Birmingham lacks many high quality art & craft supplies shops. That's where Birmingham Bead Shop…read morefits in. Small but perfectly formed haven full of shiny things and pretty things and crafty things for you to buy to make yourself prettier, or to make something pretty for someone you know. I've been spoiled by a recent trip to NYC where I visited the Brooklyn Charm Shop and spent a long time ogling shiny expensive and inexpensive charms and other jewellery making supplies. I was grizzling away about how there's nothing that even compares anywhere near me - so it was an AWESOME surprise to pop into the Birmingham Bead Shop only to be blown away by the range they manage to cram into such a small space, as well as the helpfulness of staff who can show you how to properly open and close a jump ring, or what a crimp bead is for. They've even run classes in the past in jewellery making, though they have none advertised at the moment. I'll be keeping my eyes peeled though!

Just one store that shows there's life yet in Birmingham's independent retail scene, the Birmingham…read moreBead Shop is a haven for craftsy types who like to create pretty things for their own amusement, to give as gifts or sell online. Back in 2010 after consuming too much cider at the sunniest Glastonbury in recent history, myself and my equally sun/cider-addled friend decided we were gonna give up this capitalist lark and make felt owls with button eyes and sell them at festivals. This never happened, of course, but having my eyes opened to her skill with a sewing needle and bits of material I couldn't make heads or tails out of, I was on the search for a shop like this for a while until discovering it just before Christmas. Now, our annual DIY Christmas gift pact (make each other garish jumpers, stockings, etc. - this year, a onesy has been proposed, eek!) means I always make a trip here to stock up on supplies. Whatever I don't use in my fumbling attempts to create something cool, I simply give to her as part of the gift seeing as she's into her jewellery making and whatnot. As well as lots of cool stuff to aid in 'Blue Peter'-style craftsmanship, fashion fans who like to pair things together to make something exponentially cooler can find all kinds of cool charms and sparkly bits and bobs to add to charm bracelets, necklaces, pin to their clothes, etc. As someone who works for a high street jewellers that sells massively popular Pandora and the like, I have to say this little shop of treasures offers something a bit different for those who like to get creative with their accessories.

It is an artist's dream place and a nightmare all at once! It is impossible to step in and come out…read moreof there empty handed and a full wallet. They have every thing of the highest quality and all the best brands. The prices may be a little high, but well, if we're talking big art brands, this is to be expected. And honestly, when you look at the quality, it's all worth it at the end. Plus, they sell their own merch too in a much more affordable rate! The staff is really nice and polite, and don't mind chatting with you if you have any questions.

Despite several visits to tilt just across the road, I was still yet to even realise this place was…read morehere. A business meeting brought me nearby, and curious to see if they sold screen printing kit, as I'd bought textiles medium in one of the large London stores. Low and behold, of course they did, and as a total bonus- on offer too. Even though it's a chain, and art shops are expensive, this shop mostly gets 5* because of how lovely the staff are. They happily kept my purchase behind the till form me until after my meeting, and we gossiped about secret bars and the fact high up took Frida Khalo's moustache off on the poster. Lovely folk- give them you ur money. There's just something so satisfying about art supplies.

I am a fan. Zen is…read morelike a cross between Aladdin's Cave and something out of Narnia. They sell all sorts of wonderful items in here, they really do have something for everyone. Whether your after ornaments or texts for religious worship or interest, or more general materials to fill an interest or hobby, they have it in stock here. From books, to ornaments, gods and candles, pendants to dream catchers, you feel like you can spend quite a bit of time in here. I was after a fancy lamp shade I had seen in here, but by the time I got back to the store, it had sold. If your after that unique gift, body art or just need to top up on supplies, best to call in here. The assistants are also very helpful, and if they don't have what your after, they can point you in the right direction.

Mushrooms and crystals. Well, not so much mushrooms anymore…read more Every girl goes through a phase don't they? A hippy, witchy phase where they get all into crystals and binding spells and all that jazz. Zen is a great shop if you're into crystal healing or simply want to buy some nice incense. I used to buy mushrooms from their Brindley Place branch but I probably shouldn't share those stories in the public domain...

The brilliantly unique (I know such an overused word but we're talking handmade goods!) thing about…read morethe bags here is that each one is definitely different! How do I know for sure? Because Jin Arts and Crafts only uses odd balls of wool teamed up with odd ends of fabric. I love stand out linings whether in boots and shoes, bags or jackets and these bags are all about quirky, contrasting or just down right pretty linings. One bag on display had a pinstripe lining - just stunning. Most of these bags are little ones, ideal for evening or just any of those rare times when my laptop isn't coming out with me. But that's not all. What Jin Arts & Crafts normally sell is art based around the beautiful Cornish seaside or English countryside and houses and these paintings are very much worth looking at.

Smithsonia is an exceptional jewellers and gift shop based in Birmingham's Piccadilly Arcade. They…read moresell many things from gorgeous silver jewellery to Japanese Kokeshi Dolls and amazing sculpted pieces in ceramics and glass. There is something for most budgets in this shop and it's a great place to browse. I bought some cute button earrings for just £10 but there are plenty more extravagant gifts, believe me! You could spend forever just gazing in their windows as you walk past; there is so much to see - it must take them forever to clean! They do beautiful and unique silver rings by up and coming jewellery designers as well as pieces by established brands such as Pilgrim. Every time I walk by I can find at least 15 or so items in their window that I want to buy; I'm sure everyone else can too which is why they are so successful. Smithsonia are the longest running business in Piccadilly Arcade, they've been there for around 30 years. If you are looking for a gift then definitely check them out first and impress your loved one with something a little different.

A wonderful independent gift, card and jewellery shop. If you are looking for a birthday or…read moregreeting card that is a little different to what you might find in one of the chains this is a good place to start. Their collection is not huge but you will definitely find something a little different. They also stock fabulous gift wraps and papers. To entice you into the shop the window displays are made up of some beautiful and unique silver jewellery. Again, here you will find pieces you can't find anywhere else. If you are looking for special pieces of silver jewellery at fairly reasonable prices start with this shop. Inside the staff are welcoming and very helpful.

This shop should be called 'Bargain Card Shop' because it's the best shop for a fabulous bargain…read morewhen it comes to gift cards. Basically, you could walk in this store with 35p and manage to walk out with a birthday card or anniversary card, basically whatever type of card you're looking for. It's ace!! You are granted that you'll be able to find what you are looking for because they have such a large range. The lady who works in the store is lovely; she's so helpful! I've never received such brilliant customer service from someone in a gift store. I remember the day I walked in; I was in a huge panic because I'd forgotten to purchase a birthday card for a friend. So, as I was walking through the market, I decided to pop in and buy a card. Managed to walk out with a card which I bought for 50p....what an absolute bargain!!

This is one of my most secret places to go! Think you need to go to Ikea to get an affordable…read moreframe for a photo or print? WRONG! Everest are a great family business hidden away in Saltley. There's onsite parking which they share with the other businesses on the industrial estate, so you may have to squeeze in next to cars waiting for MOTs. Inside, it's nothing like a shop. You'll squeeze down a corridor lined with other people's orders waiting to be collected, all neatly wrapped up in bubble wrap. Above these orders are samples of the types of frames they work with - everything is made-to-measure, and you can choose the mount and frame to match your taste and budget. These guys can turn around frames in quite short notice - like 48 hours! - but be warned, because of their religion they are closed for quite a bit of Friday when they attend mosque. Which is fine, as long as you remember and plan for it! (We once sat in the carpark on a Friday for quite a while waiting for them to get back... oops!)

Found this gem of a place a couple of weeks ago - they were so helpful and super reasonable on…read moreprice. Even helped me get my large framed print into the car in one piece ;) It looks beautiful and I couldn't be happier- would highly recommend and will definitely go again

I have always liked this shop, they sell beautiful cards all shapes and sizes but i find it easy to…read morefind the card i am after, they have cards for everyone personality They have great range of me 2 you teddys which seem to be very popluar at the moment. They sell picture frames which have have lovely poems on them for mom, dad, nan, aunt etc. They have loads of new baby gifts as well. Also on sale are keyrings, pens,badges and wrapping paper

Another high quality card shop with very helpful staff and some lovely teddies and gifts as well as…read morea wide range of cards for all occasions. I am always pleased with the purchases I make here and even when it is busy (which it will be now for a fair few weeks) the staff are fast but remain polite and friendly. They do lovely cards for all occassions and some nice wrapping paper and gift bags. I love giving gifts in a gift bag so I can honestly say I always have a collection and buy them without a birthday or person in mind, just when I see ones I like so at the moment I have about 6 in my gifts drawer! I like matching paper and gift tags and they do a great range

With stock ranging from paintbrushes and model kits to photographic canvas prints and fine art,…read morethis New Oscott-based Arts and Crafts centre houses everything you'll ever need for a bit of hands-on creative fun. As a quaint, converted house, the store has its own small, off-road car park and houses an extensive selection of art equipment. Staff are welcoming, polite and always willing to help and as part craft centre and part print shop, the business also offers a broad range of printing services for business customers, specialising in leaflets, business cards and flyers.

I've never studied art and I didn't really know what my options were. A friend of mine recommended…read morethat I try my hand at painting. At first I had visions of drawing scenery which I didn't really fancy. But afterwards, I thought perhaps I could use a variety of colours and make something abstract! So I went along to Vesey Arts and crafts and I I ended up purchasing a large blank canvas and a number of brightly coloured paints along with a paint brush. As well as helping me buy the equipment, the assistant recommended some techniques and an inspirational web site to check out some similar work.