Five top shops - buying your supplies with confidence
As a securely introverted artist and designer with an inclination towards ruminating, there’s nothing better for me to still my mind than picking up some sewing or Sara Meade Design works-in-progress and being creative. These activities allow me to bring my focus to what is directly in front of me, and then I can intuitively use my love of colour and form to create something exquisite. Being creative really is good for your health!
I’m often asked where to purchase quality and affordable art and craft project materials. There are a few reliables that keep my cupboards full. First off, hopefully you will have a project in mind, and if not, visit Sara Meade Design for a downloadable DIY version of my felt pōhutukawa heart and felt pōhutukawa Xmas tree. They are unique and gorgeous and beautifully Christmas-in-Aotearoa themed, plus they are great for beginner- (or experienced-) level sewing. I provide very detailed instructions with photographic illustrations. Purchase them here. (DIY craft kits of the felt pōhutukawa heart and Xmas tree will be available to purchase shortly!)
Here are my top five picks for craft supply stores to visit in person or online:
This a HUGE specialty craft store, covering three floors. There’s a lift if you need it, and parking outside. I know that it’s a destination shop for out-of-towners, as my mother and her crafty friends used to bus up from the Waikato for some serious shopping. It was a highlight in their calendar! You can find materials for many crafts (knitting, embroidery, quilting, papercraft, etc.). I’ve always found the staff to be super knowledgeable, personable and helpful. From my point of view, I shop there for my Fantastic Felt materials.
This company is the home of a large online catalogue. I use this company when I’m short on time to visit a physical store and when there’s something specific I need, such as fine line sepia markers for my Watercolour Works. My crafty friends use this shop a lot as they stock things that are sometimes harder to find elsewhere. I do suggest confirming availability of products because they’re not always in stock. But the range is formidable!
Did you know that there are 21 Spotlight stores around New Zealand? I remember when Spotlight arrived in Wellington, and it was anyone’s guess what might be in stock. Thankfully, many years later (and because they are a big chain store), they offer competitive pricing and great sales prices and their stores are much more organised. And when it comes to beads, thread, sewing accessories (for Fantastic Felt items), and for my clothing line in linen/linen-mix fabrics, etc, this is my ‘go to’. I use the store in Sylvia Park, Auckland which has plenty of parking and is easy to navigate. The staff are always busy, but I can generally find someone to help me. Their forté is in fabrics, mixed crafts, home décor, sewing, and hobby supplies but not always high-end fine art materials. Online shopping is easy, and delivery is speedy.
Gordon Harris (The Art and Graphic Store) is far more than a craft supply store. Think of it as “a top quality, professional, artist-grade specialist art supply store for painting and art supplies, with a long history in New Zealand (since 1975)”. They also have a great range of specialised books, plus a constant range of great discounted products. Even if you don’t want to purchase anything, you will inevitably leave the store with something useful tucked under your arm. Online shopping is super speedy, and if you are an art student you receive a 10% discount. For my Watercolour Works, I shop here for my high-grade cold-pressed watercolour paper, Schmincke watercolour paints and excellent paint brushes. The staff are super knowledgeable, and you can always ask for a staff membership who specialises in your genre to assist you.
I first discovered this Aladdin’s cave of a shop in Whitianga. I couldn’t believe that everything I loved was in one place. Since then, I was thrilled to discover that they had moved to a new location at the former dairy factory in Matangi (very near Hamilton Airport – and a doddle of a trip from Auckland). It specialises in a premium range of materials for needlework, embroidery, quilting, DIY kits, Japanese fabrics, knitting yarn, beads, etc. They also have a special craft room where groups gather to learn, knit and stitch. I don’t want to give away a secret but their range of colours of wool felt is spectacular. My Fantastic Felt products have a lot to thank Robyn (the wonderful owner and manager) for.
And the winners are (in no particular order):
- In the niche textile/embroidery/patchwork category: Tis the Season, for curated, high-quality fibres, fabrics, felts and embellishments;
- For professional fine art supplies: Gordon Harris is strongest, with the depth, specialization, and reputation, with The Ribbon Rose a close second (in some categories);
- Best for craft and hobby supplies: Spotlight (NZ), or go to The Ribbon Rose for wider variety of mid-to-upper quality craft supplies; and
- Buying online: Hobby Land (NZ) – if convenient and a broad range is your thing, you’ll never leave the house again.
Do you have go-to stores or online shops, anywhere in Aotearoa, that you keep returning to? Email me with your favourites! Or leave a comment below.
Best wishes, Sara
Visit Sara Meade Design to explore my range of watercolour prints, greeting cards, and my stunning 2026 calendars are available NOW! I also sell elegantly embroidered and embellished fantastic felt ornaments with an Aotearoa-theme. My latest release are downloadable DIY instructions for the felt pōhutukawa heart and Xmas tree ornaments (fully-equipped DIY craft kits for these ornaments are almost ready!), along with PDF knitting patterns for bouncing babies and cosy toes.
Get ready for some Christmas shopping!!
NZ Native Fuchsia (Kōtukutuku)
I find this fuchsia one of the most beautiful of the New Zealand native flowers. I have painted it from a photographic image that I have kept since I was in my 20s. I love the two different coloured flowers on the same branch. Scroll down to add this artwork to your cart; it is also available as a greeting card.
