Pearl Art & Craft Supplies

This is a huge arts and crafts store! They've got everything from yarn for knitting to easels and paint. You could spend a couple hours in there looking around and gathering new ideas for art projects. The staff is very knowledgeable about their inventory and they are helpful and suggesting products for you. Also, they give a 10% student discount if you show an ID! more

Pearl is one of my favorite stores. Although I now use the one in Chicago, they also have Pearl in San Francisco, and probably other cities I don't even know about. Their selection of art and craft supplies is excellent. This is no Michael's. You can expect to find handmade paper by the sheet, the top name brands of fine art supplies, frames that meet archival standards, and so much more. You can get lost in the pen aisle alone; there's so much choice at every level of price range. They carry crafting supplies, too. Students can show an ID and get a discount on purchases, and their definition of student extends to those taking a single art course. This is a great place for anyone with a creative bent. more

The main reason I like this place is the location. It is an art store with almost everything, right downtown (near where I work). I've bought stained glass supplies and books, poster tubes, picture frames, scrapbooking stuff and more here. They even have a student/educator discount, and there is meter parking right outside. more

I went to Pearl for the first time today, and had mixed feelings about the store. First of all, it's very dark and somewhat unorganized. I found that even in the particular aisles, some items were misplaced and that they were pretty low in stock in some jewelry-making items I was looking for. Also, I couldn't find someone to help me find an item for a long time, which was annoying. That said, they had a lot more crafting supplies than I would have expected. I normally love Blick, but they don't have the craft supplies that Pearl does. They had yarn for knitting, craft kits for kids, and beads, which you don't typically see at Blick. Some people think it's pricey, but I didn't think it was too unreasonable for the items I purchased. more

There is a lot of things at this store. So much so that I have to stay away from it most of the time. I really enjoy shopping here and they give discounts to students (which is cool). I got beautiful frames and mats here for my photography. The people are very helpful and the sales are awesome. It's kind of annoying to give up your bag/purse/backpack when you're shopping, but you get over it. more

Oh my god, keep me out of this store! If you are an artist you know what I mean. Goodies galore to inspire you. Materials, books, pens and paper and brushes and on and on. Its big, it goes on and on, they always have irresistible stuff on sale. The staff are all artist types themselves so you get more help and advice than you ever need. It is a fun place to get ideas if you are feeling the need for some inspiration. The challenge is just to buy what you need and are really going to use. Of course that is the greater challenge for all us consuming Americans. http://pearlpaint.com/ more

Pearl is a good art store with decent prices on most of its items. With everything from a great selection of papers [if the Paper Source across the street happens to fail you], to regular art supplies and crafting supplies, it's a packed store with most anything you could imagine. Outside of Utrect or Dick's, you can't find a better selection. Get on their mailing list to get coupons every now and then. more

Basically the only plus to this store is that they are so large. Drawbacks include that they run out of a lot of supplies, and are often overpriced. They do offer a student discount which helps with the extremely high costs of art supplies, but only on non-sale items. The staff is not the most friendly, and sometimes it can be hard to get help. However, their staff really knows what they're talking about, and can answer pretty much any question. If you have a long list of supplies to get, Pearl is a good choice. more

There are surprisingly a small number of art supply stores in the city. Pearl probably has the largest selection available. Both fine art and craft supplies, plus a large paper selection. Student ID's get a discount. Prices are average. more

This store has anything you need for an arts and crafts project and they usually have everything in stock! I searched all over CHicago for one specific type of yarn for a blanket and found it here! Students and teachers get a 10% discount with their card so although some people find this place expensive its not too bad with the discount! more

High end art supplies are available here. The store is a little cramped in downtown, but has a good selection of merchandise. It is on the high end, so I don't go here a lot, but when I do I'm always pleased with my purchases. They make an effort to help you in any way possible, and can order other supplies if they don't have what you need. Nice shop. more