I have a love/hate relationship with thrift store shopping. It's always a thrill when you find a great item for a low price. And you can feel good about not contributing to the many (many) problems associated with the fast fashion industry. But if you're looking for something specific, even a certain color, it can be very frustrating. I also dislike how much trash I have to sort through before I find the occasional treasure.
But in Kansas City we have one thrift store that's always exciting to visit: ScrapsKC!
ScrapsKC is an art supply thrift store. They also have a crafting space & offer classes. Their mission diverts materials from landfills & helps local homeless folks.
I've only visited a few times, but I've found great deals on art supplies every time. Recently I snagged nearly full sheets of Arches 140# watercolor paper for $1/sheet! It retails for around $10/sheet new. That's an unusually good (and rare) deal, but I always find supplies for collage and card making, like stamps and brad embellishments. I really enjoy the old stamps you can buy by the baggie too. One of my newest products are magnets that use recycled promotional magnets from ScrapsKC and original art.
Artist and crafty friends should make a plan to visit this amazing place soon! So should teachers and parents--they carry school supplies and give an additional 20% with school ID. Like all thrift stores, inventory changes constantly so you never know exactly what you might find, but I guarantee you'll always find a treasure.
