Handmade

12/14/07

Very eclectic store with great gifts for everyone

by sadielizz at Citysearch

Really very fun store. Lots of eclectic home decor and and great gifts for everyone in your life. Very reasonable prices and lots of stuff. Has everything from a collection of 'evil eyes' and mexican Day of the Dead skeletons, to seasonal items, greeting cards, books, , and more!

• Pros: Selection, Variety
• Cons: Location in the Valley

12/05/07

Best unique & creative merchandise

by lmilkie at Citysearch

I love browsing to see what new artists have contributed to this store. I went there recently & knocked out some Christmas shopping with unique gifts that I would not find at Macy's, etc. It's like traveling across country & finding new creations without boarding an airplane. I am a creator myself with crochet & beading but I always find something unique when I go there.

• Pros: Unique merchandise, helpful staff

Support local artisans at this store, which is half delightful boutique, half eclectic gift warehouse.

by Contributor at Citysearch

The Scene
Take one part flea market, one part garage sale, a tiny sprinkle of Soho, and add a huge dollop of creativity and what do you have? Handmade--the best collection of artists' wares in the valley. Geared towards the funky gal who loves everything hip, both handmade and imported merchandise pack this enormous warehouse. Gallery space for over 100 (mostly local) artisans makes the selection, including dishware, clothing, vintage jewelry, distressed wood furniture and fanciful wall hangings, varied enough to find both a '50s B movie mouse pad and a Buddha-shaped chest of drawers.

The Goods
The merchandise seems to fall into three categories: retro (tin lunchboxes, vintage-inspired T-shirts), funky (girly bath products) and ethnic (Day of the Dead figurines, Japanese tea and sake sets). Still, more traditional gifts like handmade stationery and candles are also abundant.

11/12/07

ONE STOP SHOP

by erinbutterfly at Citysearch

I absolutely love this store and all the artists that are in it. I take so many people here just to walk around and feel the love that is in every little gallery they have. I have bought gifts for numerous people from this shop. I feel so inspired everytime I walk in there. I wish there were more like it (since I have moved an hour south). I think everyone and anyone will find something here!

03/05/07

Urban Arts and Crafts Fair Everyday of the Week

by nancita64 at Citysearch

I shop at Handmade Galleries not only to find the coolest gifts, but to enjoy shopping in a REAL store staffed by GREAT people who treat everyone who enters like a friend. This is not Snooty Central as so many other LA stores have become. Handmade Galleries remains real and connected in spirit to the community, to artists, and to cutting edge trends.

I wouldn't compare it to so much to a flea market or emphasize its size as "warehouse", although it does hold many surprises as flea markets do and covers 5000 square feet in size. It is more an urban arts and crafts fair and a great place to wander around and get lost in.

Dressed down celebs can be spotted strolling the aisles from time to time, knowing that this is the kind of place where they can let down their star guards for a few pleasant hours of fun shopping.

It is also a kid friendly environment, a rarity in many shopping districts (save the mall). So bring the whole family and plan a day of anti-mall, won't-ever-find-it-in-Target actvities!

P.S. make sure you get some of their Handmade Galleries candy when you check out!

• Pros: Amazing staff, great unique finds from local and national artists
• Cons: They have to close at some time and I want to keep shopping!

11/01/06

Great crafty store

by bootsytown at Citysearch

This store is so fun just to walk around and windowshop or

to be inspired to make your own crafts. Every time you

come here, there is something new and different.

05/08/06

User review by navahough

by navahough at Citysearch

The variety in the store is awesome. I can get lost in there, the people that work there are great. They are friendly and very knowledgable regarding the items for sale in the store.

• Pros: very creative stuff, good parking, not crowded

11/10/05

User review by batman_cactus

by batman_cactus at Citysearch

It's a great store, with A LOT of variety. Friendly employees and great items throughout the store!

• Pros: unique jewelry, beautiful, reasonable priced

06/06/02

Always Interesting

by pointpleasant at Citysearch

Handmade is the type of store that you will just enjoy wandering around. It's set up with booths for each artist. As you stoll through the aisles, you will find pottery, jewelry, clothing, prints, and many other imaginative, artisitic creations. I recently purchased a beautiful, square-shaped soup tureen. What made this item particularly unique was that each piece, the top, the base and the ladle, all had different patterns. I've bought many gifts here because you won't see these things in regular retail stores. They're handmade!

• Pros: wonderful variety, unique items