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Photograph: Martha WilliamsLiquid Artz
Photograph: Martha Williams

The best art supply stores in Chicago

Calling all DIYers, artists and crafty people: These Chicago art supply stores have everything you need to make your creative dreams a reality

Written by Jess Keys
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One step inside one of these art supply stores or craft shops is enough to awaken your inner creative genius. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast looking to knit your dog some booties way better than the ones you'll find in pet stores, dabble in Monet-style watercolor to rival those in Chicago museums, or beat jewelery stores at their game by making your own necklaces and earrings, you're bound to find what you're looking for at one of these shops—on a starving-artist budget, to boot. 
 

Best art supply stores

7. Beadniks

  • Shopping
  • Arts, crafts & hobbies
  • East Village
  • price 2 of 4
Beadniks
Beadniks
This Wicker Park bead and jewelry boutique stocks a plethora of beads, tools, materials and anything else you'll need to make your own jewelry and discover your hidden crafty side. Not an expert? The shop's staff are more than happy to share their tips and tricks. The space has two large work tables so you can set up shop, or even throw a jewelry-making party with your friends. 

6. Lake View Art Supply

  • Shopping
  • Arts, crafts & hobbies
  • Lake View
  • price 2 of 4
Lake View Art Supply
Lake View Art Supply
Head here for all your painting needs: brushes, paints, canvases and easels. In more recent years, the store has expanded to offer custom framing and matting services as well.  
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5. Sister Arts

  • Shopping
  • Arts, crafts & hobbies
  • Lincoln Park
  • price 2 of 4
Sister Arts
Sister Arts
Self-dubbed the "Craft Cafe," this Lincoln Park shop is a mecca for knitting and crocheting enthusiasts, stocking supplies and products like speciality yarns and knitting supplies, as well as crafting kits for kids and adults. The store also offers parties, classes and creative camps for creative like knitting, felting, crochet, weaving and jewelry design. 

4. Liquid Artz

  • Shopping
  • Arts, crafts & hobbies
  • Lower West Side
  • price 2 of 4
Liquid Artz
Liquid Artz
This Pilsen shop is just what you'd expect from Chicago's booming art district: a well-curated selection of products, friendly staff, and a rotating display of unique, local art. Reasonable prices and framing services are a bonus. 
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3. Blick Art Materials

  • Shopping
  • Arts, crafts & hobbies
  • River North
  • price 2 of 4
Blick Art Materials
Blick Art Materials
Photograph: Max Herman
Around since 1911, this art-supply chain has become Chicago's go-to for art supplies, offering multiple locations around the city and a seemingly endless selection of products, all at reasonable prices. Starving artists will also love the daily deals and specials offered on the store's website. 

2. Artist and Craftsman Supply

  • Shopping
  • Arts, crafts & hobbies
  • Loop
  • price 1 of 4
Artist and Craftsman Supply
Artist and Craftsman Supply
The Chicago outpost of a small, national chain of art supply stores, this two-story shop carries hard-to-find supplies, unique gifts and funky novelties. Its knowledgeable staff comes in extra handy for those tricky art projects. 
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1. Genesis Art Supply

  • Shopping
  • Arts, crafts & hobbies
  • Bucktown
  • price 2 of 4
Genesis Art Supply
Genesis Art Supply
Not your average art shop, this community-oriented, family-owned art supply store boasts 18,000 square feet of warehouse space that offers classes, events, craft fairs and workshops as well as thousands of products that cater to all kinds of art needs—painting, drafting, crafts and even framing. 
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