If you’ve ever lived in the foothills, you know the "Bell Road scramble." It’s that specific brand of chaos where you’re trying to hit Target, maybe grab a coffee, and realize you desperately need a specific shade of ochre yarn or a very particular size of shadow box. Honestly, Michaels in Auburn California is the gravitational center for a lot of that creative energy, but it’s a bit of a polarizing spot for locals.
It’s tucked into the Rock Creek Plaza at 2785 Bell Road. You can’t miss it; it's right across from Target.
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People around here have opinions. Some swear by the custom framing department, while others complain that the yarn selection has shrunk since the local Joann closed down and left this Michaels as the only big-box game in town. It’s a weirdly sized store—not quite the massive flagship you’ll find in Roseville, but way more packed than a "boutique" craft shop.
The Custom Framing Reality Check
Let’s talk about the framing. Most people walk past that back counter and assume it’s just for expensive museum-grade stuff. But the staff back there actually know their stuff. I've seen them handle everything from dusty old jerseys to high-end photography.
The secret? Don’t walk in without the app. Seriously.
The prices for custom framing can be astronomical if you pay "sticker price." But they almost always have a 70% off online-only coupon or a "Value Spec" option that makes it actually affordable. If you’re just looking for a simple black frame for a kid’s drawing, just buy one off the shelf in the middle of the store. If you have something that matters, talk to the folks at the counter. They’ve got decades of combined experience, which is rare for a chain.
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Why the Auburn Location is Different
Auburn isn't Roseville. It’s got a different vibe. The Michaels in Auburn California reflects that. You’ll see a lot more "homesteading" type crafts—think canning supplies, floral arrangements for rustic weddings, and heavy-duty outdoor decor.
It’s also a hub for the local 4-H kids and school project parents.
I’ve noticed the stock here can be a bit... unpredictable. One week the jewelry aisle is overflowing with every bead imaginable, and the next week it looks like a craft-themed hurricane hit it. It’s basically the nature of the beast in a high-traffic foothill location.
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Planning Your Visit Without the Stress
If you want to avoid the crowds, don't go on Sunday afternoon. Just don't. That’s when every person in Placer County realizes their kid has a project due Monday morning.
The store hours are pretty standard:
- Monday through Saturday: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
The sweet spot? Tuesday mornings around 10:30 AM. It’s quiet. The shelves are usually restocked from the weekend rush. You can actually walk down the aisles without bumping into someone’s cart.
Online Orders and the Curbside Gamble
They do curbside pickup, which sounds great in theory. In practice? It’s hit or miss.
Sometimes your order is ready in twenty minutes. Other times, you’re sitting in your car outside Rock Creek Plaza for fifteen minutes wondering if they forgot you exist. If you’re in a rush, just go inside. The store is small enough that you can find what you need faster than the app can process your "I'm here" button most days.
What About the "Classes"?
Michaels pushes their in-store events and birthday parties hard. They start at about $149 for a two-hour block. It’s a decent deal if you don’t want glitter and glue all over your own living room. They handle the supplies and the cleanup.
They also do "Makebreak" events—these are usually low-cost or free craft sessions. It’s a good way to test out a new hobby without spending $50 on supplies you’ll never use again. Check the calendar near the front entrance; the Auburn location tends to be more active with these than some of the bigger suburban stores.
Survival Tips for the Auburn Crafter
- WiFi is your friend. Cell service inside that building can be spotty. Use their free WiFi to pull up your coupons at the register so you aren't that person holding up the line for five minutes.
- Check the clearance endcaps. Not the main aisles—the literal ends of the shelves near the back. The Auburn store clears out seasonal stuff fast. I’ve found $30 wreaths for $5 because they needed the space for Halloween (which they start stocking in, like, July).
- The Yarn Struggle. If you’re a serious knitter, you might find the selection a bit thin. Since the local competition vanished, they carry a lot of their house brand (Loops & Threads). It’s fine for basic projects, but for high-end wool, you might still find yourself driving down the hill.
- Balloon Pre-orders. They have a surprisingly large balloon section now. Order them online and pick them up inflated. It’s way better than standing there while they hiss and pop in the middle of the store.
Honestly, the Michaels in Auburn California is what you make of it. It’s a reliable, slightly chaotic, totally essential part of the local DIY scene. Whether you’re a pro artist or just someone trying to fix a broken picture frame, it’s the spot.
Next Steps for Your Project:
Check the Michaels app for the current "20% or 40% off All Regular Price Purchases" coupon before you leave the house. Head to the back clearance section first to see if your supplies are already marked down, and if you're doing custom framing, ask for the "Value Print and Frame" package to save significantly over the standard custom pricing.