is such a gem, and so unique! The owner is lovely, the…read moreprice is amazing, and the space is great! If you are an artist, or even if you just enjoy crafting with a choice of a million options, this is the place for you :)

Aplomb is a delightful oasis of peace and healing. Danielle guides your artistic ability just…read moreenough to equip you to launch into exploring your own creativity, bringing healing to your mind and soul.

I was sent here by an artist friend who has used them for years. I needed a painting framed…read morequickly for a show and Neil spent a lot of time helping me choose the right affordable frame and it was ready in plenty of time. Friendly professional service.

What a wonderful place this is! The variety in frames and matting is outstanding. I am thrilled…read morewith my watercolor framed here. Such a creative and friendly place. I can't say enough about it!

I literally downloaded Yelp because I feel strongly enough about custom frame and color and the…read moreguys who run it to leave another side of the story. They're the best! I've used them for years for framing and matting. They are capable of genius when cutting down a frame to fit another painting. If I want a French mat done, I don't even need to suggest the colors used. If I ask for a watercolor or print to be "floated" on a lower bed while a raised mat surrounds it, a little bit of lovely magic, they can do it. While generally, I do not order frames, they have a great line of frames - both contemporary and traditional. I've priced frames out locally and they are very competitive with their pricing. As to the time it takes for them to complete a project, I've gotten jobs back in 48 hours. It depends on how busy they are. Thankfully for them, lots of people agree with me and there are times when it takes alittle longer to get my project back from them. I have never smelled cigarette smoke in there ever. The gallery is clean, airy,and open. The work that they've done for me has been hung at the Winter Antiques Show in January in New York City. It's hung in my home and the homes of numerous other people. Can't recommend them enough!

I have had numerous pieces custom framed at D. Pratt's wonderful shop in Rye! Unfailingly, it has…read morebeen a pleasant experience each time I deal with the knowledgeable and good humored staff. The work is superb as well. To the person complaining about the 'fee', I say, by all means GO to a lumber yard.... You get what you pay for. Additionally, the AIR is always pleasant and smoke free! The prices are in line with what I expect to pay at an award winning frame shop. I heartily recommend David Pratt and his superior staff of framers!

If you are looking for a fun time with kids, or a great time for friends to meet up and do…read moresomething, this place is great! The staff is friendly and always available to help out. The place is large and there is a great selection of bisque ware to paint. The prices are a flat rate and you do not have to pay for paint or the time that you spend there. You are allowed to bring food and drinks in, but they do have a small selection of treats and a coffee/tea brew machine. LOVE IT! They have Tuesday and Thursday nights open till 9pm.

I really liked Firefly Pottery and had a great experience here before, but my most recent visit…read morechanged my opinion of it. The new employees were constantly hovering and checking in on me while I was trying to focus, which felt unnecessary and stressful. They were also extremely pushy around closing time and kept reminding me starting about 30 minutes before even though I was already aware and planning to finish on time, which I did. Overall it did not feel like the same relaxed, enjoyable space I had experienced before.

There's a new art gallery in town and I love it. The Parlor at Plainspoke is a small gallery with…read moredifferent exhibits to see. The space is clean and sleek, and doesn't distract from the art at all. And the relatively small size means that small unknown artists can have a show in their own gallery. This is a really good thing for Portsmouth and it deserves everyone's support.

Always a fun time with others creating masterpieces! Love Dina and her shop . Check out the…read moreschedule of events and sign up! You won't be sorry

A cute small artisan arts and crafts shop in downtown Somersworth…read more Its actually a local community crafters studio and event space, which is great for a place in Somersworth. They have art workshops and the artists then sell their art in the shop. We got some wonderful lempon grass soap and are very happy with it. ($4.00per bar.)

This shop contains ample choices of fantastic culinary items, accessories, candles and linens. It's…read moredifficult to find really great high-quality down pillows with linen slipcovers and I bought two at Forest and Ash that I am very impressed with and so very pleased. Suberb find!!

The shop itself is cute, but I was discouraged when the shop owner took off her mask because…read moreevidently "breathing your own air is toxic, with the CO2" and not wearing a mask is "common sense" and increasingly dubious stuff. It wasn't super courteous and as someone in contact with autoimmune compromised people it really got in the way of the otherwise nice experience.