Superior shop aims to rehome arts and crafts supplies – Superior Telegram
SUPERIOR — A Superior store that focuses on arts, crafts and sustainability opened Monday, Aug. 1, in the former Campus Barber Shop space, 709 Belknap St.
Reclaim Creative Reuse, sandwiched between A&W Family Restaurant and Champion’s Lounge, is an arts and crafts store that operates like a thrift store. The business tagline is “where creativity meets sustainability.”
Maria Lockwood / Superior Telegram
“Everything here is donated, second-hand,” said owner Marie Williams of Superior.
The items are sold at discounted prices in small quantities, so crafters can purchase just the amount they need. Customers looking for a few stamps, a handful of beads to turn into a necklace, scrapbook paper by the sheet, silk flowers or sewing patterns might find what they’re looking for at the new store.
The business accepts donations of crafting supplies from the community, with a 10% discount offered to customers who donate at least a grocery bag full of items. The goal is to rehome unused crafting materials that are in good condition so they don’t end up in the landfill or collect dust in a drawer.
“I mean, if you have it, you’re not gonna use it. Our goal here is definitely sustainability and making sure the items get to someone who is going to use them,” Williams said.
Most of the items in the shop Tuesday, Aug. 2 were from the owner’s home. She sews clothing for herself and enjoys paper crafts like deco books.
“This is my personal shopaholic horde that I bought or, you know, was given it and didn’t have a use for,” Williams said with a laugh. “That’s what we’re starting with.”
Maria Lockwood / Superior Telegram
The idea for the store came from her crafting background and a desire to shop small.
“I just thought there must be some way to get arts and crafts supplies other than big box stores,” she said.
A Google search led her to information on the creative reuse movement, something that resonated with Williams, who grew up in Culver, Minnesota.
“It’s really ingrained in me to reuse, so that’s always been important to me,” she said.
Williams said the shop can provide crafters in Superior and Douglas County with a resource that’s a little closer to home than Duluth. A back area of the store is being turned into a space where classes can be held.
“We live here, so having it right here meant a lot to us,” Williams said.
This is the first business the Superior woman has launched, but it’s a good fit for her interests and background. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Superior in 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in art history with a minor in business. Her shop is right across the street from campus, just a short walk away for students.
“I did art classes over there and know what it’s like, so hopefully they can find resources here,” Williams said.
Maria Lockwood / Superior Telegram
The shop currently employs two, Williams and her husband, Eric. It’s a part-time job for both of them, but they’re hoping it will grow into a full-time small business.
Reclaim Creative Reuse is open from 1-6 pm Sunday through Friday and 10 am to 3 pm Saturday. A grand opening celebration will take place at 1 pm Sunday, Aug. 7, featuring cupcakes from Twisted Pastries Coffeehouse.
Donations can be dropped off any time the store is open. Items must be in good condition or unused. The store accepts the following items: glue, tape, ribbons, paper, pens, pencils, markers, paint, brushes, sketch pads, notebooks, journals, canvases, stamps, ink, florals, stickers, felt, fabric, thread, needles, zippers, buttons, scissors, pins, rulers, patterns, rippers, thimbles, machine patterns, yarn, hooks, needles, stitch markers, blocking mats and other sewing items.
For more information, or a full list of items the store can and cannot accept, visit the Reclaim Creative Reuse Facebook page or call 715-718-2105.
Maria Lockwood / Superior Telegram
Maria Lockwood / Superior Telegram
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