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Somewhere in Ann Arbor, there is a giant drum of paperclips waiting for someone to grab a handful. Nearby sit barrels of odds and ends, racks of paper, and jewelry sold by the ounce.
One shopper walked out with a pile of supplies for less than two dollars total, and another filled two bags for about forty. The stock changes all the time, so no two trips are ever the same.
This spot is run as a nonprofit, and everything on the shelves was donated by people who wanted their leftovers to find a second life. For Michigan crafters, students, scout troops, and tinkerers, it is proof that a great art supply run does not need a big budget.
Keep reading to find out where it is, what turns up inside, and how to plan a visit that pays off.
A Nonprofit Hideout on Washtenaw Avenue
Ann Arbor has plenty of bookstores and campus hangouts, but one storefront plays by very different rules. SCRAP Creative Reuse sits at 4567 Washtenaw Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, in Michigan’s Washtenaw County.
It is a nonprofit organization, not a chain craft store. Every item on its shelves arrived as a donation from someone who no longer needed it.
That simple idea shapes everything inside. Leftover buttons, spare fabric, extra stickers, and half-used packs of paper get sorted and sold at low prices instead of heading to the landfill.
The result is part shop, part community project. Crafters get affordable materials, donors get a guilt-free way to clear out closets, and less stuff ends up as waste.
Shoppers often describe the place as a haven for people who want to try a new hobby without spending a fortune. That sentiment pops up again and again, along with praise for its friendly staff.
It holds a strong 4.6-star standing from 270 Google ratings, which is impressive for a store stocked entirely with other people’s leftovers. Ann Arbor locals have clearly decided this one is worth protecting.
The Move That Made Sense
Every good treasure map needs an X, and this one got redrawn in late 2019. On November 9, 2019, the store opened in its current home on Washtenaw Avenue.
Before that, longtime shoppers knew it as the craft spot down by Costco. The new address put it right next to Once Upon A Child, a kids clothing resale store.
Parents quickly noticed the convenience. A quick stop for outgrown clothes could now turn into a second stop for glue gun projects, sewing supplies, and busy board materials.
The team behind the shop shared its excitement publicly, saying it was loving its new home. That enthusiasm seems to have carried over into the years since.
The move also brought more room for programming. A classroom for drop-in crafting opened a few years ago, giving the space a second purpose beyond retail.
Some shoppers have been coming back for years, through both locations. It is the kind of loyalty that suggests the store did more than change addresses; it grew into the neighborhood.
Grab a Cart Before Anything Else
Here is the first rookie mistake to avoid. Rolling carts with handles wait near the entrance, and plenty of first-timers walk right past them.
Shoppers who skip the cart often end up with arms overflowing and a few items stashed at the counter for safekeeping. That is a funny story later, but an awkward one in the moment.
The store can feel like a lot on the first visit. There is so much to look at that the basics, like where the carts are, can slip by unnoticed.
So the smart move is simple. Grab a cart, take a slow lap, and scout before committing to anything.
Some shoppers fill those carts with serious volume. One checkout line once featured a person buying an entire case of jewelry boxes for custom jewelry art shows.
Not everyone in a group will feel the pull equally. People without a hobby sometimes wander in, glance around, and decide the car is a better place to wait.
For anyone with a craft habit, though, the cart is not optional. Consider it a reminder that this trip is going to be bigger than planned.
Barrels Built for Digging
The back of the store is where patience really pays off. Lots of barrels line that area, each packed with mixed materials waiting for someone to sort through them.
Among the most talked-about is a large drum of paperclips. Scrapbookers, who often use clips in their layouts, have been known to stop in their tracks when they see it.
Digging is part of the deal here. Shoppers need to be willing to look through bins to find what they want, but most agree the effort is worth it.
Not everything requires a hunt. The rest of the store is sorted into project types, which balances the chaos in the back with something easier to browse.
That mix keeps both kinds of shoppers happy. Planners can head straight to a category, while explorers can lose themselves in the barrels.
A handful of paperclips might not sound thrilling to everyone. For the right crafter, it is the moment the trip becomes a treasure hunt in the most literal sense.
Surprisingly Tidy Shelves
Donated goods often mean disorder, but the shelves here tell a different story. Much of the store is organized into general categories, items, and colors.
That sorting takes real work. Thousands of mismatched donations need to be grouped before they make sense to a shopper looking for something specific.
The payoff is that a person hunting for paper can find paper, and someone after a certain color can scan one section instead of the whole building.
Staff also have a knack for presentation. Things that might look like junk on their own get arranged into displays that show how cute a finished craft could be.
Those little setups help people see possibilities. A stack of old supplies becomes an idea instead of clutter.
Of course, a tidy system does not mean every visit is calm. The store is often busy, and the sheer amount of stuff can still feel overwhelming.
Still, the structure makes it easier to wander with purpose. Order and surprise share the same floor plan here, and that balance is a big part of the appeal.
What Turns Up on a Good Day
A shopping list here works better as a loose suggestion. Inventory has included records, colored pencils, stamps, plastic gems, fabric, picture frames, and paper.
Old CDs, binders, boxes, and canvas have also made appearances. Now and then, some brand-new items show up mixed in with the gently used ones.
Card makers find plenty to work with. Stickers, colored paper, blank cards, and washi tape regularly land on the shelves, and some shoppers say the cards alone justify a trip.
Bulk-style basics are another strength. Buttons, fabric swatches, string, and stickers are available in small amounts that normally only come in large packs.
Larger finds keep things interesting too. Glue guns, trophies, baskets, and bottles have all been spotted, and one shopper even left with a lap harp.
That variety is exactly why people keep coming back. The next visit might bring something nobody expected to see in a craft store at all.
Jewelry by the Ounce
Most stores price jewelry by the piece. Here, a whole treasure trove of it is sold by the ounce.
That system opens the door to some wild bargains. One shopper gathered a pile of jewelry and other supplies for less than $2 total.
There is a small catch. Earrings do not always come in matching pairs, so finding a complete set can take some luck.
Creative shoppers see that as a feature. Single earrings can become necklace pendants or hair clips, or they can simply be worn mismatched on purpose.
Jewelry makers have their own reasons to stop by. Loose pieces can be broken down for beads, chains, and clasps for new designs.
The cycle also runs both ways. People often bring their own unwanted jewelry back to donate, keeping the bins stocked for the next round of hunters.
For a few coins, a handful of sparkle is hard to argue with. It is one of the quickest ways to see how far a small budget can stretch inside these walls.
Rare Finds for Niche Hobbies
Specialty crafters know the frustration of hunting for supplies most stores never carry. Some of those hard-to-find items quietly show up here.
Bobbin lace thread is one example. It is notoriously difficult to locate, yet at least one lacemaker found it on these shelves.
Stained glass supplies have turned up repeatedly as well. One couple reports that a spouse has found many stained glass materials during their trips.
Tabletop gamers have discovered the store too. Hobbyists who build Warhammer scenery find excellent materials for terrain and props.
Vintage junk journaling is another hobby that fits right in. Old papers, clips, and small ephemera are exactly what those journals need.
The honest warning is that stock rotates. Nothing is guaranteed, so a find on one trip may be gone the next.
That unpredictability is the thrill for niche crafters. A routine stop could produce the one item they have been searching for over months.
Small Budgets, Big Bags
Money talk is where this store really earns its reputation. Shoppers regularly leave with a bundle of supplies for the cost of one item at a regular craft store.
One trip ended with two full bags of materials for about $40. That shopper called it the most underrated art supply store they had ever visited.
Another walked out with buttons, jewelry, and odds and ends for under $2. Many describe the place as a budget crafter’s paradise.
Still, prices are not rock bottom on everything. Yarn is one area where some shoppers feel costs run high, with partial skeins priced around $2 to $3.
That comparison matters for knitters. Buying common yarn new elsewhere can sometimes cost less, so it pays to check prices before stocking up.
Across most categories, though, the low prices stand out. Paper, stickers, buttons, and small bits are where the biggest savings tend to happen.
A smart strategy is to focus on the bargains and skip anything that seems pricier than retail. The wallet will thank you, and the craft bin will overflow anyway.
Classes, Workshops, and Rentable Space
Shopping is only half the story. The store also runs classes, and participants describe them as fun and inclusive.
A classroom for drop-in crafting opened a few years back. That space gives people a place to make things on site, not just shop for later.
Groups can take advantage too. Space rental is available for classes, groups, and parties.
Scout troops have found it especially useful. One Girl Scout troop completed a badge workshop there, and at least one young member was hooked from that day on.
Her family has returned multiple times since then for supplies. A single workshop turned into a regular family outing.
For parents planning birthdays or teachers looking for a creative field trip, the setup is practical. Supplies sit just steps away from the tables.
Details on current classes and rentals change, so checking the official website at scrapa2.org before planning is wise. The calendar may hold something unexpected.
A Second Life for Your Leftovers
Nearly every Michigan home has a drawer of craft supplies nobody will use. This store gives that drawer a purpose.
Donations are the engine of the whole operation. Fabric, paper, jewelry, buttons, and countless odd items arrive from the community and get passed along to new owners.
Many shoppers like knowing there is a place to bring their random stuff so it will not go to waste. Something one person sees as clutter could complete another person’s project.
The reuse angle draws plenty of fans. People appreciate that the store encourages reuse and repair, and that it helps reduce waste.
It also lowers the barrier to trying something new. Testing a hobby with secondhand supplies costs less money and creates less trash than buying everything new.
Some shoppers even balance their bargains by donating. They buy cheap supplies, then bring back items they no longer need.
That loop keeps the shelves fresh. It is a small, local system that quietly keeps useful materials in circulation across Washtenaw County.
Friendly Faces Behind the Counter
Staff get mentioned almost as often as the bargains. Friendly staff came up more than twenty times in the store’s Google feedback.
Shoppers describe lots of friendly faces and a welcoming crew. That warmth helps in a store that can feel overwhelming on a first visit.
Volunteering is part of the picture too. As a nonprofit, the store has community members who pitch in, and some shoppers bring up volunteering as a way to get involved.
The team also shapes the shopping experience behind the scenes. They sort donations, organize sections, and arrange displays that show what old supplies can become.
Those efforts give the store its personality. Without them, the barrels would be just barrels.
Asking for help is a good idea for anyone hunting a specific item. Staff know the layout, and they can point a shopper toward the right section faster than wandering alone.
A store this busy could easily feel rushed. Instead, many describe it as a place where people are glad to see you come through the door.
Who Will Love It Most
Honesty first: this store is not for everyone. Shoppers who already have a hobby tend to get the most out of it.
Scrapbookers, card makers, and junk journalers will feel right at home. So will jewelry makers, stained glass artists, and tabletop gamers building scenery.
Students working on school projects find plenty of useful material. Teachers and artists also use it as an affordable resource.
Parents have their own reasons to visit. Sensory bins, busy boards, and hot glue gun projects all benefit from small, cheap odds and ends.
The atmosphere suits people who enjoy browsing. It can be busy and a little overwhelming, but it rewards those who like to wander and see what turns up.
Shoppers looking for a precise item on a deadline may feel frustrated. With rotating stock, a guaranteed find is never part of the deal.
For curious makers who like surprises, though, the place clicks. Many simply wish there were more stores like it around Michigan.
Hours, Timing, and a Fair Verdict
Planning is easy because the schedule stays consistent. The store is open every day of the week from 11 am to 6 pm.
That includes weekends, which makes it a handy Saturday or Sunday outing for families and students. Weekday afternoons work well for anyone wanting a little more room to browse.
The store tends to be busy, so a bit of patience helps. Bringing reusable bags is a smart idea, especially after seeing how quickly carts fill up.
Since inventory changes constantly, frequent short trips can beat one long one. Regulars like to check in once in a while to see what is new.
The website at scrapa2.org is the best place to confirm class schedules and other details before heading over.
So is it worth the drive to Washtenaw Avenue? For crafters on a budget, the answer leans strongly toward yes.
A few categories like yarn may not beat retail prices. Yet the low cost on most supplies, the reuse mission, and the thrill of the hunt make this Ann Arbor nonprofit something Michigan makers can proudly call their own.
