TKB Trading

I just want to write this review to counter-act against "Scott S" one-star review because his…read morereview is so ridiculous. I should mention, I am in no way affiliated with this shop whatsoever in any way, shape, or form. However I do live in the neighborhood and when I was searching for paper stores, this shop came up in the search. It took me literally 2 seconds to see that it's not the type of store I'm looking for (I'm looking for more of a stationary/paper store as opposed to art supply anyways, but alas this shop came up.) I personally think it's really cool to have a shop specifically for materials more geared toward graffiti/spray paint art...because graffiti IS ART. Therefore this shop IS an art supply store! That guys review would be almost like if I went to Whole Foods and got mad because they don't sell Hot Cheetos and Swishers. That would be ridiculous, right? Of course it would be! People should do their own due diligence! I'm sure Scott S. refuses to take such responsibility though, for he mustn't have the basic sense to make such high agency decisions in his day-to-day life. But that's okay. Because I'm here. To suggest to anyone that comes across this shop, to simply look at the images. Look for yourself. Is this the type of store you're looking for? If you are unsure, the store owner's phone number is right here on this very listing. I'm sure you can call and ask. Don't be like Scott. Not now. Not ever.

I was looking for an "art supply store" close to me. Saw good reviews for this place on Yelp. Went…read morethere but a total waste of time. This is not an art supply store. They only have supplies like spray paint for graffiti. They don't have drawing paper or paints or canvases or anything you need to make art. Unless you're doing graffiti don't bother with this place.

Adapters

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Flax Art & Design

4.7(108 reviews)

1.7 mi•Downtown Oakland

This is a must-visit every time we're in the Bay Area. Great building, huge selection of stuff,…read moregood staff. As an example, last time I was in I had just started getting into fountain pens. Jane, their 'Fine Pen Manager', was super nice and helpful, taking a bunch of time to ask me about my preferences and to offer some different ideas and suggestions. I left $80 poorer, but with a lovely Nahvalur Original pen, some beautiful Sailor ink, and a great Itoya notebook. I wish we had something like this up in Sacramento.

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.

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Art candy!

Blick Art Materials

4.1(152 reviews)

3.2 mi•North Oakland

Great selection and helpful staff. Always lots of sales on canvas. Parking is pretty easy along…read morebroadway too.

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.

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The ReCrafting

4.6(45 reviews)

1.9 mi

As a complete beginner this has been such a cool shop to go for affordable supplies! I was able to…read moreeven do a lesson there and the owner is very helpful. I definitely will keep returning as I grow more into this hobby. HIGHLY recommend checking out!

Nice owner and well packed store. I initially ordered an…read moreitem on line but when the seller realized I lived very close to her, she offered to refund my shipping costs if I wanted to pick it up.

Picture of the shop showing how many great craft items she has in stock. Ask her for anything and she most likely has it. Great prices

Quilting fabric and great prices

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Yarn, fabric

Michaels

3.3(107 reviews)

1.5 mi

Courtney was so sweet and helpful. She saved the day helping me with a balloon arrangement for a…read moreparty!!

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.

It's getting scary...

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TAP Plastics

4.6(123 reviews)

7.9 mi

Committed to satisfaction

Established in 1952

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!!!!

Politely came in to get a quote on plastic sheet. The dude in the front gives really crappy…read morealtitude like I am there to waste his time. I would try to avoid coming here at all.

2.6 mi•Melrose, East Oakland

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Rubars Stretchers

3.7(9 reviews)

3.1 mi•Temescal, North Oakland

I have been a customer of Rubars for a very long time, especially with the former owner but since…read morethen too. I've stopped going. It's the clerk who does the actual customer interaction. First, one calls to be sure that they're open (hours before closing time) only to hear the woman say that she is going to leave soon. This is a common experience according ot others I've spoken with. Next, the stock on hand is pathetic -- maybe 4 or 6 canvases to buy, not like they're trying to sell anything anymore. Last, I ordered well over a thousand dollars of stretched canvases months in advance of needing them for a major show. When I called after they were due I was told that they hadn't been made... even tho they had my credit card AND phone number. No reason, just didn't feel like it. Rude too. My fantasy is that the clerk is a relative and wants out of the job... I'd love to tell the owner that SHE's my reason for never returning! Because it's a buzz you in business, no chance of getting to tell the guy in the back what's going on. Such a pity. I am sorry to see this once prosperous and wonderful company be driven out of business just because they don't know about that clerk. When you can get one of their stretched canvases, they're great!

Great stretchers, using heavy duty materials and good attention to detail. They are a bit old…read moreschool - writing all receipts by hand, and they have pretty ridiculous hours (I think 11 am - 3 pm) especially for their clientele (artists). I tried to get them to deliver a very large panel that I had made, but they obviously don't like being asked that! They also don't like changes to orders. Oh well. But with all the quirks, at least their location is easy to find and they sure know how to make stretcher bars and panels, as they have been making them for ages.

East Bay Depot For Creative Reuse

3.9(327 reviews)

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.

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Whales & Friends

4.2(34 reviews)

2.4 mi

I love coming here for gifts! They have so many interesting and unique things to choose from, from…read morefashion and kitchen items to puzzles, knickknacks, purses, earrings, socks, hats, and more. One of the ladies who works here was so helpful whenwe had questions. We found a beautiful scarf for around $30, and I loved it because it was so unique and stylish. I thought that was a great value for such a beautiful and distinctive gift. I also love that they have different beautiful wrapping options for gifts. We even found a little mirror to add to the gift, and the case had beautiful Van Gogh artwork on both sides. Such a fun place to browse when you're looking for something a little different!

Whimsical and specially curated collection of very unique clothing, purses, hats, jewelry (some…read morefrom local artists), children's toys/plushies, and household/garden decor. There's always something new, cute, and interesting to find here. Some items are also imported. Prices can be reasonable to high (e.g. they have a range of $40 to $350+ in clothing and accessory/jewelry items). I first noticed them years ago at their original location on Lincoln Ave. They relocated to this much more spacious spot after the pandemic. So glad they are still in business. I have bought various items through the years from this store for myself and for loved ones as gifts (beautiful pillbox hats with lace netting, jewelry, fashionable scarves, statement socks, etc). Great place to find a gift for someone in your life that has "everything" already. Local woman-owned business too. Located in the inner walkway/courtyard of South Shore outdoor shopping center, across from the children's play area.

2.2 mi•Fruitvale, East Oakland

Inside, children's section.

Statement necklaces and home/garden decor on walls.

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Fun selection of puzzles.

Regina's Lace & Crafts

3.3(10 reviews)

I have used this place a few times.I Love it here! I am about to go there to decorate my parents…read more70th anniversary. I believe it is family owned. Definitely recommend this place. :-)

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

Tarn lots of yarn!

Lace!

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Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

Hundreds of millions of reviews are posted on Yelp, and our automated recommendation software works in the background to showcase the reviews that it …

11 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Claudia T.

16 years ago

I don't really like to shop online but after watching the numerous glowing reviews TKB has in YouTube and tired of paying the outrageous prices a famous cosmetic brand charges for their pigments, I bit the bullet and placed my first order on November 2009 since then I have learn how to make my own mineral makeup, pressed makeup, lipsticks, lip glosses and even soaps all thanks to TKB, Kaila and the fabulous ladies in the TKB forum. Packing: My packages have always arrived in perfect shape everything is neatly packed, they are so good at packing that if I try to put things back in the box I can never make them fit again. Shipping: Very fast shipping every time. Quality: Top notch, I have not been disappointed with anything I have order from them, their pigments, bases, soaps, oils and jars are of excellent quality, I made the mistake of ordering some jars from a different company because I had a discount coupon and that was a big mistake half of the jars where heavily scratched and the lids broken that has never happen with TKB Prices: Their prices are unbelievable $1.50 for a very generous sample, they come in baggies but you can also purchase jars, the tall 25g jars are perfect for their sample sizes. Customer Service: Excellent, out of 15 orders I have placed I had only have one issue with some jar lids that did not close properly, after contacting Kaila the issue was resolved immediately and the proper lids where sent to me that same day. Attention to details: I have been amazed at their attention to details, there is very few companies out there caring enough about their customers to do the little things that count all the time, every time, to me that has been refreshing, I have to admit that I'm not easy to please and because of that very few companies can consider me a loyal customer but TKB Trading absolutely can. Warnings: TKB Trading creates addiction! read more

Audreya B.

4 months ago

I do not recommend TKB Trading based on my recent experience. I have ordered from TKB Trading multiple times in the past without major issues, which is why I was surprised and disappointed by how my most recent order was handled. My order was suddenly canceled without what I felt was a clear or reasonable explanation. The lack of communication left me confused and frustrated. What makes this even more concerning is that I previously received a damaged order and contacted the company requesting a refund. Since then, it feels like my concerns as a customer were not taken seriously. Instead of working to resolve the issue professionally, my latest order was canceled, which gave me the impression that customer complaints are not handled fairly. As a repeat customer, I expected better communication, transparency, and customer service. When a problem originates from a damaged product or shipping issue, customers should be treated with respect and provided with a clear resolution. Unfortunately, this experience has caused me to lose confidence in the company. Based on how my situation was handled, I cannot recommend TKB Trading to others. read more

Medworld G.

4 months ago

I had a very disappointing experience with TKB Trading, and unfortunately, my sister had a similar experience as well. I received a product that was completely empty and provided photo evidence to verify the issue. While the order was eventually refunded, the way the situation was handled afterward was frustrating. My account was flagged, and I felt like I was being treated with suspicion despite providing clear proof of the problem. What made the experience even more concerning was that something similar happened to my sister. Instead of feeling like valued customers, we both felt as though we were being accused of wrongdoing for reporting legitimate issues with our orders. Customer service should focus on resolving problems professionally and respectfully. In our case, the experience left us feeling unfairly judged and discouraged from ordering again. Based on what both my sister and I experienced, I cannot recommend TKB Trading and would advise others to be aware of how customer complaints may be handled. read more

Cassie D.

12 years ago

I've been ordering from TKB ever since I started making my own products. Some of the things I love: As a Bay Area resident, I love supporting local businesses. Located in Oakland, TKB employes local residents. This makes me happy. TKB Trading is a small business, owned by 1 person - not a conglomerate. I love supporting small business. TKB Trading's shipping is speedy, effective & my product always arrives well packed & safe. I've ordered colorants frequently & melt and pour white and clear base. The crystal clear soap base really created a stunning effect & I'll certainly order it again. TKB Trading is also the ONLY place I'll order mineral makeup supplies. Finally, I've also had the pleasure of chatting with the owner, Kaila, on a couple special occasions. She's awesome, knowledgeable, and stands behind her products. Great business. read more

P B.

16 years ago

I have to tell you this is a great company to work with. I know that they are very popular which translates into very busy, but they always take the time to answer my questions by phone or email. Any time that there has ever been a problem which was only once for something being out of stock they contacted me right away to let me know and ask if I want to wait for a complete order or send out what they have. The have good prices and have price matched different things for me which is really nice. I like having the option of getting everything thing I need from one place. After dealing with other places, TKB is always my first place to shop!!! They go the extra mile and if you follow the TKB forums you will see that this is their standard operating procedure. Kalia and her staff are great! Thanks Ladies!!! Patty read more

Nancy L.

16 years ago

I've been a steady, and spendy customer for over a year now. TKB is well organized, run by people who really care about how you're doing and has provided me with a lot of encouragement. The products, and I buy everything, but the nail polish kits, because I have too many irons in the fire, opening a business, are first rate. I know what to expect and the free shipping on larger orders seems really free, because her prices are right. The owner has been very kind to me in more than one panic e-mail moment where I think something is off and it's always been in the box. I will continue to purchase from TKB Trading, hopefully for years to come. Of all my Mica suppliers, TKB is the one I know I can count on. Nancy, not paid to say this, Liedel read more

Kristina H.

16 years ago

I have been a customer of TKB's for some time now. I love all of their products,and they have wonderful customer service. I order from here all the time,and I have never had any problems. One thing I really like about this company is that they list all the correct INCI's on the products. I also love the fact they offer a huge range of products. TKB is my number one favorite supplier, and I trust them the most out of any other supplier I use. Kaila is a wonderful lady, and has helped me out so much. I give this company an A++++!! I highly recommend this company:) They offer a large selection of colored micas, and alot of the base materials. They have very reasonable prices too! I would be lost without TKB! read more

Maxine W.

14 years ago

I live in the neighborhood and I am able to walk to TKB Trading to pick up my purchases. I get my shea butter, melt and pour soap from TKB Trading, as well as many other ingredients for the products that I make. I am very pleased with TKB ,the owner Kaila, and the staff. I recommend TKB. read more

Tina L.

16 years ago

TKB is a great company. I love everything that they have to offer, and they have excellent prices and customer service. I highly recommend them!! read more

Rosanna L.

16 years ago

Have placed 4 orders with tkb all have been handled with much care and in a timely manner love love love this company!

E. A.

14 years ago

This company has the best prices out there and their professional and on time. The best out there.

TKB Trading - cosmetics - Updated October 2026

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