Michaels

I’m very disappointed in the lack of updating for their stock. The store used to be fantastic, they would have a wonderful supply and extremely helpful staff. Over the last year or so, there is nothing new and the staff are less than helpful.
I’ll frequent a small craft store and pay a little more as the service and selection generally tends to be better.

Very helpful also willing to look for things in Isles with you instead of directing you where to go highly recommend Michael’s

I really enjoy this location. It is easy to get to, they always have AMAZING coupons on their retailmenot page (where they accept them via the mobile app, simply scan on your phone) and the staff is helpful. Once I even almost left my debit card and the staff quickly flagged me down before I almost bolted without it. I like their sales, and generally they have better prices and selection than Jo-Ann’s. I bought more than half of the home made items for my wedding at Michael’s!

This review is location specific, it has nothing to do with the chain itself. If you do anything DIY or crafty, you’ve been here and you’re familiar enough with the chain that I don’t need to go into detail.
This particular Michaels location is very clean, organized, and well stocked. The staff here is extremely helpful and knowledgeable, and overall they just do a great job at maintaining the store. I’m thankful this store is so close to me, because it’s far superior to the next closest location in Milford.
Also, this is chain specific, but their coupons are phenomenal and you can always find one online.

This is usually my go-​to store for anything crafty/​artsy. Store is very clean and well organized. Shopping here is very low key and relaxed, which I can appreciate. They always have coupons in their weekly ads, like 40% off a regular priced item which can be a large savings.

This is how a craft store should be.
The store itself is clean, spacious and has helpful staff. They didn’t have exactly what I was looking for (but then again nobody else did) so they helped me create what I was looking for. The custom framing department? That girl was so helpful and so nice, I’ll let you know when the job is done!
They have a better selection than the Meriden store in both the aisles and in the custom framing department. I finally found my craft store!

I have two words: Tim Holtz. Michael’s carries Tim Holtz products — and as far as I can tell, they’re the only ones in CT who do! So all the gear and pulleys and gadgets and distress inks and distress stains and assorted other grunge and steampunk supplies are available without paying an-​arm-​and-​a-​leg for shipping by ordering online. And, as others have mentioned — when there’s a coupon for 40% or 50% off, you can get some terrific deals. Even better, the 25% off everything coupons, including sale items, in your basket. You can rack up some serious savings on stuff that really shouldn’t cost as much as they do — but what can you do? You want it? You have to pay for it.
They *do* also have a bazillion and one pads of art paper and cardstocks, paint galore, every possible adhesive (both wet and dry) known to man, and quite a lot more. And, a SMALL section of serious art supplies — canvases, oils, better paint brushes, supplies, acrylic paints, sculpture tools, etc.
They also have fairly regular sales on Cricut cartridges (which are not eligible for other coupons for some reason) — so if you’re an electronic die-​cutter, you can usually find some good prices on cartridges. All the other dies (Sizzix, Cuttlebug, Tim Holtz, etc.) are priced comparably to the other stores.
I also appreciate they’re open at 9am. I hate to wait until the morning is practically over before I can start work on a project because a supply I need isn’t available until 10 or 11am!

So this is just a review for the framing services. I’ve never been to a Michaels (Michael’s?) before but I HAVE paid a serious amount of framing for SERIOUS frame jobs. Which came out beautifully and were totally worth it. But, I had a pile of ridiculous art that I can’t part with after dragging it into another state. I broke down and decided to frame everything and toss everything else.
Thus began a holy quest for picture frames that weren’t heinous. I ended up at Michaels where I tracked down the artiest looking employee in the store. Entire the lovely Johanna (and no, not pronounced like the Dylan song, so don’t try that). She systematically took every piece of ridiculous art I had (one was a retro theme hankie), promptly got inspired and hand-​picked frames for everything. I framed 12 things for under $ 100 and was beyond thrilled. Johanna rules; she’s funny and has good taste. Enjoy!

How do I love thee (Michaels)? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth (of your endless scrap book papers) and breadth (of all your fake flowers) and height (of all your blank canvases)
My soul can reach (and touch all your spray paint because it’s not locked up at this store), when feeling out of sight.
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace (your sticker aisle is heavenly)
I love thee to the level of everyday’s (crafting fun)
Most quiet (do it your self) need, by sun (coloured ribbon) and candle-​light (from all your candles)
I love thee freely (especially when you have a buy one get one free sale), as men strive for Right; (men what men? I only see ladies in the store)
I love thee purely (like all the pure melting chocolate you sell), as they turn from Praise (like I want praise when I take one of your crafting classes)
I love thee with a passion put to use (with brushes; put to use with paint brushes)
In my old griefs (that wont be in my scrap book), and with my childhood’s faith (you have some great toys too)
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose (when in other craft stores)
With my lost saints, (I bet you even have those, cause you have everything) — I love thee with the breath (I use to blow bubbles… you sell so many types of bubbles)
Smiles, tears, of all my (crafting)life! — and, if (the crafting) God (s) choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.
(Cause hell is filled with balloons and glitter)
** By yours truly with a little help from Elizabeth Barrett Browning.