The art materials store is close to Drexel University. There are lots of art materials to choose. I…read morealways come here twice a month.

I'm giving this 5-stars purely for the service. The people here are all good-natured, from the…read morestore manager to the cashier workers. Whenever I go with a huge list of supplies for my fine arts classes at Penn, usually with items that I've never heard of or don't know the difference between, the store manager has always been willing to walk through the aisles with me and go down the list helping me find items. He'll even tell me which ones are "best priced", which I think is so kind and helpful. I'm pretty sure they have lots of experience with students coming through to buy boatloads of supplies, so he can feel out what level of quality and price is most worth it. The cashier people are very friendly, very familiar. You feel like they're fellow artists just like you and everyone does their best to make sure you have the best supplies for your projects without trying to hustle money out of you by taking advantage of any lack of knowledge you might have. It's a lovely experience! Blick does tend to have more selection, but there's plenty to roam around in this store, and I never feel like I don't have more to choose from than I could ever really fathom at once.

Loop yarns have amazing selections of yarns! Gorgeous colors, textures and patterns. On occasion I…read morehave required assistance and their customer support is amazing as well! Check them Out and see for yourself!

So sad to report that this store did not give the warm fuzzies I had hoped for a yarn store. No…read moregreeted us when we came in (3 of us!) and for the 10+ minutes we spent looking at all the yarn no one asked what we were looking for or if they could help us find something. Also it was not busy - there were no other customers. If you want me to buy beautiful but expensive yarn, I would like to give my money to people I like.

Located beside the Penn Bookstore, it's a smaller version of a Hallmark. Sells a bit of candy, some…read morepackage cards, and the default Valentine's or romantic holiday materials. Useful to pick up a card or funny card for friends, but almost overshadowed by the bookstore's selection.

Messages is a great place to pick up stationary, cards or just little knick-knacks. They also have…read morea pretty decent selection of Vera Bradley bags, if you are a fan of her bags. This is a good place to pick up a nice card for that loved one whose birthday you forgot, or to grab a quick present.

I took a beading class with Sippin' and Stitchin' and it was so much fun! Lea is a great instructor…read more- patient, encouraging, and able to explain everything in a clear and easy to follow way so that her classes are completely beginner friendly. You get everything you need to complete the project, as well as lifetime access to a great instructional video you can review later at home if you're finishing up the project outside class and need a refresher on what you learned. In addition to beading, she offers several embroidery classes, and I can't wait to take another class!

I attended a Sippin & Stitchin class years ago and it has been amazing to watch this small woman…read moreowned business grow and flourish from a side hustle into a multi city operation. Lea creates awesome designs that are accessible and simple but super cute, and encourages everyone no matter what their level of talent is. Her classes are fun, chill, and a great way to learn a new skill.

A great spot for cute & locally created/produced gifts! They also have a rewards program which is…read moreuseful being that prices for locally made goods & products are understandably higher. I've purchased plenty of cards here, some of them are hilarious! Service is kind and helpful.

If emojis were an appropriate form of review - I would give VIX all the heart-eyed emojis in the…read moreworld. I love this place dearly, and am so happy it's such a fixture in my neighborhood. VIX is my go-to for all of my greeting cards. For the same price point as a standard Hallmark greeting card, VIX allows me to support independent, local artists who produce cards that are much more unique and of a higher quality. I also loooove the jewelry display case that's filled with beautiful hand-crafted necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. There are so many options for gifts - it's the perfect place to shop for the holidays, birthdays, or "just because." Extra bonus - free gift wrapping!

Happy DIY is the perfect place for a girls day activity. My bestie and I stop by and made the…read morecutest phone cases. It was a little crowded on a Saturday afternoon but not really an issue once you're sitting down and crafting. Overall super fun and I highly recommend. All the charms are SO CUTE.

I've been here a few times now and I think it's a great activity for all ages! It is a bit pricy,…read moreso I recommend coming with friends so you can all get different glue colors and share instead of having to pay for more tubes. They also have a ton of items to choose from, mirrors, phone cases, pop-sockets, jewelry cases, etc. Once you pick an item the staff will explain how to use the glue and the piping tools. They have never made me feel rushed to finish or told me I had to many charms. The staff here is really great and can help you if you feel intimidated by the craft. They also have a selection of blind boxes and toys (which are honestly overpriced, hop over to You&Me for blind boxes, they sell them only a dollar above cost). Lat thing, make a reservation if you can! They don't have a ton of space and will turn people away if they run out.

This shop opened around 1997 when I still lived in the neighborhood. I've bought countless gifts…read morehere over the years. These are usually locally sourced from artists. Jewelry, glass, vases, ornaments and more. Fairly priced and a knowledgeable owner.

This has got to be one of, if not the coolest and most unique gift stores around! This place is…read morealso known for their Christmas window and entire store display as the store owners (long time gay couple) go all out with hanging decorations literally everywhere! They literally have thousands of different ornaments in all different kind of shapes and sizes! Also, a big attraction at that time of year would be the famous Merman and what they look like this year lol

Stopped into today as a newbie for the first time purchasing thread and accessories. I am so sorry,…read moreI forget the name of the employee who helped me, her name began with an A, Alyssa? Abby? She was so kind, patient and helpful getting me prepared for my first project. Thoughtfully helping me choose colors and various things I needed. The shop is beautiful and I couldn't believe how large it was! There is absolutely something for everyone.

If I could give thus stor 10/5 stars - I WOULD! These ladies were so incredibly helpful- sweet and…read moreintelligent about their craft!! I'm completely new to this craft and I left confident, and excited to begin. They helped me get my FIRST canvas, and even helped me mount it to the stretch bars, literally so helpful! GO HERE, genuinely can't speak higher on this!

This is an amazing place to learn a new craft! The studio space is comfortable and inviting, and…read moreconveniently located (good luck if you're driving tho, but check out the rite aid for "free" parking). I've taken two classes there now, sewing 101 and quilting. Taught by different instructors, both so excellent at de-coding patterns and supporting you each step of the way! Extra shout out to Emily reaching quilting 101, who goes above and beyond to make sure that 6-9pm is still a productive learning time, assigning easy homework we can do independently, and literally offering to lend me a sewing machine for home because I'm so behind. I look forward to taking more of their classes! From bras to jackets, they have weeks-long series as well as one days.

I have had my grandmother's sewing machine sitting at my house for the past 7 years collecting…read moredust. I decided this was the year I was going to learn how to use it and I signed up for sewing 101. I take a Saturday morning class with Lara and I cannot say enough good things. They make it so easy to follow along, answer every question (even when you ask the same thing 3 different times) are so patient! I was even able to bring in my Grandmother's machine and Lara helped me get it set up and recommended a few pieces and tweaks. I can't wait to continue my sowing journey at Butcher's Sew Shop and am excited for what I make nex!

Neighborhood Potters really is the best! This studio first off is a great local gift store, where…read moreyou can purchase incredible pieces of pottery that make thoughtful and beautiful gifts for any occasion (including jewelry!), but on top of that, the studio also offers adult and children pottery courses. The spring adult courses are running right now for 6 weeks (for $255) or 10 weeks (for $415). We went for the winter session this past season and it was the most incredible experience. We took our lessons with Adam, and he is an absolute gem; incredibly funny, extremely personable, and just an all around all-star instructor. He was very clear in his instruction, very to the point and supportive of whatever work or piece you were doing. He was great at helping you achieve what you envisioned and was able to give great instruction and suggestions without limiting your creativity. The course fee covers the instruction of course, but also they provide all for you: tools, clay, glazes, whatever you'll need to make your pieces. You have the option to do hand-building, which we did and what the studio recommends for beginners, or you can also learn to throw on their wheels. Next time we may try our hand at throwing, but the hand-building was also an incredible experience. We've been using our pieces and keep marveling that we were able to make them! We looked so forward to classes every week, they were just so much fun and very relaxing - a really amazing hobby to get into, and something we for sure will be back to do in the future. The photo attached are some of the pieces we made - the glazes the studio has are really gorgeous, and we're amazed they came out this nice for us first-timers! If you're not able to commit to a full class, they also offer one-off "meet and make" sessions at the studio for $55. We'd highly recommend you stop by the studio to purchase pieces, browse, or take a class. Or even just chat up the owners if they're there, they are incredible; so friendly and helpful and really living up to the idea of your local friendly neighborhood potters :)

I love this place! And you will too!…read more Sandi and Neil are great at what they do. They have encouraged me through two 6-week courses to put my own twist on an ancient art form. I have learned that from beginner to novice everyone is treated with respect and it's a creative therapy many people could benefit from. Course fees include all required materials, firing and glazing your very own creations. They have kilns on site, and several wheels if you're looking to try your hand at them. Check out their website for upcoming classes. I know I plan on taking more.