I have been a fan of Arts and Scraps since returning to Detroit to teach in 2008 and encourage everyone that I know to take a tour. As a Middle Principal, I gave each teacher an allotment to shop at Arts and Scraps. As a nonprofit Founder/Executive Director, this is my first stop for each of our programs. My clients in Columbus, OH have received several of the materials and are planning a trip to Arts and Scraps this Spring to prepare for Summer School as well. Several of our team members have purchased materials for hands-on math activities, Pi Day, and annual conference kits for Metro Detroit youth and families. I had a partnership meeting with Peg to create a variety of math themed kits (for Algebra and Geometry). We were just in Saturday and found materials to create our Pi Day signage for each booth. A huge savings. Printed signs/banners would have cost $40. The staff is very creative and accommodating. If you share your goal with them they will help guide you to materials that will set you on the right path. It is a joy to bring my children (8, 18, and 21) into the store and see their creativity encouraged in both business and play.
Arts & Scraps is constantly adapting and developing new programs to better serve the Detroit area. Their ability to move quickly, focusing staff and volunteer time and resources to a given need has allowed them to create unique programs and much needed services. For example, they saw that it was quite difficult for schools to arrange field trips to the Arts & Scraps location. In response they launched the 'Scrap Mobile' a mobile Arts & Scraps that can travel TO the schools, bringing creative material and workshops to the schools themselves.
I have enjoyed using Arts and Scraps for a number of years. Beginning my adventure when they were located on East Warren and continuing to the current location on Harper. They have increased in space size and material supplies but the staff size has remained low. Unlike in other industries where the customer might go lacking for service not at Arts and Scraps. They are like "Super Staff and Volunteers" always there to help with a smile on their face. Not only do I buy for myself for craft projects but plan future projects for my church group. In the past I have had them come on site for Union picnics and bought bags of "stuff" when I see them at conferences. I have learned lessons on using recycled materials and thought more about what I throw away. Arts and Scraps has been a fun art and education adventure then is everchanging.
Arts & Scraps provides Metro Detroit area students with a wonderful experience that need to be reinforced in this "new economy". The elements available to the public provide countless hours of invention to the developing minds, encouraging free thinking and innovation. Arts & Scraps also reinforces the importance of Recycling & Reusing products; an important element with every company today, Corporate Sustainability. They have worked tirelessly to exceed their objectives, continue to grow, and strive daily to improve programs as well as expand expand their reach in the community. I have had the honor of volunteering with their Marketing Committee to plan and execute new programs, as well as improve existing programs. My children love to explore the center, discovering treasures for future creations. My designer friends were amazed at the variety of materials available for purchase at cost effective prices for their products.
Arts & Scraps is a great resource for the learning community. On several occasions I have taken kits and materials to my children's school and did activities with their classmates. Everytime I see one of their classmates they ask are we doing a craft today or when are we going to do another one. Not only does the wonderful materials at Arts & Scraps incite creativity and fun but it allows parents to be active and have fun with their children and others, in the educational process. It is a proven fact that parental involvement in schools help to produces successful students. And on top of everything else we are talking about recycling; Arts & Scraps is a win, win!!
Arts & Scraps provides a creative experience for children of all ages. I love to see the wheels turning as the children take off into their imaginations. The final products are always unique. My chilren come up with projects I never would have thought of using everyday "Scraps" and other materials donated while supporting recycling - which is something important to our family. I'd love to see an "Arts & Scraps" in every city across the nation!
As a parent volunteer for my children's elementary school and Girl Scout troop, I utilize Arts & Scraps for many craft making projects. The materials allow the kids to create art or projects that exist only in their imagination -- it's the ultimate creative process. The staff is wonderful at offering suggestions and ideas. I leave the store filled with ideas and all sorts of fun recyclable pieces. The recycle aspect is such a topical message today, which makes the art creations all the more meaningful.
When my kids were young, they loved to have their birthday parties at Arts & Scraps. They loved the freedom that A&S affords them ... recycling and creativity all at once! They were able to make ANYthing they could imagine - even if it always turned out looking like a robot! It was never the same to them. Now that they are teens, A&S is their first choice to volunteer for community service hours - its a no-brainer. We're comfortable there, knowing there are never limits to our imagination.
I absolutely love Arts and Scraps, both the store and the organization. It's one of those places where I almost hate to pass the word on, because then I'll spoil it for myself. This is the place I go when I either really am in a rut and need some out of the ordinary materials to inspire me, or the place where I just know I will find the perfect accents or supplies for a low cost. Digging around the store is a really fun way to pass the time. Aside from the excellent shopping experience, Arts and Scraps does great work in the Detroit area communities. At a time when arts and creative funding are being cut in schools, and agency like this really help to fill the void in getting our children to use their creative minds and expressions. I am a social worker in the area, and around the holidays I stocked up on scrap kits for the children of my clients. Getting to watch them put together a masterpiece while I met with their parents was such a spirit lifter.
Through my volunteer work with Girl Scouts,it has been my pleasure to shop at Arts & Scraps for materials for the girls, donate to them, as well as to bring the girls in for craft sessions with their staff. My daughters and I have also shopped there for materials just for fun creative time adn for birthday parties. I have told many, many people about this wonderful resource. They are excellent community partners, truly embody one of the GS ideals, to "use resources wisely"; and the staff have always been friendly and accomodating in person and on the phone!
As a Keep America Beautiful affiliate in Mississippi I teach litter prevention, waste reduction and beautification to the residents of our city. Promoting creative recyling to children is the best way to engage them in positive behaviors. Imagine my delight when I visited Arts and Scraps during a session where little ones were having fun creating a personal work of art and recycling at the same time!!!! We need a place like this in every city in the nation. There are lots of materials for just about anything you would like to create, the staff is very helpful if you need just a little direction to complete your project.
I am always amazed at the creativity of the products that come out Arts & Scraps! Over the years, I have donated "scraps" I couldn't imagine a use for and I have requested personalized/themed activities which always turn out to be relevant, imaginative and fun!! When I'm looking for an entertaining activity for kids at my events, I call Arts & Scraps!