If you’ve been reading NewlyWoodwards for any amount of time, you may know these things about me:
- I love myself a good deal.
- I love to create.
- I love to reuse.
For all of these reasons, I’ve found a new love – Reusable Usables in LeClaire, Iowa. If you are local, you must check it out. (I’m talking to you, Jen. And when you do, let me know so I can meet you there.)
It’s an amazing gem for crafters, renovators, sewers and deal-lovers. I read this article in the Times and knew I had to check it out ASAP. I was not disappointed.
Not only was it fun just to look around, there were lots of great finds. The folks working were so sweet and friendly and everything was in a historic home.
Everything in the store is priced at $1/pound. So, you just pick whatever you want and they weigh it up at the end.
A few of my favorite finds:
- Bolts of canvas fabric (I’m hoping to turn some of this into a cushion and pillows for a porch swing at the new house. I picked out blue and white stripes and another navy/light blue/grey stripe.)
- Carpet squares (I’ll be using these in the basement of the new house. Because the laundry is down there, it needs some work and this will help. I picked a few different patterns and I’ll put them together a’la FLOR. These are awesome quality.)
- Wine corks (I’ve been wanting to make some cork trivets, and this was my chance.)
- Chargers (I’ve been itching to try this.)
- Marble, glass and stone square tiles (These will be perfect for coasters and paperweights.)
- Square wooden blocks (For more word blocks.)
- Yarn
There were also tons of cardboard tubes, which could be handy for a number of projects. If you don’t read Ready Made magazine, there was recently a feature on an attic remodel in which the homeowners used cardboard tubes for wall insulation and soundproofing. The tubes immediately reminded me of this.
I got plenty of fun things, but I’m still kicking myself on passing on a few things – namely, sheets of cork. But, let’s see if I can put these items to use before I go buying more. At least, that’s what my husband probably thinks.
But, I will definitely be back. Reusable Usables is seriously calling my name – appealing to me on multiple levels.
Do you have any place like this in your neck of the woods?
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Jenny @ Anything Pretty says
What a fun place! I love all your finds and I bet everytime you go back there will be something new. I wish we had something like that here….but maybe I will just it as an excuse to come visit sometime!
Shannon says
Yeeaaah we got nothin. That place looks incredible. Put it on the list of places to take me when I show up one day.
pozypeacock says
Great idea for a place! Could be addictive:)
Sherri @ Design2Shine says
I would love one like this here! We do have one where you pay a membership fee or free for teachers that has certain items only. They take donations and do several ‘art’ type projects for kids.
Emily says
When I come visit you will you take me there? It looks awesome!!! You have all the cool stuff in the midwest. #IKEA #Reusable Usables #etc
Leigh says
oh my gosh, I wish we had a place like that! A dollar a pound is so smart. We really need carpet squares for a few places in our house.
Amanda @ Serenity Now says
That looks like my dream come true!
Kelly says
This store is a mere 366 miles from me. Clearly I need to find a way to visit such a craft haven.
Amanda Sevall says
Not that I know of… but I wish!! Can’t wait to see what you do with your finds. 🙂
Jenny says
I wish there was a place like that over here! How cool!
Kim says
What a cool concept! We have a Re-Store as well, but I hadn’t heard of something quite like this aimed more at crafters. Fun!
-Kim
Ellie says
That is so cool! I googled it and it’s 2 hours from me. Sad… Thanks for posting about it though–what a really neat concept!
Suzanne says
Aaaahh! I NEED a store like this! It’s like a dream come true! Or maybe I should just start my own – all these corks, leftover yarn, fabric scraps, door knobs and pieces of carpet aren’t going to reuse themselves.
Jessica @ This Blessed Life says
I cannot tell you how jealous I am of those wine corks! $1 a pound?! Insane!
Joi says
Ok, so I really need a place like that!
Well, maybe not “need” but definitely “want”!
What a fun idea and I liked the fabric you scooped up! : )
Jen@Notes From the Heartland says
AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME!!!! I could hardly wait for you to post about your trip this weekend!!! I’m drooling all over my keyboard right now…hmm….when are they open next? 😉 I must make the trip. Great finds Kim!!
Adge says
I wish we had a place like that around where i live.
Mrs. 5C says
I LOVE this idea and am wondering if it would be cost effective to drive to Iowa? 😉
Goodwill outlet has similar pricing and I totally dig it: 59 cents/pound for housewares and $1.63/pound for textiles.
*claire* says
that is so fun! i’ve never heard of a place like that! i would be in heaven!
Mrs. Adventure says
Awesome finds… we have stores down here similar (although not priced per pound) that are called ReStore its owned by habitat for humaity… its full of super cheep reclaimed building materials and inside fixtures.
Breanne says
We do 🙂 It’s in Ann Arbor MI and is called ‘The Scrap Box’. Sometimes the stuff you find isn’t that awesome, but there are ALWAYS a few gems hidden in there! They do it by the bag. 5 dollars per big paper back.
Mom says
Bet you didn’t know that I collect cork screws, did ya?
Michael - Innkeeper says
wow. crazy. never heard of such a place. can’t wait to see what you do with what you got!
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