What is Creative Reuse? And Why Does It Matter for Our Local Community

What is Creative Reuse?

At Revive Art & Craft Supply, we talk a lot about creative reuse—but what exactly does that mean?

In simple terms, creative reuse is the process of taking materials that might otherwise be discarded—like fabric scraps, buttons, yarn, paints, or paper—and repurposing them for new artistic or practical projects. Instead of sending leftover craft supplies to a landfill, creative reuse gives them a second (or third!) life in the hands of artists, makers, teachers, and DIYers.

It’s a small act with a BIG impact—especially for our local and greater community here in Connecticut.

Why Creative Reuse is Good for the Planet

Every year tons of usable art and craft materials are thrown away, simply because they’re no longer needed, or because people don’t know how to donate them. Maybe you switched hobbies. Maybe you inherited a stash from a loved one. Maybe your kids outgrew their glue-and-glitter phase. Whatever the reason, these supplies often end up gathering dust or worse, thrown in the trash.

According to the EPA, in 2018, the U.S. generated 17 million tons of textile waste, with only 14.7% being recycled. This means approximately 11.3 million tons ended up in landfills. That’s a lot of waste!! Creative reuse helps prevent waste by diverting these still-useful materials from the landfill. Instead of contributing to pollution or excessive manufacturing, creative reuse supports a circular, sustainable system.

Why Creative Reuse Matters for the Community

Traditional art supplies, especially paints, can have a significant environmental footprint due to the chemicals involved. By reusing and repurposing materials, artists can minimize this impact. So creative reuse isn’t just good for the planet—it also helps support the creative ambitions of our local Middletown community.

1. Affordable Art Supplies for All

Buying brand-new crafting materials can be expensive. Also, some of the bigger art and craft supply stores are going out of business (Farewell Joann…). By offering thrifted art supplies at affordable prices, we help make creativity more accessible—especially for teachers, students, families, and emerging artists.

2. A Place to Donate, Not Dump

Have a pile of unused fabric? Overflowing bin of buttons? Revive gives you a meaningful way to donate craft supplies. Your generous donations will go directly to a local creative who truly needs them.

3. Local Impact, Creative Spark

Every donation helps fuel someone’s project. Whether it’s a costume for a local theater, a school art class, or a handmade gift, these materials keep creativity alive in Middletown and beyond. Imagine entering a gallery and seeing your donation as part of a masterpiece!

What We Accept at Revive

As a dedicated creative reuse center in Middletown, CT, Revive accepts a wide range of donations, including:

- Fabric, yarn, thread, and sewing notions
- Paper, markers, pencils, paints
- Beads, buttons, glue, and glitter
- Craft kits and tools
- Classroom or office supplies
- Random, weird, wonderful odds and ends!

If it’s clean, safe, and has creative potential—we’ll find it a new home.

Visit Revive Art & Craft Supply in Middletown, CT

We're more than a craft thrift store—we’re a community hub for creative reuse in Connecticut. Whether you’re donating your stash, looking for affordable art supplies, or just want to be inspired by the possibilities of reuse, Revive is the place to be.

📍 Located in the heart of Middletown, Revive Art & Craft Supply is proud to be women-owned, LGBTQ+ supportive, and committed to sustainability, creativity, and community.

Join the Reuse Revolution

Creative reuse is more than a trend—it’s a movement. By donating, shopping, and sharing, you’re helping build a greener, more artistic, and more connected world.

Want to get involved?
- Keep in touch by signing up for our newsletter! (form in the footer)

-Want to rent out of event room to run a workshop? Give us a buzz to get the ball rolling

-Follow and “like” our Facebook page! We keep it up to date with our latest events

-Stop on by the store, stay awhile, chat, shop, work on your latest project!

Together, let’s Revive creativity—one donation at a time.