The store has a good inventory but not enough employees. I went in looking for party decor & easily found what I wanted. I went to check out and with 4 customers to check out, there was only one checker. Many of us used the people-replacing self-check-out screens; that went ok. But I needed help so I waited for Irma. Irma (the checker) was so busy but never missed a beat to help everyone around her. When it was my turn she blew up 8 balloons for me and was kind, efficient, friendly and quick about it all. What a great employee she is!!! She deserves to be Employee of the Month and deserves a raise! Thanks Irma!!! You're the best!!!! read more

Very nice!! I bought a lot of good yarn very good price and beautiful colors Will back for sure!! read more

Kudos to Vilma for replacing a leaking number "5" Helium Balloon, our 75th surprise birthday party decoration was a great success due to her!! read more

Michaels - Arts & Crafts Near Me - San Rafael, California

I drove from Novato to San Rafael to make a purchase from Michael's, and after about twenty minutes of gathering the items that I needed, I went to check out. They have several self check machines, and once check stand with a human. As I approached the human, they said "I'm closed," I asked if there was another human to help me, they responded "No, but you can check yourself out," I let them know that I don't use self checkout, and I wanted a human to help me. They walked away. I left everything at the checkout Anne exited the store. This is horrible customer service. read more

I was surprised how well stocked the needle arts section was-- good selection of crochet hooks, embroidery thread options mostly all full, and a generous selection of yarn. I mostly came for assorted storage bins for my craft supplies (especially a thread bobbin box-- only six bucks and perfect!) but also happened upon some cute Easter basket stuffers in the seasonal/holiday section at the front. Many items were 40% off as they often have deals running. I also noticed they have a pretty good selection of decently priced frames, small to large (20"+). Service wasn't really a thing but I was happy and fine to peruse on my own. read more

Michaels - Craft storage boxes $3-$6 each with discount - Arts & Crafts Near Me - San Rafael, California

Aiden in the frame shop is awesome. Great customer service and does good quality work. Thank you!

I buy all my canvases there and they are great quality for a great price. I also love their bead selection. It's a good store.

I've been to this particular location three times, and each time the customer service has been crappy.

Framing department is the best! The store is clean and staff is friendly when you can find them

I had Kathleen and Debra at the San Rafael Michael's frame 17 of my beloved concert posters. I was able to buy the frames on sale then give them to the framing department to mount, paper, and swap out for quality glass. They did a great job. When one of the prints got ruined by a framing machine they immediately reimbursed me for the replacement. Highly recommend Kathleen and her team! read more

Michaels - Arts & Crafts Near Me - San Rafael, California

We would like to thank the staff in the custom framing department of Michael's, the two women working in the framing department, were phenomenal with their help and knowledge they helped us frame the pictures, and what we received was breathtaking actually made my wife cry they took the time to work with us and show us different options also putting into consideration what we wanted but also gave us great advice to make this picture perfect. We are so happy and if you are looking to take anything of a picture and turn it into a priceless part of your home, let these girls help you do it we will be customers for life. read more

Michaels - Kitchen area - Arts & Crafts Near Me - San Rafael, California

Michael's is a wonderful store. I find can arts and crafts items easily. Reasonably priced. However, today's experience was unpleasant. The clerk had so much Corogne it burned my nose. I was looking for his name on the Sales receipt. I could not find his name. I am sure the manager of this Michael's will see this review. Here is today's date 6/16/23. The time was 3:57 PM read more

Michaels - Sales Received What the time and date - Arts & Crafts Near Me - San Rafael, California

Debra in framing is wonderful. Very helpful. Good selection and value. She helped me reframe a print. read more

Out of all the Michaels This location is my favorite! The store is always kept so neat well stocked and the employees are always so helpful. I am not an artsy person so when I come in to Michaels I need lots of help and They always seem to have the answers. ........ And I love coupons (I usually manage to find one when I am in line getting ready to pay.) read more

This Michael's may look a little small (and old) from the outside but it still serves all the same needs. My partner and I typically make a point to go to Michael's when it's either Halloween or Xmas season. On our last visit, it was the former and the San Rafael location was well-stocked. They had a nice balance of both more grotesque decorations as well as the cutesy, vintage ones we were after. Furthermore, they had a lot of party-related items, though doubtful those were a big seller in 2020. If I had to choose between this location and my next closest (in Emeryville), the latter would still be the winner given it's size and proximity to other useful errands. Still, nice to have another option up in San Rafael. read more

I decided that I would surprise my niece and nephew with a Saturday arts and crafts. My niece is a huge 5 minute craft lover. She was really into these "Squishy cakes", made from triangle makeup sponges, paint and sprinkles. We also wanted to try our hand at making slime for the first time. Around 10:30am, my wife and I were in the car heading into San Rafael. We needed to stop at Michael's Craft store off Las Gallinas Ave. The craft stores neighbors include Homegoods, and the North Gate Shopping Center. There is an available parking lot (Free). The store seemed a bit smaller than the Vallejo store I tend to visit. It felt really dim and empty. Aisles are pretty narrow. Not much room to maneuver around customers, especially with carts. I did not sense any customer service presence on the floor. It would be nice to have more service representatives checking in with customers. I had many questions about making slime. Craft selections were pretty vague. This would be a great location if you were into jewelry making, or creating art projects with beads. The other products sold here seem random. The aisles were just filled with random things. It was to unorganized for me to find anything. The decorations I managed to find for slime were glitter and small sprinkles, along with glue and activator. We already had paint, brushes, makeup sponges for our second project squishy sponge cakes. Check out wasn't the best experience. The cashier never spoke or even asked if I had a Michael's Craft store membership. I was never even offered a bag. The interaction just seemed awkward. He preferred to speak to his co-worker loudly instead. All I wanted to do was pay and run away. I was happy that i found the most important items, but the lack of customer service and unorganized aisles made this my last visit. I would only come back if the store was created to its size and location. A new store layout might bring some life back into the store. read more

See all

Review is for the framing department only. I found a super awesome original print of the SF News cover from the day the Golden Gate Bridge was opened while antiquing one day. Perfect gift for my dad's birthday and retirement. The only problem: it was in the most horrible mat and frame. Unfortunately, it was only 2 days before Thanksgiving and my dad's bday. Three other framing places quoted me 3 weeks for a simple mat and reframe - not even with a custom frame! So, I called Michael's. They say, no problem, they can do it in 48 hours. Well, that is amazing! I come in on a Tuesday evening, so I know I probably won't get it until Friday, since they were going to be closed on turkey day. That's OK, better than 3 weeks! Anyhoo, Darren (sp?) is working and turns out to be just the nicest and most knowledgeable framer ever. I picked out a black frame and wanted to do a black mat so the color would pop. But it was looking dark. So he suggests a double mat with a red to bring in some color. But I'm having trouble choosing which red. No problem, he whips up some digital mocks so I can see exactly what it will look like. Cool! So I pick my mats, and a few other options, and boom - all done in about 20 mins (including the time it took me to pick out a frame)! OK, ready for the frosting on this cake? I tell him it's for my dad's bday and he says he can get it done for me to pick up by Wed so I have it in time to give my dad on his bday! That's a 24 hr turnaround time. Or less. I swear I almost teared up I was so happy. I get a call that it's all set and head on my merry way to pick it up on Wed afternoon. And this thing looks gorgeous. I mean, just stunning. Better than all three of the other framers would have done in three weeks. And probably a lot cheaper, too. And it's all nicely wrapped up and everything. I was so happy. And my dad was too. He said he couldn't have picked a better present himself. So what did we learn? 'Tis always better to give than to receive, and always go to Michael's for all your framing needs. Extra points if you find Darren working. The End. read more

Great picture framing service. Kathleen is awesome. I watched her frame, back, and wire a piece for another guy while he waited - such a pro. I've been going to Cheap Pete's for years and now I know it is NOT cheap. Michael's is a way better deal and way faster. I'll be back. read more

Kathleen in framing was amazing. Not only was her customer service and friendliness. Much appreciated, but she's a real professional when it comes to picture framing. I was very pleased with the results. When the frames were ready, she called me right away for pick up. I would definitely recommend her to anyone who wants a high quality result with picture framing. Thank you, Kathleen, Anna read more

The framing department at the North McDowell Blvd., Petaluma, location is expertly run! And totally affordable/competitively-priced. The careful, perfectly-sized mats I needed were done with ease and graciousness, I was nervous about using some cool old frames (and having the glass cut myself and doing the sizing for the mats myself) but the Michael's framing department was so patient and precise--the artworks look amazing, at a fraction of the price! The same mats at a fancier place were quoted to met twice the price. read more

See all

Self check has no bags. I had a lot of little items but couldn't get a bag. The only checker had several people on line and I would need to wait. What's the point if self check? Hire more people and get rid of the machines or supply bags and don't charge $.35 cents for each. read more

Debra in the framing department went out of her way to make sure that a valued piece of sentimental artwork was framed properly. After a long week in essential services, she really made my day. I came in to drop off my image for framing for a frame that had been ordered through the store several weeks earlier and even though it was the end of her shift, she went the extra mile and somehow was able to frame it right then. This was above and beyond what they are usually able to do. She also took the time to educate me on the best acrylic and why it was important to use that particular kind. It is rare to find someone who really takes pride in their work. I appreciate you Debra! read more

This place has everything you need and more for crafty people. My daughter bought a ton of fake flowers and made a beautiful Christmas arrangement. I found tons of baking supplies. I did self checkout and it was easy and kindve fun. The staff was there to help if needed. read more

This is an enthusiastic shout out to the framing department at the Terra Linda Michaels. They did a wonderful job framing some special prints I bought in Central Park in NYC, and helped me pick the perfect frames! I've also seen others pick up their orders and they are equally beautiful. They love to hear the stories behind the art that they are working on and are friendly, artistic, and I got my order ahead of schedule, even the week before Christmas! Thank you, and highly recommend! read more

I want to mention the framing department, in particular, in this review. There is a woman named Debra who works there who is super special, and goes the extra mile for her customers. I have been going to her for many years, and she has earned my undying loyalty. She took care of a special project of mine, framing two Sports Illustrated covers from when the US Women's soccer team won the World Cup. My 1999 version is signed by three of the greatest stars of that era, Mia Hamm, Brandi Chastain (who is on the cover in her sports bra, an iconic photo), and Julie Foudy. I was at that game, and needless to say, that magazine is VERY special to me. (I have the third world cup SI already framed at home.) First of all, Debra was open to the fact that I was on a limited budget. She made suggestions so that I could afford the framing, and ya know, I was still able to afford protective glass. Debra did the work herself, and she called me midway through, saying that she had an idea of how to make it even better than what we had agreed on. She literally was thinking about my frame job when she was not at work, and coming up with great ideas. In a respectful way, she asked me to come in to see her new idea before she finished framing, which I did. Like I said, this was so important to me. If she was making the extra effort then so would I. In the end, she did an absolutely gorgeous job that looks like super special archive framing. The magazines are held by small acrylic pieces at the corners. It just looks magnificent. Debra is always lovely, warm, and friendly when I deal with her. I always ask for her by name, and now I even know when she works. I just can't say how much I appreciate her going the extra mile, and doing topnotch work. The best! read more

We went in today to check out their major SALE event. We had a great experience getting our questions answered and stock located. In particular we had great help at the checkout from Emily, who made sure that all our purchases were marked correctly (one was mis-marked on the shelf) and that the discounts were applied according to the sale price. She enlisted the guidance of the manager-on-duty, Andrew, who also helped in the process. Both Emily and Andrew were pleasant and professional all the while as the dealt with the stubborn register technology and pricing contradiction. Michael's is a fun pace to browse and get whimsical items and season decorations. I often find just the right do-dad to creatively solve some home-decor problem (i.e. some crazy idea I came up with). Something is always on sale so it never hurts to drop in. read more

Well I have been in this store enough times when Trevor was working to make this be heard. Outstanding customer service on all levels. He goes way beyond goodness. He takes time, looks you in the eyes, respectful, figures ideas out with you. Just not enough people like him in our world so when you catch him let it be heard! Love Michaels Art Supply! read more

One thing's for sure, either come near opening or near closing to be able to get in and out of the store with ease. Otherwise, there often is one cashier servicing everyone buying items here. If there are two cashiers, I often feel like I hit the jackpot. I guess I would recommend having a good deal of patience in the checkout line as it can sometimes be slow and their cash registers must ring up every single one of your items (even if you have multiple copies of the same item). On the good side, this store is kept well-stocked and neat. They have great sales on yarn and holiday decor. Usually I can pick up Halloween decorations or Christmas garlands at 40% off. I often go here for personal projects and work supplies. I love that they have a teacher discounts, too. Most of the cashiers when you get to them are friendly and apologetic. I just wish the company staffed their stores more during the weekends when there are a lot of customers. read more

I wish I could do the 4.5 but I cannot. They have a great selection when most stores are scaling back. They have great promos plus great glasses. The staff, when they can be found, are extremely knowledgeable. This is a great store and with more ee's providing service like Julia at the check out counter they would have earned 5 stars! read more

Michaels - Arts & Crafts Near Me - San Rafael, California

I saw the 70% off coupon in the Sunday paper and decided to try out Michael's framing. The 70% is ridiculous. My piece cost more to frame at Michael's with a coupon than it did at Cheap Pete's. Not only was it more expensive, but the framing was lopsided. The framer said she couldn't change it. I took my piece back. Took it elsewhere... it cost less and is perfectly straight. Don't fall for the coupon. It's not at all valid. read more

I have been using Aaron brothers the custom framing shop inside Michael's in San Rafael for a few years since we moved up to Novato. I have to say I've used them to create some beautifully framed art. Debra has helped us on a number of occasions. She is extremely knowledgeable and has a great sense of all the frames that she has in the store. She has a great eye and it's very informative. She's super nice and always has a smile on her face. I'm always glad to see when she is behind the counter to help me out. Her customer service skills are stellar! Thank you Debra for always making my experience a great one! I hope they appreciate you at that store! I do! read more

I'm not a big crafter so I don't know how Michael's compares to their competition. All I know is every once in a while I need something that Michael's should have at a decent price. That's when I force myself to walk in the door. This week, it was additional page inserts for photo albums I also recently purchased at this store. After searching for 15 minutes, I couldn't find what I wanted so resigned myself to buying a brand new photo album with the inserts I need. I go to check out & wait in a long line. There is one, very nice, person checking people out & each transaction takes nearly 5 minutes. Finally, another checker shows up & after a 10-minute wait, it's my turn. I explain what I was trying to find. The (and I mean this sincerely) very helpful check-out lady has a smartphone with an app that allows her to check inventory & it shows there should be 2 packages available on the shelf. So both of us go back to the same shelf where she checks all the piles I just waded through. Nope, she can't find them either even though the trusted inventory app says they should be here. Now, she does help me find a different set of inserts that will work so I snatch what I need & we go back to the cash register & I finish my purchase. My apologies to all the other customers, because with this helpful person giving me the needed attention, it means the check-out line was now beginning to snake around the front of the store. Michael's has an inaccurate inventory system & needs more staff. Next time, I'll order online or hopefully find what I need at Blick. I'm done with this store. read more

This was the first time I used Michaels Art Supplies in San Rafael for framing - and framing pro Debra did a great job! I learned that what used to be Aaron's picture frames and framing - is now the inhouse department for framing at Michaels. Debra was very knowledgeable and experienced, friendly, prompt and got my job back in just a few days and before Christmas yet, that was a bonus surprise. It was a sentimental photo, matted and framed that fell, glass was broken, custom silk mat was bent and warped from being out of glass for years, and she said it would look great again once under glass again - and she was right! It is lovely again. Thanks Debra and I am sure the whole team in that department is very good and qualified. I use Michaels for all my local art supply needs and I have found the whole staff to be very friendly and helpful, and some are artists themselves, so they can contribute their experience and know how, a great advantage when working on projects and need help with product selection - Thank you Michaels! read more

Nope. I hate to do it but I have to downgrade. Every time I go there, I have been disappointed with their staff. The last time the floor staff (woman) was downright rude and condescending. The cashers are always grumpy. If you hate what you do so much, maybe you should go find a different job? read more

The 70% off coupon got me into the store. I had recently had a number of pictures framed at Cheap Pete's and thought it would be good to use a coupon and save some money. The picture came out bad... not centered in the frame and I took it back. I was given a refund with no problem. They offered to reframe it, but I decided to go someplace else. I got my picture framed beautifully and it cost $35 less without a coupon. Michael's retail prices are inflated to a point that the 70% coupon brings it to a regular retail price at other framers... I won't ever go back to Michael's read more

I try to buy from brick and mortar stores whenever possible. But I have *never* had a positive experience with this Michael's. The best I've ever gotten is maybe a neutral. Tonight I went in, and per usual had to track down a person to help find a tiny part. (It's a big store). While typically youthful, I believe their staff should be trained to at least meet your eyes and offer assistance. When I found someone who would acknowledge my presence, he didn't understand the concept of "small hinge." He sent me over to a picture framing aisle that would never have had crafting hardware. I came back and he called his manager, who said they didn't carry hinges. So I went on the Michael's site and sure enough, the very item I wanted is something typically stocked. The young man was at least nice enough to call the manager again with the SKU number, and was told they didn't have it. Thus, I left, but am only scantly convinced they didn't have the item somewhere in the store. Unfortunately this is typical of this store. Sparse, actively unhelpful staff who do not know the stock. Perhaps there are exceptions, because it's rated 3 stars, but every time I convince myself that "maybe this time will be better," I'm wrong. read more

Ordered a frame for an important document. Took a few weeks for it to be completed but they did a great job! Mahogany frame looks wonderful. Thanks! read more

This it's in regards to Michael's online. They take forever to send things. I recently got an order stating something was in it that was not. It was a much needed product for a project I was in the midst of. I called them, waited forever, call center person was from another country with poor comprehension of English and kept repeating the wrong thing that I was asking, five times. When a supervisor was eventually reached she promised me overnight shipping. I am now on day five and the order has not come. I called again today and was disconnected once. Called again spoke to someone who had poor comprehension of English. I asked for a supervisor waited 10 minutes and they told me it was scheduled to come next Tuesday. I hardly call that overnight. read more

AAAAAAGGHHHHH! For the love of God, someone please make an executive decision and turn off the mash-up of cheesy musack overlaid with grinding static!! Store Manager, seriously, what is going on? Is the musack SO GOOD you just can't bear to turn it off?? I could not imagine working there - If I had to listen to that for 8 hours straight I would have to be institutionalized within 2 shifts. Why 3 stars then, you might be asking? They have some seriously good arts and crafts supplies at such good prices. Michael's is also now carrying this insane line of Martha Stewart A&C supplies that is so scrumdidillyumptious. Maybe the static/musack is some kind of social/psychological experiment to see which is stronger; the push of the blaring static over the PA or the pull of Martha Stewart's new line..,. Michael's 1, Static 0 - I still spent $40 bucks there last night. read more

we were nearby for a burrito, and popped in for some pearler/fuse beads. They had all the colors my daughter wanted- nice The store was really messy and in a disarray. Some of the packages we saw were open and crushed, etc. I know they are getting ready for the holidays, my suggestion would be to staff up and keep the store tidy. when it came time to checkout, employees were engeged in conversation with each other as they line got longer and longer. I prefer Ben Franklin's in Vintage Oaks/Novato read more