Ben Franklin Crafts & Frame Shop

I did a cross stitch pattern as a wedding gift. For the cross stitch fans: «Rainy Wedding» pattern by Paula Howard and original artwork by Leonid Afremov, 14 count Aida cloth, 13“x9.75″, (24,737 stitches), and 37 DMC colors. Ben Franklin did the framing and did an AMAZING job! I purchased the frame from a local thrift shop for $ 12 and Ben Franklin was happy to let me use it and saved me a lot of money. I had been to another frame shop and they were willing to let me use my own frame, but we’re still DOUBLE the price. So I will be bringing all my cross stitch framing to Ben Franklin. All I did was bring in my cross stitch (which I had hand washed and ironed) and frame, then they did the rest. They did a pin stretch, mounted it, cut the mat, cut the glass (I upgraded to the museum glass), cleaned the frame, put a nice backing on it, and attached all the hardware. So I got it back ready to got on the wall. I am a very happy customer.

I have had many prints framed at Ben Franklin, and I’ve purchased all craft supplies from here. The staff in the framing department have always been extremely helpful, and all of my framed artwork has come back in great shape with quality work.
I recently went in to purchase supplies to make a banner. I am not crafty and feel a bit intimidated by the whole process, but two of the employees went out of their way to help me with the project — from figuring out sizing, paper selection, how to assemble the banner, etc. Best part — since I bought the paper there, I was able to use the die cut machine for free. The employees also took their time to show me how to use the machine and ensure I felt comfortable doing so.
I’m so glad to have a locally-​owned and operated craft shop so close!

It seems Ben Franklin has undergone some changes over the last few years. I used to be hesitant to buy yarn here due to the restocking fee. Sometimes when making things you have to buy an extra skein or so of yarn or maybe you get the wrong color, so you need to return it for the right item. I know this isn’t the ideal situation but it does happen. Well it turns out, they don’t charge the restocking fee anymore! So if this was holding you back in the past, it’s not a problem now.
They always have a wide variety of crafting items and are always adding new things. Granted, they might not have as much as other craft stores but they definitely have more unique items that you won’t find in other stores.
Personally, I think they’re a bit pricey BUT they have a solution for that too! On the third Wednesday of each month, any regular priced item that can fit in one of their pre-​purchased shopping bags is 20% off. I’m buying hundreds of dollars of yarn for Christmas present so that 20% is definitely helpful for me.
The staff is friendly and helpful, the hours are a little more limited than regular stores so make sure you go in early, parking is great and they’re in an easily accessible area.

This is my favorite place to buy yarn. I crochet blankets and many other things. When I need a big amount of yarn for a project, they will order my quantity without charging me shipping. I do pay in advance for big orders which is completely fair. My yarn usually arrives within a week or so. There are a few other yarn dedicated stores in town, but their prices are always more than I can afford. I have found that the selection and prices for yarn at Ben Franklin are the best for my budget and projects. The staff are usually nice and friendly. They have great hours for projecting. I receive their emails with coupons, and I always try to take advantage of their frequent sales.

Not a whole lot to say– except the staff is always friendly and helpful, they have a nice selection, and good sales.
If you have questions, or need advice there is probably at least one staff member who is very knowledgeable in that product or craft.
I love shopping here, and this is usually my first stop for any crafting needs!

If you’re in the Gateway area, you have two choices of crafts stores: Ben Franklin, or the much bigger Michael’s. I recommend trying Ben Franklin first to see if they have what you need. Friendly folks, and good advice. These people know what they’re talking about, and they can help you find the right products for your project.
The only problem with Ben Franklin is the selection, which is considerably smaller than Michael’s. At the same time, you’re going to find more interesting, unique products at Ben Franklin. So try them first!

I appreciate the help I have been given by the woman in the yarn department. First, she gave me a lot of ideas about materials to use for the blanket I wanted to make. Then she helped me with the quantities I would need. Today I went back in to ask about how to finish the blanket and she was very helpful. I think it is commendable that she is not just there to sell yarn, but also helps with how to use it! There is a pretty nice selection of yarn, too!

Great framing service

I couldn’t find an item I was desperately searching for, not even at Michael’s, and I found it at Ben Franklin’s! The selection here is incredible, I’m sure you can find just about anything you need for your arts and crafts here :)

This is a great store to buy yarn and needles and pattern books from. They also have a «yarn yoga» group that meets at the round table in the yarn aisle; the schedule is wonky (this month’s meeting has been canceled) but the employee who runs it is really nice and it’s a free group, so if you like to knit in public with others or have a pattern/​project that’s making you nuts and you need a second opinion, do yourself a favor and call ahead before you go… and check it out. I used to go often and would always pick up a new set of needles or a skein or two after class to support the establishment for hosting the group. Excellent marketing technique on their part. They also host craft demos for a nominal fee that are fun, tie dye and card making are the two I recall off hand. Kitschy store, tons of stuff, decent prices. Go check it out.

This is my favorite place to buy yarn in the area. Good selection, well organized, cheap and expensive, always a sale on something, and email newsletter issues coupons all the time. Big yarn sales on everything several times a year. Maybe a bit more expensive than buying yarn online Yarns include Brown Sheep, Debbie Bliss, Noro, and more!