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!!!!

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

As a lady who likes to paint I have in the last year or so been hoofing it all the way into Belfast…read morecity center to buy my paints, brushes and cleaners - I needn't have bothered as there is a really decent art store right in the middle of Holywood. I have driven past a few times and mistaken this shop for a home decoration or wall paper place it was only after a coffee in the amazing Yard Gallery across the street that I decided to take a closer look. They stock a really great range of canvas sizes, oil and water colours, in fact they have a really great collection of everything you could need. I was after outlining lead for painting on glass and they had run out but the really helpful girl behind the desk offered to order it in for me. Throughout the shop you can also find paintings by local artists which are framed and ready to be sold. This is one of the only shops I have seen that stocks Decopatch - a thin tissue paper like product that can be applied to surfaces to cover or decorate them - the patterns are really cool and there is a huge cow in the shop fully decorated showing you the effect that can be achieved with the paper. I would have browsed for longer but there was a really loud man and really loud kids in the place so I left - I'm a grumpy old hag sometimes!

From the owner: Art & Home is a two storey Art Store, Gallery and bespoke in-house framing service. Established in…read more1978, Art & Home is accredited by the Fine Art Trade Guild and is a founder member of the Brititsh Institute of Frame Makers. Our Art Department, is an Aladdin's Cave, packed with topb branded art materials for professional and hobby artists. We supply Michael Harding, Winsor & Newton, Daler Rowney, Schmincke, Sennelier, Unison, Golden, Liquitex and much much more.

This Paperchase is an outlet within House Of Fraser. It's small but they seem to squeeze in a lot…read moreof products in to a small space. This store sells gifts, stationery and cards. It's kind of a girly Store with loads of photo books and bits and bobs you don't actually need. We went in to try and find a gift box and there was a whole world of possibilities. I couldn't believe there were so many options. The lady working behind the counter was really helpful and she even made a few recommendations. I'd recommend having a look if you're in Victoria Square.

So, I might has a slight obsession with stationery. So this place is right up my street, full of…read morebright shiny things. Which attracts a magpie like myself. The do a lot of quirky pieces as well a large range of cards and wrapping paper, art supplies and handmade paper. The handmade papers look great when used it a frame. A review and a tip in one. Who's that for multitasking.

The Original Factory Shop is a bit of a jack of all trades. I'm not 100% about what the concept is…read moreof this shop - could be that all their products are straight from the factory? All I know is if you're looking for a random bargain you should have a peek in here. Last week I went in to see if I could get a white board (for planning purposes) and I left the shop with a smoothie machine, a bath mat, a new toothbrush and 4 mugs. That strange selection of items sums up The Original Factory Shop. You can get things you want but don't need - maybe that should be their strapline? They do have the shop neatly set out in to categories though. There's hardware, household, clothing and kids sections but what you can get in each section will very much depend on when you visit. This particular branch is always busy as it appeals to the Holywood demographic. The staff has always been great in here, there's often a queue at the checkout but they try and get through everyone as quickly as possible whilst reaming courteous. This is a chain although it feels like an independent shop.

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.

Took my two wee girls to the newly located Dock Market-the Odyssey Pavillion!! Great stalls and…read morestands, plenty of room and a free train for the kids-great location.

From the owner: The only rule for trading at Dock Market is: "If you make it, you can sell it". There's nothing…read moremass-produced - just the craftsmanship, cooking and creativity of Belfast locals at their best

This place is kids heaven! It's full of glitter, Plasticine, pains, cards and everything for making…read more big big mess. The stuff in here is perfect for stocking up on great gifts for birthday presents or Christmas! And they also have a whole range of costumes and toys in here too. If you come n here with a child be prepared for a long stretch as the store is jam packed and kids just love it! It's pretty cheap too which is always good as people do tend to rip the arse out of kids shops as they know tantrums could result in a child not getting what they want and parents looking for the easy life begrudgingly giving in. Ahh, the joys of what I have to look forward to.

I like shops like this. I think the kid in me is just attracted to glitter!…read more I'm also a big fan of hand-making cards for friends and family, so I do spend a good bit of time in shops like Art & Hobby, agonising over which thickness of card to get (seriously. I've been known to have to leave the shop to have a think before I buy!). The Art & Hobby shop is in a great location, probably the best location of all the crafty shops in town, so I end up going in simply because I'm passing it. It's not my favourite though. I find it a little more expensive than its rivals and it is a lot more focused on kids toys and crafts, which can make it hard when you want to make a card for someone over the age of 5!

Love this place…read more You need to have membership to use the scrap store that has left overs from factories etc. They have weird things that are awesome. From card,lids,chairs,car seats,paint etc. Although anyone can come in and buy stuff in the art store. They also run courses and workshops in their facility upstairs. Staff are nice.

Play Resource is amazing. If you work with any age group, craft, art, gardening, play , anything ,…read moreyou will find stuff to work with. The staff are lovely , friendly and helpful. The courses are fabulous and give you good ideas to make and create, and the creative pathway funding opportunity is a good way to give groups a helping hand to do cool projects. Get a membership and go there its well worth it. Also the shop is great. Reasonable prices, good selection and the best bit, there is always stuff made that you can see and take inspiration from. :)

Tucked in neatly behind Marks and Spencer on Callender Street is the charming Sew 'n' Sew. I had…read morenever noticed this wee haberdashery before today and the only reason I went inside is because my mum is a keen knitter and she mentioned that she needed some new knitting needles. Being a knitting novice myself I didn't know just how many accessories there were! Sew 'n' Sew seems to have it all. Every nook and cranny is filled with some material, buttons, ribbons, wool and needles. I ventured in at around 10 am and to my surprise there were 6 customers perusing the isles. Perhaps I am being naïve about just how popular knitting and crafts are but I was shocked. I was able to find a circular knitting pin (as requested by mother dearest) without too much trouble and I'd say that if you are in to haberdashery then this is your go to shop. There were a few bargains too, including buttons for 5p each - so if you popped a button off your favourite blazer or the excess eating at Christmas caused your winter coat to explode you might just find a replacement button here by having a hoke through the tubs at Sew 'n' Sew! The two girls working there were chatting to some other shoppers and seemed to be really helpful - all in all I found this wee shop extremely endearing and I got what I was looking for so I walked out with a smile on my face.

Not the friendliest place, not wheelchair accessible and not well organized. I visited once a few…read moremonths ago and that was enough. I pass by it a lot because I'm often in the city centre but there's Eason and craftworld if I feel like browsing for wool, both accessible, clean and friendly.