Wandering around Cowling and Wilcox makes me long to be an arty type, someone with some real…read morecreativity that could put all these chalks and canvases to goo use. Unfortunately I never got much further than the Blue Peter school of glitter glue so a lot of the stock in this shop goes a bit over my head. Sticking to what I can understand, Cowling and Wilcox has a really nice card and gift selection with a bit more personality than anything you'll find in Clinton's. The writing sets are particularly stylish although they can be quite expensive. Similarly, they have a great selection of Moleskin diaries and books but these can cost anything upwards of £15. On the other hand they have a great selection of arty presents for kids which all seem very reasonably priced and a lot of fun too for that matter! I defy anyone to be too old for face-paints. Cowling and Wilcox is a lovely shop which is well worth a look around if you're in need of anything a bit arty or looking for a more personal present for that difficult someone.

I could spend hours in art shops. I always end up spending a fortune. It is just something about…read morenew paper and sketch books and paints. Mindlessly wandering through the store, picking up colourful bottles and textured paper. The mind can run wild with new ideas. Cowling and Wilcox is a huge store situated on Shoreditch High Street. They have everything from portfolios, to canvas, paints, spray paint, paper, printer ink cartridges and much more. A light and airy shop pack fill of supplies all organised clearly on shelves and stands making for easy spending. It is a little on the expensive side, however the quality and quantity of supplies is impressive. Especially if it is a final year portfolio or important presentation. To top it off the staff are very helpful and inspiring if stuck for colour choices or alternative solutions to presentation.

This is probably one of the largest art store in London. It doesn't look great, it's a non…read morewelcoming basement that is a bit difficult to find but not impossible thanks to many signs. Prices are better than in some of the other shops: you can get a lot of deals, student discounts if you have the card to prove it. They have a large range of paper in big & smaller sizes, every type of paint (watercolor, oil, acrylic, handprint, screen print,...). Everything you need to work from pencils to large canvas, brushes to tools to sculpt or make book binding.

Received my paper order today and I'm so impressed with the packaging! It was packed perfectly, not…read morea dent or dog ear in sight. I've ordered paper from other shops, and it's usually always a bit damaged. Jacksons had to re-send my order 4 times before it arrived in adequate condition. Fabulous service from Atlantis!

I'm always a supporter of independent small businesses in central London and beyond…read more This art supplies store does seem to stock almost everything that I'm always looking for. S.R. Robertson's have a huge range of Caran D'Ache pens, pencils and artists materials. And retail staff are always very helpful and polite with their customers.

If you were to go back in time to a pre-Amazon and Walmart world, SRS would be your go-to for all…read moremanner of arts and crafts supplies. The storefront has a proper awning and a curated display of its many wares. Inside, the reception is flanked on one end by a counter piled high w pens and notebooks through which a staff member can be seen ready to greet you w a smile and readiness to assist. The aisles run to the ceiling and are stocked full of sketch, painting and drawing goods. The price may not be as competitive but you get a v personal touch that is rare in retail these days.

Fantastic selection of fabrics, haberdashery with a good selection of arts and crafts materials…read more Go support this family run independent shop and get proper customer care and service.

This shop is in Balham London, not in Epsom !!!, I was looking to see what there is in Epsom,…read moreanswer ? nothing !!!if you are looking for wool shops don't go to Epsom !!, who does these lists of shops they need a better map.

This is one of 3 fabric shops left on Brick Lane - from many…read more As early as 5 years ago this used to be an area of fabric and trimmings shops catering to local factories. As this tradition has slowly died the fabric shops have also relocated or closed. However Z. Butt Textiles has survived.The shop has been there since the 1950's and is family run - now in its 3rd generation (4th ready to take over in 10 years!) They are so nice as well. Catering mainly to the theatre business now - its busiest selling time is pantamine season. And the fabrics reflect this -- no high end Berwick street here - They are pretty basic with alot of polyester satins and chiffons / some upholstery fabrics and odds and ends .Cheaper to buy more than less, a tarif is put on meters less than 10. If you just need some plain cottons , calico or canvas with trims -or perhaps feel inspired - and have a need for a litttle gold poly lurex with sequin foil print or perhaps a little dayglow chiffon - it is all here.

Literally cannot say enough about Mr Butt and his textile shoppe. The faux fur was fab and the…read moreservice was even better. As a Yank in unknown territory, I had mixed expectations for my former colonial overseer, but Mr Butt quickly turned my frown upside down. I went in to buy a Union Jack bandana and left with ten yards (meters for all you blokes out there) of fake fur. Next time I'm in London, I'll be sure to give Mr Butt a big "OY!"

as a freelance bookbinder, i go there regularly to have the edges of my text blocks trimmed. it's…read morealways such a pleasure to chat with the owner! impeccable service and a lovely time altogether :)

The shop is not only brilliantly organised and has everything you could possibly need for work,…read moreschool or Arts and Crafts. But the staff is incredibly helpful and patient. They helped me with two editions of a 220-page document that I needed to be printed and bound. The quality of the paper and printing is great! I had this printed elsewhere before with hardly the same quality. I would recommend Newsmans anytime! In fact, I already made this the new "go to" place for my office.

If you're a sucker for cute notebooks, pens, pencils, stationery, diaries, scrapbooking... DON'T GO…read moreIN HERE. I repeat, DON'T GO IN HERE. IT'S A TRAP. I just want to buy.all.the.notebooks Loved their products, not only because of the variety of items, but also for the cute designs. The shop is really pretty and the staff were super nice and helpful. I'm glad I don't have one of these where I live cause I'd simply go bankrupt.

I came here to get some funky London inspired postcards and stickers as souvenirs for back home…read more Great customer service.

I don't know a stitch about knitting, but this too-darling shop is eye-catching enough for even…read morenovices to peruse. I came in with a friend who was inquiring about a certain pattern, and the girl working was extremely friendly and as helpful as could be - even though her advice meant we didn't end up needing to buy anything... Perhaps what makes this store especially unique is their fantastical window displays, made entirely of, you guessed it - yarn. Apparently there's a whole slew of "knitting artists" out there... and many of them are on the monthly docket of this shop to deck out the window in whimsical and unbelievably architectural cascades of yarn. Last month it was a (large!) knitted sink and toilet... this month its a wooly version of a snowman. The shop offers classes... now, I'm not exactly one to bother knitting a scarf... but a truly ambitious and artistic construction of woven fiber is a slightly different and more enticing story... for £40 I can join one of their classes for "knitters and crocheters who have visions!" Hmmm....

Reckons its a haberdashery but is mostly selling knitting stuff like it's some hallowed form of…read morereverential lost art. As a keen crafter who grew up in jumpers hand knitted and handed down by me ma I don't think it's anything special. Went in to check it out and the attendant was pretending she didn't notice us (2 people) this is hard to believe as you can almost see a red stripe round the walls where someone tried to swing a cat. When the attendant finally acknowledged us with a face like someone had dropped a stitch we had just about seen all of the meagre ammount of items on sale. I think they do 'knitting circles' in there too. In such a small space it would be the ideal way to pass on knits. Get yourself up the Roman Road nearby for bargain haberdashery and a fairly good sewing shop with a lovely chap who repairs machines.

Backyard market and London Artisian is awesome! Period!…read more Big huge indoor venue, lots of food and shops to choose from, and super classy area, with lot of trendy things! You can easily spend a good half day there! Will let my photos speak for itself!

I recently bought a bling collar from a stall at backyard market. I also recently felt like a Kanye…read morewest douchebag, as recently as the last sentence I just wrote. I always loved this market on sundays- just because it's always a bit quieter than the upmarket and the stalls are a bit more bling-y, like bling phone cases, and bling necklaces, interspersed with some good old vintage glasses and hand drawn artwork. ALSO there's a good few food stands outside too! The collar I even haggled for and damn, i got tonnes of compliments- so it shows that you don't need to pay crazy prices for UNIQUE statement jewellery.

Nice selection of all things bead. Well stocked with findings and higher quality gems. Staff is…read morehelpful and knowledgeable. Open Monday to Friday and the first Saturday of every month, with a discount on Saturday openings only. Two floors with beads and findings on the top floor and tools on the lower floor. Highly recommend if you need supplies or want to be inspired- their center case on ground level has some real nice stuff for inspiration!

This is a place where you can make your own necklaces with pearls, stones etc…read more.. It's a must see!