Art of Recycle

This place has changed my life! I started as an eager, frequent visitor, applauding the unique variety and organized quality items and a multitude of materials. I now volunteer and help instruct workshops, what a way to give back to the community and fuel my artistic endeavors. Teaching children and adults alike useful skills at the same time!

When I am looking for the different craft item.. need to ask questions about how to do something, this is the place I go! Great variety of craft items at a great price!

Art of Recycle is a very special place in Ephrata. Our go to place first when we need anything to do with creating. One never knows what you will find there. Very organized. Very fun...did you know they can host Birthday Parties! Truly a treasure! Chelas and Mr. Nobody have such a passion to serve the comuunity well. They are extememly accommodating, talented, kind and giving.

A creative environment for each and every person who walks through their door. Not only the best place in the county for supplies, but also truly helpful and knowledgeable people to assist in any project!

I absolutely love this store, mission, staff and the classes that are offered. The staff is helpful in the classes during the time of need. I have been to the new location several times and never walk out empty handed. I am super excited about the new location and eager to attend more classes when time permits. They really have educated me that things can be reused/recycled.

The creative energy that surrounds this non profit , is like no other ! The owners are passionate , community oriented people that are top notch artists with endless energy!

Outstanding! Such a wonderful store. Product is beautifully displayed and the layout of the store invites you to linger. The profits go to support art in the community. Win win all the way around

They are Comunity minded and welcome those with disabilities into their shop.

My absolute favorite place in Ephrata. My 3 year old has a blast and stays so focused on what she's doing and mommy can get her closet craft hoarding all done at the same place. And we definitely can't leave before she gets to put on a puppet show for me. (: great people, great atmosphere, great fun.

I stumbled across Art of Recycles fb page one day. It looked fabulous and I just so happened to wonder over to ephrata every now and again to see a friend. I was amazed when I walked in at the amount of materials. I'm still amazed every time I stop in. I utilize it as a place to purchase craft materials... And I've yet to not find what I was looking for. Visiting Art of Recycle helped me complete 2 of my biggest tasks. I was able to construct a wedding album for less then $10 and practically complete my crochet hook collection for less then $5. I easily had $100 worth of materials between the two.
I can easily get lost for hours here, and I didn't even check out any of the classes there offer!! I've followed along online and seen pictures of all the wonderful art created. Hopefully soon I'll get a chance to join in. I can't imagine I'd be disappointed.

This is a place for creating, exploring talents and hobbies, making new friends, entertainment, aiding and bringing members of the community and so so so much more. This is a place any creative mind should definitely check out!

Excellent group of people and mission for children young and old to be as creative as their minds allow.

The town of Ephrata has a long history of providing venues in which to recycle. The area is rich in businesses that have encouraged people to recycle/reuse items; furniture and clothing being most prominent. Art of Recycle has found another way to encourage people to use items that may have otherwise added to our area landfills. They use art to fulfill that goal. They are a valued member of Ephrata's community. Please visit them to see how they can help to enrich your life.

I remember when Art of Recycle first opened up. I had just discovered the concept of creative reuse, and was happy to know that there was such a place in my area! I attended a workshop where we made kaleidoscopes (I still have mine!). I have donated a lot of stuff to them since, which was happily taken, and I've bought a lot of cool yarn there, too. A passion for creativity, a welcoming attitude, and a community spirit is always prevalent at Art of Recycle.

Awesome place and people!! Great finds for DIYers and crafters with unbelievable pricing and selection! And it's all the better that the money I spend goes back into the community in such a creative and positive way!! Chelas and Mr. Nobody Special are indeed special!

Art of Recycle is an amazing place with dedicated, hardworking, and caring owners who help there community by providing a space to express yourself in creative ways. I worked as an intern for Chelas and Mr. Nobody for a little while. This is truly a magical place to create your hearts desire. I learned a lot about the small community while I was here and I also really found a calling to challenge myself as an artist. Everyday Chelas and Nobody push themselves to create an amazing place where people can come together and feel that they are a part of a community. I have witnessed them create a space for teenagers and young adults to come hang in a safe environment within a matter of weeks. They truly inspire me to continue to create art and they've also inspired me to open my own art business and I want to thank them for that. I also hope just as they inspire me but they will inspire other artists and community members as well. You guys are the best! With love-Lianna

Art of recycle is a wonderful resource and beautiful Community Arts Center. They have engaged the community and created a safe space for children and adults alike to explore their creative side. They are ever-present other community events, delighting families with balloon art and face painting that has no rival. I am so grateful to have such a wonderful local resource. Thank you!

I absolutely love this craft center. Mr Special, Chelas and their volunteers are so welcoming and helpful. I have taken three of their classes this summer. They were all so much fun and I came home at the end of the evening with a finished project! They are now my favorite charity for donations. I LOVE how they Recycle things that would normally end up in a landfill.

This place is a must-visit for people who love to create. I don't live in the area, but I stop there whenever I'm nearby. I always find some neat picture frames and signs. I love that supplies of all kinds which might otherwise be thrown away are available at very low prices. It's inspiring to see art that they have created around the store, and at the same time know that reusing these items is helping to keep our planet habitable. Even the receipts are inspiring!

We were only at AoR once and my 3 1/2 year old LOVED it!!! We will definitely be going again!!! And I always keep a close eye on my child, I never assume the staff needs to babysit while I shop. Some people run all over people. Sad.

My girls (9&7) love coming here. Everyone is always so nice and friendly. My girls love the craft table . They make puppets and then go back to the puppet station and put on a show. They ask me to take them there quite often. It's a great place to take the kids.

Love, love, love Art of Recycle! My Grandchildren go there whenever they visit and love it. The staff is so friendly and helpful! We have been restoring a 1936 home in Ephrata and always find what we need, if we can't find it...the staff will search their inventory for what we need. Bravo to Art of Recycle for providing this place for children to go and express their creavitiy in a safe, friendly environment and for saving many treasures from the trash!

My son got married in June and wanted a "wish in a bottle" table at the wedding due to the fact that it was a beach wedding theme. We were able to find so much more than we needed so reasonably priced at Art of Recycle that we created an entire table of "Wish in a Bottle" with basket, shells, an old sailor, old bottles and candles with melted wax, even a ship. What a wonderful place. It inspires the child in each of us to come out and play.

Art of Recycle is one of the most magical places there is. My son and I have been going there for 2 years and love it. It is an awesome place to volunteer and be. Being at Art of Recycle is therapy to me and being apart of it's operation and success makes my heart smile. There are so many people that benefit from Art of Recycle being in business. My son is 5 years old and loves making finger puppets, playing in the puppet theater and also volunteers. He has also met and plays with some the other kids that frequent Art of Recycle. We have made some great friends from being at Art of Recycle including Chelas, Mr. Nobody Special, Phoenix and many more. Thank you for all you do for our community and may Art of Recycle flourish!

We love Art of Recycle. My daughters ( ages 10 &10) and I can spend hours making fun projects at Ephrata's Art of Recycle. We have become a more "crafty" family. It is a great way to spend time with my girls, away from electronics. Miss Chelas and Mr. Nobody Special are so friendly!

I have been a customer at the store and also have hired Chelas and Mr Nobody Special twice for private parties. They are the most caring and kind indiduals. And are so great and patient with children. I have referred them to others and everybody who has had them for parties raves about how great they are. The store is a awesome place to find all kinds of unique treasures for all your crafty needs. I am so glad I have AOR in my town and that Chelas and Mr Nobody are here too. They are super talented and very kind. Keep up the great work guys.

I first heard about Art of Recycle at an event where they provided face painting and Balloon creations. Very warm and welcoming folks! And their store is no different...when you walk in, you're family! Love it love it love it!!

Chelas and Mr. Nobody are the most giving people I have ever met. Their shop is a wonderful place for kids to come to after school and create. They are happy to help others create and make amazing things. They have such unusual items for sale at such reasonable prices. They work so hard at this art and give it their all. Chelas is a very gifted and accomplished painter. Her work is amazing. Mr. Nobody has so many talents. It is always such a joy to come visit them. They are the best at what they do. They are so selfless. They work so diligently to make our community a better place to live in.

Art of Recycle is an absolute, must experience. If you lack in artistic ability, like myself, you are in good hands. Chelas and Nobody have helped me on so many projects. From costumes to framing artwork to learning how to sew, they are always there to help!! I had some ideas and thoughts about projects, and Chelas and Nobody just made them happen. Chelas and Nobody have very big hearts. Their desire to serve the community has made a lasting impression on my family. We will always be a part of Art of Recycle!!! WE love you guys!!! Heidi, Aliyah, Sophia & Isabella

Thank you! Thank you, Chelas and Nobody, for your creativity and dedication to make the world a better place on sooo many levels! It was good to reconnect with you today. There is no other place on earth as this... I hope all of YOUR wishes come true because you are making others come true in ways all of us could have never dreamed possible.

Melissa Hand, Buyer
Ten Thousand Villages

This place is amazing! They have everything you can imagine. I had recently visited the area an decided to check this place out. They have an arts and craft area for kids in store which is great. I came out with some much stuff! (Really inexpensive too!) Being an artist I will be back for more! Great place for both adults and children!

Art of Recycle is a magical place, where kids and adults alike can unwind and let their creative energies flow!
Inside is the "Craft Castle," a crafting area where kids can craft for free with materials provided for them. Most of the kids make finger puppets and then put on a puppet show together, with the help of Mr. Special at the puppet stage!
The thrifty craft store in the front half of the building is my favorite to meander in. The set-up is whimsical, and the crafting goodies are cheap and abundant! It is truly a crafter's paradise. Need project inspiration and help? Art of Recycle has reference books for you to flip through, and even comfortable chairs and hot tea for you to settle down with while you're flipping through the pages and developing ideas.
They also host workshops for the community to learn different art forms and crafts, and overall just have fun.
I am absolutely supportive of this place. It's a very cozy, playful atmosphere, run by good people.
It's the place where wishes come true! (No really, make a wish in the wishing tree and chances are the fairies will grant it!)

I can't overemphasize how much Art of Recycle benefits our community. Through their community outreach programs and their onsite facilities (crafting table, workshops, discount craft supply store, etc.) they provide a positive, safe and creative environment for everyone in the Ephrata area, young and old. Also, they are a wealth of knowledge and extremely helpful when you stop in seeking advice on a home project. In addition, they are becoming a focal point for other area non-profits and those interested in the arts to meet, brainstorm and plan events and programs.

On a personal note, my thirteen year old son and his friends frequently visit Art of Recycle and he is always excited to tell about what is happening there. Although he claims he is not creative, he often comes home with something cool that he has made. Whenever I visit, there are always happy children busily making things at the crafting table.

Chelas has created a lovely place full of imagination and life.... You can donate supplies, or pick up what you need and start creating your masterpiece!

The Art of Recycle quickly became one, if not The, favorite place of mine in town. The staff is energetic and inspiring all on their own, but the facility speaks creativity with one glimpse. What a boon to the community to have not just a gathering place, creative outlet, recycling center and thrift store all in one! As a professional artist, this will certainly be on my list of go-to places for both inspiration and interesting materials. Further, my respect for this organization has only deepened from seeing their outreach in the community by being involved in fairs and art shows not only in our town proper but also in other areas of our county.