13 Stores Like Hobby Lobby for All Your Crafting Needs

As an avid crafter always on the hunt for supplies for my next project, I rely heavily on craft stores like Hobby Lobby to fuel my creativity. However, as much as I love Hobby Lobby for its incredible selection and affordable prices, even I need a change of scenery sometimes.

Luckily, there are plenty of excellent stores like Hobby Lobby that offer a similar experience. From nationwide chains to specialized online shops, these 13 stores provide all the materials and inspiration I need to let my imagination run wild.

1. Michaels

As one of the biggest arts and crafts retailers in North America, Michaels offers an exceptionally wide selection of products, from basic supplies like paper and paint to specialty items like crafting machines and usable art. With over 1,200 stores across the U.S. and Canada, Michaels competes closely with Hobby Lobby in terms of variety and convenience.

Though prices run slightly higher overall, Michaels makes up for it with an excellent rewards program, discounts for teachers and students, and knowledgeable staff. Michaels is ideal for crafters who prefer the in-store shopping experience.

2. Joann

Joann is another craft superstore boasting over 850 brick-and-mortar locations. I particularly love Joann’s constantly rotating stock of seasonal materials perfect for holidays and special occasions. Their everyday low prices also rival Hobby Lobby’s.

One perk Joann has over Hobby Lobby is free classes on projects like sewing, knitting, and kid’s crafts. Between the classes and VIP rewards program, Joann is a crafter’s paradise.

3. AC Moore

Sadly, AC Moore closed all of its stores in 2020. However, its online store lives on under the Michaels brand. Expect to find fantastic deals on fabric, yarn, floral decor, and more. Bulk pricing makes AC Moore a budget-friendly Hobby Lobby alternative.

4. Pat Catan‘s

Founded in 1954, this Ohio-based chain feels like the neighborhood craft shop of your childhood dreams. From custom framing to faux floral arrangements, Pat Catan’s 12 locations have all the charm of an independent store with the product depth to rival big-box retailers.

Pinpointing hard-to-find supplies is one of Pat Catan’s specialties. Between the friendly staff and robust online presence, Pat Catan’s has earned a treasured place in my crafting community.

5. Ben Franklin Crafts

Specializing in arts, crafts, and home decor supplies since 1976, Ben Franklin Crafts is currently based out of Florida with additional stores across the Eastern U.S. Their collection emphasizes the tools and materials needed for interests like jewelry making, stained glass, wood carving, and more.

Though smaller than chains like Hobby Lobby, Ben Franklin Crafts domains in specialty merch that’s difficult to find elsewhere. I love scoping out their clearance section for absolute steals.

6. Art Supply Warehouse

Catering to fine artists and creative professionals, Art Supply Warehouse provides top-quality supplies for painting, drawing, printing, graphic design, and beyond. With three locations across Tennessee, they rival Jerry’s Artarama and Blick Art Materials without the staggering price tags.

From blank canvases to specialty paints and papers imported from Europe and Japan, Art Supply Warehouse harbors materials unattainable at ordinary craft stores. No project is too ambitious with their expert assistance.

7. Etsy

Transitioning to online stores, Etsy offers an endless bounty of craft supplies courtesy of its 2.5 million active sellers. Beyond materials, you’ll discover finished crafts, vintage goods, handmade tools, and more from artisans around the world.

I love Etsy for unusual supplies like hand-dyed yarn, artisanal paper, natural dyes, and small-batch paints. The global marketplace also introduces me to cultural crafts I’d likely never discover otherwise. Don’t forget to peek at the free shipping items!

8. eBay

eBay is my go-to for discount craft supplies, especially in bulk. Need 500 plastic rhinestones for just a few bucks? eBay has sellers for that. Specialty sugars and dyes for cake decorating? Yep, eBay came through.

It does take more digging compared to Etsy, but I’ve saved hundreds furnishing my craft room through eBay over the years. Pro seller tip: check newly listed and auction items for the best deals.

9. Amazon

Known for fast shipping and great prices, Amazon competes handily with big-box craft retailers. Choose between direct fulfillment from Amazon or third-party sellers for maximum variety. I rely on Amazon for basic tools and materials from brands I already love.

Amazon subscriptions are another great perk, allowing recurring delivery of everyday essentials like tape, clay, paintbrushes, and more. Take advantage of Subscribe & Save discounts to save even more. Alexa voice ordering makes replenishing supplies ultra-convenient too.

10. Dick Blick

Founded in 1911, Blick Art Materials has long served as a mecca for artists seeking premium-grade supplies. Across 73 Blick retail stores and thriving website DickBlick.com, the brand caters specifically to fine artists, students, and instructors.

Blick’s in-house brand boasts an incredible spectrum of paints, brushes, papers, easels, portfolios, and more carefully designed for the best quality-to-price ratio. For max savings, take advantage of their latest promos and coupon codes.

11. Jerry’s Artarama

Family-owned and operated since 1968, Jerry’s stocks over 70,000 art materials across seven retail locations and JerrysArtarama.com. Though geared toward artists, I regularly supplement my mixed media projects with Jerry’s extensive paper selections, acrylic mediums, and adhesives.

Jerry’s also offers one of the best loyalty programs around. Earn 10% back in rewards points on every purchase as a Starving Artist member. Redeem points for discounts on future orders and receive exclusive coupon codes year-round.

12. Artist & Craftsman Supply

With roots dating back to 1977, Artist & Craftsman Supply provides specialty art tools you won’t easily find elsewhere. Beyond essentials like oil paints and drawing pads, they offer niche supplies for egg tempera, silverpoint, encaustic, and historical painting techniques.

For one-stop shopping across mediums, Artist & Craftsman Supply has everything from printmaking tools to wood carving chisels to bookbinding essentials. Products emphasize sustainability, while classes nurture artistic growth at all levels.

13. Cratejoy

My latest craft supply obsession: subscription boxes! Cratejoy is my go-to marketplace linking buyers to monthly craft kit subscriptions suited for all skill levels. From candle-making to macrame to watercolors and beyond, discover a new hobby every month.

I love how subscription boxes eliminate the guesswork of figuring out exactly which materials to purchase. Everything I need for that month’s craft bundle arrives on my doorstep, accompanied by inspiring ideas and tutorials. It takes the overwhelm out of stocking a craft room!

Get Creative with Stores Like Hobby Lobby!

As a devoted maker and DIYer, I’m constantly amazed by the sheer variety of craft stores out there catering to every artistic medium, skill level, and budget imaginable. Hobby Lobby may be the retail giant, but scores of lesser-known shops also compete through specialty merchandise, online convenience, discounted prices, and strong communities.

I encourage all creatives to experiment with new stores and expand their horizons. Solve production problems by discovering your next favorite tool or material. Learn fresh techniques by taking classes in real life or virtually. Connect with sellers and peers who share your passions. Most importantly, never place limits on your creativity. With so many resources at your fingertips these days, the only true constraints are those we place upon ourselves.

Happy making!