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Artist & Craftsman Supply
Category: Shopping Arts & Crafts Art Supplies Art Supplies [Edit]
4350 8th Ave NE(between 43rd St & 45th St)
Seattle, WA 98105
Neighbourhood: University District
(206) 545-0091
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 9 am - 7:30 pm
Sun 10 am - 6 pm
- Price Range:
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$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
67 reviews for Artist & Craftsman Supply
Review Highlights
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"Staff has always been helpful and knowledgeable." In 6 reviews -
"I was going crazy of the canvas section - MMMM, delicious." In 13 reviews -
"Great selection and nice staff." In 6 reviews
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67 reviews in English
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Review from Stephanie J.
Seattle, WA
2/22/2012
I will be a customer of A&C for life! My first experience was when I had a lengthy list for two fine arts classes. I was a little overwhelmed and asked for some help finding the items. When they saw that I had two lists they immediately grabbed a basket for me, took the lists, and escorted me around the store. Not only did they tell me where the supplies was, but what it was used for, what could be substituted, and compared brands. I was blown away. What could've taken me hours on my own was a painless and even fun trip!
Since my first visit they have expanded and now have an even larger selection of great quality art supplies.
I'm especially impressed with the canvas and wood board inventory. -
Review from Chiri E.
3/17/2012 1 Check-in Here
At first glance I thought this place was small but NO! there is a huge back area with a lot of canvases with competitive prices. Came here to check out some supplies for DIY projects. I picked up some lovely decorated papers, canvases and art frames.
Will be back again. -
Review from Mel O.
11/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place is amazing!!!!!!!!!!!
what a nice art store. they have a little area set up for kids and pretty much have anything that you could need in the way of art supplies.
i went here with a friend to pick up a few supplies and perused around a bit. the people seemed pretty friendly and the store set up was easy to find my way around in. thumbs up for sure. -
Review from Rick R.
Seattle, WA
5/8/2012
Non-artist with a wild hair stopped by Arts & Craftsman Supply to pick up supplies for a Gyotaku (fish print) project. Super helpful and friendly staff helped me sort through all my decisions in no time with exactly the rice paper, paints and brushes I had in mind. That's as good as it gets. I'll be back.
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Review from Lacey M.
Seattle, WA
3/27/2012
I love this place! There is just so much selection. They have everything. Paints, Pens, Silk screens, Book binding, Sculpture, Canvases, and so much more. I go in for a new paint brush and come out with so much more. I have to be careful here or I'll go broke!
Love love love this place! -
Review from Suzy K.
Seattle, WA
10/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
They have just about anything and everything you could ever need for any project!
Super helpful employees - if they don't have it (which is rare) they will try and help you figure out where to find it. -
Review from Taryn W.
Seattle, WA
1/24/2012 1 Check-in Here
I love this place... I had an artgasm when I walked in the door. All the employees were friendly and helpful.
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Review from Nolan H.
Seattle, WA
12/24/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Holy smokes! This place has everything! I have been frequenting art stores for the better part of 2 decades, and I am certain that this place has everything! Great selection and very helpful employees.
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Review from Javi R.
Seattle, WA
6/28/2011
A massive art store hidden around the corner of an otherwise unsuspecting building. I was blown away by the size of the store! They even had the plastic sleeves that I was running all around town trying to find.
I don't think there's one thing this place doesn't carry. And from what I can tell, the prices are great. I picked up an extra sketchbook for only $4.
I can't wait to go back. -
Review from cathy g.
Seattle, WA
4/2/2011
My eyes get bigger than my carry-all whenever I go here.
I am always happy and amazed that artists have so many different types of art supplies. I always find something I 'need'. And more that I 'want' and can use.
Staff has always been helpful and knowledgeable. -
Review from Corinne K.
Seattle, WA
11/8/2011
best art supply store in Seattle. I came here when I needed paint and canvas for my senior project. they were super helpful and knowledgeable. prices were great. I love this place.
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Review from The Corey ..
Seattle, WA
Updated - 12/8/2010
Say you were addicted to a very powerful narcotic. Say that narcotic was sold in a store that has regular business hours, easy parking, and a very helpful and friendly staff ( a staff that says hi to you when you enter, asks if you needs help, and knows what they are talking about because they use your drug too). Say this store now has an expanded area to host classes and brings in teachers to show you how you can better use this drug. You would probably have a pretty sever addiction, maybe resulting in death. Thankfully art supplies will not cause an overdose or death ( if used properly), now all I need to do is figure out how to pay rent this month.
Shop here.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/31/2010
A&C is great because 1. I never leave without the item I came in for ( they usually carry multiple… Read more »
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Review from Wendy B.
Seattle, WA
2/19/2011
A&C is my go-to spot for nearly all my crafting needs. The staff are always patient, knowledgeable, and friendly. Like the kind of friendly where they're genuinely interested in what you're making. They never fail to have my back when I'm in a creative bind:
"Oh no! Jo-Ann's doesn't have enough tracing paper for my patterns!" Call these guys and they'll direct you to their back room stocked with six different kinds of drafting paper that you can buy in hugely affordable amounts.
"Uh oh! The Fremont Solstice Parade is today and I randomly want to naked-cycle but don't have any supplies!" These fine gentlemen will gladly help you pick out safe-for-naked-body paints, and you can even pick up glitter and decorative knick-knacks for your bike. Don't forget the sponges!
"I've got a free day today and an EMERGENCY DOODLE SESSION is upon me! What to do??" Fret not! Assorted pencils, pens, blank books and drawing pads greet you upon entry and are often on sale for some reason!
And if you're a picky bitch like me, you will absolutely relish the sample boards they have for their products, so you can tell exactly how transparent that cardstock is or if that blue marker is really Cerulean and not some masquerading Teal. -
Review from Doug C.
I don't really have much of an artistic side. I've never painted a mural in my house. Anything beyond a solid color confuses me. I don't even do performance art.
But if I did do any of those sort of things, I'd be continuously going to Artist and Craftsman Supply to fuel my creative side.
It's tucked away in the back of a small strip-mall type area just off I-5. It looks like it's going to be a tiny shop: no real parking, limited signage, miniature Being John Malkovich-sized door in the back. But once you walk in, the place defies space and time; it's far, far, far larger than you'd expect. The front room has paints, brushes, and other sundry gadgets while a gigantic back room sits mostly hidden from view. In the back, there's a huge array of frames, wood and foamboard all at reasonable prices.
There's enough stuff here that even my creatively-deficient self could find the items I needed.Listed in: Grab Bag Part 2
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Review from Greg A.
Seattle, WA
Updated - 11/22/2010
So, I have gone back to work for Artist & Craftsman Supply. That's how much I like this store.
There's a classroom and a couple of extra thousand square feet... We are getting even better.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/6/2009
I used to work there. I have a very colorful and crazy history with that company including a… Read more »
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Review from Tiffany D.
Seattle, WA
3/13/2007 ROTD 3/20/2007
Clerk walks up - "Need some help?" I answer - "I do. I want to unleash the artist within me." (Ok, YOU can stop laughing now.) The clerk didn't laugh at me, didn't even show a hint of amusement. He kindly asked me what kind of artist did I aspire to be - a painter I replied - and he led me to the paint area - asked me if I knew what type of paint I'd like to try - acrylic I said - and he began to patiently explain the world of acrylic painting. I left with tubes of beautiful colors, canvases, brushes and my head held high with pride as I imagined the masterpieces I was going to create!
Well, it's been about a month since that virgin trip and I've been back several times. I'm a painter now. I've added more colors, more brushes, more canvases and an easel. That same clerk is helping me move up the ladder of creativity - we're talking mediums now (it's kinda technical, so I won't overwhelm you with those details! ;) )
Really. This place is great. I feel so welcomed. They may have had a good laugh over me when I left that first visit - but while I was there, and every time since then, they have been great. Not once did they try and sell me the expensive stuff or things I really don't need!
I may not know what the hell I'm doing, but I'm having fun. My abstract countryside village is kinda cool! -
Review from Prema J.
Seattle, WA
7/9/2008
Ok all. I've been bad. I know. I've barely reviewed anything of late. But this place has inspired me to tell you all. To tell you all of its pure mindblowingness (and yes, I make up words- a lot, some call it quirky.. I call it endearingness.)
All pray to this artist MECCA. Worship its painted exterior and kiss its cool painted concrete floors. I was immediately drawn to this place like Elmer Fudd would be drawn to a wabbit hunting store. It wouldn't suprise me if this place used Acme as a vendor, although you won't find outlandish and downright dangerous products that failed catastrophically at the worst possible times here. You'll only find arty/crafty goodi goodi gum drops that will release your inner artiste and/or simply make you artisticer than you already are.
I mean I almost did a cart-wheel-ack-arrest when I found the following items one after another: full sheets of magnetic paper, blank puzzles for me to paint on, all the molding gels I could ever dream of, Mr.Smelly markers from my chilhood, a whole room of canvas, and a 10 pc set of Conte portrait colors. For those of you who don't know what Conte is, Wikepedia says they "are a drawing medium composed of compressed powdered graphite or charcoal mixed with a wax or clay base." I say Conte is awesome McPossum and I ran home to use them to create very realistic skin tones on all my drawings.
So in conclusion: If you are an artist and/or not an artist or even a wombat that wants to get down and craftsterbate. A&C is the Mecca of all art places and should be visited in the near future. I promise it will speak to your originable, rocktacular, and funktastic mind. -
Review from Anna P.
2/8/2009
Basically:
A&C = U Bookstore - (books + rebate + location)
I spent almost four years as a painting student at UW with everyone talking my ear off about how great this place is. So it was with some degree of shame that I finally walked in there, expecting to kick myself for not reaping all the bargain rewards earlier. Unfortunately (or, I guess fortunately for ME), that didn't happen. As far as painting and printmaking supplies go, the selection isn't terribly expansive and the prices are the same as the dreaded U Bookstore. In fact - and feel free throw things at me if you want - the U Bookstore is a better deal, considering they give you a 10% rebate at the end of the year.
I will give A&C three stars for an extremely friendly, helpful staff and the fact that they sell Williamsburg paints. I'd probably join the throng of enthusiasts below me if this store's prices were as exceptional as they were made out to be. If this store's location is convenient for you, there's probably no reason to go anywhere else. For me, it's not worth the bus transfers.Listed in: U District & U Village
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Review from Valerie L.
Seattle, WA
12/9/2010
I love the A & C for many, many reasons. Great deals, fun selection, and hard-to-find items (like Shrinky Dink material!)
I just have this one little criticism: what's up with the lighting?? It was SO dark in the picture frame area that I couldn't tell which frames where black, and which were brown. It was more than a little annoying to squint, hold frames 3 inches from my face, and struggle to discern just what I was looking at.
No worries though A & C, I still love you, just see what you can do about those lights! xoxo -
Review from Chrissie D.
Seattle, WA
3/25/2011
I would give this 5 stars if there were any parking available at all. But I frequently circle for a while before I find anything and then walk for blocks to shop. In any case, great selection and often really, really good specials. It's also the only place I know of in Seattle that sells Elephant Board, which is great for collage. The staff is friendly and helpful.
Update: Okay, I didn't know about the parking lot across the street! LOL! So, now it gets it's deserved 5 stars! -
Review from Annie V.
Seattle, WA
12/18/2008
If you make art, or know someone who digs on art, or uhm... have HEARD of art, you'll want to go here. Not only does it have about a hojillion supplies for just about everything (beading being the singular exception, but there are separate stores for that, so no big whoop), the items are good quality, and excellently priced. I strolled in for tempera paints and ended up leaving with felt, feathers, wire, paintbrushes, and very nearly a giraffe mask (which I should've bought because hey, $3.50 for an awesome giraffe mask is NOT the sort of thing you see just ANYWHERE, mister). When my poor 5'4" frame couldn't reach something, the guy at the counter was not only happy to get it for me, he was happy to GET A LADDER to get it down from the top shelf for me!
I've seen art stores that will charge you through the nose for average products, and have a crappy selection. THIS IS NOT THAT STORE. The only warning I give to you, ladies and gents, about going to this store, is that you will likely leave with way more rad stuff than you originally came for. Which isn't really all that bad a thing anyway, really.Listed in: Born to Shop
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Review from Lanny B.
Spokane, WA
1/26/2009
I always wander in here.
I always find what I need, and exactly what I didn't KNOW I needed. (I use "need" loosely)
I love their canvas shop. I CAN stretch my own canvases, I just don't WANT to, and THAT'S okay! -
Review from Brenna F.
Seattle, WA
7/19/2006
This place a wide variety of art (and craft!) supplies. The selection here is much bigger here than at the other art supplies stores in town, and is the only place I know of that sells canvases up to about 6' x 7', as well as materials to stretch your own canvases.
Other odds and ends to be found here (great selection of all):
- Easels
- Paint
- Pencils, Pens, Rapidiographs
- Wire, mesh, metal
- Paper (cold press, hot press, stationery, etc)
- Project kits (that don't suck)
- Science / Professional project board
- Greeting cards
- Gifts
You can easily spend about much more than an hour in this place and not gaze upon everything there is to drool over here.
Staff is quite friendly, and if you are a student with an ID you can get discounts! -
Review from Rachel B.
Seattle, WA
12/18/2006
This is a great art store. It has more crafty, funky stuff than Daniel Smith but less high end paints.
Lots more canvases here and lots more sizes as well. And usually better prices too.
I always find some new thingy or other here to try out or something!
UPDATE:
I was VERY pleased with the service I received here recently. They really helped me out a lot with choosing canvases and getting them loaded into my truck. They pretty much rock! -
Review from Joy W.
Seattle, WA
12/11/2010
My only place in Seattle for art supplies. An extensive supply of paper, paints, pencils, canvases. Did I mention paper? The rear walls have sheets of the most beautiful prints on sale. I thought about buying several sheets to wrap presents for Christmas, but then I would have to cut the paper :(
All of the staff is super friendly and knows the stock. Must return to take a class or too. -
Review from Sarah B.
7/24/2008
Mmmmmm, paint...
... and canvas, brushes, paper, glitter, pens, markers, pastels, thinners, oils, mediums, palettes, paint knives, so on and so forth.
Every time I walk in, I think I've died and gone to heaven, but that may just be the fumes.
If you can make art with it, A&C sells it. Prices are fair and the sales staff knows their stuff; unlike many craft supply stores you can ask someone at A&C a question and expect an answer which does not consist of "I dunno about that fancy medium stuff, I just paint miniature birdhouses." This fact in and of itself has ruined me for all other arts & crafts stores.
Free parking, too, in the lot across the street. -
Review from Anna C.
8/6/2008
This is the best art store in Seattle. It's independent, affordable, and has never disappointed me when I've gone there specifically looking for something (which is usually why I end up here).
Check out the entire backside of the store, where you can find HUGE canvases at GREAT prices. And shadow boxes. Oh my god, SHADOW BOXES. I won't have to make the trek down to Renton to get those anymore.
There is always some kind of sale going on here, and I usually go for it. You should too. -
Review from Antoinette H.
Seattle, WA
9/7/2009
I love this place, and don't go very often or I would be a much more starving artist then I already am.
They have great canvas selection, good sales, and a WIDE variety of...THINGS. Arts and crafts? Sure. Fine art supplies? You bet. Research material? Gotcha. And their staff is knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly as all get-out. (even on the PHONE!)
I think most people love the prices because if you're used to places like Daniel Smith's, this store gives you that rush of **LOOOOOK at my receipt! LOOK at how long it is! For so little MOOONEY!!!!**
I have learned to schedule my trips here around "not the first week of school"...when battling the parents of the "oh-so-bershon-I-can't-believe-she-just-said-that" freshmen for a place in line can make you want to find a dark corner of a tea-house, chain-smoke and sketch the poets until you don't want to smack anymore. -
Review from Bill A.
Seattle, WA
9/10/2011
Absolutely one of the best no-frills art stores you will ever find, anywhere. The paints and brushes section is good and the paper and surfaces selection is awesome. Great unique toys for kids as well.
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Review from Margaux j.
Seattle, WA
12/22/2006
This is the only real art supply store in the city. Which is sad. Why isn't there one downtown?? Pearl Paint in NY and Boston must have spoiled me since I am always surprised with how small the inventory is at places like Daniel Smith and Dakota. In contrast, I can usually find whatever it is that I am looking for at A/C and if I need a mega size of something - they will order it! I rely on A/C for most of my paint, they even have the "crafty" stuff. The staff is knowledgeable about the materials and are really helpful.
My only complaint is they aren't open long enough. They open at 9am and close at 7pm, making it hard to buy supplies before or after work. -
Review from Oscar B.
Seattle, WA
11/30/2008
There is nothing bad I can say about A&C. The service is good, the people seem to like their jobs, the prices are excellent, the selection is what you'd expect in a vast discount warehouse, there's great parking for a metro location. Two different art stores are closer and more convenient for me (Dakota Art Store and the University Bookstore's art store, which is definitely extensive enough in selection to be a legitimate contender). However, I shop pretty exclusively at A&C, and I think they earn it.
Furthermore, I feel like there's an atmosphere that's actually encouraging toward artistic creation. Employee and customer projects litter the walls of the place, and change with a jungle's organic nature over time. In contrast, if you walk into a Daniel Smith or something, the atmosphere tends to be choking. At Daniel Smith you'll maybe see a neat little table set aside with sticks and wood glue. Oh boy! It looks like some grandmas are going to make bird houses at 4 PM! Any time I'm at an art store other than A&C, I can't help but want to leave for my old standard.
So there you have it. If you're not buying art supplies at Artist & Craftsman Supply, it's probably because you're an Ensure-chugging geriatric that's only doing art to fill that hole in your heart, now that your husband died and your grandkids won't call you.
Go build your bird nest at the activity table. Your empty, empty bird nest. -
Review from Ann B.
Seattle, WA
2/23/2009
I am a huge fan of A& C - It's convenient, free parking, they have a huge stash of great stuff and oddments also - Not such a "marketers salon" look which I love. It encourages you to dig through stuff.
Staff is helpful and yet not shadowing.
Love Love Love it! -
Review from Anne P.
Seattle, WA
8/3/2008
1.) Great Staff: Very helpful, friendly and unpretentious
2.) Great Selection of all sorts of art materials and goodies! They even have animal masks...hmmm.
3.) Decent prices...and if you're a student let them know for an additional 10% off...yay!
4.) I want to play here all day.... -
Review from sara r.
Seattle, WA
6/20/2007
I always look forward to having an excuse to go to a&c. I always walk up and down all the aisles looking for things I "need". Do I know what most of them are for? No. But I need them.
Anyway I've always been offered excellent customer service. The staff is friendly and knowledgable. They have so many different kinds of stuff in this store. You will definetly find SOMETHING just right for your creative endevor.
The only thing I really have to add that no one previously mentioned is that this is THE ONLY art store in seattle that carries Montana spray paint. They have the full array of paints and tips. Yay for that.Listed in: u district
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Review from Alissa G.
Seattle, WA
1/5/2008
This is the only artist supply store in Seattle that I will shop at anymore.
The staff is always knowledgeable and helpful and the selection is better than any place else here. And even if it weren't also so reasonably priced, I would still keep coming back because so many art stores in Seattle are lacking in having both a great staff and selection.
It's easy to miss since ironically the signage isn't that noticeable, but you shouldn't let that stop you from getting in there.
Oh, and you can park for free in the pay lot across the street while you are shopping there too. -
Review from Cynthia L.
Seattle, WA
3/30/2010 4 Check-ins Here
Wow what a hidden gem!
I probably should admit that I know nothing about art, but the staff is incredibly friendly and unintimidating. It looks like they have got everything and all of it is an amazingly great deal! I was so suprised that such a monster of a store has such a low profile.
Parking is available for customers in the lot across the street. -
Review from Luchie d.
San Jose, CA
6/23/2007
DANG IT - I spent too much $$$. Thanks Yelpers for helping me spend my cash-ola.
A&C is a wonderful art supply store with the friendliest staff. I think I was asked " How can I help you?" at least 3 times. So NOT snobby. Like the other Yelpers mentioned, A&C is huge from general art supplies to framing & greeting cards. I was going crazy of the canvas section - MMMM, delicious. The prices are reasonable & too bad I'm not a student. (sigh). Oh, well. Overall, positive experience and will definitely go back.
Okay, what shall I paint?? Maybe the hole in my wallet. HAHAHA. -
Review from Allison F.
Seattle, WA
4/16/2009
Great selection, helpful, but not pushy or acting like you are in the store and therefore must be stealing staff, and the location is pretty darn convenient.
Prices? I dunno, it seems like all art supplies are expensive, so what do a few cents matter?
If you are not feeling Utrecht, which I am not, you should come here, and prepare to be a lot broker when you leave (because you will have found so much cool stuff!). -
Review from Lydia K.
Snohomish, WA
8/7/2007
OMG.
I could (and have) spend way too much time (and money) in this place! Everywhere you look, there's something new to try, something to inspire, something to get your creative juices flowing. This place rocks my socks!Listed in: She's Crafty
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Review from Krista U.
3/25/2011
Although this place isn't as convenient as the UBookstore, it does have its perks. You get a discount for showing your Husky card and they have a lot of whatever you need. The people who work there are super helpful, too!
