The best craft stores in Chicago

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. 

The Chicago outpost of a small, national chain of art supply stores, this colorful 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. From origami to painting, drawing to scrapbooking, sculpting to printmaking, whatever supplies you need for your next crafty endeavor, you'll likely find them here.

For more than 20 years, this locally owned art shop has been a North Side go-to for arts and craft supplies: brushes, paints, pencils, notebooks, canvases, easels, printmaking materials and a whole lot more. The store also offers custom framing and matting services as well as readymade frames, so you can properly display your creative masterpiece.

Around since 1911, this art-supply chain has become Chicago's go-to for crafts, art supplies and more, 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. 

You can't miss Andersonville's newest artsy addition, Martha Mae, with its cheery pink facade, impeccable goods and stunning design—it's unlike any other art supply store in the city. Come here for supplies as well as gifts for the art-lover in your life (or, you know, yourself). Peruse the well-styled shelves of paintbrushes, notebooks, colored pencils and coffee table books and you'll likely find something beautiful. Don't leave without giving the obligatory pat to Martha Mae herself—that is, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and muse behind the store's name.

Self-dubbed the "Craft Cafe," this Lincoln Park shop is a mecca for knitting and crocheting enthusiasts, stocking supplies and products like specialty yarns and knitting supplies as well as crafting kits for kids and adults. The store also offers parties, classes and creative camps in areas like knitting, felting, crochet, weaving and jewelry design.

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 employees 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.