Top 6 Art Supplies Stores in Winnipeg

There is an artist inside everyone. And whether you use that inner creativity as a therapeutic hobby or profession, it is crucial to channel that imagination through different art forms.

Fortunately, art supplies are now readily available in on-site and online shops. The better news? You’ll find some of the top-rated art supplies stores in Winnipeg!

In this article, we will talk about the best art supplies stores in Winnipeg and look into the different art supplies and tiers available for sale.

But first, let’s discuss how much you’ll have to pay on average when shopping for different art supplies sold in Winnipeg.

How much do art supplies cost on average?

The prices of art supplies anchor on their brand and grade. For example, student-grade supplies are more affordable than professional-quality supplies.

Besides catering to students who are on a budget, student-grade art supplies are also cheaper due to the ingredients they’re made of. These supplies are designed for practice and not intended for professional work.

On the other hand, professional-grade art supplies can be quite expensive because they’re made of ingredients that are archival. They’re intended for professional work that could last hundreds of years up to a lifetime!

But to get a rough idea of how much you’ll pay for your art supplies, here is a table of the average cost of the most popular art supplies you can find in Winnipeg.

ART SUPPLY	AVERAGE COST RANGE
Pencils	$3.82 – $24.21
Color pencils	$9 – $233
Charcoal	$6.36 – $8.91
Paintbrushes	$8.92 – $300.66
Watercolor	$4.85 – $182.18
Acrylic paint	$4.40 – $59.88
Oil-based paint	$6.37 – $17.84
Gouache paint	$42.04 – $233.14
Canvas	$9.30 – $25.48
Sketchbook	$3.30 – $32.00
Modeling clay	$14.01 – $45.86

Besides the brand and tier, prices may also change depending on how many art supplies you’ll buy.

For example, buying a set may be more cost-efficient than buying one or two units. This works for sets of colour pencils, charcoal, oil paints, and watercolour palettes.

 What are the best art supplies stores in Winnipeg?

Now, that you know how much art supplies cost on average, let’s discuss the best art supplies stores in Winnipeg!

For this list, we’ve chosen stores based on the array of art supplies, store ambience, customer service, and price.

Array of art supplies – Does the store offer a wide selection of supplies suitable for various art forms (e.g. painting, illustration, sculpting, pottery, and handicraft making)?

Store ambience – Is the store well-organized and easy to navigate? Are the art supplies easy to locate, whether they’re small or large?

Price – Are the prices worth paying for, or are they too expensive?

Customer service – Does the store’s staff help shoppers find what they’re looking for? Do they also give helpful information on the brands they sell?

1. Michaels – St. James Street

CRITERIA	RATING
ARRAY OF ART SUPPLIES	★★★★★ 5/5
STORE AMBIANCE	★★★☆☆ 3/5
Clean and organized	★★★★☆ 4/5
Easy to navigate	★★★☆☆ 3/5
PRICE	★★★☆☆ 3/5
Reasonable	★★☆☆☆ 2/5
Worth the quality	★★★★☆ 4/5
CUSTOMER SERVICE	★★★☆☆ 3/5

Michaels is one of the most popular art supplies stores in North America. In fact, it is the go-to shopping spot for artists and crafters due to it having a vast selection of art supplies.

Michaels hosts art supplies from various brands, ranging from the budget-friendliest to the most expensive. Artists of all grades will surely find whatever they need in this creativity wonderland.

Inside, you’ll see wide aisles and tall, large shelves housing paintbrushes, paints, pencils, and drawing surfaces. Additionally, Michaels also has quite a selection of supplies for knitting, crocheting, scrapbooking, and photography.

Think of it as a depot of art supplies; you’ll have more than enough elbow room to explore the different aisles and pick which ones to take home with you and add to your arts and crafts collection.

Now, some downsides we were told of is that Michaels may be huge, but it isn’t always as organized as it should be.

Likewise, some customers noted that a handful of Michaels’ staff aren’t that helpful when asked where a certain art supply is located.

Others even said that some of the staff were rude, in the sense that customers were brushed off instead of being assisted.

That said, we honestly think Michaels’ management should make an effort to keep the art supplies store clean and organized.

Sure, it might be big and intimidating to keep tidy. However, a tidy store means customers will be able to find items more easily.  

Plus, taking inventory will also be more efficient and easier for the staff.

In addition, we also think the staff needs to be friendly and accommodating to customers, especially if it is their first time shopping at Michaels.

In terms of price, some customers said that Michaels has every art supply known out there, but they’re pricier compared to what other stores have to offer.

But the good news is that Michaels runs coupons all the time, which means you can get huge discounts on your purchases. We suggest using coupons for art supply brands you’ve been eyeing to save some coins. 

Customer Reviews

I’d give more than five stars if I could.

Love this store. The manager, Kim along with her staff, are always quick to help me find what I’m looking for. They offer excellent suggestions if they don’t  have what I want including which store to find it. Where do you get service like that?! 5/5 I’d give more if I could. – Terry Poole

Always offers coupons and discounts.

Good selection of art supplies, online coupon available on their web page, items go on sale often, not too crowded, sanitizer available, masks required, plexiglass at cash register. Staff helpful and friendly. – Betty La

2. Artists Emporium

CRITERIA	RATING
ARRAY OF ART SUPPLIES	★★★★★ 5/5
STORE AMBIANCE	★★★★☆ 4/5
Clean and organized	★★★★★ 5/5
Easy to navigate	★★★☆☆ 3/5
PRICE	★★★★★ 5/5
Reasonable	★★★★★ 5/5
Worth the quality	★★★★★ 5/5
CUSTOMER SERVICE	★★★☆☆ 3/5

In the previous entry, we’ve discussed how Michaels’ selling prices are quite expensive. And from what shoppers told us, Artists Emporium in Roseberry Street is a more affordable art store alternative.

Artists Emporium has a wider selection of art supplies from the budget-friendliest to the most expensive brands. The store also seems to have extra stocks on hand whenever a certain item has run out.

Inside, you’ll see well-organized shelves and aisles of all the creative supplies you can think of! New shoppers might be overwhelmed with the sea of paints, pencils, brushes, canvases, and papers.

Still, Artists Emporium’s tidiness makes the place more fun to navigate. We also think that customers will likely return to a shop that is this clean and organized.

Since the art supplies store is already vast, having someone to guide you through the sea of creative tools makes shopping more convenient.

But don’t worry! Artists Emporium still has a handful of friendly and accommodating staff willing to help customers with their concerns.

Moreover, they offer a variety of art workshops (drawing, pastel, watercolour painting, oil painting, airbrush painting, origami, bookbinding, sculpture). They also offer open studio every Tuesday with a good price and deal for all artists.

You might even run into those who can give you advice about the best colours, drawing surfaces, or frames for your artwork.

Find them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok and Youtube.

Customer Reviews

Professional art supplies offered for cheaper prices.

This place gets you professional art supplied at a fraction of the price. It is a warehouse so don’t expect something fancy. You get a good deal! Their helpful staff will help you find what you are looking for. Also teachers get 20% off personal supplies and 40% of classroom supplies. They also give you little vouchers after each shopping trip to redeem next visit! – Melissa Mangiacotti

Great framing department staff!

I recently brought in an antique pastel painting I wanted rematted. I really was overwhelmed by the selection of colours and had no idea how to choose. Sara from the framing department offered to help and was *amazing* pulling a colours selection that complemented and helped to focus aspects the piece. I’m so grateful for her assistance! We even went with a double matte, and the finished look is amazing, exactly what was needed.  100% recommend! – Amanda Corp

3. Lizzy B’s Needle Art Supplies & Custom Picture Framing

CRITERIA	RATING
ARRAY OF ART SUPPLIES	★★★★☆ 4/5
STORE AMBIANCE	★★★★☆ 4/5
Clean and organized	★★★★★ 5/5
Easy to navigate	★★★★☆ 4/5
PRICE	★★★★★ 5/5
Reasonable	★★★★★ 5/5
Worth the quality	★★★★★ 5/5
CUSTOMER SERVICE	★★★★★ 5/5

Lizzy B’s Needle Art Supplies & Custom Picture Framing is the right place for you to put your beautiful paintings in frames.

The store offers quite a selection of frames made of different materials, with some gilded and carved with small details. At Lizzy B’s, you’ll have framed, archival works of art that are worth putting in a gallery.

Now, art supplies aren’t limited to painting and drawing. Other forms of art use needles, thread, and beads to create stunning still lifes or personal interpretations of reality.

So for the embroiders and cross-stitchers out there, we recommend Lizzy B’s as the go-to place to get needlework, bead, and diamond art supplies.

Before you fret about the high but not perfect rating we gave Lizzy B’s regarding its array of art supplies, note that this isn’t because the store doesn’t make an effort to expand its products.

From what we were told, Lizzy B’s used to be Sheena’s Gallery. When the new owner bought the shop, it lacked new patterns, metallic threads, and other needlework kits.

She also said that Lizzy B’s is still in the process of expanding its inventory to cater to more needlework artists. 

Likewise, the shop is also undergoing reorganization so in-store shoppers will have no problem navigating through the items.

That said, we honestly think this is excellent customer service. Lizzy B’s isn’t just expanding to earn more, but also to present new patterns and kits to embroiders and cross-stitchers of all ages.

Compared to painting and drawing supplies, we noticed that art supplies for sewing, cross-stitching, knitting and embroidery are cheaper.

In fact, you can purchase a cross-stitch or diamond painting kit for just $10! You’ll have all the supplies you need to create a piece without breaking your bank.

So, if you’re looking for a creative hobby that won’t cost you an arm or leg, why not explore the world of needles, threads, beads, yarn, and hoops?

And if you’re lost on where to start, Lizzy B’s offers classes on different needlework crafts. Choose which one you want to learn and enrol in!

However, note that classes aren’t always available all year round. That said, we suggest looking into Lizzy B’s website to see what workshops it is currently offering.

Customer Reviews

Excellent transaction and array of cross-stitch supplies!

Love coming here for all my super-demanding cross stitch needs. Smooth ownership transition. I’m SO happy this place is still open & offering hard-to-find accessories for my needy self! – Vicky Enns

Will definitely go back and shop again!

I went to Lizzy B’s for picture framing! Excellent work, knowledgeable, friendly, staff. Quick turnaround. Good location, lots of parking. It was a pleasure to go there! I will definitely go back and have referred friends! – Cynthia

4. The Sounding Stone

CRITERIA	RATING
ARRAY OF ART SUPPLIES	★★★★★ 5/5
STORE AMBIANCE	★★★★☆ 4/5
Clean and organized	★★★★★ 5/5
Easy to navigate	★★★☆☆ 3/5
PRICE	★★★★☆ 4/5
Reasonable	★★★☆☆ 3/5
Worth the quality	★★★★☆ 4/5
CUSTOMER SERVICE	★★★☆☆ 3/5

Potters and clay artists, rejoice! The Sounding Stone is a prime hotspot in Winnipeg for you to find different types of clay, moulds, and sculpting tools for your craft.

For over 50 years, The Sounding Stone has provided supplies for beginner and expert potters to hone their skills.

And if you don’t believe us, check out the store’s online shop. You’ll see various types of clay, pottery paint, glazing mediums, brushes, metal leaf, pottery wheels, kilns, and kiln parts.

We suggest looking into The Sounding Stone’s online shop first to see what products it has. That way, you’ll know which items to purchase on your in-store visit.

When it comes to price, it is sensible to say that pottery-related machinery, such as the wheel and kilns, are on the more expensive side.

However, a few customers mentioned that opting for delivery might not always be the most cost-efficient option — not because pottery tools are pricey, but because the delivery fee costs at least $10 even for small and light items.

That said, we recommend that you opt for delivery if you’re ordering in bulk or purchasing heavier items, such as wheels and kiln parts. And if you’ll purchase only one or two smaller items, it might be better to buy them on-site.

In terms of customer service, we were told that The Sounding Stone has friendly staff, while a few are quite snobbish and rude.

Management may have to fine-tune its staff to ensure quality and accommodating customer service.

After all, The Sounding Stone remains the prime pottery and clay supplies store in Winnipeg. Excellent customer service is crucial to keeping it a go-to place for potters and clay crafters.

Customer Reviews

Great selection of tools and overall service.

I enjoy doing business with Sounding Stone. Their service is helpful, they’re constantly updating their stock, they offer multiple cross-provincial shipping options, and they pack their shipments with care. Great service all around. Thanks, Team! – Demi

Friendly and professional staff 

Really nice place to find everything you need for pottery and fun! People at there are friendly and professional. For a beginner like me , here is the best place to start.  I’ve bought  different type of clay and  fantastic glaces for making my projects. These are some of the nice  ones.  Having fun with pottery 🙂 – Li Tian

5. Winnipeg Trading Post

CRITERIA	RATING
ARRAY OF ART SUPPLIES	★★★★★ 5/5
STORE AMBIANCE	★★★★★ 5/5
Clean and organized	★★★★★ 5/5
Easy to navigate	★★★★★ 5/5
PRICE	★★★★☆ 4/5
Reasonable	★★★★★ 5/5
Worth the quality	★★★☆☆ 3/5
CUSTOMER SERVICE	★★★☆☆ 3/5

Part of making art is being aware of your supplies’ impact on the environment. It is also vital to learn where supplies come from and which communities they affect when they’re purchased.

So, if you’re looking for sustainable and local art and crafting supplies, then the Winnipeg Trading Post is the right place for you. 

Winnipeg Trading Post specializes in native craft supplies. Most of the stuff offered by the store is for sewing, embroidery, making dolls, and creating jewellery and accessories.

And if you’re looking for a supplier of leather, fur, and feathers for your mixed-media works, Winnipeg Trading Post has an array of these items for you to choose from.

We honestly think shopping here is one way to promote indigenous culture. For one, you’ll be purchasing locally-sourced items and helping the native staff working in the shop.

Second, shopping at Winnipeg Trading Post also boosts the local economy and introduces native crafting materials to the mainstream. Talk about creativity and inclusivity!

On the downside, some customers were unhappy about how some of the non-native staff didn’t know that much about the shop’s products.

Because of this, navigating through the store wasn’t that convenient for those new to indigenous art supplies because they didn’t know where to start!

In any store, we think that staff should know at least basic information about the products they’re selling. That way, customers who need assistance won’t have any inconveniences navigating through it.

Additionally, we think that staff being aware of what they sell also reflects their commitment to providing the best service to regular and future customers.

In terms of price, we think that Winnipeg Trading Post’s native products are reasonably priced, but other customers say they’re a little more expensive than other shops selling indigenous products.

We honestly think that the prices may be due to import fees, duties, taxes, and staff salary. If the shop will lower its price for the sake of customers, the store might not be able to sustain itself and its staff in the long run.

Plus, Winnipeg Trading Post sells high-quality products that make every penny you spend worth it.

Customer Reviews

The bead store in Winnipeg!

This is an amazing craft. Everything you could possibly need to make Indigenous art… beads… feather…leather.. everything. A nice selection of all ready made crafts as well.

And as for the beads…. I have never seen so many beads in my life. So many colours… so many sizes.. Mainstream box stores don’t even have a tenth of what WTP has.

Friendly and helpful staff. And on a major bus route. Bus right in front of their shop brings you right downtown in minutes

Best. Bead store. EVER – Anthony Boudreau

Sells high-quality handmade native items.

The staff are always incredibly welcoming, helpful and kind. The quality of their handmade items is amazing. The bead selection will make me go broke. Love this store and go back often. Thank you for being awesome – Alicia Thwaites

6. The Scrapbook Cottage

CRITERIA	RATING
ARRAY OF ART SUPPLIES	★★★★★ 5/5
STORE AMBIANCE	★★★★★ 5/5
Clean and organized	★★★★★ 5/5
Easy to navigate	★★★★★ 5/5
PRICE	★★★★★ 4/5
Reasonable	★★★★★ 5/5
Worth the quality	★★★★★ 5/5
CUSTOMER SERVICE	★★★★★ 5/5

Supplies are an artist’s lifeblood, so it only makes sense that you purchase quality items to ensure your projects are always on point.

When talking about must-visit shops in Winnipeg, The Scrapbook Cottage is always at the top of the list. Art supplies from this store are always of high quality and great value for money.

Not only do they stock a wide range of arts and crafts materials, but also host various events to forge connections in the community.

Another thing we like about The Scrapbook Cottage is their staff, which consists of knowledgeable individuals capable of assisting customers in all of their creative endeavors.

Plus, their website is easy to navigate, allowing customers to peruse through their selection of art supplies like a breeze.

If you’re looking for great art supplies in Winnipeg, The Scrapbook Cottage is the place to go! It’s no wonder why it features on our list of recommended stores.

FAQs about Art Supplies 

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And that wraps up our list of the best art supplies stores in Winnipeg! Overall, we believe that exploring your creativity and imagination is vital to your well-being.

Creating art is also one way to share your craft and make a living. If you’re looking for a way to pursue an artistic career, take a look at the best web design agencies in Winnipeg to help you build your website and kickstart your creative business. 

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