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.

Great selection. I loved walking inside (after all, I went in with my partner spontaneously and had…read moreno plans to buy anything.) I haven't knitted in years but was recently traveling in Copenhagen with a friend and she made a point to visit so many yarn stores, I think it rubbed off on me. Anyways, no one greeted us. There were a few customers in the store while some women were crocheting or knitting at a table in the back. We walked by them (I even scooted a chair in) to look at yarns and they didn't stand up or say anything. Finally, dad and his daughter walked over saying they wanted to buy something so I went over to get in line behind them with some yarns. Bad service, nice selection of yarn as well as books and patterns and accessories. Not cheap but organized nicely and easy-to-find items (which is important when there's no one there to help you.)

I stopped by Fengari Fiber Arts over the weekend and was impressed by their warm and friendly…read morecustomer service, well-merchandised displays, and excellent selection of Jody Long yarns. They even said Jody Long had visited the shop in person- wow! They had plenty of wool, alpaca, silk, and more-- a good, high-end selection overall. The two women who were working were very nice and provided me with a lot of feedback (when asked) on yarns for various projects. I loved their cute Pride display and left with some beautiful Juniper Moon Cumulus yarn. If they'd had more in the colorway I'd chosen, I would have bought more. I don't visit Half Moon Bay frequently, but if I find myself in the area again, I will definitely stop by.

They are closed!!! But they had been a terrific…read moreneighborhood art supply store. I am hoping that Blick, who moved to Santa Clara, had what we artists need.

My source for pens, ink, notebooks, and picture frames for decades. This store has closed.read more

I joined clay studio Mel Rice Ceramica in 2021 for a pottery class, and now I'm interning here,…read morelearning glaze-making and studio management. It's been an amazing journey, from playing with clay to mixing magical glazes. I've learned so much in my short amount of time here, and I'm excited to keep refining my skills. The best part is the people - instructors, friends, and fellow clay enthusiasts. Mel Rice Ceramica isn't just a studio; it's a community where creativity thrives, from member classes and competitions, to offering a space for members to sell their pieces. Everyone here is friendly and willing to help without even asking. If you're looking for a new hobby and a place to meet some cool people I would recommend checking out a class!

Definitely a 1 star. I should've read the reviews before trying. The actual experience wasn't bad…read moremaking the pottery- probably becuase the owner wasn't there. The owner just takes your money and never responds to ANY communication. I signed up to make some pottery on Valentine's Day and then was told to come back 2 weeks later to pick it up. Well, we came back 3.5 weeks later after calling a number that didn't work, sending 4 emails, a FB message and an IG message and NO response. Definitely a TERRIBLE business. Not sure how she even stays in business. DO NOT GO, RUN AWAY from this place. We still never got all items after 4 weeks and she keeps ignoring all of me. However, they had no problem taking our money. AWFUL place of business.

I walked in on one of those fine days where your off and just strolling around at your leisure…read more I walked in just to peak and this place caught my attention quickly because of how curated the cards were on the wall. I went from a quick browse to walking in and staying a while. I browsed all the items and loved every inch of this store. It's a perfectly curated space. Every area has been well thought out and has a lot of different items for everyone. I didn't come in thinking I'd leave with anything but ended up finding a birthday gift a beautiful book about the ocean for a kiddo. I also found these tiny boxes that you turn and they play a classical song so that came with me too. I wanted to buy all the cards! I saw a woman walking around and let her know that her space was beautiful curated. She was very kind and I later learned she is the owner. She rung up my order and after asking if she had any wrapping for my book she found some leftover and wrapped up my gift. Gwen was very kind and has taken a lot of consideration on the items she displays at her store. They are beautiful and unique items in this store. I believe the price I paid was worth the unique value. There are signs posted to not take photos of the items inside the store so I couldn't get any while I was there but trust me the space is beautiful and the items one of a kind. I will definitely return and recommend anyone to come visit and find that unique gift for the special people in your life.

I absolutely love wondering through Letter Perfect…read more They have the greatest selection of cards. For all occasions. The owner is very personable and knows a bit about everything in the store. They have great small gifts and I can always find something. They are a tad expensive but what you get and the quality is worth it. Highly recommend stopping by Letter Perfect.

Amazing, eclectic selection, fantastic service. Great place to hang out. They have a beautiful…read morebackyard where you can host parties. Love this shop.

Royal Bee is a super cute little shop with yarn, things you would need to knit or crochet, and even…read moresome embroidery items. I even discovered some notions that were new to me! You'll find unique items if you're searching for a little gift for your favorite knitter or crocheter. They don't sell knitting patterns, but you can easily find these online. They have some knitted sample pieces for inspiration and examples of what a yarn would look like knitted up. The lady at the shop is so warm, friendly and helpful. The store even has a small seating area, for knitting get togethers, and also a patio in the back. It's a relaxing area to knit on a nice day. I've never had any difficulty finding parking in the area.

As we were walking around downtown we noticed the art shop and thought to ourselves, lets see…read morewhat's inside? Local artist always have an understanding of the area that can be captured beautifully. Learned that the front room is rented by multiple artist and the back room rotates monthly whomever rents that space? It's a nice collaborative place. Everyone was nice to us. I purchased a small piece that is of Princeton By the Sea for $25. My husband picked up a print for $20. They had original art, prints, postcards, jewelry, glass art, photography, wood, mouse pads, etc.

This is the gallery showroom location for the non profit coastal arts league. It's a kind of co-op…read morefor local artists and members which is usually chock full of varied, local art displays. Parking is street only, and due to the popularity of some of the adjacent businesses this can mean you'll be a block or so away either on main or on one of the side streets. This is a medium sized space tucked away on the north end of a courtyard kind of space which usually has installations from a half dozen or so local artists. What you see displayed can be purchased and it's common for one of the artists to be in and/or around the building. It's staffed solely by volunteers who can be conversational but not necessarily well versed in the art. As they also offer classes inside typically the back part won't be utilized for gallery space but instead will look to be cluttered with whatever the last class left behind. The art rotates constantly thus no two visits will be quite the same. All mediums are represented at one point or another. On my visit there were paintings-acrylic, oil and watercolor-bronze sculpture, fiber/paper mache and some intriguing cloth pieces. Quite the varied experience really. If you live in the area, or are spending some time in town you might consider joining the art's league. There are a ton of member benefits including but not limited to: classes and workshops, free art screenings, meet the artist events, networking and most useful for those who are artists a consistent way to get your out in public view. Pricing is set by the artists themselves and doesn't appear to be negotiable in the gallery, but they do offer ways to contact the artist directly should you so chose. In an not quite entirely unrelated matter, the front desk/cashier has the keys to the public restroom next door, all you have to do is ask preferably politely. This is a good spot to browse for local, quality art pieces.

The Most American Small Business Book Store I've ever been to…read more Owner/Operators and employees are educated, knowledgeable, honest and sincere.

Reach and Teach is truly a local gem and one of the most inspiring shops on the Peninsula. They…read moreoffer a carefully curated mix of progressive books, educational toys and games, eco‑friendly products, and other high‑quality gifts you won't find in big box stores. Every visit feels like a treasure hunt--you'll discover something meaningful, fun, and thoughtful. The two owners are not only super friendly but also deeply civic‑minded, always ready to share knowledge and support community causes. Their passion for education, sustainability, and social justice shines through in everything they do. If you're looking for a place that combines heart, purpose, and great finds, Reach and Teach is a must‑visit.