I went back today to take advantage of the huge Blick sale. Wow great prices!…read more Being a newbie, I really didn't know where to start but had a list from my art teacher with the colors and types of paints to get. One of the staff (an asian woman- didnt' get her name) was so nice to help me find the exact colors I needed and patiently explained the sales and discount pricing for the huge aisle of liquitex acrylic paints. Then when I got to the counter (albeit really overwhelmed by too many choices) Jayy was at the counter and smiled and was a calm beacon to my shopping anxiety and confusion - with only like 20? minutes left until closing time! She painstakingly helped me look at each of the colors my art teacher wanted me to get and helped me choose two paint sets that I could afford that met my criteria for both watercolor and for acrylics. Jayy sat there patiently scanning and calculating all the different permutations of paints and even gave me advice about what colors to get now vs maybe later when I save more money up! She even helped me maximize my discount and coupons. WOW. Jayy was so knowledgeable about the colors and types of paints I needed and this AMAZING experience was why I was SO GLAD I went iN PERSON to the store! thank you thank you Jayy for making my shopping experience so much less stressful!!!

All ready for a new art project. My favorite place to go. Ben was so helpful and getting me the…read morebest item to use. The art work on the walls are so inspiring. I think I can find everything under the sun there with so mush selection and at a great value too.

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 went about a year ago, and tried out the rug tufting workshop. It was so fun! They went over…read moresafety protocol and how to tuft, and we picked our own designs literally just from browsing google images. They have an area in the back that has so many different balls of yarn colors to choose from and different shades of each color too. You set up a sheet onto a wooden frame and first draw out your design, then tuft onto it with the rug tufting gun. Once you get used to it, you can go decently fast. The rug will be on the other side of your drawing so it will be flipped fyi! They also had complimentary snacks, tea, coffee, etc

Had a wonderful experience learning how to tuft rugs as part of a work event here. The staff are…read moresuper friendly and welcoming and the place itself is super cozy and well organized. All the tools and materials needed were ready-to-go. Grateful to have had the opportunity to learn a new skill and create something we could take home with us. Parking can be challenging-I ended up at the Safeway lot on King's street which was quite convenient. Thank you to Arts and Crafts Workshops for a great 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!

While staying in San Fran, I took a stroll from my hotel to Chinatown in search of food, souvenirs,…read moreand a little exploring. A big thank-you to Feed Mei Mei on YouTube for introducing me to this adorable shop. The moment I walked in I wanted to buy everything. The store is filled with unique novelties, stickers, books, greeting cards, artwork, and gifts that capture the nostalgia, humor, and experiences of being Asian American. Every corner had something that made me smile or brought back a memory. The prices are a bit on the higher side, but you're supporting local Asian artists and creators. Be warned it's very difficult to leave empty-handed here!

On Waverly is all about supporting the AAPI community and local Asian artists…read more There's something for everyone - fun risographs, SF and Asian pride paraphernalia like clothes, totes, stickers, pins, books etc. There's even MJ sets for sale. I love coming in here and seeing how creative the community is. Also there are events they hosts too.

Most authentic Russian dolls in the US. Incredibly wonderful owner with a deep knowledge of the art…read moreof Russian dolls. 100/10 would visit again just to hang out with the owner.

My favorite artist/vendor is Simone. She creates original paintings and printwork, and canvas bags…read morelarge & small, featuring brightly-hued and multi-patterned images of Frida Kahlo, a feline version named Frida Cat-lo, Mexican skulls, smiling cats, flowers galore, and even a Frida-like mermaid, "la sirena." You can tell that Simone is a true artist, and has taken much time and effort in realizing her creations. Everything is hand-made with care. The large canvas bags are put together with jean material, fabric from Mexico, hand-sewn flowers, hand-painted flowers and images of Frida. There are many gift ideas. I bought several small cross-body bags (two for me, one for my friend in Tokyo). You can remember your trip to SF with a painting of cats enjoying a romp in front of the Golden Gate Bridge. For the Frida admirer, check out her images and irreverent poetry adorned with hand-painted flowers and Simone's original "wall paper" background. Simone can usually be found on Market Street at Embarcadero Plaza, Thursdays to Saturdays: 415-806-7877 and petartistdiva@yahoo.com.

Beautiful arts and crafts! Have a tough time not buying something every time I go on Saturday's!…read moreRecently purchased wood art that I absolutely love as well as a handmade flute for my nephew who loves it! I would absolutely recommend going and checking it out! It's another way to support our local artists as well

Long ago this place was located on a second floor facing Union Square. Now it is tucked away near…read moreNorth Beach, a little harder to spot but worth the visit. There is lots to look at and explore, but the coolest part in my opinion was seeing two ladies in the back finishing pieces by hand. When I visited, they were both working on Christmas stockings, which made the shop feel even more special and personal. A charming spot for anyone who loves unique, handmade items.

Needlepoint Inc is an amazing store with a huge selection of wonderful needlework canvases. I came…read morein to get some advice on canvases I already had and the fibers to use and they were so helpful. Street parking is a little tricky but doable. Close enough to public transportation -- Bart, Muni and the ferry. It's a good thing I live across the Bay. Too tempting to buy more projects before I finish the ones I have!

The highly anticipated wait Boy was it crowded the weekend I went. The store is pretty narrow and…read morelong. I would not recommend wearing anything bulky or bringing anything extra -- strollers, would be difficult to maneuver if the store is packed with people. It was also kind of hard to shop as I always felt like I was in someone's way while browsing or contemplating which Miffy to get. With that being said, there was I would say there was a good amount of items on the shelves. The associates do restock items throughout the day. The free postcards were sold out and those only get replenished I think, daily. There were tons of Miffy plushies in a variety of colors, sizes, outfits, and materials. Great place for gift giving. Keychains, stationary, knick knacks, pens, backpacks, bags, cards, etc. There was also an area in the back where you could take your photo with a special backdrop. Depending on the item, you could be looking to spend $22 on a micro mini Miffy lucky stuffed animal, to $33-$44 for the mini Miffy, to $18-$34 on keyfobs, I do not remember how much the giant giant Miffys were - but def in the hundreds -- the pink one would look so good in my room! There was a line to checkout, but it moved sort of fast since there would be merch to look at while in line, but it would make it difficult to shop if you weren't in line and wanted to see something on that side of the store.

Cute store at Ghirardelli square. So many plushies and gifts for girls of all ages. A little…read morepricey, but that's expected.

Awesome spaceread more

I am a member here and have been since September. I love this place. The environment, the…read morestudents/members, the employees, the location and the vibe is the best. I really missed being part of a creative space when I left art school and this place has become that for me. I have made many friends in my classes and day to day interactions with other students and members. I have invited my friends for one time drop in classes and also had my friends take 6-week classes with me. Ceramics is a versatile, dynamic and creative art form that I truly love. The owner, Rebecca, is absolutely kick ass! She has created a nurturing and supportive environment for ceramic artists in San Francisco to work, learn, collaborate and create.