Colorful assortment of art and school supplies, including colored pencils, scissors, pencils, and highlighters, neatly organized in metal buckets, ideal for creative projects and classrooms

FAQs

What is a Creative Reuse Center?

A creative reuse center operates like a thrift store for lightly used art supplies and craft materials. People donate items like fabric, paints, markers, yarn, and paper, which the center then collects and sells at affordable prices for creative projects. Instead of sending these materials to the landfill, artists, teachers, and families can use them for new art, crafts, and educational activities.

What kind of things can I find at a Creative Reuse Center?

Creative Reuse Centers offer a variety of donated and repurposed materials for crafting, DIY, and art projects. Items include art supplies (paints, brushes, canvases), fabric and sewing notions, beads, office supplies, household items (jars, tiles, wood), and unique finds like vintage buttons, wine corks, and industrial materials. Seasonal decorations, kids' games, and craft kits are also common. Inventory changes frequently, so there's always something new to discover!

Do Creative Reuse Centers already exist?

Yes, there are many creative reuse centers across the U.S. and around the world, but Hawaiʻi doesn’t have one yet. Creative reuse centers in places like Portland, San Francisco, and Austin have become thriving community hubs that support sustainability, creativity, and education. These centers have diverted hundreds of thousands of pounds of materials from landfills, and we’re excited to bring that same positive impact to Hawaiʻi.

When will you open?

We expect to start holding donation drives and popup events in early 2025. Our long-term goal is to move into a brick and mortar location in the greater Honolulu area.