Those big corporate arts-and-craft supply chains like JOANN and Michaels no doubt have lots of variety and notoriety. (Is it just me, or are those places spendier and more unpleasant than expected during every visit?) But there are lots of smaller, locally owned shops around Portland to get your crafty gift-giving on. Here are five great spots to replenish your craft cupboard just in time for the holidays.
Collage
Whether visiting their Division, Alberta, or Sellwood locations, Collage boutiques seem to have everything. The shop has an excellent selection of greeting cards, stamps, a bullet journal section, Perler kits (remember those!?), embroidery and cross-stitching materials, and the usual paints and tools. And while I wasn’t too impressed with their stock of candle wax (none were vegan), the store likely has an answer to most any crafty conundrum. Also see their truly impressive Great Wall of Waste (decorative tape) near the front. (1639 NE Alberta; 3701 SE Division; 1634 SE Bybee)
Artist and Craftsman Art Supply
This shop on North Lombard is on the larger side; wandering through the seemingly endless aisles of floor-to-ceiling colors, supplies, and tools will have you fantasizing about all the artforms you could (and probably should) have mastered by now. It can be a little overwhelming, but that’s why the friendly and knowledgeable staff are there. And while the store seems to have a focus on “fine art” supplies, there’s also a bitchload of crafting stuff. (2906 N Lombard; 3393 SE 21st)
