I went in with no intention of buying anything. But knowing I would spend money. I have a…read morecompulsion of spending money at craft stores, but can't help myself. I've never been here before, and just wanted to check it out. There was a great selection of pens, markers, pencils, paper. Jelly cats lol I had been wanting a fountain pen for a long time but never bought one. Perfect timing I guess? The JT? TJ? Super knowledgeable about the products on hand, and even the ones they didn't have on hand. I'm excited for the Lamy pen, and sailor ink I purchased. The price of the pen was comparable to what I've seen online, so I'm glad I was able to shop local. I also ended up getting some cute stickers and washi tape.

Got an email that the Oakland location will close soon. Stopped by to get pen refills for my…read moreforeign pens. Cruised around the store, picked up a few calligraphy pens and a 2026 calendar. The pen Manager explained the specific refills in detail. Bonus, she wrote down the details of each model on the back of her business card. She was very helpful and detailed oriented and a pleasure to converse with. We'll definitely miss Flax, but in the meantime, we'll make sure all of the items we need, we get 'em here. The staff that we interacted with were friendly, professional and very helpful. Super bonus = off-street parking lot in rear of store

I love blick. this location is great in particular and in a great spot. I like how they said "good…read moreluck on your project" when I checked out. I really needed that luck

They have everything one needs to complete their artistic endeavors. I use acrylic paints…read more Obviously much easier to use than oil paints. And, they have every color imaginable. I also appreciate their sales force. Their associates are very knowledgeable and extremely helpful. Don't need to look anywhere else.

Excellent resource for quality yarn,fabrics, and most anything you need for crafting!read more

The BEST place to buy yarn in the bay are! And the people that run it are so nice and knowledgeableread more

We went into the Michaels at 5:45 PM. They were open with customers. We had a shopping cart full of…read moreitems and were getting ready to check out but needed to use the restroom. I asked an older female employee if I could use the restroom prior to checking out and she said "no" that the restroom was closed for the evening for customers and told me to walk across the parking lot to the Safeway. Note that it was raining at the time. This was extremely unprofessional, and we left without purchasing any items and will not be returning. I would have been a paying paying customer and there is no reason unless it was out of service that I should Not have been allowed to use the restroom that is designated for customers. They even had the restroom area barricaded so you could not get to it. The female employee did not say the restrooms were broken she simply said they were closed for the evening, Yet they were open for at least another hour. I hope Management addresses this matter. I understand having to monitor the restrooms in stores due to People that misuse them but that's not me. I should Not be prohibited because of those that do. I am very Disappointed with Michael's in Alameda as this has not been an issue in any of the other Michael's I frequent.

Terrible service. I bought some boxes that were a Nightmare to assemble. Michaels refused a return…read moreor store credit with receipt

I stopped by Tap Plastic …read more Because I need a Custom Piece of plastic cut and fabricated .. For a Special Project I was Working on . I encountered Shaun at the Front Desk!! He was a Wealth of Knowledge and Information!! He Consulted With me and advised me on the Different Plastics and the different treatments of the Cut Edges!!! I was in and out with Finished Materials for my Project in less than 20 Minutes!!! When I arrived home the Materials Tap Plastics fabricated for me worked perfectly and I finished my project!!! The Pricing was very reasonable for the materials!!! Tap Plastics is a Baller On A Budget Approved Establishment!! I Keep My Pimp Hands Strong!!! Number 34 out of the Top 50 most Prolific Yelp Elites of 2025!!!!

A helpful and informative staff. Great service. Thankful places like taps are here to serve our…read morecommunity.

THE Place for materials for Bay Area Artists & Teachers!…read more Everything creative, at rock-bottom prices. Stock changes briskly!

Interesting place. Lots of stuff! Some good finds. A bit overwhelming and lots of people with not…read moremuch personal space.

5 July '26-One of the best gift shops in Alameda. You will find many unique treasures. I found a…read morewhole bunch of items that will do nicely as gifts. Excellent service and free gift wrapping! Shop local!

Whales & Friends in a woman-owned gift shop that offers a variety of treasures not available in…read morebig-box stores. It carries hand made jewelry, women's clothing, soaps & lotions, fun socks, cards, books, and one-of-a-kind specialties. It has been located in Alameda for decades and I hope it stays forever in the Island City.

If you're in a RUSH and have NO IDEA what you are looking for be PATIENT. They don't have a lot of…read moreemployees so helping clients can be time consuming. I call this place a ONE STOP SHOP! Find everything you need and then some! There's a saying in Spanish that saids "Bueno, Bonito y Barrato" which means great value for your money!! Have fun & imagine all that you CAN DO

I love coming to this place. I went to do my one stop shop. I'm appointed godmother to a baby, and…read moreI had to get all his stuff in under 2 weeks to prepare I came here. -Got ideas for favors -Bought his bible and candle -Ordered his personalized ribbon for his favors I spent under $50.00 They speak English and Spanish. So dont feel like an outcast, people here are real friendly