Austin Creative Reuse Center — Attraction in Austin

I have shopped and donated to ACR for years, but my last visit was quite disappointing. I made an appointment to drop off items and I was met by a rude volunteer. She was digging through my donation boxes and rejecting items as I loading them. I read the online donation list before and tried to adhere to it. This volunteer indicated that I didn't read it and rejected many of my vintage items... Items that I have definitely donated in the past. She also kept talking to the other volunteer about a different topic while looking at my boxes and seems annoyed that I was bothering her with donations. I drive from the suburbs every few months to donate so I don't appreciate a volunteer treating me so rudely. Driving 40 minutes to ACR is a big deal to me. I've actually started to feel anxious about donating because over the last year the receiving volunteers have treated me poorly. Should I even bother donating items anymore?

My last visit inside the store was also disappointing. It's way more messy and crowded since the bin section went away. I usually buy a lot when I visit, but honestly I just got frustrated this time and left with a few items. I couldn't find most of the things I usually go there for. I want to keep visiting the store, but lately I've been leaving disappointed. Please make the store flow better and bring back the bins and the sidewalk sales. The store is losing the charm and wonder that originally...

Second hand store for craft and creative item. Beautiful crafting materials, plus odds and ends. They have everything from specialty expert crafting tools, to delicious odds and ends begging for a new life. (Think: ends from a fine woodworking shop, party decorations, metal cookie tins Aunt Freda just never threw away because they might be used for something.) Those ill conceived hobbies you over invested in? They will get snapped up and crafted with by eager artists, etsy stars, Scout troops. So stop fretting over the investment and donate them to ACR. (Marie Kondo might encourage you to thank them as you drop them off...but who am I to suggest this?)

I just spent $1.89 on office supplies. Folders, 3 ring binders, and some paper clips. Now I am ready to take the paper beast lurking in a corner... for a reasonable price. My bank account is cheering in the background already!

It can be hit or miss. Some days are more jazzy than others and the inventory is always changing. Check the ACR social media for specials, open hours, and workshops. It is run by volunteers, so leave your "karen" attitude at home and enjoy budget friendly craft browsing.

Updated for 2022 to correct some errors and take out an out of date reference to the parking at the...

This is absolutely one of my favorite/happy places in Austin!

Yes. The inventory is rotating, because it's donation based. I think that's part of the beauty of it!

The staff have always been wonderful, kind, and understanding towards me (and my over-zealous child when brought along), so they deserve a HUGE thanks for that!

I love the concept! While I haven't donated yet, I have definitely shopped here for years at this point both using their online store and in person.

Online: You'll find higher end items. I.e. Fancier yarn/fabric, machines, artwork, jewelry, etc. I've generally done giant orders of supplies for summer activities with my kid when I've used this. However, I've also gotten items just for me like Ikea spice shelves (like new in their packaging), and multi-yard fabric. You will need to pick up in person, though, unless that has changed.

In person: Enjoy the hunt! I've gotten anything from tons of fabric (upholstery, clothing, costuming, and/or quilting) and yarn up the wazoo (fancy and not fancy) to soap making supplies and paint. I especially like finding sewing notions that don't cost an arm and a leg!

If you're willing to search a little bit, I promise that you'll...