Mouthwatering Arts & Crafts in Albuquerque

Recycled Home Decor and More

★★★★★ 5 (1)

"This cute little shop needs more advertising and people coming in because is a great place to stop if you are driving by or live in the area. The ladies here are so nice that made me wanna stay and chat with them. Everything is either vintage, unique art, locally made or fun crafts at very affordable prices."

Rise and Shine Mercantile

★★★★★ 5 (1)

"A delightful shop with wonderful treasures at fantastic prices! Helpful and friendly staff."

Turquoise World

★★★★★ 4.8 (20) • $$

"Stunning, hand-crafted Native American, turquoise and silver jewelry from local artisans at incredibly reasonable prices. Located far from Old Town with a humble exterior, but don't let that stop you. The owner is friendly, low-pressure, and highly knowledgeable. With this quality at these prices, you'll happily walk out with more pieces than you planned."

New Mexico Bead Company

★★★★★ 4.8 (21) • $$

"Great store to stock up on strands of beads. They also make beaded items for you to buy and you can make them yourself as well. My friend got a couple of turquoise earrings made for herself and I bought some strands of beads. The shop owner is super helpful and even gave us maps for the area and recommendations for breweries and winery's to visit. Highly recommend."

Sun Country Traders

★★★★★ 4.7 (15) • $$

"A lot of the shops in Santa Fe feel like they are either (1) super expensive art galleries or (1) just packed with stuff. Sun Country Traders is different; there's plenty of space to move around and things aren't grotesquely overpriced. To me, this is the most interesting thing about this shop. The owners/workers seem to be very laid-back. No heavy sales pressure, and they seem just glad to chat a while! I was in here looking at some Navajo folk art carvings. The worker I spoke with was knowledgeable and unassuming, which I found very refreshing. I didn't end up buying anything, but if something had caught my eye, I definitely would've bought it here. I will be back."

Chatter Paint

★★★★★ 4.7 (15)

"What a fun concept! A large open room where you can actually paint, throw paint, shoot paint, fling paint, drop paint, splatter paint, aim for your canvas, aim for the walls, aim for eachother?!... it's rare to find a space where creativity's only limit is your imagination. And, as an extra option, you can choose to have this creative fun under black lights with glowing paint? Yes please.This cool spot provides you with a poncho, but I recommend wearing shoes and pants that can get messy. The only thing you'll need to clean up is yourself! They took care of everything - set up & clean up. We had a great time. Welcome to the list of creative & fun things to do in Albuquerque, Chatter Paint!They're new and working out the best ways to offer this space, but were really open to feedback and genuinely friendly and wonderful. I recommend just booking it, and going in and letting them walk you through your options. You'll have a blast. We will be back!"

Harvest Gifts

★★★★★ 5 (3) • $

"Clarabelle and Salomon are a fantastic couple. Their business is called New Mexico Harvest Gifts and is essentially two wonderful local farmers selling their produce and crafts mostly at farmers markets.I don't recall how long ago I started buying from them, but it's been over a decade. Since we started buying from them, they have have become our sole provider of chile, chile pequin, chipotle, chicos and pecans for our family. We get pinto beans (frijoles), flowers and produce from them as they harvested. This year we've been treated to amazing lemon cucumbers. If you're not familiar with them, you are missing out. So good! Their address and number is lovingly placed on your product so you can let them know if you'll be wanting larger quantities of something or buying gifts outside the days/months of farmers markets. To me it's also a personal assurance of someone standing behind their product. I love knowing I'm supporting a loving, hardworking couple that cares about their product because they care about their customers. If you get the chance to know them, you'll find just how special they are. I think it's fun knowing how the crops are doing, how the rain (or lack thereof) is affecting the grow. For instance, they normally grow in Corrales but this year, 2013, the lack of rain forced them to move the crops to Espanol, where she is from. Knowing they live in the East Mountains, do chile grinding and chico preparation in Socorro and make weekly trips to Roswell for some chile products tells me they put in quite a commute for my food.In short, they are excellent farmers and great people with superb products. I highly recommend them."

Lapis Room

★★★★★ 4.9 (9)

"I'm OBSESSED!Last night I was in Old Town at Sheehan's Tasting Room and someone mentioned Lapis Room was having an open house so we decided to check out it out after finishing some fantastic wine. The space was so much larger than I ever thought and is definitely my new spot for prints. I wish I could afford some of the originals on the wall that are just amazing. They have all kinds of jewelry and other locally inspired merch. Super similar to this little spot in Tucson that I recently visited and remember thinking "I wish we had something similar in ABQ" but we do!"

Cowlicks

★★★★☆ 3.5 (8) • $

"I love this shop SO Much! The owner is the sweetest guy on earth. Give him love... he gives it back! Great deals. Beautiful collection!It's small but has some real gems and treasures!I try to visit several times a year"

Squidly Designs

★★★★★ 5 (5)

"Squidly is a fantastic little shop full of color and handmade joy! There are many unique, handmade goods by local artisans as well as fresh flowers! The owners are kind, authentic people who work hard to uplift local artisans and the surrounding community. A visit to Squidly is a visit to a great place that supports local creativity and the economy!Here you can find gifts, unique/handmade items, fresh flowers, a positive/vibrant/colorful and uplifting atmosphere, stickers, cards, jewelry, fashion accessories, home goods, art and more!"

Color Wheel Toys

★★★★★ 4.9 (9) • $

"Was a pop up but is now permanent. I've shopped at this store since it's beginning days and it has never ever disappointed. The toys are well curated and brought in with thought to sustainability, fair labor practices, and likelihood it will entertain for longer rather than shorter. The toys are diverse however many lean towards STEAM and outdoor play. The owner is well versed in toys and that I appreciate. They will wrap presents for you! Stop by and check out the location. Small and local businesses FTW."

Plaza Indian Trading Post

★★★★★ 4.5 (6) • $$$

"There is so much JUNK New Mexican jewelry in the southwest. It's at the airports, drugstores, diners, supermarkets, street corners, even at the gas stations. You ask for southwestern jewelry, and out come the trays of turquoise and silver. Most I have seen belong in the toy section of Walmart or in a Cracker Jack box. The SW jewelry on the east coast is so culturally watered down and most likey made in China. So during my last night in Albuquerque, I had a couple of free hours to do more xmas shopping and what better gift than something from New Mexico.......but NOT JUNK. As I was driving around earlier, several large signs and stores caught my eye....NATIVE AMERICAN INDIAN JEWELRY. As I was leaving my hotel, I saw one of the hotel managers and ask her which one of these places I would find some good southwestern jewelry.Well she stopped what she was doing and only looked at me for 2 seconds before saying anything. But in those 2 seconds I could FEEL she was thinking, "Are you friggin nuts? Are your really that naive to believe those signs? My 2 year old neice wouldn't fall for those ads. You want to buy the Brooklyn Bridge while you are at it? And how in the heck did you get here anyways because I didn't see any turnip trucks stop by here." All that conveyed with a 2 second stare. She sized me up from the top of my head to my shoes. Her eyes in a fraction of a second going from looking me in the eye then top to bottom and finally back to my eyes. Her steely eyes penetrating my psyche. The corner of her mouth, wavering with resistance, almost going through contortions just to hint at a verbal lashing. All in 2 seconds. How in the hell do women do that??? At the 1.8 second mark, her mouth began to move and then she said...."You don't want to shop there. You should shop at Old Town because they have better quality jewelry.""What about that place that said "Worlds Largest Collection of Indian Jewelry?, Have you ever been there" I sheepishly inquired.She looked at me for another 2 seconds. Repeat everything above and then add..."You really are that naive. You really should seek professional help when you get home. Amazing you even got through the airports. But I am going to help you not because you are a guest but because I feel sorry ...no...I mean pity for you and you need all the help you can get." At the 1.8 second mark, her mouth started to move and then said...."No I havent been to those places (She was thinking "I would never set foot in those frigging places.") But you should really go to Old Town. They sell real jewelry there. I shop in that area myself.""Any place you recommend there?" I meekly prodded as I emptied the turnips from my pockets......"Hmmmm...I dont remember the name of the shops exactly, I just go there...but there is this Indian Plaza place....right on the right side of town."Thank you." As I left I had to size HER up to see if I would take her suggestion. She had that "Don't s%^t with me because I had to deal with f#$@ers worse than you all my life" look. With her demeanor you know she could run a men's prison singlehandedly. Middle to late age, professionally dressed for a Hawthorn Inn...but not overdressed. Had that late afternoon, slightly frumpled hair look that said..."I have a 9 to 5 job but I work 12 hours a day. She had that look that told me she didnt shop on Rodeo Drive....but didn't buy her clothes at WalMart either. She would be right at home at Filenes basement, but would buy wisely not impulsively on here Hawthorn Inn salary. So I took a chance.And WOW. Was she RIGHT. The store looked like none of the display cases have been moved for 40 years. All the jewelry I liked were hand made by artists that the storekeeper knew on a first name basis. Prices seemed pretty resonable so I bought on the spot. As wandered around the rest of Old Town later, I discovered that store's prices were almost half of the the other places I window shopped.There might have been cheaper places in that area if I had more time to shop, but.......the turnip truck was just pulling around the corner to take me home......."

Wind Rhythms

★★★★★ 4.8 (4)

"This is a new store in Old Town that has very unique collectibles. Even have little kids toys starting at $3. Jackets t-shirts earrings rings.Very reasonably priced especially for Old Town this is a must stop place.If you live in Albuquerque come check it out if you're visiting New Mexico it is very fun."

Found On 4th

★★★★★ 4.7 (3) • $$

"I'm not antique-y. Well, I guess I am, sorta. I'm artistic-y. I figure antique-y is just a matter of time, at some point I'll be jonesing for tangible artifacts of my passage through the years, like Gameboys or Rob Roskopp skate decks or Manic Panic hair dye. Will any of these ever make the shelves of antique stores? Not likely. But they're relics of my past that connect me to days I've generally forgotten about. I think "Classic Rock" is an awesome example of this. Am I happy that Jane's Addiction and The Cure are currently on rotation alongside Jimi Hendrix and Def Leppard? Absolutely not. But I get it, I understand how this whole thing works out, I'll deal with it. Found On 4th basically nails what I'm talking about from an antique standpoint. Yes, it's filled with old stuff from any era, they don't really care. But the place is curated by artists, good ones, so they know their stuff. It's absolutely not an antique store, but it is, kinda. Let me put it this way: if I had an apartment or an old home in the valley, a blank living canvas, and I was looking to slap some lipstick on that pig, I'd go to this place. Hand selected and often refurbished gems are here for the taking at seriously fair prices and the overall impression of the work is basically timeless. I'm looking forward to finding out more about their classes, as well. When I visited they listed a class themed on Gratitude. I can't imagine the content of said class, but I'm intrigued. The other day I happened to bump into the song "Gratitude" by the Beastie Boys. I loved the tune, growing up, but listening to it as a grownup gave me a better understanding of its message. The Boys were getting older, wiser, reflecting, figuring it out. You'll find similar artists at Found on 4th. Here are the lyrics, should you happen to recall those days:Good times gone, and you missed themWhat's gone wrong in your system?Things they bounce like a SpaldingWhat'd you think, did you miss your calling?It's so free, this kind of feelingIt's like life, it's so appealingWhen you've got so much to say it's called gratitudeAnd that's right"

Palms Trading Company

★★★★☆ 4.3 (31) • $$$

"A few days ago, I was sorting through my closet and ran across some Southwestern mementos from the days that I lived in Los Alamos. I fondly remember my Saturday shopping trips into Albuquerque in general and at the State Fair grounds flea market and the Palms Trading Company in particular. The Palms has been around for a long time and their selection, service, and prices have been one of the reasons that I keep returning to the Land of Enchantment.Gayle was less impressed with my turquoise treasures, especially the bolo tie. She eventually wore me down and prevailed on me to put it away before I dared to wear it in public. She also implied that Universe ending paradoxes would occur if I didn't see it her way. I'd prefer to think that I'm ahead of the fashion curve and that someday my "hip" style will be properly recognized as I proudly get my "Bolo On"."

Reveal

★★★★☆ 4 (1)

"Stumbled on this store by accident. We saw a giclee in the window and decided to have a closer look. We walked into a very eclectic shop. Soaps, trinkets, art and carvings. We found out that all of the product is made in NM. This adds to the definition of buying local. So we walked out with the print that originally caught our eye. Now to find a free place on the wall..."

The Stitcher's Garden

★★★★☆ 4.2 (5) • $

"I wish this was a chain and in Arizona! When I walked in I was helped right away and left with what I needed. I could have easily left with a new project or two. I highly recommend coming here for all your stitching needs. They probably have what you need and you should support this great specialty store!"

La Parada

★★★★★ 4.9 (7) • $$

"La Parada is rumored to have been a stagecoach stop on the historic El Camino route between Santa Fe and Mexico City. If so, I doubt that it looked anywhere near as colorful and beautiful as it does now. The tagline on the 4th Street entrance sign (shared with Farm & Table) is "world decor/gifts/vintage," and it fits the place to a tee. But they easily could have added "flowering trees," "flowing water," "blooming gardens," "radiant sunshine," "world music," "retro chic," or any number of other descriptors.Some of the items here are bulky and best suited for local purchase and use, especially the hand-painted garden planters and exquisite ceramics and wooden sculptures on display inside the store on the first floor. Others, like the funky vintage items in the upstairs "Retro Kitchen," are ideal as traveling gifts for self, friends, or family. It's hard to describe everything else, which ranges from small ceramic suns and moons to day of the dead key rings, blank note cards, bear-shaped coin purses, scarves, gloves, necklaces, and a full compliment of exotic, alluring, aesthetically intriguing outerwear for women and men. Everything is carefully arranged and tastefully presented, but it's not so precious that you'd be afraid to bring your 2-year inside for a look. This isn't a Dale Chihuly gift shop, or a place for showing off 50-year old aged balsamic in Venetian hand-blown glass. The painted birdhouses and potted plant burros, frogs, and chickens are tougher than they might look. If you ever are tempted to convert 100% of your shopping dollars to on-line retail, visiting La Parada may make you reconsider. Like an approaching stagecoach stop that people yearned to reach after days of dusty, sun-baked travel on bone-rattling roads and perilous river crossings, some places are best experienced in person, with the hands and fingers and optic nerves that millions of years of evolutionary history have crafted, one natural selection at a time. Whenever I visit a unique and lovingly-tended place like La Parada, I wonder how many times a particular key chain or coin purse or flower pot has been looked at, touched, talked about, before finally finding a buyer. I imagine the leather being stitched, the ceramic being painted, the face of St. Francis being sanded, the birds on his shoulder being attached, the fabric being woven, dyed, and sewn, the boxes being lined with packing materials in La Paz, Las Cruces, Southern India, Sulawesi, or Isfahan. And then, like magic, they appear within range of your vision. You look, you touch, you ponder, and if the stars align and the price is right, you purchase. And then you pack up your belongings, cast a skeptical glance outside at the dark clouds gathering on the horizon, get back in your SUV-sized stagecoach, say your goodbyes and bon voyage's and vaya con dios's, and you move on to the next stop of the journey, with your new bear-shaped coin purse and painted ceramic sun and moon wrapped up securely next to your seat, no doubt curious about where they will be going next."

Arts & Crafts Center

★★★★☆ 4 (1) • $$

"So glad I finally went over there and saw what we can do for much less than outside (the base)!!We went for ceramic painting twice now and both times we(2of us) only cost less than $15 First time we colored a mini cupcake jar, a cat figurine, and a spoon holder. Second time we painted two cereal bowls. I'm also working on my hubby's custom shadow box for his retirement. That will take a while and is costly because it's a custom order but I'm happy that so much can get done in one place. There's painting, ceramic, engraving, framing, as well as ticketing office for our military discounted special tickets. You can also buy little trinkets like decorations and I even saw a local honey being sold there. If you are on base or have an access, you should check it out."

Bugzby's ToyShop

★★★★★ 5 (2)

"Adore this shop! It has a variety of toys to ignite play and kids' imagination at reasonable price points. It is very kid-centered and friendly to boot, so despite the gorgeous lay out, you don't have to feel like you are walking on eggshells with your littles as you explore. Much appreciated we have this gem here!"

Native Gallery

★★★☆☆ 3.1 (7)

"Taking the in-laws to Old Town when we decided to look for a Native American Wedding Vase. We'd been in Santa Fe the day before and we found a few that met our desires. Most shops that had the vases were offering them for half-price. I am always suspect when something with a subjective price is offered for 1/2 the marked price. Especially when it comes to Indian Pottery. Experience has taught me that it may not be such a great deal after all. Santa Fe is somewhat of a tourist trap. We start looking at various shops in Old Town and find more of the same "drastic" discounts. Then we walk into here. We found a base similar to what we had been looking at for about $100 less than the discounted price we were quoted earlier. We talked with the owner and he says that he prices his wares at reasonable prices and doesn't believe in marking things up and offering it for half price. The staff was friendly, informative and helpful."

Pinspiration

★★★★★ 4.9 (8)

"My friends bought this franchise and it is amazing. Sooooo many craft ideas. I can't wait to do the splatter room with some friends soon. And my granddaughter is going to have a blast choosing a craft project. They don't have their liquor license yet but you can BYOB. Walk ins are OK but reservations are suggested. Great for bridal showers. Birthdays. Graduations. So much fun."

Bien Mur Indian Market Center

★★★★☆ 3.7 (16) • $$$

"Such a cool place! This is an architectural marvel! The whole building looks like a museum. It's a round design of prefabricated pieces that make a cylindrical museum, with a nave in the center for display pieces. Inside, it's a two story building, with a ring up top that looks down on the store below. They have a fantastic selection of different pieces of jewelry from different tribes, blankets, rugs, and pottery. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable about the wares, and just listening to them talk shop with the other customers and the other staff members is pretty impressive. Most of them have direct knowledge of the tribal wares, and the story behind them. The jewelry seems to be all authentic, and they take pride in knowing that these aren't knockoffs. Their pricing scheme leaves some to be desired- they price everything at astronomically high prices, then change the discount depending on how business is going. So when I went, it was 30% off everything, which made me have to do all this math. Reading through the reviews on Yelp, it seems that they sometimes go to 50% off if you keep an eye on the place. The selection is some of the best and most diverse you're going to find under one roof in NM, albeit at high prices. My favorite thing that they had here were the Indian rugs. Some nerdy weaver wove Star Wars designs into some of the rugs!In the parking lot, you'll find an authentic Indian horno, an outdoor oven used to make bread. Along there, there's a buffalo pen! Be sure to check out the Indian casino across Tramway if you have some spare time."

Enchanted Art Hand Made

★★★★☆ 4.3 (4) • $$

"This is my favorite store in Old Town. San Pasquale is a close second, and the basket shop is - of course - a must shop - but this one edges them out.The woman who owns the shop is so lovely - she is always extremely helpful and just could not be nicer.I have bought lots of things for myself here, and more than a few presents for other people. The shop has all kinds of interesting art, sculpture, wall hangings, jewelry, hats, clothing - it's a great place! She travels to South America to buy much of it, and it's all very beautifully made. All of the art is not just beautiful, but also priced very reasonably. I always know that if I need a gift, I can stop in there and find something great. I once got a necklace/earring set made of dyed cantaloupe seeds - really amazing, beautiful stuff.This shop is wonderful - I love it, and you will too!"

Beaded Iris

★★★★☆ 4 (12) • $

"While I was visiting Albuquerque, my pearls broke, and I decided to find a place to have my pearls restrung. I wanted to have knots tied between each pearl to make it more secure. I found The Bearded Iris hidden away in a strip mall.When I walked into the store, I was greeted by several friendly women. I met the owner, Danielle, and told her what I was looking for - - someone to repair my black pearl necklace. She said, "I can do that". She agreed to tie a knot between each pearl--I wish I would have had that done originally. I wasn't going to be in town for long, and she was able to meet my deadline! The price was reasonable, and she did a great job! The Beaded Iris is a bead shop and much more. TBI has all types of beads 8and beading supplies. They have beautiful beads from all over the world: the Czech Republic, Africa, Italy, and Japan--to name a few. They also have beaded necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and broaches. Besides beads, they have classes: knitting, beading, and wire wrapping.The Beaded Iris is a place to join together with others to create works of beauty--"like poetry when it comes from your soul"."