Scrap is exactly what you think it is - odds and ends of art supplies (some new, mostly used or…read moreopen) for the crafty. There is also some original art for sale. Something for everyone to scratch that creative itch. There's a lot going on here but it's organized by category which is helpful. Also, there's an option to donate here which is always great! Agree with other reviewers that the area doesn't feel the safest and is a bit apocalyptic (barbed fence wires with no one walking around) but I think it adds to the charm of the place. Just don't recommend coming here at night and take an Uber/drive if you can as it's located in an industrial area.

I really love the concept of this place and what it stands for. Being able to donate art supplies…read moreand give them a second life is such a great idea, and I was excited to contribute. That said, my recent donation experience was honestly off-putting. When I dropped off my items, the person working the donation window was very dismissive and quickly waved me off without any acknowledgment or basic courtesy. It felt like I was being shooed away rather than thanked for donating. It might seem like a small interaction, but for a place that relies on community contributions, that moment matters. A simple "thank you" or even a neutral, respectful handoff would go a long way. I still appreciate the mission, but the experience made me think twice about donating again. Hoping this is something the team can address.

I came here with barely knowledge of what I needed to start oil painting but there were plenty of…read morestore employees walking the store able to be my personal shopper assistant and make me feel welcome and taken care of and not taken advantage of. I wasn't upsold on anything and felt like I left with so much more knowledge which came for free! Greg was the person who helped me Ava what a nice guy and expert on this stuff. They carry many brands and options and I don't think the prices were outrageous. Art isn't cheap!

Buying art supplies can be overwhelming as a noob. Grateful to the staff for helping even though I…read moredidn't ask. They must have saw I needed it. :) Got advice on which paints to buy, what to skip and was checked in on a few times. Great customer service!

Staff knowledgeable and helpful in answering questions and making recommendations. Will be back due…read moreto the excellent customer service. Love that there is something for everyone in this shop to be creative.

Flax Art & Design is hands-down one of our favorite art supply stores in San Francisco. Their…read moreprices are refreshingly reasonable--especially when compared to big chain stores--and we always find great deals on printmaking supplies and imported paper. The selection here is top-notch, and it's clear they really cater to artists of all levels. Whether you're hunting for specialty tools or unique paper stock, this place delivers. Plus, the store has a creative, welcoming vibe that makes browsing a pleasure. If you're an artist or maker in the Bay Area, Flax is definitely worth the stop. Support local--you'll find what you need here, and probably something you didn't know you needed too!

I was so impressed by the friendliness customer service of the staff at this location!…read more I came in looking for a gift for a friend, and couldn't find an item that was listed in the website. Jay found me wandering the aisles and asked if I could be helped. She asked about what I came in for, my friend's interests, checked other store catalogs, offered to have items shipped. She had dozens of recommendations and a clear depth of knowledge of all sorts of mediums and inventory within the store. My vision was understood, and I left with a gift in my hand that I felt satisfied with! Thank you Jay and Ben and Chelsea for making it such a pleasant shopping experience!

I stopped in today looking for something that appeared to be out of stock. Jay was so helpful,…read morechecked their inventory and in their stock to see if she could find it. Unfortunately it wasn't in stock, however she took the time to call their other location and asked someone to put it on hold for me. I also ended up finding a couple of other treasures at this location, for a lower price than I was able to find them online. Thank you Jay for your help! There are so many cool things to check out here, I will definitely be back!

San Francisco is a city full of twist and turns like Lombard street . The crookedest street in…read moreworld of course is in Vermont ( not the state) street in San Francisco. When it comes to art work in the city some art creations comes in a variety of shapes and forms and have so many multidimensional twists. Hand made art can be explored in different neighborhoods in San Francisco through canvases in the galleries and murals on the walls of the city streets. In Japantown there is a place where art is made on paper and with paper and you can create almost any work of art from plants , flowers and also animals like birds and tigers through the art of origami. This place is located on Buchanan Mall in Japantown in San Francisco and it's called Paper Tree. On a Spring stroll around Japantown in San Francisco there is a place to not only learn about the art of origami but also get the art supplies like origami paper to make the pieces of art. You will find inside lots books about origami along with displays of some of the most amazing art work. Komo was very helpful and gave me a lesson about the origami art sculptures displayed inside Paper Tree. This place is so inspirational origami will become my new hobby. In the month of August every year Paper Tree host the Origami Palooza in San Francisco Japantown. Paper Tree have classes to teach and "train " how to make an origami "Crane" and you can also take flight and make a "paper plane "origami is a fun hobby to stay focus and self "entertain" Come to Paper Tree and book a "session" to learn origami and make paper shapes in the third "dimension "and create animals and plants and your own character "invention "and late August in Japantown they host Origami Palooza an origami "convention"

Paper Tree is a family owned arts and crafts store that specializes in origami paper and the store…read moreis located in Japan Center in San Francisco's Japantown. The store was founded in 1968 and is the second oldest business in Japantown. Currently the grandchildren and great-grandchildren of the original co-founder, Nobuo Mihara, continue to run the store. [Parking]: There are two parking garages within a few blocks away from the store - The Main Garage (1610 Geary Boulevard) and The Fillmore Annex Garage (1650 Fillmore Street). Parking rate = $5 per hour from 12 PM to 6 PM and $3 per hour outside of those hours. I got lucky and was able to find metered parking spots near the intersection of Buchanan St and Sutter St (free on Sunday). [What to Expect]: The store has a really large selection of origami paper. In addition, it also carries 3D / 2D stickers, classic Japanese art prints, noshi envelopes, handcrafted pressed-flower cards, adult anime T-shirts, coloring / origami books, socks, stationery, fabrics for furoshiki, etc. There is also a sign stating "Beware of the Dog" with Moira (a 2-year old Irish Wolfhound) hanging out at the store. [Conclusion]: I am not sure if this shop is worth driving out of the way just to check it out unless you are a passionate origami enthusiast, but it is worth stopping by if you are already in San Francisco's Japantown. P.S. - Paper Tree used to have a sister store in Berkeley called Miki's Paper which focused on paper gallery and Japanese papers, but the shop closed after COVID.

It was a lot. I wasn't able to say anything bad about the service it was busy. The selection is a…read morelot to choose from. The value is normal SF prices ( highly not recommended) unless you you something specific.

*Upper Level Shop Review* The tiniest stationery shop I've probably been to, but also has a lot of…read morestuff from pens, markers, notepads, art supplies, souvenirs, you name it. This shop has a lot of shoppers who come in, so be prepared to be a temporary sardine in a can. But, their stuff is cute. Also fun to just walk around and see what's there. I was mesmerized by their SF themed magnets at my recent visit. They actually had a nice small selection, that's not the touristy kind your find over by the wharf. Fun place to visit or if you need to update your stationery.

Case for Making (CfM) is a woman-owned watercolor specialty shop. You can find its handmade…read morewatercolors at places like the SFMOMA Museum Store and select arts and crafts stores, but this location is CfM's brick-and-mortar shop. This small business makes its own watercolors and letterpress paper goods. CfM watercolors are made from high-quality pigments and natural binding mediums (gum arabic, glycerin, honey, distilled water, and clove oil). Some CfM watercolors are more expensive than others because colors like Malachite and Lapis Lazuli are made from actual crushed minerals. Please note that their watercolors are priced similarly to other premium watercolor brands like Stoneground Paint Company and Beam Paints. [Best seller]: The CfM Small Palette (fits up to 14 half pans and has room in the center for a small travel brush) and the CfM Simple Travel Palette (small enough to fit in a purse or pocket) are some the top favorites. [Workshops]: CfM offers online workshops via Zoom as well as in-person classes at its new studio next door - the CfM Art Room. [Parking]: Street parking only, but not impossible to find an available spot in this part of the neighborhood. In addition, the shop is located near the Judah St & 46th Ave streetcar stop. [In-store]: Customers can choose a tin and build their own watercolor set. The store also sells sketchbooks, art supplies, stationery, Toyo toolboxes, stickers, etc. [Conclusion]: An amazing shop and definitely worth checking this shop out for watercolor enthusiasts, but this is an alright shop for those looking for unique stationery options.

I've had a mixed experience here however, after a really uncomfortable experience with management I…read morethought I'd share my experience as a cautionary tale to other artists who might want to get involved with this studio. The water colors are special they have really good opacity and sit well on top of the paper. They might not have as nice of translucency as other brands. However they are really expensive and there are other products that are available for cheaper and comparable quality on the market. However, the staff can be aloof and rude within the store. The teachers are generally sweet and supportive and classes are affordable. After multiple positive class experiences, I had inquired about teaching as I have been doing art for a while and really wanted to give back to my community and share what I know I'm good at. The application to get involved process was odd, they were slow to respond, but also rude and unprofessional. It upfront on their goals and processes. I was not notified that there was a already an established class nearly identical to my proposal prior to filling out a lengthy application. I was also told they didn't want to move forward because I lacked an established creative arts background (while not inquiring directly about a CV), which was later amended to they were unable to move forward due to scheduling and volume of inquiries (while only offering 3 in person classes that month instead of the standard dozen). I have no issue with being rejected, it's all about fit anyways, but was saddened to have my creative experience being belittled and the lack of professionalism. It was just a very odd and condescending experience that I would not want any artist that puts their heart and soul into a proposal to have to experience.

Large selection of Chinese art supplies with a very helpful service for figuring out what to buy!…read moreDefinitely worth a trip!

At time of writing, the address has not yet been updated on Yelp (I just put in the change request)…read more= current address is 535 Grant St at the back of a souvenir store. So glad to find it - loads of quality supplies for calligraphy / ink painting and a nice guy who demonstrated (and let me try) different brushes to help me make my decisions. Lovely experience. Will definitely be returning for materials in the future. Recommend!