For the creative minds out there, head to Green Lane where you'll find the perfect place for you…read more It's a big, green craft palace called Craftys. Whatever your talent or hobby I'm sure that you're every requirement can be met here; Craftys stock allsorts from card making to flower arranging. There are two sections within the shop, the main being crammed with stickers, decoupage sheets, ribbon, and beads to name a few. Towards the back there is a room dedicated to paper and card, shelves stretching from floor to ceiling, neatly displaying all different types and colours. We've bought the paper for our wedding stationary from here, so I should know. We've also bought some of their decoupage sheets for my Fiancée's card making Nan and not only did she love them but they also look great on her cards. The staffs are friendly and are more than happy to help you in any way they can. It's definitely worth a visit.

If you are into Arts & Crafts this is the place for you. From top to bottom this store is crammed…read morefull of goodies. Believe me if they haven't got it then it possibly isn't available and they have some great bargains. They have an on line store if you are to far away but try to visit as the fun is in touching. A brilliant shop and great staff too!!

fantastic find, quirky, full of genuinely hand crafted products, an artisans collective. The staff…read morewere helpful & friendly. Lots of choice, I found unique gifts a plenty. The building was very interesting too. well worth a look.

Readily identifiable via the kitsch 'caravan painted to look like a cottage' parked outside, this…read moreis an old power house, converted to act as a showcase for the local creative community. As such, it's admirably egalitarian; but of course, the standard and quality of the work on display is understandably 'variable'. It's always worth having a look around though. Some of the handicrafts are excellent (unless you share my aversion to carved wooden toadstools) and undeniably cheap in price, whereas some of the paintings and photos are unrealistically a bit on the high-side. Note: people don't mind paying for things they can use or wear, because they can readily gauge a value for themselves; but seemingly will only pay for 'art' if there's a name or reputation attached. The market itself is pleasant, well-lit, and warm. It's a good place to be in. There's also no obligation or pressure to buy, so don't be afraid to wander in and have a look around.

This shop is definitely worth a visit. Located in the Royal Exchange Theatre it really is a hidden…read moregem for unusual gifts from local artisans and includes jewellery, ceramics, contemporary glass, wood, metal and textiles and cards. It's been here since 1981, that's almost 30 years of trading, they must be doing something right! Everything looks so stunning and delicate in here that I almost tiptoe around the showroom. The glass cabinet filled with jewellery is probably my favourite section and the main draw of the shop. You can find some remarkably reasonable items from designers like Cloversoul and Kate Hodgson in oxidised silver, some of the nicest designs I've seen for months. You MUST give this shop a visit.

The Craft Shop in the Royal Exchange is often mentioned as an aside to the theatre but I think it's…read moreworthy of a mention in its own right. Trading since 1981, the shop has a reputation for attracting the best design talent from across the UK, including new and emerging makers as well as established names. Disciplines range from ceramics, glass and wood to jewellery, textiles and art. Prices vary and the shop runs the 'Own Art' interest-free loan scheme for purchase between £100 and £2,000. A rolling exhibition programme is in operation and artists' work is displayed in glass cases around the theatre, under a chosen theme. The Craft Shop is definitely worth a visit, whether you're browsing before a play or out shopping in Manchester.

I didn't expect this tobe so sprawling!!!…read more Good gosh! I have been to the Manchester number, that has the same glorious big wire bins of fabric perweight. You need time and patience, and it is a bit of a hobby shop with much of the printed cotton and the like, but the are some treats if you dig. Excellent haberdashery, coffee shop on site, decent parking, little barns of yarn and wool, it's impressive to say the least. The main reason I am giving them five stars is because of the sheer excellence of their customer service. I called around several places trying to track down a rush stock of crin/horsehair braid. I rang stoke first, who I know used to stock the stuff, and they directed me to here, I chatted, they checked, they had, and reserved the stuff for me, knowing that I was still ringing round as emergency wedding dress help, they offered rushed posting, all sorts, but with me needing it same day it resulted in a sunny Saturday drive. They recognised my voice from the phone, were kind, cheerful and helpful, absolutely lovely ladies, and meant that one of my best friends could finish her beautiful wedding dress.

This place was a delightful little treasure trove to fuel the creative soul. From wool to fabrics,…read moreand a wide variety of crafting materials, you could probably find anything you desired here amongst the array of small barn like buildings. It's nicely laid out, with plenty of spaces to explore, and also has a really lovely cafe serving great food. I enjoyed a hot pork and stuffing bap, and then took home a giant scone with cream for later. They do a wide selection of hot and cold food and of course, home baked cakes. All very reasonably priced. So, if you're a crafter, it's definitely a great place to visit, find stock, and enjoy tea and cake too!