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Flax Art & Design
Categories: Event Planning & Services Cards & Stationery Shopping Arts & Crafts Cards & Stationery Shopping Flowers & Gifts Cards & Stationery Shopping Arts & Crafts Art Supplies Shopping Arts & Crafts Framing Cards & Stationery, Art Supplies, Framing [Edit]
1699 Market St(between Gough St & Valencia St)
San Francisco, CA 94103
Neighborhoods: Hayes Valley, SOMA
(415) 552-2355
Announcement
Open Sundays! That's right, we're open 11am to 5pm on Sundays in December.
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 9:30 am - 7 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
310 reviews for Flax Art & Design
Review Highlights
"This place has the best paper selection hands down."
(in 16 reviews)
"I could spend hours wandering around the aisles at Flax."
(in 7 reviews)
"...that I did, it would be fountain pens and stationary."
(in 7 reviews)
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310 reviews in English
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Review from Jenn C.
2/8/2012
I love this store! I can't believe I haven't written a review yet so here goes.
They have the best selection of archival storage materials in the Bay Area - more variety and options than Calumet or other places in the East Bay. I go here whenever I need acid-free clamshell boxes and archival 3-ring binder pages for all the photos and documents for a family history archival project I'm doing.
If you are a paper fiend like my friend Lara - you will find yourself in here for hours opening and closing drawers and saying "Oh, I like this one!" over and over til you have a ream of paper for projects you haven't even designed yet.
The staff are incredibly friendly and helpful. If they are out of something or you need something special ordered, they are on top of it and great at communicating to let you know when your heart's desire has arrived.
On top of all that - they are super conveniently located by public transportation and they even have their own little parking lot.
Go in here and try to come out in under an hour without having spent at least $50, I bet you can't do it! -
Review from Esther H.
1/31/2012
I've never been to San Francisco before and I have to say that Flax is downright amazing! I am a huge paper nerd and I had researched for the top best paper places to go to in SF. Flax came up first and it certainly deserves such high ranking because the place is not only enormous but it really allows you to indulge in the creative side of anyone.
The employees were extremely nice and really hospitable towards me which usually in Dallas is rare for customer services as such in the art stores.
The cost of supplies is no different from competitive places but you can get a student discount which you are required to show ID.
The place is divided by certain sections like journals, pens, kids, stationery, paper, frames, et al. You can walk through the store 10 times and still find things to look.
I definitely will be coming back to indulge in my artistic endeavors through their supply store. -
Review from Jessica t.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 1/25/2012
I made a number of trips here to stock up on miniature chalkboards, tiny easels, and chalk markers for an event recently and each trip was a pure delight.
The staff at Flax were extremely helpful on the phone and went out of their way to check on all of their stock before I arrived. Once at the space - one of their staff pointed out that the easels I was hoping to purchase might not be the best for the purpose I wanted. I agreed and before I had a chance to ask any clarifying questions he ran to the pack of the store carrying eleven wire bases that were ideal.
One of the best aspects of Flax is not only their customer service, but their beautiful layout. They truly are a joy to explore.
Trust.Listed in: Businesses that Make San…, My Short List of All Time…, Arts and Crafts
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/19/2009
If everybody drew more. Painted more. Sculpted more.
The world would be a better place.
Trust.
It… Read more »
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Review from wolfy w.
San Francisco, CA
2/4/2012 1 Check-in Here
This has been my must go to art store way back then when they were on Sutter street. For most, this location had been here forever on Market/Valencia St. Certainly the best for all color mediums, sketch books, papers of all kinds. You can browse endlessly for high quality journals and pens for those special gifts or for yourself.
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Review from Buena C.
San Jose, CA
2/8/2012
This is my favorite art supply store ever! They have everything you need to create a variety of art. Friendly staff, convenient location with easy access to parking.
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Review from Laurie H.
1/29/2012 1 Check-in Here
I really do love coming here and wandering every single aisle. I especially love all the beautiful ways I can organize my stuff....expensively, but still....beautifully. Plus they have a check-in offer to get a free sketchbook if you spend $25 or more which is not hard to do. It's a nice small one, too, which was immediately stolen from me by my daughter. Anyway, this time I got caught up in the stamping section and all the possibilities.....I'm not a crafter or stamper but I did buy a script "thank you" stamp and some blank notecards and a couple of cool colored stamp pads so I'm set for awhile!
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Review from Jen H.
11/26/2011
If you're obsessive and unapologetic about pure excellence in office supplies - including notebooks and writing instruments - then there is no reason to shop anywhere else in SF.
I'd suggest only shopping alone here, so you don't #*$$ anyone else off because you're taking so much time examining/drooling over every aisle. -
Review from Camie K.
San Francisco, CA
1/4/2012
This is a dangerous store for my wallet, that is. It has everything you need to run your own art gallery. There are sections after sections on various art supplies and accessories, a separate room for different types of paper, and another room for frames and miscellaneous items such as stickers, ribbon scraps, etc. Even for those that are not entirely artistically inclined, this store is guaranteed to keep you entertained for hours. Service is great and helpful. Pricing is moderate, but then again, most art supply stores are $$$.
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Review from Eric Robert T.
Hilo, HI
10/16/2011
I've been coming here since my college days.. and yes, that's getting to be a long time ago /sigh. Anyway, Flax seems to have improved over the years... where other businesses tend to fade away. Very organized and controlled and more than just your paints, sculpting tools, frames... now they have neat colorful bags, knick knacks, and gifts made locally. Staff leaves you alone- great for the independent shopper, but there if you need help. I don't frequent Flax like my college days, but will drop in if in the area.
Parking is very tight, but if on Muni or the underground rail then it's right at Market and Valencia. Can't miss it with the super large F L A X sign. -
Review from Mel G.
San Francisco, CA
11/1/2011
A good friend of mine mentioned the amazingness of Flax, so I decided I needed to go ahead and check it out for myself.
Like many of the other reviews, when I first walked in, I was blown away at the variety of well, everything. The journals and stationary are my favorite sections, and they had such an assortment of everything else, too. A real treat. Definitely the go-to store in SF if you are ever in need of anything arts and crafts related! -
Review from Jason H.
San Francisco, CA
10/14/2011
I fell in love with this place the moment I walked through the door. The atmosphere here is very comfortable and the enormity of the store made it a blast to just freely wander around and look at what they had for sale. It seemed like an art store by artists for artists, as opposed to the feeling I get walking into Utrecht or Dick Blick.
The layout really helps make this a comfortable place to be, and the staff are all very friendly. The paper selection in the back is absolutely phenomenal and I could spend the better part of a day just hanging out there (And great prices!)
If you're looking for art supplies - go to Flax. It's been around in San Francisco for decades and it shows that they cater to the local customer and not some corporate suit from somewhere else.
This is what an art store was meant to be. -
Review from Ally L.
San Francisco, CA
9/30/2011
OMG this place is huge!! Although I'm not an artist or in design school anymore-- I was curious and decided to take a look around. It carries so many necessary products for all your art needs----- paints, pens/markers, all types of sketchbooks and boards, journals, scrapbooks, art easels, folders, photo albums, VERY COOL paper, VERY COOL envelopes, ribbons, photo framing, clearance sales, etc. etc. etc. They also sell those scissors that make the cool shaped edges on photos/paper.
They also have a lovely children art section for cool supplies, arts & crafts and gifts! I also saw they sell a variety of silly putty.... Now I know where to go for BETTER presents. -
Review from Shreya G.
Fremont, CA
8/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
Wow, just wow. I don't think I've ever seen a selection of art supplies like this. It's warehouse sized with all the paint and paper you can imagine.
My friend (who is in art school) took me here, telling me I'd really like this place. And I REALLY liked this place.
The customer service is good too. I was looking for a particular design of paper and one of the reps spent a good 10-15 minutes looking for it. He could have easily said it was sold out or misplaced, but he kept searching for it and found it. I really like the paper here because you can't really find paper like this anywhere else (that I've seen).
All of the products here are QUALITY products. If you've never been here before, imagine a huge room just for paper, a huge room just for paint supplies, and two other huge rooms for everything else.
This is place for more for arts, NOT crafts. There isn't a vast selection of craft supplies, though some craft supplies are available, so don't come here expecting things you'd find in a JoAnn's or Michael's.
From what I saw, nothing was particularly overpriced, and you get what you pay for.
They also have a parking lot, so free parking for Flax customers! That makes it really easy to come shop there. -
Review from Seema M.
6/22/2011
Flax, why aren't you open on Sundays?! I am my most craftiest on my spare time Sundays!
Nonetheless, Flax has a great selection for crafts, DIY, paper projects. The store provides more creative inspiration than Blicks which I like. Sometimes I need that extra push for ideas.
We bought all of our wedding stationary supplies here which is a time consuming process. The Flax staff was not only helpful and informative, they were patient throughout the whole process.
Remember- there is parking at the back too! -
Review from TVAT T.
San Francisco, CA
7/4/2011
BEST paper selection in the bay.
pricey, but superb quality art supply. -
Review from Athena S.
7/7/2011
inspiration: Marin Easel $159
Thank you, Flax. You are a lovely gem in SF. -
Review from britt h.
San Francisco, CA
12/9/2011
Always find what I'm looking for in this store. They have so much to chose from!! Michelle has been a big help on helping me attain a product that wasn't in the store. She helped me place it on order and put it on hold for me! Thanks a ton! :)
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Review from Jo S.
San Francisco, CA
5/23/2011
Sorry Blicks, but...
Bar none, THE best art supply store in San Francisco. This is where I normally get my fountain pens and supplies, not to mention all of my ink refills for my other artist pens. (If they ever close the pen counter I will be hurting big time.) All of the staff is extremely helpful, friendly, and passionate about the products. And where else can you get 80's inspired -
Review from Shannon B.
San Francisco, CA
9/25/2011
Great place for buying a variety of paper, charcoal or a cool new designer bag. Terrible place to buy paints or printmaking supplies since they have no selection what so ever. Flax is less of a art supply store but more of a designers warehouse, think overpriced gifts and such. There is a secret parking lot around the block.
Listed in: Art Suppliers
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Review from Miguel C.
San Francisco, CA
7/14/2011
I have lost hours of my day in this humongous warehouse. Flax is one of my favorite places in the city to go to, and take my visiting artist friends. I love going around checking out all the notebooks, sketchpads, papers, pens, and trying everything out. 90% of the time I leave wishing I had more money. Don't get me wrong though; they have some great prices!
I also love that they let you try out so many new products. Particularly, this is where I discovered the magical Buddha Board. It's a special canvas where you could create temporary artwork with water! Soon, I will come back and grab one for myself. -
Review from Christina C.
San Francisco, CA
7/4/2011
I went in the other day looking for a stamp for sealing wax and they have a small selection, but it is much larger than any other store carries. I found out they can do personalized ones for $60-300 depending on the detail and what size you want. I am thinking of getting one but I bought a small crown and 3 sticks of sealing wax for $31 which is not bad.
I must say after looking at pictures, I went in with that purpose and told myself I wouldn't buy anything else but they had so many cool things in the huge place that I will definitely go back and buy something at some point lol. Let the artist in me come out...again! -
Review from Marina N.
2/14/2011 1 photo
I wish I could hide in the store and get locked in for the night. I could spend days on end playing with all the stuff in the store. Every product you see will spark your creative juices!
I've bought everything here from artbins to envelopes here but I've also purchased a cigar case and a few other surprising things. Most recently, I bought a dry erase easel to use for a big party game of pictionary. (So much fun.) -
Review from Andrew S.
2/21/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Starting my first day at Art School was so much fun...getting my supplies at Flax was more fun! I've been to Flax several times and it's an artist's paradise! It's a great, big store with private parking in the back. Whether you're a painter, drawer, card maker, paper collector or crafter, you'll be sure to find your supplies here.
They have a great selection at prices that are lower than manufacturer prices. Be on the lookout for additional sales and savings throughout the store. They usually have some pretty good blowout sales that could potentially lead to your next great project. Let you're creative side shine at Flax!Listed in: Born to Shop, Creative Process and Flow...
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Review from Amy L.
Berkeley, CA
3/14/2011 2 Check-ins Here
An overwhelmingly large art store.
If you don't know what you're looking it's easy to loose track of time while you wander the aisles searching for your next art project amongst the supplies. The staff is helpful, since many of them are art students themselves, they are knowledgable about their products and can make recommendations on the best supplies and tools to use. -
Review from Richard M.
San Francisco, CA
7/19/2011
A really nice place to find art supplies. I am happy to say that they are increasing the variety of brands in the painting department. That was my only problem with this store was their limited variety of paint brands. Hopefully they will match the variety of Blicks in the number of brands and then they will get five stars from me.
If you like neat art stores, this is the place for you. -
Review from Chloe M.
5/11/2011
Hmm, beware of high hopes. I had heard of Flax for years, but never went there because a) everybody said they were more expensive and b) from my house, I would go by 3 other art stores on my way to Flax, so there really wasn't a point.
I did the Groupon where you spent $20 for a $40 gift certificate. Based on all the things I had heard over the years, I was expecting nothing but top of the line artist quality products and the most amazing selection. Umm, not so much. They DO have an incredible selection of hand crafted papers, but that's where the selection ends. -
Review from Whitney D.
San Francisco, CA
9/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
Woah-ho! Thank goodness I rode my bicycle here, otherwise I would have bought the entire store...or of tried to anyway :) As mentioned, it's more of an art supply store than a craft store. My favorite was the room for paper. Lots of beautiful handcrafted paper. I felt very inspired after leaving this place. So many neat things to look at including a vast selection of paint, frames, paper, brushes, and even a selection for kids. Reasonably priced and it seemed like there were quite a few items on sale. Plan to spend some time in here!
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Review from Courtney S.
San Ramon, CA
12/13/2010
Just like a kid in a candy store I walked into this place in awe of everything I saw. And, just like said kid in candy store I was sad and kicking stones as I walked out with nothing more than an address book. I wanted everything I saw. It was so nice to be in a place that, literally, has every art supply known to man. I couldn't find my brand of paint brushes but I am sure they were there, or these folks know how to get them.
The staff was really friendly and was on-hand to answer any question--no matter how insane. I love this place and look forward to my next visit!! -
Review from Frances W.
Eugene, OR
12/3/2010 1 Check-in Here
Pretty neat supplies here. They've got a ton of stuff, it's hard to choose from all the options they give you. Coming here made me feel nostalgic and wanting to take up drawing again.
People who work here are really nice too.
If you like to paint, they got the brushes and the paints (duh)
but it's really expensive (double duh)
I think the brushes are typically $10+ each but you can find others like $3-10. Or a stack for $10+.
It's so colorful inside, I bet they hold raves after hours or something.
In all seriousness.Listed in: Places to go to in the city, Trust in my gaydar
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Review from a lot of d.
San Francisco, CA
12/3/2010
When you come here, be completely prepared to spend longer than you ever dreamed looking at papers, pens and the like, and also be prepared to buy way more than you planned too! The F-car takes you to right there, or it's a few blocks walk from Van Ness. Their paper selection is huge and staff are friendly and super knowledgeable.
Prices are not cheap but there are great bargains in the store too, quite often their greetings cards, usually $1 or $2 are half price, so you can pick up a unique card for a mere 50c. - Flaxilicious! -
Review from Felicia C.
Berkeley, CA
5/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
FLAX IS AMAZING. We came here so many times during our wedding preparations for our invitations, programs, thank you cards, etc. We bought so much paper, ink, wax seals, EVERYTHING. This is a one stop shop for all things art related. One of the managers, Sean, was so helpful, kind, wonderful! It got to the point where he'd laugh at us for coming 3-5 times a week to pick up more supplies. The prices are reasonable, and there are volume discounts (for paper, at least), as well as a 10% student/teacher discount.
Now that we're married, we don't have much reason to go to Flax anymore! I'm itching to make up a reason to go, because they are just THAT AWESOME. -
Review from brian k.
San Jose, CA
Updated - 9/27/2011
I've been going to flax since the late 90's to frame artwork, make homemade invites, buy greeting cards and find great unique kids toys and art supplies. Slowly it's all disappeared. No more great priced framing. Unique toys are now things you find toysrus and even the greeting cards are lacking. But now they're not keeping back stock of plain card stock. Which means one thing, card stock will disappear. Just sad to see it all disappear. The employee recommended I go to Kelly paper which sucks because then I need to take it to kinkos for custom cutting.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/5/2008
I have been going to FLAX for over 14 years now......WOW I am old!!!!! -- I started to seriously… Read more »
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Review from mimi n.
Daly City, CA
12/16/2010
I love coming here! It's like disneyland for artists! Lol
I love getting help from Calvin when it comes to paper, he's the best person to ask for help. They have a WIDE variety of different papers, paper weights, and decorative paper. All textures! Probably my favorite part of the store.
They have other little fun stuff too, things you wouldn't regularly see in other stores.
Fun fun fun.
It's a bit on the pricey side, but it's definitely worth it if you need something. -
Review from Demeter T.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 10/5/2010
Okay, so consider the taste in my mouth dramatically changed. Just a couple of hours after posting my review, I received a message from the CEO of Flax, Howard Flax (wouldn't you know it?) He was very apologetic and owned up to the fact that there should not have been any trouble redeeming the LivingSocial voucher on October 1. Also, made personalized references to my review (consider ego well-patted).
In my humble opinion, Mr. Flax handled the situation very nicely via Yelp. Good customer service. Doesn't entirely erase the experience, but definitely changes my stance on whether or not I would consider going to Flax again.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/4/2010
This review directly pertains to the LivingSocial deal that expired on October 1. To those of you… Read more »
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Review from Elizabeth S.
Emeryville, CA
11/12/2011
This is the first time since I bought my motorcycle helmet in May, that I was actually happy to spend money. Keith was above and beyond knowledgeable about spray paint. I am so impressed that he knows so much about the products that he sells and he clearly loves and uses them too. It was such a treat to talk with a fellow artist and learn application techniques and about new products that I didn't know existed. Give that man a raise!
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Review from vickie j.
San Francisco, CA
5/8/2011
Flax rocks. Downside, I end up spending two hours and all my money here.
The paper department is great! -
Review from M B.
San Francisco, CA
10/4/2011
Been coming here for years! I can spend all day in here. Amazing selection of papers, arts and crafts items. I love buying unique gifts here for friends and family.
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Review from SandP M.
Spokane, WA
11/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great art supply store. Worked with Stephanie from fine pens on a larger order and she was super helpful, knowledgeable and friendly. She helped us save money by informing us of their annual pen fair. HIghly recommend!!
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Review from Jen A.
San Francisco, CA
12/26/2010
A while ago I jumped off the F when I noticed a banner about a calligraphy pen fair at Flax; I know I'm a dork with a fetish for writing elements. While the majority of inventory was out of my budget, I thought it was cool to have such an event at an art supply store.
After salivating over the gold-inlaid, diamond-encrusted pens (just kidding, kinda), I headed into other areas of the store to peruse. I was shocked (shocked I tells ya) that people were offering to aid me in my aimless wandering without my asking for help first. Gee, customer service (whodathunkit?). A nice surprise it was, sadly. But something that will draw me back to Flax in future art supply impromptu shopping trips. -
Review from Scarlet F.
San Francisco, CA
12/15/2010
Flax has a wide selection of art and fine art supplies at *reasonable* prices. I see others on here have claimed that it is expensive, but I think all art supplies, even if you go to Michaels, are expensive. Flax doesn't seem to be unreasonable, especially considering the convenience of having such a great art store in the city. Most of their items are below list price and they run sales on certain items.
The staff is EXTREMELY friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. They have lots of staff so you never find yourself running all over the store looking for someone to help you.
I cannot stress enough how nice it is to be able to discuss your needs with an expert and get their input on what supplies will work best. This can save you countless hours of frustration and money spent on supplies that weren't the best for your job. Flax is one of the best art stores I have ever used (Meininger's in Denver is another).
You can really tell what a difference it makes to have a local art store that actually cares a lot about supporting the community and providing excellent customer service!
There screenprinting selection is a little lacking, thus the 4 star review. Other than 5 stars!
