If you’ve never heard of a Creative Reuse Center (also known as upcycling or repurposing center), their purpose is to collect discarded materials from the public that can be reused and given a new artistic life. Often these materials are donated to the centers so they can resell the items to the public for a bargain, or donate them to teachers, organizations or other groups in need.
A Creative Reuse Center can have many positive affects within a community. It can allow local creatives to have access to inexpensive, quality materials. It can assist educators to stretch their budgets by purchasing affordable and unique materials. And it helps to divert thousands of pounds of useable materials from entering the landfill.
Creative Reuse Centers are a great place to start when on a tight budget, in need of a smaller portion of something that would otherwise be sold in larger quantities, or simply to wander for inspiration. For the thrifty crafter, these upcycling centers are a terrific resource to begin many projects. Especially if you are in the beginning stages of a concept, but the details are still a bit vague and obscure.
With that in mind, here are a few tips and tricks while shopping at a creative reuse center to get the most out of what it has to offer.
…But before we begin…
A BRIEF HISTORY OF SCRAP
SCRAP began in 1998 as a way for teachers to find a home for their leftover classroom materials. In 1999 Joan Grimm and some friends received a grant from the Department of Environmental Quality to open a small creative reuse center for the community, and became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
SCRAP PDX is the flagship of the SCRAP Creative Reuse Network that includes SCRAP Creative Reuse centers in Richmond, VA, Ann Arbor, MI and Baltimore, MD.
Today communities all over the U.S. are recognizing the value of having access to an organized creative reuse center. SCRAP USA has a sustainable business model of creative reuse service delivery that lends itself to replication by all communities.
If you do not have a local Scrap available, fear not. Here is a Creative Reuse Center Near Me Resource Link by Swoodson Says to help locate a creative resource center near you, organized by state.
And now, on to crafting…
VISIT YOUR LOCAL CREATIVE REUSE CENTER FOR INSPIRATION
The best piece of advice is to make sure you have time to really engage with the store and take everything in. There are often so many items and bins packed into such a small space, that it is best to really take your time and scan everything as you work your way through the store. If something catches your eye, allow yourself to stop and really dig in. Part of the process is processing what outside-the-box materials are even available.
USE YOUR IMAGINATION WHILE SHOPPING
Sometimes the best inspiration comes from the most random places. Try your best to not look at everything with a literal eye. I once turned a plastic tricycle banana seat into the back of a Xenomorph’s head. I think the most exciting creative moments are when you are trying to brainstorm one thing, and suddenly your mind is taken over by a new, surprising idea. While shopping, ask yourself questions: What else can these old pill bottles be used for? Would a vest made out of old elementary school competition ribbons be interesting? Did I leave my car running…?
LOOK FOR DEALS
12×12” cardstock can vary in price, and often times I may only need one or two sheets of a certain style, yet stuck buying an entire bundle. But at a reuse center, you can easily purchase only what you need, or an entire pack at a discount.
The same is true for traditional scrapbook or cardstock paper.
NOT EVERYTHING IS USED
Many brand new, original package items are also available at Creative Reuse Centers. Hot glue guns, scissors, and other general crafting tools are often found near the register.
Also be on the lookout for employee-made crafting kits. Created in house, these kits contain everything you need, and often for as low as $1.00. A perfect present for a little one that loves to be hands-on.
The Best Place to Buy Art Supplies in Bulk
Need a lot of something? Check out a reuse center before purchasing something by the multiple. Some of these rolls, for example, only have a couple of feet left, while others have been barely used at all. A new cheap roll of craft paper from Amazon starts upwards of $10, while a roll at Scrap is only a couple of bucks.
ASK FOR A DISCOUNT on the discount
Unlike other retail and chain donation stores, creative reuse centers may be more inclined to offer a discounted price just by asking nicely and batting a few lashes. Pricing donated items is often based on an employee’s judgement at the time of pricing, not a set-in-stone pricing model. So if you are purchasing multiple items, it may be worth seeing if the cashier would be willing to round down the price for the whole lot.
Alternatively, ask if your reuse center is willing to barter with some extra materials you would otherwise donate. Speaking for myself, I have multiple large bins full of random art supplies just sitting in storage in the event they will once again become handy. When I find myself feeling like a boarderline hoarder, I will often reorganize and purge the multiples or supplies I haven’t touched in years. Prior to donating, I may simply ask for a form of same-day, in-store credit in return.
Keep in mind that often the proceeds from a reuse center will go directly back into your community. So only use your bargaining skills if your financial situation warrants the need for a deal. And also be prepared to hear the ill-fated word “no” and move on. But I have learned a long time ago that it never hurts to ask…
My Haul
On this trip, I picked up multiple uniquely colored cardstock pages, a full ream’s worth for under $2.00. I found a pack of 12×12″ page protectors that will come in handy the next time I make anything with a window (like these hanging wine gift boxes) for only $1.00. I also picked up some greeting card envelopes as I like to make my own thank you notes ($2.00). The whole lot was only $5.00. For reference, I couldn’t find the greeting card envelopes alone on Amazon for less than $6.00.
And that’s It!
As you can see, there are many benefits to utilizing creative reuse centers. Aside from the environmental benefits, it is also cost-effective, and can help to boost creativity, with the added bonus of supporting your local community. Overall, creative reuse centers are a great way to be kind to both your wallet and the environment, all the while feeding your inner Maker.
So shop local and check out your local creative reuse center. Now get to creating, and let us know what budget finds you snatched up at your local center.
And like I always say, …OKAY, BYE!