Michaels

Overpriced, old fashioned, and rude employees. Save your time and money and drive down the road to Hobby Lobby. The only positive thing about Michaels is that they are open on Sundays.

I went here for some candles for Xmas presents. The one here in Portland, OR had candles for 40% off and so I thought that they would as well… but they didn’t. Bummer! The store was ok, but was really disappointed that they didn’t have the sale prices the one in Portland did. Still. they do have nice candles.

I’m a major hobby lobby fan, but when my 11 year old said Michael’s was the only place to get a rainbow loom we were off because who doesn’t love all those little rubber bands all over their house. Supposedly this is the only retailer to sell the actual rainbow loom. It cost $ 14.99. Michael’s will not let you use a coupon for this particular item-​bummer. I like the store and their prices are decent. They are open on Sundays too for all you weekend crafters. The parking lot is a nightmare so use caution.

I am frugal when it comes to buying art supplies, and the coupons they have from time to time are exceptional. However as I am in for art supplies– not that craft brick a brac stuff it is not my ideal. It is beneficial to have Michaels because sometimes on the road– I loose my kneaded eraser. It is a pretty standard craft store. Most of them offer classes like the cake decorating one, my mom took my cousin to. Maybe I should give it 4 stars for the convenience factor. But it is kind of like the Wal Mart, of Arts and crafts stores. Sometimes I get panic attacks at Wal Mart. Like when shoppers with carts keep blocking my way. You can get nice quality canvases and Arches watercolor blocks, and some mid range paint lines. I do not believe they carry the higher end artist materials like Sennelier brand or kolinsky sable brushes.

Michaels is my go-​to place for frames or anything crafty. Great selection, helpful staff, and thankfully no pushing of religion unlike its Hobby Lobby competitor. Parking at this location is often tight. Very busy shopping center means lots of competition for awkwardly designed parking.

Michael’s is a great place to grab everything you need after you’ve spent way too much time on Pinterest or StumbleUpon. Craft-​heaven!

The main reason I like michaels is that it is open on Sunday’s when hobby lobby is closed for religious reasons (don’t get me started). This store did serve me well for my wedding buying the wedding program template packs that you put in your home printer to create. Looked just like professionally made programs on card stock and somehow managed to find them on major clearance. Also found a cute little salt and pepper shaker favor to give at my bridal shower (two peas in a pod). People are nice here and there is one lady who is obsessive about greeting people at the door at the register… Like crazy about it. Lol
I had some custom framing done here that was really good for 50% (still ridiculously expensive) off but got pissed when the next week custom framing was 60% off. Ugh… The person in framing was really helpful and patient with me picking out frames for a couple of pieces I picked up In china.
The lack of stars is just due to their selection of other crafty things. It doesn’t even compare to hobby lobby!

I try to shop local, but Michael’s is my go-​to when I need something for a project and can’t find it anywhere else in town. They always have what I need, the staff is friendly, and I appreciate that unlike some other chain craft-​supply stores whose initials are HL, they’re open on Sundays.

once in a while i’m able to get what i need + get out in under 15 minutes. more often, i end up having an experience (long, slow-​moving lines during non-​holiday season; out of stock items; confused employees) that makes me wish i never had to go back. unfortunately, my job doing arts w/​kids combined w/​their damn 40% off coupons ensure my return. sigh.

There are two types of craft stores. The pretty, organized kind that inspire you to do craft work. And the sad, dumpy kind that is always half-​stocked and mocks your etsy aspirations. This Michaels is the latter. Clean it up, organize it, make this place feel special and not a place where hobbies go to die.

It seems that if you’ve been to one Michael’s you’ve been to them all. They have good holiday ideas, but I mainly go there for framing. Everything seems to be marked up, but there are always coupons available online, form a preious receipt, or in the paper. Just make sure to use coupons and you’ll get a decent deal.
If you’re coming from the North, it’s hidden behind another building, but you want to turn left on Montgomery and then take a right into the parking lot. Making a left from Wyoming after the light is difficult. It’s in the very back corner of the block.