Kozo Arts

Disclaimer: I haven’t bought anything from Kozo Arts, but a not-​so-​recent visit to Kozo Arts last February was definitely impressive! Personally, I think their studio is a bookbinder’s dream come true.
As a book artist, they have a store that I’d want to to own one day: a store at the street level where I can work on my books and display them (and to sell, of course), and oh, maybe, to hold classes for you. That’s my dream.
Their ever-​so-​nice manager Notara told me that you don’t have to visit the store physically to get their custom-​made books. They can send you swatches and do everything over the phone (or email, I suppose).
My original review:

Same As It Ever Was!
I came back last month to take advantage of a post-​holiday sale for folks on Kozo Arts’ email list. Store staff was friendly and helpful as usual. And as usually happens with Japanese papers, I had to hold myself back from doing too much damage to my credit card. Among other things, I ended up with a very nice guest book, but darn I should have bought that Recife pen!

Beautifully made paper and hand bound albums and photo frames. I know I can always find something unique for a small hostess gift to something more substantial for birthdays or anniversaries. All their invitations are handmade as well. I wish I knew that before my «big» day. Michelle is extremely helpful and uses colors incredibly well.

I swear, I think I’m on a first name basis with almost every paper store in this town. Kozo is no exception. I’m a book binder and frequent Kozo for their unbeatable selection of silk book cloth. They sell by the yard, half yard and scraps. The scrap bin is an excellent resource for small or single projects. The have a great paper selection that rivals those of larger stores like Flax. The staff is knowledgeable and can be seen working on projects in the shop when not helping customers. Their handmade albums are crafted impeccably with these same materials. Though others have commented about Kozo’s prices, I do think you are getting a fair price given the quality materials and craftsmanship.

Artistic and beautiful Japanese-​style rice-​paper and albums on sale here. Looks very boutique-​y and prices aren’t cheap either but I love stationery and paper stores so it was a nifty idea to have such a store on Union St and great inspiration for making home-​made cards or other projects.

EXCELLENT, if only for inspiration and ideas for DIY Projects. Their profit margin has got to be five-​hundred percent at this place, since any gradeschooler could make most of their projects in an afternoon, easily…
The stars are for 1. the fact that they are super friendly and have nice sample books that you can peruse to get ideas for your projects. Also, 2. their papers are nicely organized and well taken care of (not folded or crumpled at all.) Oh, and 3. they sell little
’remnants’ of paper that are perfect for little projects.
Beautiful stuff at SF prices, with patience and time you could make most of this stuff all with your pretty little hands!

Beautiful Japanese papers and handmade albums. However, like Monica, we were also expecting a bigger selection of paper. The staff was really friendly and helped us as we looked through the wedding invitation samples. Invitations are quite expensive and turnaround time is about 4 months, depending on the number of pieces you need made.