Crafting is integral to New Orleans culture. Whether it's Mardi Gras, Easter, or just a regular Tuesday, NOLA locals know how to construct, sew, and stunt in uniquely bold attire. This DIY costuming culture makes the craft stores of the city essential. In New Orleans, professional artists and amateur crafters flock to craft stores to get the materials needed for their next big project.
Come support these incredible local businesses that are committed to making art accessible and achievable for all NOLA locals. Here are 10 not to miss art stores in crafty New Orleans.
10 Arts & Crafts Shops to Shop at in NOLA
1. Rick Rack
1927 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd., 504-218-5205, ricracknola.com
Rick Rack sells a huge range of recycled textiles and
fabrics. Both vintage and modern patterns line the walls of this small shop
full of enticing bits and bobs. They also offer vintage and thrift worthy clothing
items, shoes, and costume pieces.
Rick Rack runs a range of sewing workshops and classes from
beginner to advanced levels for those looking to learn more about the craft.
This place has everything you need for that next sewing project.
2. The Bead Shop
4612 Magazine St., 504-330-7476, beadshopneworleans.com
The Bead Shop is centrally located Uptown on Magazine Street. They
have been selling beads to New Orleanians for over 30 years and have been doing it
incredibly well. They offer a huge selection of beads, perfect for any craft
project.
Opt for one of their beading workshops to learn tips and tricks for any beading venture. Whether it be Mardi Gras, Easter, or a day that could use
some uniquely homemade bling, the Bead Shop has you covered.
3. Chateau Sew & Sew
1512 St. Charles Ave., 504-533-9221, chateausew.com
Chateau Sew and Sew has moved into a new location on St. Charles and is continuing to offer their incredible range of fabrics. Pick from the many patterned and more simple textiles before having them cut to size.
The shop offers sewing classes for beginners, as well as sewing labs for help with unfinished works. They also offer patterns and other necessary tools for sewing. They sell kits for easy learning at home for embroidery, quilting, sewing, and more.
4. NOLA Craft Culture
127 S. Solomon St., 504-454-8837, nolacraftculture.com
NOLA Craft Culture offers glitter, feathers, rhinestones, beads, and more. Any materials needed for custom throws, Easter accessories, and anything in between can be bought here. Craft Culture offers rentable lockers for those looking to store projects and materials. Renting a locker is a great option for those looking to avoid the lingering remnants of glitter of projects past.
Either plan a craft and head over or walk through the aisles and let the overwhelming amount of options inspire you.
5. The Quarter Stitch
629 Chartres St., 5045-22-4451, quarterstitch.com
The Quarter Stitch is a knitting and needlepoint shop whose names aptly refers to it's location in the French Quarter. This craft shop is a local institution and has been serving NOLA crafters since 1969.
Come explore the range of beautifully hand dyed yarn and unique cross stitch patterns this spot offers. Whether you're a beginner looking to try a new hobby or an experienced fiber artist, Quarter Stitch has all bases covered.
6. New Orleans Art Supply
3041 N Rampart St., 504-949-1525, nolabarkmarket.com
New Orleans Art Supply is a Bywater fine arts store stocked with anything one might need for any project from a realistic portrait on canvas to abstract water colors or screen-printing. This place truly has it all. They also sell materials for pottery, stain glass work, mosaic, sculpture, and more.
This is the perfect place to go and get the miscellaneous and niche materials needed for any given craft project without ordering them online. Come support this local business and support your passion for crafting simultaneously.
7. David Art Center
3020 N. Arnoult Rd., Metairie, 504-888-3630, davidartcenter.com
David Art Center is located just a short drive from New Orleans in Metairie and is absolutely worth the trip. This art supply store is one of the biggest in the area and offers an impressive range of materials.
The shop not only sells materials for sculpture, glass painting, printmaking, and more, but also offers custom framing services precious art and finished works. They also run workshops with local artists where participants can learn art techniques such as watercolor and pastels.
8. Mo's Art Supply
2525 Bienville St., 504-571-5030, mosartsupply.com
Mo's has three successful location in New Orleans, Covington, and Baton Rouge. Mo's has Louisiana covered when it comes to in person shopping for fine arts supplies. The NOLA location is uniquely located in a mid-century church in Mid-City.
They offer custom framing right where the baptismal pool formerly stood and stained glass shines bright color throughout the room while you shop. Mo's encourages its patrons to let the building inspire them and enjoy the experience of in-person art supply shopping. Let inspiration strike!
9. Jefferson Variety Store
239 Iris Ave., 504-834-5222, jeffersonvariety.com
The Jefferson Variety Store has it all when it comes to Mardi Gras costuming. This store supplies Mardi Gras krewes with the beads, fabric, and sequins they need each year to sparkle of the parade route. They may be centered around Mardi Gras, but they supply the pomp and circumstance for any craft project all year round.
This place has incredible selection of fabrics to choose from with all the appliques, feathers, and rhinestones to add the essential final touches.
10. Needle Arts
5301 Canal Blvd., 504-832-3050, needlenola.com
Needle Arts is another great spot for any fiber artist to visit. They offer an enticing range of yarn options and needle point materials. Knitters and crocheter will love their hand dyed yearns, worsted weight yarns, and extra bulky yarns.
Come participate in their weekly stitch social where likeminded stitchers will come together to chat and craft. The stitch doctor will be in for anyone needing some guidance or advice while they work.
Let the Creativity Flow
Whether you have a specific craft project in mind or want to let the aisles inspire, New Orleans has all bases covered. Let your creativity run wild in a city full of color, culture, and sparkle. No matter how big or small your next craft project is, come visit any of these local spots for any and all of your creative needs.
