Crafting in Toronto - Papercrafting at Bizzy B's Stamp & Scrap

My documentation of the best craft shopping in Toronto continues.  (See the first post here.)

A few years ago, when scrapbooking was at its peak - I worked in a scrapbooking store and had a great time.  There were also at the time several store options for us paper-lovers to shop.  However, the recession hit these boutiques hard, and well, hobbies are the first to go when people cut back.

Thankfully Bizzy B's is still around.  
(At 2100 Bloor St West, between High Park and Runnymede subway stations)

I can (and do sometimes) spend hours here.

I love slowly looking at all the pretty papers, planning projects, cards, scrapbook pages and gifts. 
These are my fave things at the store right now.

Amy Tangerine's Sketchbook Line for American Crafts - LOVE!

Oodles of ribbon

Cardstock as far as the eye can see...

Pens in every colour

pretty patterned papers

and velvet ones

Clearly I like things organized in rainbows. 
I should also note that the store has loads of stamps, papercrafting tools and if you need something specific they'll order in for you. 
If you do stop by Bizzy B's, make sure to stop at High Park and enjoy the breeze in the trees.  It's lovely, you'll be glad you did.

P.s. I bought most of the papers in the first photo ;)

This was not a sponsored post.  I just want to feature some of my fave places in the city before they disappear, like some from the past already have. 

Do you have any fave places to craft shop in Toronto?  Anything you can't seem to find?

If you don't live in Toronto but want advice before you visit, let me know :)

Crafting in Toronto - Ribbons and Trim at Sussman's Bridal

I love Crafting. 
I live in Toronto. 

When I first moved here it seemed tough to find craft supplies.  The closest Michael's was in Missasauga.  (Now it's at Wilson station.)  However, I was able to find what I needed through some searching and I discovered some of the best craft shopping on the planet.  Here's the maiden post in a new series that will hopefully help you get crafty and keep these local businesses thriving.

Up first a Notions and Trim shop: Sussman's Bridal Supplies.  

Don't be fooled by the name.  One half of their business is locally designed bridal gowns, but the other half is a cute little shop stacked floor to ceiling with ribbons, feathers, lace, zippers and hundreds of other goodies. 

Have a look.

That's my mom, by the way.  She was visiting for a couple days and on Monday we were on the hunt for a specific colour of lace ribbon.  We came to the right place.

I need an event worthy of yards of sequins - or to convince Steve to make our kitchen a disco.

They have a wall full of panels of silk flowers and appliques - hundreds of choices. 

Did I mention the gorgeous selection of feathers...

I'm going to go back to get feathers to fill a vase.  And make a fascinator.  And rack my brain for a Halloween costume idea.  And wallpaper my apartment with them...

All in all it was a very successful trip.  My mom found a whole sheet full of samples of what we were looking for, and Norma who was working was incredibly nice and really helpful. 

The prices are reasonable and sometimes surprisingly cheap.  I picked up some ribbons to make some bookmarks and will definitely head here as my first choice for trims again. 

You can visit Sussman's at:
420 Queen Street West 

(Between Spadina and Bathurst on the North Side)

416 703 1160

This was not a sponsored post.  I just want to feature some of my fave places in the city before they disappear, like some from the past already have. 

Do you have any fave places to craft shop in Toronto?  Anything you can't seem to find?

If you don't live in Toronto but want advice before you visit, let me know :)