The first time I got to know this snug art supply store tugged beneath the foot bridge connecting…read moreFa Yuen Street to Mong Kok East (KCRC Mong Kok station back then) was when I needed some Copic Markers for my school works. Not a lot of places sells these expensive marker pens (well, to a poor student, at least), let alone one that allows you to order the the spray-paint mount that turns each Copic marker into an Air Brush, how novel (back then again)! From this story, you get the idea, Arts Supplies is the one that you can find more 'exotic' type of unconventional art wares. Most of the times when I can't find the stuff at other shops (well, I look at other shops first usually 'cos it isn't exactly the cheapest around town), or when I needed something that is going to be phased out soon - and hence the need to stock up your favourite weapon- you know how frustrating that is. I often can find all those here, probable because it stocks up quite a bit itself too! Physically, the shop itself is so cramped that you can hardly move when there are more than a few customers inside. So this isn't the place you want to just hang around and browse through stuff leisurely. It's a grab and go shop for sure. The best bet is to know what you want exactly, the preferred brand and ask the shop keeper. They have amazing memory and can locate the stuff you look for within a minute or two, without the need to check the computer for stocks. Sometimes they can also tell you outright that a product is discontinued and recommend a close alternative to your choice, excellent service I'd say~~

Cash only Various assortment of art necessities…read more 2-stories ------------- Found some art ink pads ------------- Friendly, limited English.

Call me crazy - you wouldn't be the first - but I tend to go a little mad when I walk into shops…read morewhere cute / quirky things that I can add or turn into other cute / quirky things can be found. So, Chung Kee Ho, with it's rows of funky buttons / beads is right up my alley. I got tiny little pencils, butterflies, soccer balls, elephants and slightly more sensible white crystally ones. There were also badges galore - flags and patches, princesses and cats, all bases covered. I also picked up a whole roll of simple lace for HKD20 and another of narrow elastic for the same price - did I mention that when visiting SSP you should bring your wheelie shopping trolly or bag? Well I have now.

Whenever I pass by Hallmark, I think of a line said by a character from one of my favorite TV shows…read more- 'birthdays were invented by Hallmark to sell cards'. A small Hallmark occupies a little corner in Citylink Plaza above Sha Tin Sation. They've got cards, of course, and other gifts as well such as stuffed toys, their signature bears and gift bags. It's basically a one stop shop if you need to get a nice gift for someone and are out of ideas. They've got stuff for every occasion - birthdays of course, and also for graduations, weddings, thank yous etc. There's a good selection of cards and one thing I've always appreciated about Hallmark cards is that some of them are quite witty - not just your average 'happy birthday' written on the front. I used to like coming to Hallmark just to read their cards and see what they say on the inside! Honestly, I've only bought a nice group card for a friend from Hallmark before, nothing else. I've always thought that pretty cards like this are overpriced - upwards of $30 for, well, paper! I much prefer making my own cards actually. I adore their teddy bears though - they're super soft and cuddly, and there's one for every occasion.