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!

Love this store and the selection of unique wrapping paper for gifts…read more Has a free kids coloring section while parents are shopping which is a huge plus.

WOW such a great store with so much inventory. I found everything I needed and the paint selection…read morealone was SO HUGE. I even found embroidery stuff which was unexpected!! But the BEST part was the staff named Ben. He was SO SO helpful and had a refreshing and warm sense of humor that really made my day. Ben was also highly knowledgeable about the products they sold and you could tell he was an artist and had actually USED these products himself. He even showed me some creative workarounds and alternatives for the titanium white paint I was trying to figure out if I wanted. thanks Ben! you made this art shopping trip so great just by being you!

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.

Buying art supplies can be overwhelming as a noob. Grateful to the staff for helping even though I…read moredidn't ask. They must have saw I needed it. :) Got advice on which paints to buy, what to skip and was checked in on a few times. Great customer service!

I've loved my experience here so far! The staff is very friendly and helpful with answering…read morequestions. This location has a decent selection of art supplies, for hobbyists and professionals alike. A few of the paints I was looking for were out of stock, but I'll check back in again soon. The location is pretty convenient and the price point is good, given that professional-grade art supplies can be a splurge at times...

I was walking down Union Street and happened to stumble across this little hobby store. Apparently…read morethey've been here since June 2024, and this is their 3rd location in SF. The store has board games, stationary, art supplies, Pokemon, sunglasses, and even yoga mats (because Union St). Great to see a hobby shop in the area; just wish they carried sports cards too! F un place to buy gifts and toys U nion St needs diversity in stores... this helps! N ice selection of toys, games, and stationary

Nice store but the sale guy is judgmental and mean. He should not be in a customer facing industry.read more

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.

Happen to have stumbled upon On Waverly over the weekend walking around Chinatown. This is such a…read morecute corner shop with something for everyone. Most items are created/designed by locals/individuals, and not from big companies who mass produce things. Lots of fun trinkets! Staff is friendly. Store is spacious. Parking is as expected in this area, but definitely able to get to this place by foot via public transit or just strolling around the neighborhood.

Sadly, they hold their "donation" acceptance of magazines to specifically "National Geographic" and…read more"fashion magazines". So yeah, pretty tightly regulated. I have an arsenal of Cigar Aficionado and Food & Wine mags (all high quality) if anyone is interested in preserving these (for free). Otherwise they're going out in next recycling/garbage night.

Scrap is exactly what you think it is - odds and ends of art supplies (some new, mostly used or…read moreopen) for the crafty. There is also some original art for sale. Something for everyone to scratch that creative itch. There's a lot going on here but it's organized by category which is helpful. Also, there's an option to donate here which is always great! Agree with other reviewers that the area doesn't feel the safest and is a bit apocalyptic (barbed fence wires with no one walking around) but I think it adds to the charm of the place. Just don't recommend coming here at night and take an Uber/drive if you can as it's located in an industrial area.

STAY AWAY!! She…read morejust talks colorfully and CHEATS you. She told a story about an antique which we believed and bought it for $25. Down the road we found the same item in bulk at $10. When we went back she was angry and talked to us very rudely and she even told us, you guys just paid a couple of bucks more, don't worry!!! We were very disappointed by her attitude. Not only that the item we purchased is of very poor quality , it already caught RUST and is fading. Very bad experience ruined the whole China town experience for us. She is just sweet as long as you buy something.

Buyer beware. I bought a red jade bracelet and down the street I found the same one for 1/2 the…read moreprice. I returned to this store within a hour and asked to return my items. I told her I found them for 1/2 price. She said "oh no returns". "I have a sign". She pointed it out. It was hanging on the wall underneath and mixed in with about 15 other items. The sign was about 2 inches by 8 inches. I told her she didn't say anything when I was making my purchase or point out the sign. This woman is very dishonest. Do not shop here. The moral is when buying an item in China Town go to every store for a price check and then return to the one with best price. Because the prices are very variable!

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

From beautiful pens and handsome hankies to sunglasses, a Polaroid camera, lighters, and all the…read moreother delicious novelties, especially the pens and stationary from Paper Republic, this place never misses. I have to shout out Liz, who has been nothing short of exceptional. She never makes it feel like a sale. Instead, it feels like you're going home with treasure, objects meant to be used, lived with, and loved. She is incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and charismatic. She's absolutely got it. Ever since I discovered Topdrawer on Union Street a couple of years ago, it has become one of my favorite day off destinations. Whether I'm returning for a new find or stopping in to pick up a refill, I can always count on a genuine connection with Liz, and that is what keeps me coming back.

Selection was impressive here - most of the things I looked at were Japanese, and very pretty to…read morelook at. I'd love to whip out one those fabulous Japanese lighters for instance, but they cost three times as much as a good zippo, so perhaps not. Lots of great stuff like journals and pens that would look good in an office, but who has an office any more? I wonder about the longevity of stationary stores, like muffler shops.

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!