it's been a number of years since I came into Michael's and I was pleasantly surprised at how fully…read morestocked the shelves were given the climate for retailers these days. We were on the hunt for small glass jars for my daughter's beach-sand collection. Front of mind were those small glass jars that Klipp and seal. I can't remember the name of them. She had gotten them in the past for $1.50 to 2 dollars each. I'm guessing the tariffs have hit Michael's because they were up to nearly 4 dollars each. I can't blame Michael's. My discussed is aimed elsewhere. I would like retailers both online and brick and mortar to make a note of how much we are paying for tariffs. I think this would help prevent backlash against local shops. But I digress She found what she was looking for, and we started the self checkout process. Unsurprising, there were glitches at self check out. More proof that we need people The associate was so pleasant and informative and made the check out frustration plus not a minus.

We went in on a whim and to window shop…read more I finally found 12"X18"X3/8" closed cell foam, and not a huge roll that I'll never completely use. I've looked in several places and couldn't find it. I asked a young guy what I was looking for and gave him trade names as options. Instead of a blank stare he walked me over to the aisle. There it was. I should have gotten his name. It's for orthotics. It's an arts and crafts store and much more. Their picture framing department staff can recommend matting and frames that will compliment your photo or whatever you need mounted. I read some reviews. True, it's a large store and some items aren't marked with a price. But, they do have a large inventory and not everything is based on an industrial usage. There are what used to be called rainy day projects for children. Maybe they'll learn motor skills and knowledge that could be considered transfer of training later in life. Icing a cake and applying plaster use similar tools and skills.

Expensive, even with the sales. And good luck finding staff to help you find anything. Despite…read moreseveral ceiling signs, mostly, you are on your own. STAFFING is really lacking; the line was looooooooong. This is not the fault of local management. More likely a corporate management decision or strategy. Retail is a catch 22- long lines and higher prices drive people online to shop which results in a ghost town vibe in the store which leads to more online shopping. SUGGESTION TO HOBBY LOBBY: Host in store craft events and "kids craft camps" to rebuild your base.

Everything a good craft should have and more! This shop at the South Hills Plaza in Poughkeepsie,…read morewill brighten your day any day, any second- hell, any season. I love to up my decorating game from Fall to the Christmas holidays and purchase faux Fall leaves, stems to Norfolk pine garlands to decorate my home. Faux greenery aside, Hobby L. also has a Craft dep't, Fabric+Sewing, Baking supplies, Art items, candle holders, beads and more- which makes it a nice starting place to get some inspiration and tweak what you purchase with your own add-on flair. Since Hobby L. only carries faux greenery, I personally love adding real stems and flowers I purchase from a few florist shops to break down that artificial feel. Even if you're not into buying artificial anything, Hobby L. is a must-visit any time of the year for any of your crafts. Prices are fantastic. But the other big take-away for me is these folks carry more craft items and have more variety than Michael's & JOANN. No offense.

If you're looking for a spot where you can actually get your hands dirty and learn the art of…read morepottery, Studio 89 is it in Highland, NY. Plus it's more than just a pottery studio- it's a creative space where you can take classes, throw your own pieces on the wheel, glaze them and meet cool people. On top of that, they sell beautiful handmade pottery created right there in the studio, so every piece has its own story. This place was a whole vibe for me. Back when I worked nearby, I'd come here on my lunch break just to look around. The ladies working are super sweet and the owner even took me to the back and showed me where all the glazing magic happens. I scored a small, black handmade pitcher covered in little red lips all around and an incense holder.. The prices for both my pieces made me pause a bit- like $60+ for the pitcher and $30+ for the incense holder. I mean... you are paying for art, not something mass-produced. Every piece is one of a kind and you're not going to find the same thing anywhere else.

Amazing! They have such a cute space, and it'll be even better soon because they're moving to a…read morebigger studio. I did a few weeks of beginner pottery classes (wheel, hand building, and glaze) with Amy and Sarah. They are both so kind, patient, and knowledgeable! Such a great environment for people of all skill levels. I learned so much, they really let you take creative control of your projects and build something that you're gonna love. They also have a nice array of pre-made pieces for purchase at great prices if you're just looking to shop. 10/10!

In a time when we are surrounded by giant chain retailers and automated, fast fashion, places like…read moreBeetle and Fred are a true gem. I stumbled upon this shop after doing a little research looking for local yarn shops after moving to the Hudson Valley. I didn't know what to expect, because I've been to some small yarn shops that were not all that friendly or inviting. The shop is conveniently located right on Main Street, Beacon. It's a great area to talk a walk around, especially on the weekends (Farmer's and Flea Markets on Sundays!). Parking is ample, even on weekends. I've always been greeted warmly at Beetle and Fred. The staff is always so friendly and offer great advice and recommendations. I never really did much sewing before visiting, but the shop offers an amazing selection of top quality fabrics at fantastic price points. Can you get cheaper fabrics and yarn, etc? Sure, go to any giant chain retailer. But will it be of the same quality and design? With phenomenal service to back it up? Absolutely not. They also offer some noteworthy local classes and workshops - be sure to check their website for a schedule of upcoming events! Beetle and Fred is always a stop when I'm in the area - even if I walk out of there with nothing, it's always a pleasant visit. Whether you're interested in learning a new hobby, or a seasoned veteran, I would give them a 5/5. I would definitely recommend to both beginner and experienced fiber crafters alike.

Bettle and Fred is a small independent fabric, yarn, needlepoint sewing store serving and localized…read morein Beacon, NY. It is a very adorable shop for the crochet hobbyist, embroidery enthusiast, and avid seamstress dressmaker. Books are available for purchase, but I do not believe there are any beginner instructional step-by-step books with photos or sketchs. I believe the books available for purchase are theme, advanced stitches or how to make hats, scarfs, and gloves possibly for profit as personal gain. There are also a small amount of embroidery tools of thread and including small 4 inch wooden circular embroidery hoop. Oh! In my youth I embroidery as a amateur craft which was a very laborious task, ergo I abandon the craft. I have the large 14 inch circular wooden embroidery hoop from the former F. W. Woolworth Company. There is a small selection of ribbon velvet, grosgrain, organza but I was seeking double-sided satin ribbon of .25 inch. There is a small selection of buttons. I believe classes are available in the rear of the shop. It is here at Beetle and Fred my party of six were greeted for good customer service. We entered on a whim freely roamed and browsed for brisk walking in continuation of our Hudson Valley region one day excursion. Hone your craft well!

FYI - She has now has pop-up stores and was recently in the Academy in Poughkeepsie for holiday…read moreshopping. Follow her on her FB page and insta accounts to know where she'll be next. My holiday shopping this year was, as always, made easier by going to Olover & Chatfield. I found a variety of unique gifts, and since she was partnering with Cream, I also was able to buy a couple of cute sweaters for my nieces. I believe in supporting small and independent businesses. Let's be sure we're doing this as a community!

They listed the wrong location and I spent an hour trying to find them to discover they moved…read morelocations and never bothered updating

Adorable store!! Great selection, super sweet workers, and very fair prices! I would totally come…read moreback and recommend it to anyone looking for fun yarn in the area

The staff is so helpful and pleasant. So many great yarns and colors. Chiagoo needles and…read moreaccessories. Love being able to get different size cables or additional needle tips. Great instructional classes as well. Recently took the Elizabeth Zimmerman Surprise Jacket class. It was like knitting origami but in the end it was fabulous.

They have everything you will need and then some for your classes all the way to early…read moremiddle-school.

I had to comment on my experience at this Lakeshore location. I spent over two hours shopping,…read moreasking questions, and laminating in this store. I have never experienced any sales associate with as much patience as A.K. and Jackie. I visited the store twice within two weeks of traveling from CT. There were products I could not find and there was Jackie. I had trouble with the laminator and messed up a bunch of my material, at no fault to the machine or associates, but here was A.K. to my rescue. With such grace, A.K. took over 20 minutes to remove laminating plastic from my items so that I could laminate them again. There are several choices teachers can choose to shop. My number only choice is at this Lakeshore location in Scarsdale, NY.

We had such a great time TWICE with kraftylabs. My friend and I first went to the soapmaking class…read moreat Westwood through Groupon. We had so much fun making soaps there that we decided to take on the terrarium making class. That was awesome since we were able to make it as a private event at a bar in Hoboken for my birthday. Totally recommend organizing this for anyone's special day/holiday party/family event. Heard there will be a candle making option as well, and we can't wait to take it!!

I wasn't sure what to expect when I first got to the lab, but pretty soon, Boris had gotten me…read moretotally immersed in the art of making soap. There were numerous soap molds to choose from. Then there were the decisions on the color schemes for the bar of soap and the choices of fragrance. It was so much fun! The best part was when the soap bars have set, and they were unveiled from the mold. The soap bars all came out so beautifully. This is a fun activity for both young and old. I plan on coming back with girlfriends and making it a girls-night-out. Highly recommended.

My daughter has a necklace with sentimental value which was falling apart. We visited Beads and…read moreMore to try to purchase pieces to fix it but got so much more. Sharon, the owner, spent time brainstorming different repair options with my daughter and showing her different products which could help. She recommended a youtube video which would further assit my daughter in making the repairs. In addition to Sharon's obvious expertise in all things jewelry-related she was patient and pleasant. The service we received at Beads and More was exceptional.

From the owner: Beads & More is Connecticut's best bead store, We specialize in high end beads, findings and…read morejewelry making supplies. We also hold classes for beginners and accomplished artisans and have finished jewelry, gifts and so much more.

I can't believe there isn't a single review for this place. I came upon it by accident - because…read morethe street the gift shop I wanted to go get my wedding anniversary gift is closed. This amazing store has a good selection of very cool gifts to others (and SELF!), many made by local artists. Ranging from jewelry, clothes, towels, china, etc. reasonably priced as well. Definitely a great place to stop at, even if you are just window shopping...

I love this store! It's full of a wide range of unique items made by local artists, many of whom…read morework at the store. Jewelry, clothing, purses, notecards, wood cheeseboards, etc. My birthday is coming up, so may get something special from there soon!! :)