Handmade Galleries
L.A.'s Destination for Art, Fine Crafts, and Collectibles
Editorial by Citysearch
The SceneTake 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.
The Inside Scoop
- The Extras - Looking for a great way to get your stuff out there? Handmade offers affordable monthly rental space and a prime location.
- Save Money - There's a sale shelf nestled at the back of the store, but it's a bit skimpy.
Insider Pages Reviews for Handmade Galleries
This is a great place to find one of a kind handmade gifts. I have browsed in here for over an hour. You will find everything from clothes to jewelry to house hold items. Many are beautiful works of art.
Posted 01/28/08 | Report Abuse
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I love this store! Whenever I visit Handmade Galleries, I always find something wonderful and unique. There are so many different creative items in all price ranges for all types of people. I look in every nook and cranny and I'm always finding something fabulous. It's hard for me to leave without buying somthing for myself. Truly one of a kind.
Posted 07/29/05 | Report Abuse
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Handmade is a fantastic little shop on Ventura Blvd! They feature many different items by private designers. It's a great place to find unique items with tons of personality! Pricing is a little steep, but definitely worth checking out!
Posted 07/27/05 | Report Abuse
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The best place for unusual gifts for someone special or for yourself. Incredible collection of jewelry handmade by designers you will find nowhere else. Cases throughout store will have you looking awhile. Aisles of little stalls set up by artists. Candles, Pottery, Knick Knacks, Artwork, Clothes galore. I have bought a few things by this artist who signs her art as VAN. Distressed wood with found objects made into Hearts, Crosses, Boxes, Frames etc. Gift Certificates are available and are wonderful presents for someone who loves arty things. Public Parking in back and a back door. I have haggled an art piece once that was a little more than I wanted to spend and they called the artist and asked if they would lower the price and they did. Friendly staff if made up of the artists themselves who spend a certain amount of time each month selling. They all know each others work and things so if you are looking for something in particular mention it and they will guide you around to stuff.
Posted 01/30/05 | Report Abuse
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this is a great store to find that "unique" gift for someone. it's part gallery, part gift shop..it's an interesting store and a little known secret in the valley
Posted 08/16/04 | Report Abuse
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Latest reviews from Citysearch.
Very eclectic store with great gifts for everyone
by sadielizz
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
Posted 12/14/07
Best unique & creative merchandise
by lmilkie
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
Posted 12/05/07
ONE STOP SHOP
by erinbutterfly
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!
Posted 11/12/07
Urban Arts and Crafts Fair Everyday of the Week
by nancita64
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!
Posted 03/05/07
Great crafty store
by bootsytown
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.
Posted 11/01/06