This is another little constant that has survived the many changes in Carrickfergus over the years…read more I'm not much of a knitting fan but my mum and nan are, and this is the only shop they go to for their knitting patterns, wool, and other supplies. The shop is only tiny but it has what seems like an almost exhaustive selection of everything that could possibly be available for someone who wanted to knit, sew or crochet! The staff who work there are obviously very knowledgeable and can offer help and advice on what to buy.

This is a quirky wee treasure trove, full to its original rafters with gifts, cards, homeware,…read morejewellery and accessories. If you're lucky you'll spot its resident cat roaming around and adding to the loveliness of the place. I always pop in for a wee look around when I visit Portpatrick and I tend to bring home some lovely jam and gifts for friends and family. There's a real community feel about Portpatrick and I've heard that Campbell's restaurant across the road gets its ornate and handmade cutlery from the Lighthouse Pottery. Some things are a little on the pricey side, but that's often understandable when you take a look at the care, attention and detail put into many of the hand-crafted gems on offer.

Casker's Cards and Gifts is a new addition to the DeCourcy centre, and a sister store to Casker's…read moreon West Street. They sell a large range of greetings cards for every occasion and situation imaginable! They also have a beautiful range of wrapping paper, bows, gift bags, tape etc. They are much better equipped than even some of the larger card stores in terms of the gifts available to buy. They have all the usual cute teddies, keyrings and pens with your name on, and glasses and mugs emblazoned with 18, 21, 30 etc, however they do a really good range of board games, calendars, larger toys, decorative frames etc Alongside this, they have lots of goods in the mood of the current season, for example costumes, wigs, and masks etc at Halloween. Great addition to the De Courcy centre and definitely a good reaon to support local businesses!

Great wee local card shop situated in the De Courcy centre, they have a sister shop in the centre…read moreof Carrick which sells everything so I knew this would be a great shop. They have a vast range of cards and gifts for every occasion all at reasonable prices. Great to see local business moving into the centre, definitely worth a visit if you need a card, wrapping paper, gifts etc

Oh boy, oh boy…read more.. I'm one of these people who always wanted to be artistically creative. My mum can paint, sketch, knit, crochet, and all the rest of it, but unfortunately I didn't inherit her arty farty genes. Stick men and colour co-ordination is really the height of it for me. Well, at least my stick people will be well dressed... Thank goodness for Craftworld, a haven of every possible kind of art form known to man. To my delight, this includes those colourful beads which you place on a random plastic shape, cover with iron-proof paper, and iron. Cue excitement. I actually made one of these a number of years ago. A blue and red place mat in the shape of a star which sits on my desk. Craftworld appreciates the lesser forms of art. Happy days. If you're not one for fusing together beads (and let's face, apart from a five year old and myself, who really is?), do not fear. Everything from dolls houses to thread, from glitter to polystyrene shapes can be found in Craftworld. There's a lovely wee wedding section at the very back too. Lovely jubbly.

This place is unbeatable for everything craft, ribbons, buttons, wool..everything…read more I had the very frustrating experience of going here to pick up stuff everyday for two weeks before my wedding...men beware it may just dooo your head in unless your the president of your local sewing club. Prepare for a busy stuffy room with way too much choice!!!!

Located at the crossroads of Middle Road and Upper Woodburn Road, this is a decent sized little…read moregallery which offers a range of beautiful artwork from the local area. In addition they also offer a portrait framing service. They hold occasional 'receptions' throughout the year to showcase different works of art. There is a small car park outside which would allow for approximately 10 cars to park.

Great family run art supplies and framing shop. They specialise in bespoke framing stretcher bars…read moreand canvas stretching. You will fine many professional items here. The staff are friendly, helpful and knowledgeable.

Quilting is a popular pastime, as I discovered when I inquired about classes and workshops that are…read moreheld in this shop, to be told that there was only one place left at the moment. Quilters Quest is a glorious treasure trove of all things quilt related, with a vast, vibrant selection of printed patterned cotton fabric, all arranged in colour order to help you work out the scheme of patterning that you want to create and a further section of haberdashery supplies and other equipment for making quilts and patchwork, including threads, ribbons, braids, wadding material etc. Inspiration can also be derived from a selection of books about the subject. The owner of the shop is always busy, it seems, making quilts which are sold in the shop along with quilted bags and other items and clearly passionate about her chosen business about which she's delighted to inform you.

This is a wonderful shop that has amazing fabrics, haberdashery and general sewing equipment on…read moreoffer, but Quilters Quest also offers marvellous training courses and workshops on a variety of quilting and sewing techniques. I just bought a Sew Easy portable table from this shop and is it totally brilliant. The staff are so friendly and helpful and nothing is too much trouble for them to help the customer. The quilting classes are amazing to attend, and the tutor is one of Ireland's top quilters and teachers, whose vast knowledge in all types of quilting and sewing techniques cannot be missed for any beginner, novice, intermediate or advanced sewer. Is it any wonder that all the classes are nearly booked out prior to the start of every term, reserve your place immediately and don't delay - book today to save disappointment. I had initially to wait for my place and I am not giving it up that easy! Quilters Quest have a long arm quilting machine that finishes a quilt off to absolute perfection, Yvonne and Clare (mother and daughter team) are marvels at this technique.

I love visiting shops which sell arts and crafts. I especially love it when the artists are all…read morefrom the local area. This shop is displaying art made by people from the Ard's Peninsula and is run on a rota by the artists themselves. As you would imagine in a seaside town the art is very much themed around the sea and the local countryside. There were some beautiful earrings and necklaces made from local stones and shells which were very inexpensive indeed. There were also some beautiful drawings of the sea, boats and the marina. Lots of little pieces at decent prices. The lady who was on duty was really nice and she let me get on with it while she sat on the windowsill having a smoke and chatting to her neighbours - a very relaxed feeling and a truly unique little store!

Forget Me Not is a smallish stationary shop down Pottinger's Lane in Belfast city centre. I called…read morein recently to buy a 'Made By The Bride' stamp for my wedding invitations. I had been to another stationary shop and they had none left and I have to say my first impressions of Forget Me Not weren't great. I was a little lost browsing around for ideas and cards when I spotted an area where homemade cards were being displayed. I asked the owner if she had any tips for my wedding cards and she was quite hostile. I was only a little lost bride trying to make conversation and trying to get some ideas. I had just bought a stamper from another stationary shop and I asked her to recommend the best way to use it and was told I should go back to where I bought it and ask them! I later found out that she designs and makes wedding stationary and I guess she didn't want to give anything away for free. Anyway, I had to order in the stamp as she had none left and I had to pay full price up front. I don't want to rate the entire business on that one experience, as I'm sure it was just a flippant remark on her part. I just hope that maybe other brides who want to save a few pounds and are a bit stuck (as they, like me, will probably have never done that kind of thing before) experience a warmer reception.

A lovely shop tucked away, but still in the heart of the city centre, Plenty to spend your money on…read morewith my fav Tim Holtz products and some g45 paper worth checking out I found the staff very helpful

Visited the Craft Room today after lunch in the courtyard. The shop is up external staircase &…read morethrough doorway entrance to room on the right. Not a lot of space but lots to see, touch and handle. From knitwear to scarves, from wonderful photographs to magical robot lights everything is handmade by local artists. We bought some baby knitwear for a newborn great nephew, lovely little booties, mittens and bonnet to match in eggshell blue. William was very friendly and helpful and we will certainly return.