Repurpose ~ Reuse ~ Revive!

As we start a new year I find a need to clean out and declutter. What's a saver to do with beautiful Christmas cards, or  wind-up toys that don't work but are soooo cute that I can't throw them away? Luckily, there are three fantastic places in Lancaster County PA where I can take them so someone else can love them, and I may just be able to give other people's released treasures a home while helping out a good cause! Sound good? Then read on! (If you're  not from Lancaster, I am sure there are similar places in your community.)

1.  The Art of Recycle  - is my newest find. Located in Ephrata, this place is full of most anything you can imagine to make art; fabric, thread, scrapbooking, wood, hardware, beakers, wreaths, doors. . .  Everything in the store is donated by people like you and me and the store is run by people with great energy and enthusiasm. The organization is amazing with every bin labeled and things sorted to make it easy to find. The sheer volume of items is a bit overwhelming. My brain popped with ideas of how to use some of the items and filed others away for future reference. They have designated one large room for children of all ages to play in their puppet theater, dragon fort or to make art for free!  As a retired teacher, I especially loved that the bottom floor is dedicated to supplies for educators who can shop for free with their school ID. Did I mention they also have workshops? Fabulous!!!

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2. Lancaster Creative Reuse - has been a mainstay for me for a few years. It is similar to the The Art of Recycle; they take donations every imaginable craft supply, they have a craft area and workshops for kids, they are stocked with all sorts of craft supplies, and their stock is continually changing. The space is more limited and it is not nearly as orderly - which is great for people who enjoy the hunt. It's a good place to check out often.

3. Habitat for Humanity ReStore - can be a treasure trove for crafters. The store accepts donations of building supplies, including furniture. Some is used for building Habitat for Humanity's homes and the rest is sold at great prices. The proceeds benefit their mission to put people in their own homes. Win - win - win! As for me, I have found lots of treasures; tiles to do alcohol ink tiles with friends (a great no-fail project for young and old), doors I use as arbors in my garden and to make my stained glass barn door, and a sheet of linoleum to line my studio shelves and use as my chair guard to protect my wooden floors. The people who work there are lovely and helpful and there is always something new to spark the imagination.

No matter if you're cleaning out, want a great experience for your kids, or are ready to start your next project, these places are worth the trip!