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Sources for Supplies in the Greater Barony
I am originally from the Chicago area. One of the really fine things about the SCA in that area (and at that time, of course) was the inclusion of a brief "suppliers" list in the local directory--if there was a really fabulous place to get, say, fabric, it was included in the directory for everyone's benefit. In fact, at this time, there is a very good online list of fabulous stores in the Greater Chicago area at http://www.yellowzeppelin.net/fabric.html. The following list highlights places folks around the Barony have found to be good places to procure the supplies needed for one's SCA projects. Very large chain stores (such as Michael's Arts & Crafts, Hancock Fabrics, JoAnne's Fabrics and Crafts) are not highlighted, as they are sufficiently well known that any visitor to the Barony will have little trouble locating them. These are generally the less well known gems that only a little networking will reveal. Anyone with a recommendation for this list is welcome to mail it to me at merouda (at) hotmail (dot) com. This list is just starting, and it needs your help to grow. At this time, the list is in no particular order, as there are few places listed. Artist and Display Easy to find as it is on a major Milwaukee County street. Attempts to stock general art supplies for the serious amateur and professional artist. Small selection of books. Speedball calligraphy nibs. Decent selection of inks--this is where I buy the walnut ink I like. Several brands of gouache. Also: Old Holland oils, watercolors, and egg temperas. Wide selection of acrylics and oils by major players in the industry. Appropriate support supplies for the paints (i.e., varnishes, gum arabic, ox gall). Reasonable brush selection. Reasonable paper selection, some specialty paper. Some book binding supplies. Very supportive staff. Reasonable prices. Greenfield News and Hobby Hobby store with EXTENSIVE magazine section, model section. As a hobby store, has introductory kits, general stuff. Soap and candle making supplies, enamels for metal and glass, wood embellishment supplies, less extensive but still worthy selection of paints and brushes, standard papers. Oddly enough, a larger selection of inks than some of the art stores. Utrect's Art Supply store, wide variety of supplies focused on the sorts of things you'd expect to find at an art school store. The store brand is quite good, better than some of the "student quality" supplies you'll find in other places, or some of the dreadful, cheap stuff coming out of Russia.
Fabric Corner Recommended by Typhaine, who says: They can order anything, and have a good selection in stock. They also specialize in trims and laces, for those of you who like gussying yourselves up. Sew What Supplies Recomended by AEsa Ankasdottir, who says: One that comes to mind real high on the list is Sew What... some of their stuff is Tandy, so it is cheaper to go direct, but they tend to be really friendly and helpful, mostly because it is a small store, just this one guy I think. I have to look up more info on it, I can get that to you, but what this is really great for is stuff like buckles and grommets (the nice ones that will actually stand up to your armour or heavy garb use) as well as scrap leather, and has quite a wide variety. I have gotten all of the buckles for a fairly pretty set of starter heavy armour for under $5, which is what a lot of the newbies are paying for one buckle buying those dog collars. It is out on highway 100 pretty close to Sam's Club. They have weird hours, I think, but he will work with you to try to make an idea work, even pretty weird stuff. My mother owns a costume shop and has therefore gone in with all sorts of messed up ideas, and he has at least taken the time to help her work through them (at one point we were trying to do a Kiss cover band and they were the only shop in town who had the time to help us figure out the structural stuff to make it work.). You don't get the pretty location like a strip mall gives you, but most SCAdians I know would be perfectly comfortable in the warehouse-style surroundings. If you don't see what you need, ask. The shopping area is a bit crowded and there is a lot that is in drawers or behind counters. And I suppose it follows that the store is off in the side of a building. You have to watch for it, but it is worth it. Bring someone to watch out the window the first time or you'll miss it. Tandy Leather Leather supplier with retail prices. Well known supplier across the country, but this is the only retail outlet remaining in Milwaukee. Nasco This is actually a wideranging store that serves the educational and agricultural communities, and the deals that can be found in the discount aisle are unbelievable (I bought so much paper at outrageous discount that it will be years before I need more bristol board). Bulk paper, bulk ink, stained glass supplies, pottery supplies, enamelling supplies, papermaking supplies, soapstone supplies, sculpting, spinning, weaving, woodworking... much more. You can often get staff-created kits for trying new crafts in the retail store, which are very helpful for picking up a new craft. Plus, if you're like me and thinking of taking up some animal husbandry, the books and supplies you need are here. Browse the website, get the catalog, visit the store. Fibers
and Frames Embroidery supplies of all sorts, plus framing supplies. Imported Fabrics, Books, Accessories, Finishing, Overdyed Floss. This is the only local place I know of that carries silk floss for those of us who like to use it. Fantasy Crafts Specializes in embroidery/fibercraft supplies for those with a taste for things SCA: heraldry, dragons, knights in shining armor, et cetera. I've enjoyed all my dealings with this business, purchased pattern books, childrens activity books slanted towards medieval activities, lace bobbins, et cetera. Accents
Crafts I used to shop at the Accents on S. 76th st, no longer there as this smaller craft store could not compete with the JoAnne superstore that had just opended a mile south. I found it to be a nice store that often had interesting things in the discount bins. General supplies, a little bit of everything. Knitting, crochet, embroidery, painting, calligraphy, scrapbooking and stamping, paper mache, beading & jewelry supplies, et cetera. American Science and Surplus
For the cooks and dyers: spices, spices, spices. Rupena's Family owned grocer. Locally famous for family-recipe sausages and excellent meats--one of the best meat departments in the Milwaukee area.
Questions, comments, suggestions, thoughts? I welcome correspondence at merouda (at) hotmail (dot) com. Use your back button, or {Elyse Boucher} {Arts and Sciences Top} {A&S Heraldry} {Poopie the Pirate} {Help Support This Site} (old link bar, some still active): {Elise Boucher} {Sept Pendray} {Merouda Pendray} This document created Octber 2006 |