Somewhere in Ann Arbor, a giant drum of paperclips sits waiting for the right person to grab a handful. Nearby, barrels of mystery bits wait to be dug through, and jewelry is sold by the ounce.
One shopper walked out with a whole pile of supplies for less than two dollars total. Another filled two bags and spent about forty.
Michiganders who love to make things, or who have kids with school projects, will want to know about this spot. It runs on donations, so the shelves change constantly and no two trips are the same.
Keep reading to learn where it is, what turns up inside, when to go, and how to make the most of a visit without blowing the craft budget.
A Nonprofit Craft Stop on Washtenaw Avenue
The name on the door is SCRAP Creative Reuse, and it sits at 4567 Washtenaw Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48108.
It is a nonprofit organization, not a big-box chain. Its job is simple: take donated craft and art supplies and give them a second life with someone who will use them.
That mission shapes everything inside. Shelves hold paper, fabric, buttons, stickers, frames, records, and plenty of odds and ends that most stores would never stock.
Because the inventory comes from the community, prices stay low and the selection shifts all the time. A quilter, a scrapbooker, and a parent hunting for a science fair poster board can all leave happy.
For Michigan families watching their spending, the appeal is easy to see. You can try a new hobby without paying full retail for a single bag of supplies.
Washtenaw Avenue is a major road on the east side of Ann Arbor, so the shop is easy to reach by car. Folks from Ypsilanti, Saline, and nearby towns can make the trip without much fuss.
Think of it as a craft store with a conscience and a sense of humor about junk. The next sections dig into how it ended up here and what is worth hunting for.
The Big Move of 2019
Longtime shoppers remember a time when this shop sat down by Costco. That changed on November 9, 2019, when it moved to its current home on Washtenaw Avenue.
The new spot is right next to Once Upon A Child, a kids clothing resale store. Parents have pointed out what a handy pairing that is.
One errand turns into two. Grab outgrown clothes or new sneakers next door, then pop over for hot glue sticks, sewing supplies, or bits for a busy board.
The staff seemed thrilled about the switch too. They have shared that they were loving their new home after settling in.
Since the move, the space has grown into more than a shop. A classroom opened for drop-in crafting a few years back, adding a whole new reason to stop by.
For returning customers who have not visited in a while, the move matters. Older directions may still point to the old Costco area, so double-check the Washtenaw address before heading out.
The relocation gave the shop a busier corner and an easier stop for families. It also set the stage for the classes and events that come up later in this story.
Where the Shelves Come From
Every button, ribbon, and roll of washi tape on these shelves started out in someone else’s closet. Donations are the heartbeat of the place.
People bring in craft leftovers, half-used supplies, and things they simply have no plan for anymore. Instead of heading to a landfill, those items get sorted and priced for the next maker.
Shoppers often talk about how good it feels to have somewhere to send their own extras. One budget crafter even planned to donate some of her jewelry back after scoring a pile of finds.
That cycle is the real charm. Your random junk might be exactly what another person needs to finish a project.
The reuse angle also keeps waste down. Parents like that their kids learn to see value in materials that might otherwise be tossed.
Before donating, it is smart to check the shop’s website at scrapa2.org for current guidelines. Accepted items can change, and it saves a wasted trip.
So the next time a basement cleanout turns up a box of fabric or old picture frames, there is a better option than the trash bin. Somebody in Washtenaw County is probably waiting for it.
Prices That Make Crafters Grin
Less than two dollars. That is what one shopper paid for a whole photo’s worth of buttons, stickers, and string.
Another walked out with two full bags of supplies and spent about $40. Plenty of folks say you leave with a bundle of goods for the cost of one item at a regular craft store.
Items you would normally buy only in bulk, like buttons, fabric swatches, and paper, can be picked up in small amounts here. That is a big help for anyone who needs just a few pieces.
Jewelry is sold by the ounce, which makes for some fun bargain math. Grab a handful of pieces for earrings, hair clips, or new necklaces.
Not every price is a steal, though. Some shoppers feel the yarn runs high, with partial skeins around $2 to $3 and a full cotton skein once seen at $3.50.
The honest takeaway is to shop with a little awareness. Paper goods, stickers, and small bits tend to deliver the best value, while yarn may cost close to or above new.
Prices may vary from week to week, but for most finds, the wallet stays happy.
Barrels Built for Digging
Head toward the back and the real hunt begins. A row of barrels sits there, packed with mixed items ready for digging.
Nothing in them is neatly lined up. That is half the point, and plenty of regulars treat it as the best part of the trip.
Then there is the famous drum of paperclips. One scrapbooker was stunned by the sheer amount and scooped up a handful, kindly leaving plenty for others.
Paperclips may seem small, but scrapbookers and junk journalers use them all the time. Finding a huge supply at reuse prices is a quiet win.
The barrels reward patience. You have to be willing to look, but shoppers say it is well worth the effort.
Kids tend to love this part too. It is basically a scavenger hunt with a checkout line at the end.
Bring a little time and a loose plan. The best finds rarely jump out on the first pass, so a second round through the barrels often pays off.
Surprisingly Tidy Aisles
Here is a twist many first-timers do not expect. Outside of those barrels, the store is sorted with real care.
Supplies are grouped into general categories, item types, and even colors. Much of the floor is arranged by project type, so a sewer and a card maker can head in different directions.
Staff members also set up sample displays. Things others might call junk get shown off as cute crafts, which helps shoppers see the possibilities.
That mix of order and chaos works well. Browsers who want to wander can wander, and people with a shopping list can find their section fast.
Still, the sheer volume can feel like a lot. A few shoppers admit the place is a bit overwhelming at first glance.
The fix is easy. Take one section at a time, and do not try to see everything in ten minutes.
Once the layout clicks, the store becomes far less intimidating. By the second or third visit, most people have a favorite corner they check first.
Odd Finds and Rare Threads
A lap harp. Yes, someone actually bought one here.
The inventory goes far beyond paper and glue. Shoppers have spotted trophies, baskets, bottles, glue guns, old CDs, vinyl records, binders, boxes, and canvas.
Hobbyists with niche needs often strike gold. One lacemaker found thread for bobbin lace, which is notoriously hard to track down.
Tabletop gamers have a reason to visit too. A Warhammer fan builds scenery from materials found here, while his wife has picked up plenty of stained glass supplies.
Colored pencils, stamps, plastic gems, fabric, and picture frames turn up regularly. Sometimes brand-new items appear alongside the gently used ones.
The catch is that stock rotates. Nothing is guaranteed, so if something catches your eye, it may be gone next week.
That uncertainty is exactly what keeps people coming back. Every trip carries the chance of finding the one oddball item nobody else in Michigan seems to sell.
Paper People Paradise
Card makers, listen up. Some shoppers say they would come just for the cards.
Paper goods are a strong point. Colored paper, blank cards, stickers, and washi tape show up in good supply.
One regular makes birthday cards almost entirely from finds here. Another loves the unique and interesting stickers enough to stop in every so often just to check.
Scrapbookers and vintage junk journalers tend to fill their arms fast. One happy shopper had her hands overflowing and still had items held at the counter.
Since paper is light and cheap, it is easy to try new styles without risk. A stack of mismatched sheets can become a whole journal.
Students also benefit. Poster materials and supplies for school projects are a common reason families pop in.
For anyone in the paper crafting world, this section alone justifies the drive. It is the kind of aisle where a quick look somehow turns into forty minutes.
Classes, Workshops, and Party Space
Shopping is only half the story. A classroom space brings people together to actually make things.
The shop opened a room for drop-in crafting a few years ago. Classes are described as fun and inclusive, which matters for beginners who feel nervous.
Groups can rent the space too. Classes, club meetings, and parties are all options.
One Girl Scout troop did a badge workshop here. A young member got so hooked that her family has returned multiple times for supplies.
That kind of spark is what makes the classroom special. Kids get to see that craft materials do not have to be shiny and new to be useful.
Details on class schedules and rentals are best checked on the website, scrapa2.org. Offerings can change, so it is wise to look before planning a party around a date.
For a scout leader, teacher, or parent planning a birthday, this is a creative option that skips the usual pizza-and-bounce-house routine. The making is the main event.
Friendly Faces Behind the Counter
Kind staff come up again and again when people talk about this place. It is one of the most common things shoppers mention.
The team is described as super friendly and welcoming. Lots of friendly faces is a phrase that sums up the mood.
That warmth helps in a store this packed. A quick question can save ten minutes of wandering.
Workers also hold items at the counter when shoppers run out of hands. Small courtesies like that make a busy trip easier.
Volunteering is part of the picture too. As a nonprofit, the organization welcomes community help, and some supporters pitch in that way.
Anyone curious about volunteering can ask in person or check the website. It is a natural fit for crafty retirees with free afternoons.
Good people turn a bargain stop into a place folks actually want to return to. That human touch is a big part of why so many keep coming back for years.
Who Will Love It and Who Might Not
Fair warning: this place is not for everyone. You really need a hobby first.
One scrapbooker loved it so much she could barely carry her finds. Her partner, meanwhile, decided there was nothing in the store for him.
That split is pretty honest. Crafters, artists, teachers, and scout leaders tend to thrive here.
Jewelry makers fit right in as well. One woman in line had a whole case of jewelry boxes for her art show sales.
Families with kids who love projects will have plenty to explore. Sensory bin fillers, busy board parts, and hot glue gun projects all come together cheaply.
People who want a neat, predictable shopping trip might struggle. The volume and the hunting can wear thin if you just want one exact item.
Non-crafters in the group may prefer a stop next door or a wait in the car. And that is perfectly fine, because the crafters will need the extra time anyway.
Smart Moves for a First Trip
Grab a cart. Seriously, that is the number one tip from people who learned the hard way.
Rolling carts with handles wait near the entrance. One overwhelmed shopper did not notice them until checkout and juggled everything in her arms.
Next, scout the store before committing. Walk the sections first, then circle back for the best picks.
Leave room for surprises. Stock changes often, so a flexible list works better than a rigid one.
Expect some missing matches. Earrings, for example, often come without their pair, though creative folks turn singles into necklaces or hair clips.
Check yarn prices closely if you knit or crochet. Compare them to new skeins before filling a bag.
Bring a donation bag if you have extras at home. It keeps the cycle going and clears a little space in your own craft corner.
A little planning turns a chaotic trip into a productive one.
Hours, Crowds, and Getting There
Good news for busy schedules. The shop is open seven days a week, from 11 AM to 6 PM every day.
That steady schedule makes planning easy. A weekday afternoon or a Sunday outing both work.
It can get busy, though. Some shoppers note the store is very busy, so arriving closer to opening may give you more room to browse.
Getting there is simple for most Michigan drivers. Washtenaw Avenue runs through the east side of Ann Arbor toward Ypsilanti.
Remember the 2019 move. The shop is now next to Once Upon A Child, not near Costco.
The website at scrapa2.org is the best place to confirm hours, holiday closures, class times, and donation rules. Hours can change, so a quick check before a long drive is smart.
Plan for at least an hour inside. Between the barrels, the paper aisles, and the oddities, time slips by faster than expected.
A Worthy Detour for Michigan Makers
Plenty of shoppers wish there were more stores like this one. After years of visits, some still call it a favorite.
It carries a 4.6-star average from about 270 people, which says a lot for a place built on donated leftovers.
The value is real for most items. Paper, stickers, buttons, and bulk-style bits can be had for pocket change.
Yarn is the one area to watch. Not every price beats retail, and that is worth knowing upfront.
Beyond the bargains, there is the feel-good part. Supplies stay out of the trash, kids get hooked on making things, and the community keeps the shelves full.
For Michiganders who love a cheap, simple outing with a bit of adventure, it fits the bill. Pair it with a stop next door, a classroom session, or a donation drop.
Bring a hobby, bring a cart, and bring a little patience. The treasure is in there somewhere, waiting for the right maker to find it.