Half of it's a bookshop and the other half is an art supply shop, then the third and final half of…read morethe shop is a studio and educational institution. It's one and a half shops really. With a wide selection of all the latest 'got to have' books from hot authors and less attractive ones, the right side of Art on King is dedicated to books on any subject, not just the artistic. Then, if you turn your body to the left in a kind of left turning movement, you'll see, if you haven't already, all of the art supplies. Paints, chalk, rulers, paper, cardboard, models, clay, plastercine, pencils, anatomical figurines and much more, all at reasonable prices and in great supply. I was surprised how cheap the acrylic paint is there, seeing as it can cost a pretty penny elsewhere. The store also holds art classes and acts as a studio in the upstairs area. Home to various lessons in life drawing, specialised arts and the like. The go to place in Newtown for art, books and art based education.

I wish I could paint, unfortunately my artistic abilities tend not to lean in that direction, I am…read morebetter with words than I am with brushes, so rarely would my have any need to enter an art supplies shop, however Art on King shares its space with adjoining shop Modern Times, so while I was there I decided to have a wander. Art on King have all your Art and stationary needs from paints, brushes, pens (what an artist would expect). They also have an extensive range of beautiful large sheets of paper, from delicate embossed papers to Nepalese paper. Also as I am seeing more often, they have a unique range of wrapping paper which would be much better suited as a wall hanging than wrapped around a box, particular note should be made of the human skeletal diagram paper and mushroom paper.

Artbox is the perfect place to visit if you feel like buying something useless. The Asian gift…read morestore sells a multitude of cute items that are completely useless, but irresistible. Located about a dozen metres from Burwood Railway Station the range of goods is impressive. Cosmetics, stationary, hair accessories, bags, cutlery, oversized plush toys, ornaments and clocks are just a few of the goodies on offer. The Hello Kitty Wonderland is great if you want to buy a unique children's present that differs from the big department store range. I recently stopped by to pick up some goodies for my three-year-old niece. I chose a Hello Kitty mug and filled it with an assortment of wacky hair-clips and lip-glosses. It ended up costing around $30, which in my opinion is a little too expensive for the quality of the merchandise. Nonetheless, the kids (particularly little girls) LOVE the stuff. So in that way, it's worth paying a little bit more. And encouraging toys that aren't Barbie's or Bratz is an added bonus!

This Bon Doi store on King St has an offshoot store on Australia St which sells recycled and…read morere-designed clothing at fantastic prices. Whilst Bon Doi Crafts from the Orient also sells these sweet $39 dresses, re-designed using beautiful Japanese vintage material, they also boast a range of crafts from the Orient (really, the name says it all). The shop also stocks a wide range of colourful Sapa inspired skirts, jackets, hats and bags, including adorable kids booties and bonnets. These clothes are beautiful - I remember walking through the markets in Sapa, Vietnam being overwhelmed by the colours and intricate designs of their heavy clothes, gushing over the babies clothed head to toe in the traditional dress and leaving the markets with three Sapa-style bags and two Sapa-style blankets. The comparatively higher prices of the clothes here meant that this time I didn't leave with bags full of clothes and blankets. Although I still smiled at the idea of dressing a baby head to toe here and thus I have no doubt that this will happen one day soon. Bon Doi Crafts from the Orient also sell a bunch of cutesy crafts/toys, my favourite being pockets of felt monkeys and wall hangings with row of owls perched on a twig. You know, those useless things that you find yourself loving and needing.

Amazing Paper - a shop that needs little further description. It sells a huge variety of paper -…read morehand marbled, oriental, Western and exotic prints on thick sheets of glorious paper. This is the type of shop to inspire you; creativity exudes from the walls and the owners, who are happy to help. A great place to buy gifts, wrapping paper, cards, diaries, art and craft supplies, invitations, ribbon and all manner of wonderful stationary. DIY invitations, bookbinding and more mean that amazing paper has got all of your papery needs sorted.

This is an iconic Newtown/Enmore emporium of exotic papers, ideas and inspiration. Perfect for…read moreanyone moved by a creative project, you'll find this creative den will help you add enormous value to whatever you have designed. They closed their funky shopfront in Enmore and relocated in the artisan quarter of Chapel Street Marrickville. If you've been wondering where they had gone to, your resource centre is back in your life.a

Sam was so courteous and helpful answering my many questions. He was able to complete my order…read morereally quickly. The finished result (a photo collage/bodgy Photoshop job by me, a non-professional) turned it really amazing!

From the owner: Professional photo printing, canvas & art paper printing, mounting & laminating, image retouching…read moreservices and much more.