Fresh Perspectives - A Crafty Bay-cation

Crafty Corners

As most crafters know, a cozy café makes for the perfect setting to get your creative juices flowing! Luckily, there is no shortage of cafés to be found in our region. Drop by Java Moose for a quiet and quaint atmosphere to work in, or visit Stone Soup Café for a sweet treat and support a social enterprise at the same time. If you're looking to create and browse others' creations, too, there are great options for that! Head to Catapult Coffee for the coziest vibes (if you're visiting in winter, you HAVE to check out their fireplace seating options) and browse the handmade crafts and art available for purchase. If written art is more your style, plan a stop at The Write Cup Bookstore Cafe, where you can create alongside other creatives and shop a selection of all Atlantic Canadian books. 

Looking for even more options? Click HERE for more cafés throughout the region.

Stock Up On Supplies

What about if you're out creating and suddenly run out of supplies? Don't worry - there are some amazing art stores in the region, too! For fibre artists, I'd recommend visiting Cricket Cove and Good Fibrations. Not only will you have expert guidance as you select your next project pieces, but you're also sure to find unique yarns, fabrics, and supplies that will inspire you. If you're looking specifically for sewing materials, The Sewist is a must-visit shop for everything you could possibly need. All of these crafty locations offer workshops and classes, too, so not only can you stock up on supplies, but you can also hone your craft. If you're looking for a broader range of art supplies for activities like sketching, drawing, or painting, consider ESL Art Supplies or Fundy Vinyl & Supplies. And of course, you can never go wrong with a visit to Michael's! Whatever you're on the hunt for, you're sure to find it in the Saint John Region.

Crafting Inspiration

Browsing others' art is a great way to inspire your own or spark a new idea. The Saint John Region is home to some incredible art galleries, many of which are located in the uptown core. Plan a visit to Handworks Gallery, the Saint John Arts Centre, Trinity Galleries, Mitote Art Gallery, or Cobalt Art Gallery (to name just a few). Each has its own distinct atmosphere, featuring pieces from a diverse range of local, national, and international artists. If you're looking for an extra-special gallery experience, be sure to check out Glass Roots Inc., which features incredible blown-glass pieces, as well as free demonstrations of the glass-blowing process. You can even book a workshop with them to create pieces of your own!

Explore Our Markets

The region's arts and culture scene wouldn't be complete without some incredible craft markets to explore. A must-see is, of course, the Saint John City Market, which is both Canada's longest continuing farmers' market and a National Historic Site. The market is home to a variety of craft vendors offering everything from paintings and photography to unique gifts and goods. In the summer months, the market hosts a Night Market that invites even more vendors to set up inside and out. You're sure to find something special that offers a unique local flair.

Apart from the Saint John City Market, there are several seasonal farmers' markets throughout the Saint John Region. You can find a full list of them HERE. This is a great way to discover new small businesses and entrepreneurs creating incredible crafts and handmade goods.

Throughout the year, there are always pop-up markets to discover, too - including ones like the Lovely Little Market and the qplex pop-up markets. Dates and locations for these types of markets are always changing, so be sure to check the Discover Saint John Events Calendar (found HERE) for the latest details on when the next one will be held.

This isn't a strict list of crafty places in the region, but that's the best part - there is always more to explore! These are from my experience as a local artist in the Saint John Region. I hope you enjoy discovering these special places as much as I do!