The best book, hobby & craft shops in Santa Fe

“Need paint, canvas, brushes, or that obscure medium you only use on full moons, Artisan Santa Fe has a 50,000+ supply lineup, artist-staffed advice, and workshops to spark new ideas. Swing by this week, get inspired, then go make a glorious mess.”

From the Santa Fe newsletter, August 7, 2026

“Chain retailer carrying art & hobby supplies plus home decor (most offer classes & custom framing).”

“Because Santa Fe Guitar Gallery pairs boutique guitars with local art, it feels more like creative fuel than a shop. This week, browse curated acoustics and electrics, try pedals from EarthQuaker and JAM, and if your axe needs love, pro setups, repairs, and even lessons keep it humming.”

From the Santa Fe newsletter, August 20, 2026

“If you're craving color therapy and a friendly nudge to cast on something ambitious, Looking Glass Yarn & Gifts stocks a wide range of yarn, notions, spinning goodies, and books, plus classes, a book club, and monthly events that turn UFOs into FOs.”

From the Santa Fe newsletter, September 10, 2026

“Whether your guitar needs a little TLC or you're hunting a vintage gem, Grumpy's Guitars has you covered with professional stringed-instrument repairs, a deep mix of new, used, and vintage guitars, plus banjos, mandolins, ukuleles, and sweet analog/tube amps. Albuquerque tone quest, solved.”

From the Albuquerque newsletter, August 19, 2026

“Chain music shop featuring guitars, pianos, and audio equipment, plus instrument repairs.”

“Whether you're dusting off a trumpet, chasing the perfect starter guitar, or keeping a student rental in fighting shape, Baum's Music is the Albuquerque standby for instruments, repairs, rentals, and lessons. Straightforward advice and solid service make it an easy go-to when your music habit needs care.”

From the Albuquerque newsletter, September 2, 2026

“Whether you’re crate-digging for a rare 45 or chasing fresh pressings, Nob Hill Music has new and used vinyl, CDs, cassettes, music posters and gifts, plus consignment audio gear, and they buy, sell, trade and take requests. A Route 66 staple since 2010, and an easy win to treat your setup this week.”

From the Albuquerque newsletter, August 25, 2026

“Beadweaver is the spot when your project needs a nudge from blah to wow, with seed beads, Czech glass, gemstones, fresh water pearls, findings, stringing materials and tools, plus kits, books and pieces by local artists. Drop in this week and leave with inspiration that actually fits on a needle.”

From the Santa Fe newsletter, September 16, 2026

“Chain retailer carrying art & hobby supplies plus home decor (most offer classes & custom framing).”

“Skip the mass-produced blah for objects with soul. The Modern Folk Ware Store curates useful, beautifully made ceramics, textiles, wood and glass pieces from local and domestic makers, plus the kind of everyday tools you’ll actually use... and love.”

From the Santa Fe newsletter, August 27, 2026

“Whether your guitar needs a setup, your kid wants to rock, or you just miss making noise with other humans, The Candyman Strings & Things has New Mexico’s largest selection plus lessons, workshops, repairs, and rentals. Pop in this week, join a class, and get back to making music.”

From the Santa Fe newsletter, August 23, 2026

“Hunting for a handcrafted instrument that actually feels alive, dreaming up custom rosettes and inlays, or just need expert repair and restoration, Pimentel & Sons Guitar Makers Inc builds, teaches, and brings tired guitars back to life. Treat yourself to a lesson or give your six-string a little TLC.”

From the Rio Rancho newsletter, September 17, 2026

“Whether you're plotting a quilt, knitting with plant-based yarns, or finally learning to mend, Hacer Santa Fe is a natural-fiber studio with modern fabrics, linens, yarns, embroidery kits, and trusty tools. The friendly staff, classes, maker groups, and project help make it a place you actually linger.”

From the Santa Fe newsletter, September 3, 2026

“Bessie's stocks luxury fabrics, ribbon, expert-grade tools, and unique embellishments, then backs it up with personalized consultations that actually help. Whether you’re a pro or a weekend maker, it’s the spot to level up a project and spark fresh ideas this week.”

From the Rio Rancho newsletter, August 24, 2026

“With over 50,000 art products, the finest brands, and staff who are practicing artists, Artisan ABQ Art Supplies has been fueling local creativity since 1975. Browse, get spot-on advice, then jump into their workshops with pro instructors to level up whatever you’re making.”

From the Albuquerque newsletter, September 10, 2026

“Whether you're chasing metal bite or desert jangle cleans, Backroads Guitars hooks up ABQ players with new and used guitars, basses, amps, pedals, plus lessons and pro repairs. Also, they’re New Mexico’s ENGL Pro Shop, and their ESPs, Jacksons, EVH rigs, and Takamine acoustics beg for a test spin.”

From the Albuquerque newsletter, August 28, 2026