Working as a graphic artist and crafter, I get asked a lot by my friends where I go in Petaluma to find all of my crafty resources.
For those of you who follow our Petaluma Craft Mafia Blog, I posted a list several months ago, listing not only your usual crafty stores such as Michaels, and our local Petaluma Art & Earth store, but a few off the beaten path ones as well such as Craig's Warehouse and Heebe Jeebe for some of my personal and kitschy projects.
Where you go for crafty resources of course can depend on what your craft is and on the particular project. Not being a knitter, I would rarely step inside Knitterly for any of my personal projects ... but that just may change as I'm burning to learn this craft as well as wool felting. I think Knitterly is gorgeous and a great resource for those who do knit.
Riley Street in Santa Rosa is one of my favorite places in the world. The folks know me and are always very good to me. Good news! Riley Street has also opened a second store in San Rafael. I'm so happy to see them thrive, as they've always been very accommodating to me since my student days.
Those into making jewelry and bling can look for beads locally at Beads and More and Natural Touch Beads. Aurora colors not only offers a gallery for many local arts and crafters but has classes in glass making as well. Pelican Art & Frame has just a fantastic selection of frames, and Donna is great to work with. Another favorite local source for more heavy duty materials for projects requiring assemblage or painting is Rex Ace Hardware and Orchard Supply Hardware. Yardbird's Home Depot also has a nice selection of items and tools that have come in handy as well,and a great staff. For some of my projects I also like what I personally refer to as Copperfield's Underground. Most people know this bookstore for their great selection of crafty and artsy guides and books,but I also utilize the Underground for some of my projects, where I incorporate vintage books into my art.
We are sadly low on fabric stores in our fair town. For quilters the Quilted Angel might be a good stop. I also look to the Good Will store on Lakeville for some projects as well. There is so much you can do with Good Will offerings, it's crazy. Recycle these items and give them new potential, from cutting up a vintage shirt into a sewn project or utilizing any of the ceramics and picture frames.
Where you go for local resources depends on what the project is, and how far can you stretch the limits of your imagination? Building a Kokeshi doll from the ground up? All kinds of places to look for parts and paints and fasteners. Making vintage inspired kitschy jewelry ... several places come to mind.
I will be updating this list. So look for more P-Town crafty resources here.
Happy Holidays,
Cheryl Aronson, Founder
Petaluma Craft Mafia
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