About
Our Story
The Creative Reuse began the way many great things do: with two friends and a lot of ideas.
Stephanie and Aran, lifelong makers, first met in Seattle before both found their way to Jefferson County. As studio mates, they spent countless hours side by side, discovering some of their shared values: a frustration with waste and a vision for what a creative community could be.
In 2013, they launched their own businesses in parallel, cheering each other on. Both had a feeling that someday they'd build something together – The Creative Reuse is that something.
East Jefferson County has a thriving community of artists and makers, but few places to buy supplies locally. Stephanie and Aran kept seeing the same thing: artists looking for materials, and materials looking for artists. So they're building the place they wished existed in Jefferson County, a creative reuse store that keeps quality materials in circulation, makes art more accessible, and brings the creative community together.
Mission & Values
Our mission is to reduce waste and support the creative community by reselling useful materials, keeping them in circulation and out of landfills.
Sustainability: Every year, tons of usable art supplies end up in landfills. By keeping quality materials in circulation, The Creative Reuse reduces waste and helps create a circular economy that values what already exists.
Accessibility: Creativity shouldn't come at a high price. By offering discounted supplies, The Creative Reuse lowers barriers and enables more people to explore their creative potential.
Community: Art flourishes when makers support one another. The Creative Reuse is building a hub where the creative community can gather, share resources, and inspire one another – from a free supply pickup service to future youth programming.
How It Works
Do you have materials to contribute? As makers, we know that sometimes our collections can become more overwhelming than inspiring. You can clear out your studio, sample library, or workshop, we'll help get them into the hands of local makers who will put them to good use. We provide free pickup throughout East Jefferson County (and beyond for the right items!) for art supplies, craft materials, design samples, and industrial remnants. Learn more about the materials that we accept.
Shopping for materials and supplies? You'll find an ever-changing selection at discounted prices that make creativity more accessible. Whether you're stocking a studio or looking for inspiration, find the materials you need close to home.
Meet the Team
Aran
Aran is a versatile multidisciplinary materialsmith who creates work in various mediums. Drawing from the history of the arts and crafts movement, and modern design principles, Aran’s work incorporates a technology-meets-tradition approach to creating. With a passion for sustainable sourcing, they frequently explore used art supply stores, thrift stores, salvage yards, and antique malls to find inspiration and materials for their projects.
Stephanie
Stephanie is a maker and teacher who creates objects that hold moments, memories, and stories. She is inspired by color, texture, nature, and experimenting with processes. Passionate about sharing creative exploration with others, she's excited to develop youth programming at The Creative Reuse and build the kind of creative space that brings community together.