Art and Craft suppliers - CITY GUIDES FOR CRAFTSTERS

So, I wanted to get an updated list of places to find supplies in the valley. I've started a list, but feel free to add to it in the comments. I'll try to update this post accordingly. It might be nice to make this a sticky, but I don't know how.

Most of these are in Tempe because that's where I live. Feel free to add more far-flung shops.

Art

Utrecht Art Supply

http://www.utrechtart.com/stores/dsp_viewstore.cfm?storeID=99

930 E. University Dr.
NE Corner of University and Rural
Tempe, AZ 85281
Phone: 480-446-0800
Fax: 480-446-0888

-Standard art store, aimed more at students and professionals. Carries class kits for some university classes, as well as a variety of painting, drafting, model-making, paper craft, and drawing supplies. Has a store card, but if you forget yours they swipe their own so it doesn't matter.

*Offers student discount*

Arizona Art Supply‎

arizonaartsupply.com

1628 E Southern Ave # 13, Tempe, AZ‎ -
(480) 775-4102‎

- I haven't been in this one, only looked in the window since it was closed. Looks fairly standard. I think some of my professors recommended it (for my various theater design/production classes). Make sure to check out Sunflower Farmer's Market next door, it's the best grocery store in Tempe!

Jerry's Artarama

jerrysartaramastores.com

Suites 1,2,3, 4421 S. Rural Road, Tempe, AZ‎
(480) 775-6787‎

-Again, haven't been in here but my prof recommended it.

Wet Paint

wetpaintaz.com

806 S. Ash Ave., Tempe, AZ‎
(480) 967-2002‎

-Haven't been here, but it's been recommended. I think it's right down the street from the Buffalo Exchange consignment shop.

Beading

Beads Galore International

3320 S Priest Dr # 3, Tempe, AZ‎
(480) 921-3949‎

-This is a pretty professional enterprise, and they have really great prices. Open to the general public, but certainly aimed at the more professional crowd. This is their new location, much expanded. It's pretty big, and I think that their selection has grown accordingly. Located in the same plaza as REI.

Fabric

Sally's Fabrics

sallysfabrics.com

2647 W Baseline Rd
Mesa, AZ 85202-5404
(480) 839-0154

-Aimed more at quilters, they do carry fabric suitable for clothing and decorating. The staff can be hit or miss; I've had some employees there seem oblivious, while others are incredibly nice and helpful. They carry some cute retro prints, will cut as little as 1/8th of a yard, and have lots of batting sizes available. They also carry patterns and notions, and I think (but am not certain) that they do machine repairs. There's one other location in the valley that I've not been to.

* offers student discounts*

Jo-Ann's

joann.com

5021 E Ray Rd, Phoenix, AZ‎
(480) 893-1707‎

- This is a pretty big Jo-Ann's. They carry all the standard stuff.

Jo-Ann's

joann.com

825 N Dobson Rd, Mesa, AZ‎
(480) 827-7629‎

- I think this one is smaller than the one on Ray, but it's closer to the University.

General Crafts

Michael's

michaels.com

55 S Mcclintock Dr # 125, Tempe, AZ‎
(480) 967-0795

-This is in the Tempe Marketplace. They don't carry any fabric, but they do have a lot of hobbyist and children's craft supplies, as well as some professional-level stuff. They also offer matting and framing in the back of the store. Good place to get cheap picture frames. Not so great for knitting or sewing.

Metal Work

Industrial Metal Supply

imsmetals.com

5150 S 48th St, Phoenix, AZ‎
(602) 454-1500‎

-Aimed at professionals but also happy to have the general public. They carry sheet and plate metal of all sorts and sizes, accents, finials, patinas, tools, pole-dancing kits (for those so inclined), metal cutting, discounted scrap, and a plethora of other things. Huge warehouse in back.

Apache Reclamation and Electronics

313 W Apache St
Phoenix, AZ 85003-2728
(602) 254-0613

-A veritable mad scientist's warehouse, they have anything and everything. It's like your grandfather's garage, old high school laboratory, and recycler's dream rolled into one. I really can't over stress how awesome this place is. I believe they have a separate scrap yard at another location, so call and ask if you're looking for larger things (like bus chassis, lab freezers, etc.). Many things are price-marked, but basically the guy looks at what you put on the counter and goes "Eh, that looks like $(x amount)." Haggling is possible, too.

Yarn

Tempe Yarn and Fiber

www.tempeyarnandfiber.blogspot.com

1435 East University Drive
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 557-9166

Hours/Days:
Monday - Saturday
10:00 a.m to 8:00 p.m.
Closed Sunday

-Smallish but well-stocked, the staff is very friendly and happy to help. They offer frequent classes, knitalongs, guest speakers and artists, etc. They have a good monthly e-newsletter you can subscribe to as well. Offers yarn, local/handmade yarn, knitting/spinning/felting equipment, books, patterns.