Stores Like Hobby Lobby for Craft Lovers – Must Read This Before Buying

Hobby Lobby is a beloved one-stop-shop for all things arts, crafts, and home decor. With its huge selection, frequent sales, and helpful staff, it‘s no wonder why Hobby Lobby is the go-to for many DIY enthusiasts. But while Hobby Lobby may be the most well-known, it‘s certainly not the only option out there.

Whether you‘re seeking better prices, more specialized products, or just alternatives to shop at, there are plenty of other stores like Hobby Lobby worth checking out. As an avid crafter myself, I‘ve explored far and wide to find the best places to stock up on supplies.

In this ultimate guide, I‘ll walk you through the top 15 stores similar to Hobby Lobby. We‘ll look at their product offerings, prices, customer experience, and more to help you determine which ones fit your needs. Whether you prefer big-box retailers, specialty shops, or online stores, this list has you covered. Let‘s dive in!

Big-Box Alternatives to Hobby Lobby

If you‘re used to shopping at Hobby Lobby, you‘ll likely feel at home at these other major arts and crafts retailers. They have many of the same types of products and a similar "all-in-one" shopping experience.

1. Michaels

Michaels is probably the most direct competitor to Hobby Lobby. They are the largest specialty retailer of arts and crafts supplies in North America with over 1,200 stores. Like Hobby Lobby, Michaels carries a huge variety of products in categories like art supplies, baking, beading, fabric, floral, framing, jewelry making, kids crafts, paints, and more.

Frequent sales and coupons are a big draw at Michaels. You can almost always find a coupon for 40-50% off one item. They also price match competitors and have a generous rewards program for frequent shoppers. In terms of prices and selection, I find Michaels and Hobby Lobby to be quite comparable.

2. JOANN

Formerly known as Jo-Ann Fabrics, JOANN is another major force in the arts and crafts retail world. They specialize more in fabric and sewing than Hobby Lobby but also offer a wide selection of general art and craft supplies. JOANN tends to have the widest selection and best prices on fabric, with frequent sales, coupons, and a membership rewards program.

The shopping experience at JOANN is similar to Hobby Lobby in that you can usually find everything you need under one roof. Stores are well-organized and staff are generally knowledgable and ready to help. Some locations also offer classes and a workspace you can rent out for sewing or other craft projects.

3. Blick Art Materials

For an art supply store with a more specialized focus, check out Blick Art Materials. Aimed at professional artists and serious hobbyists, Blick offers an extensive selection of high-quality paints, brushes, canvases, drawing tools, and just about any art supply you can imagine. Prices are reasonable for the quality and frequent sales help you save.

What sets Blick apart is their knowledgeable staff, many of whom are artists themselves. They can offer expert advice whether you‘re a beginner or a pro. Blick also has an informative blog and YouTube channel with tutorial videos and inspiration. Though they have fewer locations nationwide than the bigger chains, you can shop their full selection online.

Online Arts and Crafts Retailers

Shopping for craft supplies online gives you a wider selection and the convenience of having items delivered right to your door. Here are some of the best sites for finding Hobby Lobby-style products from the comfort of home.

4. Amazon

You really can find almost anything on Amazon these days, including a robust arts and crafts department. They have supplies for drawing, painting, scrapbooking, fabric, jewelry making, and more from brands like Cricut, Crayola, Brother, and Silhouette.

Prices on Amazon are competitive with the big-box stores and you can often find even better deals, especially if you‘re a Prime member. Just be sure to check reviews on items from third-party sellers for quality control. Amazon is most useful when you know exactly what item you need versus browsing for inspiration.

5. Etsy

For the more unique, artisanal side of crafting, head to Etsy. This global marketplace focuses on handmade, custom, and vintage items. In addition to finding one-of-a-kind finished pieces, you can also shop for craft supplies like charms, beads, ribbons, and rubber stamps to use in your own creations.

Much of what makes Etsy special is being able to connect with individual artists and small businesses from around the world. The platform has a strong community vibe. You can find new ideas, request custom orders, and support independent makers. It‘s a great complement to the big retailers for specialty supplies.

6. Oriental Trading

Though best known for party supplies, Oriental Trading also has a sizable arts and crafts department. They offer great value for teachers, camps, and other group programs looking to buy basic supplies in bulk. Categories include drawing, painting, clay and sculpting, kits, and more.

The quality of products may not be as high as the art supply stores, but the prices are hard to beat. They also have a lot of pre-packaged craft kits that make it easy to dive into a new hobby or keep kids entertained. Oriental Trading often has free shipping deals and an easy rewards program to earn more savings.

Local Craft Shops & Small Businesses

Supporting small businesses in your community is another great way to find unique craft supplies and get expert advice. Here are a few types of local shops to seek out as alternatives to Hobby Lobby.

7. Local Quilt Shops

Passionate quilters know that local quilt shops are the best places to find premium fabric, tools, and supplies. These shops are typically owned by experienced quilters who are happy to give you tips and help pick out supplies for your project. They usually offer classes as well.

Prices may be a bit higher than the big fabric stores, but you‘re paying for better quality and service. If you‘re a quilter, it‘s worth finding your local shop to support small business and connect with your community. Many have online shops too to reach a wider audience.

8. Local Yarn Shops

Knitters and crocheters, your local yarn store is your happy place. These cozy shops are filled with colorful skeins of every imaginable fiber and weight. The staff are knowledgeable about different materials and techniques and can guide you to the best type of yarn for your project.

Like quilt shops, local yarn stores often double as community spaces for knitters to socialize and take classes. Touching the yarn in person, getting recommendations, and being around fellow enthusiasts is an experience you can‘t get at the big box stores. Many also sell knitting needles and notions.

9. Independent Art Supply Stores

In cities and towns with vibrant art scenes, you can often find independent shops catering to artists. They typically carry high-end supplies and niche products that the big retailers don‘t. Staff are usually artists themselves who can give great technical advice.

These boutique art shops have a lot of character and community focus. They may host workshops, exhibitions, figure drawing sessions and more to support local artists. Prices are often higher than Blick or Michaels, but the premium products and experience can be worth it.

Other Places to Find Craft Supplies

You might be surprised by some of the other stores and venues that carry arts and crafts items. Here are a few more to check out:

10. Target

Target‘s craft section has grown a lot in recent years. They have the basic supplies like paints, sketchbooks, and kid‘s crafts plus their own affordable house brands. The prices and selection aren‘t as extensive as Hobby Lobby but it‘s a convenient place to grab items if you‘re already shopping at Target.

11. Dollar Stores

Crafting doesn‘t have to be expensive. Dollar stores like Dollar Tree and Family Dollar carry a decent selection of basic craft supplies perfect for kids‘ projects and simple DIYs. Look for things like poster board, glue, beads, stickers, and seasonal items. Quality isn‘t always the best but you can‘t beat the prices.

12. Walmart

Walmart has a decent sized arts and crafts department with many of the core supplies like paints, brushes, sketchpads, scrapbooking, and jewelry making. Prices are competitive with the big craft stores and you can find many items in their budget-friendly store brands. Not as much selection as Hobby Lobby overall but a solid choice for basics.

13. Craft Fairs & Art Shows

For a fun day out, visit a local craft fair or art show. These events bring together artists and makers to sell their creations and sometimes supplies as well. It‘s a great way to find unique, handmade items and get to know the artists in your community. Some of the larger shows have vendors selling specialty craft supplies that can be hard to find elsewhere.

Specialty Online Retailers

If you‘re into a particular niche of arts and crafts, it‘s worth seeking out online retailers that specialize in that area. They can have more unique selections and knowledgeable customer service compared to the generalists. Here are a couple to know:

14. Dharma Trading Co.

Dharma Trading is the go-to supplier for people who do fabric dyeing and textile arts. They carry a huge selection of fiber reactive dyes, silk paints, marbling supplies, wax resists, and more. Dharma has great resources on their site like how-to guides and project ideas. They also offer frequent sales and discounts for buying in bulk. If you‘re a fabric artist, Dharma likely has what you need.

15. Paper Source

Paper crafters, your supply heaven awaits at Paper Source. This chain and online store offers an incredible selection of premium papers, envelopes, cards, stamps, craft kits, and gifts. Designs tend towards the elegant, artistic, and quirky. Paper Source also does custom printing for invitations and the like. Check their site for project ideas and sign up for a workshop to learn techniques from the pros.

The Bottom Line

Whether you‘re a casual crafter or a seasoned artist, having a reliable source (or a few!) for supplies makes a world of difference. While Hobby Lobby will always have a special place in many crafters‘ hearts, it‘s good to know the alternatives out there at different price points, locations, and areas of specialization.

The best stores like Hobby Lobby offer wide product selections, fair prices, community resources, and quality customer service. Ultimately, which one is right for you will depend on your crafting interests, budget, and shopping preferences. It‘s worth exploring a few to see where you find the best value and inspiration.

No matter which of these retailers you choose, I hope you find everything you need to make your creative visions come to life. Remember, shops are just the beginning. The real magic comes when you put your tools and talents to use. Happy crafting, friends!