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

There's a new kid in the Belfast Market Game and that new kids name is Fine & Dandy. This name…read morecouldn't be more apt for a market supports local creative talent. Set up every Sunday in the Crescent Arts Centre Fine & Dandy has a wide variety of stalls. There's everything form collage crafts to fine chutneys and jams. Although this market doesn't have the reputation or scale of St Georges Market it does have a certain charm. Every stall is manned by a passionate creative who will take time to tell you the story behind their goods and give you an insight in to how their product came from conception to reality. If you're interested in local art and crafts them I would highly recommend heading down to Fine & Dandy Market as soon as possible. There's not only arts and crafts on sale, there is also baked goodness in the form of scones and other hot food and you can grab a coffee to help perk you up on a Sunday morning. I have the feeling that this wee market is really going to take off so it's better to ride the crest of the wave and visit now while you can still navigate your way through the stalls. This is a monthly market so pop a reminder in your calendar - you don't want to miss out!

Good market. Nice mix of food and crafts. High quality of…read moreproduce. If I was to be picky the only thing really is that none of the stall holders spoke to me. Great smells of the food. Good that it's free to go to. Also good place to have the market as there is lots of passing trade. It's a great idea to have the barber guys there to do hair.

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.

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!

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.

Really nice art store with a wide selection of items. Unfortunately, I was only searching for a new…read morejournal, but the journal selection was also quite extensive. 3-4 racks. Massive collection of Leuchtturms and Moleskins if that's what you're into. Would recommend. I grabbed one for a friend from a brand I didn't immediately recognize in a niche color. Staff seemed quite friendly additionally.

Absolutely delighted with my Bradbury Art Store delivery; was able to order over the phone and my…read moreWinsor & Newton art supplies were delivered to me the next working day. Canvas and oil paints - looking forward to using them. Excellent quick service, very helpful staff and great selection of quality art materials. This will help me carry on painting during the Coronavirus lockdown - thank you Bradbury Art, much appreciated.

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.

I never knew Bath House existed until introduced to it by Belfast Art Tours (Bus and Walking Tours)…read moreon 03/08/17. Located behind Templemore Swimming Baths, having previously been home to the swimming pool caretaker, the building has now been commandeered by a group of local Artists who run it as an exhibition space. Because it's a small, red-brick house it manages to feel warm and inviting whilst showcasing contemporary, dynamic work. This welcoming vibe's a huge bonus as so many art spaces can feel cold and unwelcoming. I absolutely loved community organisation, Infinity Farm's bee garden - designed specifically to attract and nourish bees. This was perfectly complemented by Diving Station, an audio-installation by Colm Clarke. All of this was on display in a small outside courtyard area. Inside Bath House there was an exhibition of intriguing black and white geometric drawings by Gary Shaw. I also enjoyed the fact that the Artists were there in person to give a brief talk about their art, its meaning and inspiration. Templemore Swimming Bath is still a fully functioning swimming pool in which Bath House hold art events such as poolside watercolour classes, complete with catering by local Chefs! Probably one of my favourite art spaces in Belfast.

The Wicker Man is a lovely traditional gift shop on Belfast's busy High Street. The company was…read moreestablished in 1994 in the hope of promoting local businesses and selling local art work. Nowadays the store sells work from artists in Ireland both North and South. They sell some intriguing items including beautiful Beleek pottery, some gorgeous Celtic jewellery, as well as work by some enterprising local artists. You can find work by Carrick artist Thomas Joseph, Belfast artist Gary Anderson as well as the exceptionally popular Anna Nielsen prints. The jewellery sold here is really gorgeous, it's very well made and you should try here if you're interested in buying the likes of a claddagh ring or a Celtic knot brooch. The stock is in no way limited to the usual array of touristy nick nacks, even I shop here if I'm after a particular work of art. But for those visiting the Emerald Isle you can choose from a huge range of typical Irish souveneirs. For something different they also have some beautiful picture frames and clocks. If you've never been here before and are a fan of our great wee country then you should definitely not miss it. The staff will greet you with a warm welcome and make you feel more than comfortable. Great shop, great stock, great prices, great people!

We finally found yarn in Belfast! In the heart of the city we were lucky enough to pop in out of…read morethe rain and get dessert and coffee at College Street Cafe! Don't miss it! The walk on over to Wicker Man for some beautiful boucle yarn!! We all grabbed a few balls!!