There are so many cool shops in Montclair. One of them is Folks' Art, which began in 1975 with fifteen artists and craftspeople selling their own art, and art from over the cosmos. Today, Anh Nguyen loves supporting the talents of local artists, as well as creations from afar. Anh eagerly showed me beautiful handmade clothing; ceramic sculptures by Thomas Blackshear called "Ebony Visions"; limited editions to hang on the wall; handmade enameled pieces that are functional--as clocks and covers for electrical outlets; hand embroidered purses; beaded chandeliers; and all kinds of jewelry including some made with amber beads from Poland. This is a jewel of a shop! If you are looking for something special that you won't find at a big box store--I would recommend going to Folks' Art. I am going back to take a closer look at her amber jewelry. read more

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Went there on a special trip on a Thursday and they were closed. Real disappointed! Took my daughter there for a birthday present for some nice earrings. Sad. read more

Folks Art was one of my favorite stores when I was younger and it was on Piedmont Avenue. Last August it moved it Montclair Village, but it had been many years since I had been there. The last time was probably 15 years or so ago when I found a gorgeous farewell gift from our work team for a valued member who was leaving. While I was in Ashland Amber, our new kitty, accidentally knocked the ceramic jar in which we kept nonfat dry milk off the counter, breaking it. I assume it was an accident because she's not a kitty who purposely knocks things off surfaces. So I have been on a hunt for a replacement. I went to the ACCI, to Adams Claghorn Gallery and Morningtide, none of which had what I wanted. This afternoon I went over to Folks Art to look. They didn't have what I wanted, but they had a range of lovely things I didn't need, lots of jewelry and other objects, including tiny shoes I remember from the other store. It was nice to see this store again. read more

Please be aware this shop appears closed or rarely open. I have tried to shop there during hours advertised on their website, most recently today Friday at noon and after spending close to 40 minutes before finding parking, I arrived at the shop to find it closed with only a phone number to call. I really dislike having to make appointments to shop. They need to update their website as their stated open hours are not reliable. I like trying to buy from local artisans, but with all the hassle of trying to find when they are open and the lack of parking I won't be returning. Too bad. I loved this shop when it was on Piedmont Avenue. read more

This is one of my favorite little shops. Rinky summed everything up nicely, but one thing they carry that I personally love are Just the Right Shoe. My little addiction that started on EBAY gets a little jolt form time to time when I take a little stroll on Piedmont. Everyone who works here is very nice as well. read more

Hey....I can't believe I'm the first Yelper to write a review. Although this lovely store has a sweet collection of clothing and "tshockes" from all over the world it is their BIG selection of earrings that keeps me coming back and back and back. They have a huge assortment of earrings ranging in prices and design. From cutesy to artsy to dressy to sophisticated -- they have it all. I was a regular customer a couple of years ago when I was receiving chemo treatments at Kaiser. Everytime I had a chemo appointment I would reward myself with a pair of earrings....so my chemo day wasn't my chemo day; it was Yay! Get new earrings day!! VERY NICE STAFF! They are so sweet. Even when I've gotten earrings for myself they'll ask if I want it gift wrapped! Bonus card: Everytime you make a purchase you get the value written down on a card...when the card is filled up (10? 12? visits) you can 10% of the value of what you spent.....sweet! read more

I've been going to Folks Art for... 20 years? Maybe even longer. I like to support local businesses to keep my money in the community where I live. I owned a retail business with locations on both Grand and Piedmont Avenues, so I know how hard it is to run a small business. Unfortunately, I went to return some earrings I had purchased last weekend. I had bought 3 pairs, spending about $130 - which I do frequently at this store and Itsy Bitsy on College Avenue. When I got home, I noticed that one of the pairs of earrings didn't have lever backs and were just dangle earrings. These types of earrings are quickly lost by me as they fall out of my ears. So... I thought I'd return the earrings and maybe look for another pair. When I arrived and asked for a return, I was informed that they only do store credit. The last thing I want to do is walk around with a receipt for $56. Like the earrings, I knew that I would lose that receipt... it's just a matter of time. So, even though I hadn't seen anything I that jumped out at me, I did an exchange the earrings for some earrings that I'll wear. However, I was specifically looking for pink earrings, which these are not. I am very disappointed by this crappy policy of no returns. I will no longer shop here for gifts and honestly, since I vote with my money, I'll likely not shop here at all and instead, I'll find another local jewelry store that has a reasonable return policy and doesn't hold your money hostage. Bad business Folks Art. May I suggest you use your computers to track customer purchases? This way, you might have seen I've spent many thousands of dollars supporting your business and might have honored a $56 return knowing I'd be back. Such a shame. read more

Every time I walk by this store I remember how mad it makes me! I was looking to buy a very specific pair of earrings, and I saw about six months ago that they sell something very similar here. At the time, I went through the process of putting in a request for a special order...and never heard back. I returned about 4 months ago, and was told that there was currently a special sale going on, and they didn't have the time/resources to help me figure out what had happened...and I should come back in a couple of weeks. About two months ago, I went in and put in a SECOND request for a special order, and the clerk told me she would call me back that afternoon. Never heard back. I really wanted those earrings, but I doubt I'll ever go to this shop again. Also, they always looked at me like I'm a shoplifter. I was sometimes tempted to shoplift (against my moral judgement) just to spite them. I wish I had something better to say about a small local business, but them's the facts, folks. read more

The parking isn't so hot since its on Piedmont but you can browse to your delight .. also they do great charity work.. they help local organizations like Harbor House by helping to sell their book. Prices depend on what your purchasing the hand crafted jewelry boxes were pricey at $279 although smaller pieces costless. I picked up a dual time zone watch for $32 bucks. read more

Folks Art - Street view - Jewelry Near Me - Oakland, California

Folk's Art is an great shop on Piedmont in Oakland where you can find just the right gift for yourself or someone you like or love. Lots of handcrafted jewelry in addition to incredible collectibles, clothes, purses, and even more groovy miscellany. I always find something that I want to buy. There is a great sale in June/July. It's hard to leave once you are in, so make sure you put enough money in the meter. Parking ain't easy, so just deal with it. Great neighborhood for eating, people watching, movies, etc. Viva Oakland!! read more

This is a truly awesome place for picking up gifts. What a selection and a friendly and helpful staff. I can't believe that they already have Christmas ornaments out -- just wish I had a tree! No seriously, if you need a gift and don't want the standard crap sold by the department store chains (the chain stores stuff all starts looking the same to me -- same buyer?), come here. For a guy, its an easy place to find gifts in a hurry, especially for a woman. In and out with a wrapped gift in 10 minutes! Whew, saved me. . read more

Folks' Art is a great store! I am so glad it moved closer to me in Montclair Village. It really fits well with the community vibe, and the owner of the store is very friendly and knowledgable. They have amazing crafts from all over the world, and I'm so glad to have a spot that sells fair trade global arts all in one spot. Their jewelry is also awesome, lots of it is made by local artists or in the store itself, and everything is very unique. I will definitely be a loyal returning customer to this store. read more

If you want a gift for any kind of woman of all ages, you can find it here. their selection of jewelry is fantastic and ranging from really cheap to high end. also a great place for a man to go for help with shopping for your lady, the staff helps a ton. very cool little shop. read more

If you're looking for gorgeous, artful earrings, this is the earring museum....the earring capital of the Bay Area. I have been shopping here for as long as they've been open...25 years or more? I go there for gifts and promise myself I'll only buy for others. It never works. I find these unique and crafted glass or metal or mylar or.....very original works. And they have all sorts of cool wall clocks and jewelty boxes and glass vases and......One of my favorite places in my neighborhood. A B - Oakland, CA read more

I have visited this store several times before, but this last visit was really depressing! So much was on sale but none if it appealed to me or my daughter, and we were really trying to like what they had. The stock looked really old. The store itself was kinda shabby. Afterwards, my daughter and I wondered how much longer they'd been in business. The two ladies who were working at the time were perfectly pleasant. read more

They have amazing jewelry and knick knacks. The owner is extremely friendly, too!

Sometimes they have really gorgeous clothing at unbelievably low prices. Wonderful, helpful, personable staff.

This store carries top quality crafts. It's a great place to shop for home decorative items or for pretty accessories to wear. When I once had a little problem with a piece of merchandise, the owner was immediately ready to stand behind her merchandise and rectify the situation. Shopping here is fun and unique. read more

I LOVE THIS STORE!!! I can get half my Holiday shopping done in one stop. As everyone else has said...the perfect place to pick up gifts. I never manage to leave without finding something for myself as well. :) They have an amazing array of jewelery in both style and price. They also have lovely pottery and decorative items. It is a bit of a sensory overload on your first visit, as the place is filled to the brim with items on every wall, shelf, and display case. You discover new treasures every time you visit. Parking is usually easy since there is a public parking lot on the next block. There is also street parking on Piedmont Ave and on the surrounding side streets. read more

Folks Art has been my favorite store for decades. They have a seemingly unlimited supply of artsy clothing, jewelry, decorative items, and even the occasional piece of furniture. The staff is quite helpful and friendly, especially Anh, who has quite an eye for unusual jewelry. This is a store with something for everybody and is not to be missed. The annual sale is spectacular! read more

Fabulous and highly eclectic Folks Art store. Anh is a great owner of FOLK ART and actually very fashionable to look at as she gives excellent service in helping me with selections of good fashion in the clothing at her store. Folk Art is full of eclectic artistic items beyond clothing, purses, jewelry handmade wooden boxes, sparkling hats, an ABUNDANCE of earrings to select from, and all in all FANTASTIC merchandise to choose from. Much of the clothing is made for women by local artists and have very individual character to them as well as UNIQUENESS and usually of nice and washable material. Prices are really low and great also! Highly recommend FOLK ART on Piedmont Avenue for gifts and for daily or special event wear! 5 stars!!! read more

I've been shopping here for several years. If you love unique, well crafted jewelry this is the place for you to check out. If you are looking for a particular type of stone, just ask. They are so helpful. The pieces I have purchased here are always eye catching and never fail to attract compliments when worn. In addition to jewelry, they have lovely soaps, beautiful jewelry boxes, some clothing and collectibles. read more

I placed an order over the internet for a Flakeling figurine on Jan. 13th 2009. I sent all my information including my credit card. I received a confirmation email saying everything was in order and would be processed. This site is suppose to be secure. I never heard anything from them. I called after becoming very concerned. I was told they no longer have these items. "Folks Art" did not even bother to email me of this issue. What a lousy business and personnel. You do not play with customers credit cards. I give them a minus star( -star). I had to contact my bank to reasure myself that there would be no charges on my card from them. read more