Moleskines were once my guilty little pleasure: I would buy them just to fill them with random…read morescribblings, doodles and notes, then buy a new one and start all over again... Just because of the love of scribbling on paper. I've grown out of that a little now, entering the electronic age and all that, but still have a youthful lusting after lovely new paper and pens. When the mood strikes me, I browse through Pen and Paper to regain that part of my life, and it always puts a smile on my face. If you aren't quite as obsessed with some stationary as I am, this probably won't register, but Pen to Paper does sell some of the nicest stationary around. Moleskines, real paper, various lovely pens and pencils (proper writing utensils, mind, not biros or something), that sort of thing: an artist's paper shop, in effect. I love the idea of being able to buy bits of paper and write on them, but then this is all such nice, expensive paper... Now, I'm indebted to the electronic age now. I'm happy to be the guy how types everything these days, or makes notes on his Blackberry over buying new notebooks every couple of weeks. Still, it is nostalgic to breeze through Pen to Paper's lovely products: if you were ever a wistful poet upon the heath, this is definitely for you!

In the digital age where most people communicate through text and email, its comforting to find a…read morestore that's with-holding the tradition of writing and sending letters by hand. As the name suggests, Pen to Paper is a cosy store that sells beautiful stationary, tissue-lined envelopes, greetings cards, fountain pens and boxes of ink. It also stocks exquisite Japanese papers, address books, journals and a wide selection of lovely, pocket-size notebooks and sketch pads.

Wickle has two stores in Lewes, one on the High Street, and one in the Needlemakers. Their store…read morein the Needlemakers sells menswear, but in spite of that it's probably my favourite of the two because some of the clothes are pretty cool. Amongst other things they sell flat caps, fedoras, beautiful butter soft brown leather journals and coin purses (£21.20). They also sell boys-y things like old fashioned mess tins and constructable cardboard dinosaurs. There is some cross over of stock from the high street store, for example with their own brand scents (£29.50) which come very tastefully packaged in plain glass bottles, save for a coloured button denoting which of their four scents is inside. They also sell interesting old fashioned notebooks at both stores. The high street store is larger, and has a café at the back, although it is also more twee. It stocks women's and children's clothes and accessories aimed at the mummies of Lewes. Saying that they do have some lovely things, and the cakes are very tasty. They certainly don't go in for the minimalism of other nearby shops like Flint and Adamczewski, and as a result it's a good place to go for a rummage if you are gift shopping.

Wickle is the best store in Lewes and I wish they had one Brighton. They have so much lovely stuff…read morethat it's all a little crammed in but it looks great in an abundant sort of way. As you go in they have fantastic wool blankets, jewellery, perfume, hats and scarves. Then they have two or three rails of fabulous women's clothes-all from ethical brands, all reasonable prices and all that great style on the go, chic comfort look that I love. Then you hit toys and kitchenalia- cake stands, milk jugs, wooden letters to decorate, soft toys and kid's clothes. Finally, at the back a big finale of white wooden tables-a cafe! Genius.

This is a small but well-run greeting card and photographic processing shop in Seven Dials,…read moreopposite the 'Good Companions' pub. They have a very good range of cards, including gently humorous ones I have not seen elsewhere, and plenty of those in which you can write your own message. I've never left empty-handed (and I'm quite picky when it comes to birthday cards). They also have a small range of stationery and post-cards. I've not used the photographic services here, but the staff always strike me as very pleasant.

Digital photography means the photo developing side of this business must surely be fairly…read moreredundant these days, but I'm sure they'll survive with the brilliant range of stationery and greetings cards they have here. It's really hard sometimes to find decent cards - they're either soppy pastels or bad jokes, but the range here covers all bases. They have lots of colourful cards with decent pictures, and some humour cards which are actually funny. Also plenty of other useful party stuff such as balloons and streamers, and a small range of standard stationery items. Staff always seem smiley and friendly

Clinton cards has a wide range of cards suitable for all occasions. They also stock teddies,…read morecalenders money boxes and a few other similar bits. I've always found what i've needed whenever i've visited, although I sometimes find there is too much choice and spend ages deciding! Prices are reasonable and on a par with other well known card shops with good quality cards etc. Staff are quiet and unobtrusive unless you ask for help, in which case they'll advise you accordingly. Parking available in the Arndale Centre car park at a cost.

This shop is in the Arndale Centre so you have to pay to park, they have a wide variety of…read moredifferent cards for any occasion you can imagine, mugs, key rngs, teddies, calendars, and gifts available. You really can find something for everyone here.

Tash tori is brilliant. Towns like Lewes so often have cutesy little shops to buy crafting items…read morewhich are overpriced, precious, and usually have one quite rude woman who just wants your cash/ you to leave. Tash tori isn't like any if those places. For a small shop it has almost everything a crafter might need in small amounts. If you ask any of the staff for suggestions about some weird project you're working on, from making a card, to colouring the face of a puppet, they'll come up with very helpful suggestions, and you can tell straight away that they aren't offering you the highest priced option for the sake of it. It's the best arts and crafts shop I've found outside of America, and certainly one of the best in the Sussex area.

This arts and crafts shop on Station Road seems to be fairly well equipped in terms of art…read morematerials; they sell various different types of paints, pastels and coloured pencils, etc. In terms of craft materials, the focus seems to be on smaller craft items, such as foam shapes or coloured beads to be used in card making. They stock a few balls of wool, some coloured papers and cards, stickers, and so on. It doesn't appear to be terribly expensive, and they also hold some events/classes there; there was a poster in the window advertising an upcoming card making demonstration.

Owned by two curators, The Studio Shop is a cute neighbourhood store that supports and promotes…read morelocal artists and crafts folk. It's so small if you did a cart-wheel you'd probably knock something over. And yet, they manage to stock a lovely array of original ceramics, vases, jewellery, scarves, prints, stationary, plants, lampshades and a few small pieces of furniture. The stock changes frequently and the owners pride themselves on finding unique and distinctive designs you can't find anywhere else. Personally, I love the distressed picture frames and the ceramic milk cartons. The thing I can't get out of my mind though, is the mugs with ceramic toy animals and cars as handles.

There are a lot of lovely homewares shops in Brighton, many with a shabby chic, craft feel- which I…read morehappen to love- and The Studio Shop fits into that category. The Studio Shop stands out of the crowd though- mostly I think because of the lovely colours they introduce into their style through some amazing fabrics, stunning silk cushions with abstract patterns, fantastic painted reclaimed wooden frames. The two owners- who are really relaxed and full of good ideas- have a real sense for textures and have picked up some great wallpapers, cards, and art that play with textiles, texture and colour. The prices range from very inexpensive for small pieces to much more for the art. Love the green front as well.

Only found this shop due to Past Times closing and it is nearby. Knockout perfumes and aromas exude…read morefrom the door as you pass by, which leads to you to have a perusal. Well worth it too, for their are some bargains to be had, especially in todays economic climate!! Made up baskets and bags of all sorts of goodies to be had at reduced prices. I use these smellies in my garage and shed! but fun.

This shop is now the 'Yankee Candle Shop'. It has a huge range of Yankee Candles and all the…read moreaccessories such as tart holders, votive holders etc. If anyone hasn't tried Yankee candles before I highly recommend them. The scent (of most) of the candles is gorgeous and lasts for a very long time. I have had one of their big candles and burnt it regularly for hours at a time and it has lasted for at least 8 months. The shop has a 'scent of the month' and this is always at a 25% discount. If you belong to their loyalty scheme you get invited to events at the shop. Although the candles seem initially expensive they are good value for money as they last such a long time.

Situated in a busy parade and area of shops this well stocked store offers you just about…read moreeverything you require in the stationery line. A reliable stockist of Collins products, which I use They are agents for Staples, Webster Pens, and other art material suppliers Particularly, they have an excellent range of cards for variuos occasions, and at fair prices. Parking can be a bit hectic but there is small car park behind Iceland on the South side, but don't go over TWO hours.