More art, less trash: that’s the motto espoused by Seattle ReCreative. This nonprofit is an arts and crafts store that has two locations in Seattle entirely stocked with gently-used, donated materials. Their original location is in Greenwood but they also expanded to a larger location in Georgetown.
More than just a store, Seattle ReCreative describes itself as a creative reuse center and a community art center. Their two locations host art classes, birthday parties, and even summer camp. They’ve been “keeping good stuff out of the landfill since 2014” and you can help keep that mission alive by shopping, donating, and taking classes there.
Read on for all the details!
You can shop for all your arts and crafts needs at Seattle ReCreative in Greenwood or Georgetown, as well as supplies for parties, school, and more. The inventory at Seattle ReCreative is always changing, making every visit a unique treasure hunt.
Here are just a few of the things you can find there:
- Knitting, sewing, and embroidery supplies
- Fine art supplies (paint, brushes, charcoal, easels, canvas, etc.)
- Film cameras
- Printmaking supplies
- Jewelry, beads, and fabric
- Books and magazines
- Stationary and scrapbooking supplies
- Party supplies
- Picture frames
- School and office supplies
- Wood, hammers, sandpaper, and other building supplies
- Scissors, glue, glitter, and crafting supplies
- Items from nature such as rocks, shells, feathers, and preserved flowers
You can also donate your own gently-used supplies here. Seattle ReCreative accepts material donations by appointment (no walk-in donations). Some items that are accepted include: clean yarn, beads, stickers, markers, scissors, paper clips, sandpaper, tissue paper, stamps, and so much more! If you’re trying to clean out your craft room, shed, or junk drawer, you can find more information on their donations page.
Seattle ReCreative also offers affordable art classes for adults, teens, and kids. Many of their classes and workshops are free or pay-what-you-can. The classes make use of the donated art materials that the store has on-hand.
You can also sign your kid up for a summer camp at Seattle ReCreative. They host day camps in the summer that keep kids busy making art and being creative. See more about summer camp registration here.
If you just need childcare for an evening, you can take advantage of their Parents Night Out program. Seattle ReCreative will keep up to 10 kids busy with crafting activities for two to three hours while you enjoy a night out with friends. Splitting the cost with other parents can make this cheaper than hiring babysitters, and the kids get to have a fun night as well.
Finally, Seattle ReCreative can host birthday parties and other events. They have different options for kids’ birthday parties at each of their locations. And you can also rent one of their art rooms to host your own arts and crafts workshop or gathering. See their events page for more info.
Note that while the Greenwood location is open daily, the Georgetown location is closed on Mondays.
For more information about Seattle ReCreative, you can visit the store’s website.
Seattle ReCreative
Greenwood location: 8408 Greenwood Ave N
Georgetown location: 6521 5th Ave S