Update: Thanks to your amazing support, we’ve been voted Bronze for Best Neighbourhood Shop in KFM’s Best of the Cape Awards 2026, for the second year in a row.
That means a lot to a proudly independent art and stationery store like ours. Every vote, visit, recommendation, online order and “do you happen to stock…?” has helped get us here.
We have noticed that Gold seems to have a suspicious fondness for food, so we may need to add a cheese counter and quietly become The Deli Edge.
Until then, we’ll keep doing what we love: filling shelves with brilliant creative supplies, giving slightly obsessive art-material advice, and helping Cape Town make more things.
Two years running. Two Bronzes. And a huge thank you to everyone who backed us. Gold, we’ll see you next year.
We have some wonderful news: The Deckle Edge has once again been named a finalist in the KFM Best of the Cape Awards for Best Neighbourhood Shop!
Last year, thanks to the incredible support of our customers and creative community, we brought home Bronze. This year, we would love to go for Gold, but we need your vote to help us get there.
Voting is now open and closes at 7pm on Thursday, 13 August 2026. The winners will be announced during the KFM Best of the Cape Awards show on Friday, 21 August 2026.
Why The Deckle Edge Is More Than an Art Shop
The Best Neighbourhood Shop category celebrates the local businesses people love returning to: the places where you can find what you need, receive genuine help and always be welcomed with a smile.
Although we are not your typical corner shop or deli, we believe The Deckle Edge captures the true spirit of a great neighbourhood store.
Since 1979, we have helped Cape Town’s artists, students, teachers, designers, architects, makers, parents and curious beginners find the materials they need to bring their ideas to life. Today, our Salt River store is Cape Town’s largest independent art supplies and stationery store, filled with thousands of products for painting, drawing, printmaking, paper crafts, sculpture, calligraphy, model making, stationery and much more.
Some customers arrive with a carefully prepared shopping list. Others walk in with an idea, a photograph or a creative problem they are trying to solve. Our team takes the time to listen, explain the options and help each person choose materials suited to their project, experience and budget.
That personal attention is at the heart of what a neighbourhood shop should be.
A Team That Understands Creativity
Many members of our team are artists and makers themselves. They understand that choosing art supplies can sometimes be confusing, especially when you are trying a new medium or standing in front of a very large selection of brushes, papers and paints.
We do not simply point customers towards a shelf. We help compare products, explain how materials work and offer honest, practical advice.
Our customers often mention this in their Google reviews:
“Amazing store. Everything you need as an artist.”
— Brigette Muller
“The selection in the store is tremendous. The staff are so friendly and helpful. I’d highly recommend this store for any arts and crafts.”
— Jesse Gillis
“If you love arts, crafting and creativity, this is a source of inspiration. Great selection of materials and helpful staff. Highly recommend a visit. They also host workshops which look great.”
— Anna Taylor
“The Deckle Edge is a candy store for artists”
— Kim Black
These reviews also praise our extensive product range, efficient service and fast delivery.
Other customers have described our staff as friendly, knowledgeable and willing to go the extra mile. One customer even rated our service “TEN out of TEN”, while another called The Deckle Edge her family’s favourite art supply shop.
A Place Where Cape Town Creates
The Deckle Edge is not only a place to buy supplies. We want our store to be a creative destination where people can learn, experiment, meet other artists and feel part of something.
Throughout the year, we host workshops, demonstrations, exhibitions, competitions and creative community events. We collaborate with local teachers, artists, art societies and Urban Sketchers, giving creatives opportunities to share their knowledge, exhibit their work and connect with one another.
We welcome professional artists searching for specialist materials, students preparing for class, children choosing their first paints and adults rediscovering creativity after many years.
There is room for everyone here.
Supporting Artists, Students and Our Community
Being a good neighbourhood shop also means giving back to the people who support you.
We offer discounts for students, schools and art society members. We help students prepare their kits, assist teachers with classroom requirements and work with creative groups to make art materials more accessible.
We also support local artists through collaborations, interviews, exhibitions, events and opportunities to introduce their work to new audiences.
Every workshop booked, artwork shared, beginner encouraged and creative conversation held in our store adds something special to Cape Town’s artistic community.
An Independent Cape Town Business
The Deckle Edge is proudly independent. Behind the large store, enormous product range and busy website is a local team of people who care deeply about the business and the customers who keep it going.
Every vote supports an independent Cape Town retailer, our dedicated staff and the wider creative community we serve.
Last year’s Bronze award meant so much to us because it showed that an art shop could stand proudly alongside Cape Town’s much-loved delis, food stores and neighbourhood institutions. It reminded us that creativity also deserves a place at the table.
This year, we hope to show once again that Cape Town loves paint palettes just as much as food platters.
Please Vote for The Deckle Edge
If The Deckle Edge has helped you find the perfect material, solve a creative problem, discover a new medium or simply made you feel inspired, we would be incredibly grateful for your vote.
Voting is free and takes only a moment:
Select “Best Neighbourhood Shop” and vote for The Deckle Edge.
Voting closes at 7pm on Thursday, 13 August 2026.
Please also share the voting link with your friends, family, students, art groups and fellow creatives. Every vote makes a difference.
We would not be finalists without our customers, and we certainly cannot bring home Gold without you.
Thank you for supporting The Deckle Edge, our team and Cape Town’s creative community.
Let’s bring this one home together!
