The Scrappy Elephant — Attraction in Charlottesville

I'd been hearing about The Scrappy Elephant from friends for a while now, so I finally made it up to Charlottesville this weekend to check the place out... and I'm in love!

Now, admittedly, when I first walked in, I was a bit overwhelmed. The store is PACKED with supplies of all manner of craft, so I may have stood in the door and gawped a bit like a child stepping foot into Disneyland; however, I was promptly assisted with picking my jaw up, off the floor, and I went on my mission to spend as much money as I possibly could. That, however, proved to be its own difficulty: the pricing is a dream.

The bag system (explanation pictured) is really cool, and if you're still reading along, I'm going to ask you to trust me when I say, "Get the reusable bag." It's essentially $5 for the bag itself and $22 to fill it, and it takes a lot to fill it. Even if you're not from the area and don't plan on coming back, you'll have a cool, high-quality tote that will spark conversations about your amazing Scrappy Elephant experience for as long as you have it. The two attendants (Pierce and... I'm so sorry; I didn't get the other one's name!) were fantastic. Kind, knowledgeable, and patient, especially when this ball of anxiety (yours truly) stumbled up with any and every question. They helped me sign up with the store with just my email address and explained even more perks one receives from being a Scrappy Elephant customer, including a loyalty program wherein your tenth refill gets you a free one. Yeah! Your eleventh refill of that whole bag is free! In the end, I walked out with my haul (pictured), having spent less than $40. Not pictured is how excited I am for the next chance I get to go.

5/5 Stars. Would rate six stars if I could. If I were still trying to decide whether or not the Charlottesville area is where I wanna plant myself for the rest of my life, this would've cinched it.

PS: On my way home, I realized I'd forgotten the bag I brought in with me. Y'know, the one with my wallet and all that important stuff? They found it and held it for me for a couple days until my partner could pick it up, even offering to put my insulin pen into the fridge for the duration. I know it might sound like basic decency, but a lot of people in places I've been would've just tossed the whole kit and caboodle into a L&F. Kindness is a boon, and I'll appreciate it in whatever form it takes. ...

The Scrappy Elephant has quickly become my top pick in Charlottesville!

As soon as you step inside, you’re greeted by an incredible atmosphere that instantly lifts your spirits.

I stumbled upon this hidden gem thanks to a former client. In my last business venture, which revolved around extreme cleaning, I had the opportunity to donate various items. Now, as I embark on a new journey with estate sales, I’m thrilled to continue giving back by donating arts and crafts supplies to this wonderful place.

The Scrappy Elephant is impeccably organized and brimming with an array of materials perfect for any art project. It’s a treasure trove of inspiration, especially for those who want to avoid the high prices at traditional craft stores. Plus, shopping here helps keep items out of landfills. They also have a studio space available for both kids and adults, where they offer creative classes. Local artists showcase their work for sale, and there’s a community board for classified ads and charity donations.

This place is absolutely outstanding! I highly recommend everyone visit and meet the committed staff; they are truly wonderful people. The Scrappy Elephant is a genuine gem in...

This is the best craft store I have EVER visited!! As an avid crafter it is a true dream to find a place that is helping to reduce, reuse, recycle the many odds and ends of supplies! Not only that but when you're knee deep into a new craft venture and need a very specific item, don't need packs of 10-20+ items, or are looking for inspiration The Scrappy Elephant is 100% the place to find what you need (and if you're like me, always room for some extras too 😆). It's hard to describe how perfect a shop this is for all my making needs but most importantly it's the way The Scrappy Elephant has focused on the community that keeps me coming back time and time again. Their commitment to keeping prices affordable AND letting shoppers choose the local orgs that will get donations generated by your shopping, FANTASTIC. Thank you The Scrappy Elephant for being a crafters/makers haven and spreading good vibe in our...