Pittsburgh Center for Creative Reuse

This week we are highlighting the work of Opal Buttons, an artist in Atlanta, Georgia. She sources pre-pigmented paper at her local creative reuse center (shout-out to Scraplanta) and transforms it into these wonderful paper impasto creations. Read more about her work below:

"Opal Buttons is a paper impasto artist based in Atlanta, Georgia. Raised in the Northwest Georgia Mountains, she was deeply influenced by the raw, soulful storytelling of self-taught folk artistry. In 2023, Opal began a dedicated exploration into the life cycle of paper, breaking down discarded materials into pulp and experimenting with its artistic possibilities. Through this journey of trails and tribulation, she discovered a passion for the tactile, sculptural depth of paper impasto and relief sculpture.

Living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), Opal views her studio practice as a vital act of resilience. Her work is a deliberate choice to prioritize beauty and light, utilizing the alchemy of pre-pigmented detritus to build vibrant, textured works of art. For Opal, the act of creation is a transformative tool used to navigate the complexities of chronic illness, turning physical challenges into a source of personal and collective restoration.

Central to her work is a passion for infusing whimsy into the fabric of everyday life. By repurposing the unending and mundane reality of discarded mail, packaging, and remnants, Opal invites the viewer to rediscover wonder in the unexpected. Her art serves as a vessel for joy, offering a playful yet profound reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the magic found in renewal."

Follow Opal at on Instagram.

In our online store you can find: traditional art and craft supplies, vintage jewelry, collectibles, books and more! Surprising things await you. These items are exclusively available online. Our online store has shipping options available or you can select free curbside pickup and pick it up right at our physical shop location at 214 N Lexington St. in Pittsburgh, PA!

1. Pittsburgheese Large Pinback Button - Vintage; $4.99
2. Silver Reproduction Deputy Sheriff Badge with Turquoise Points; $34.99
3. Tommy Aaron Gold Balls - 1 Dozen - Complete Set; $39.99
4. Tulip Garden Cotton or Cotton Blend Fabric - VIP Cranston; $3.00
5. Rusty Colored Dragonfly Pattern Upholstery Fabric with Mesh Lining - Herringbone; $5.25
6. It's Ramen Time Take Out Bowl with Chopsticks - Ceramic - New in Package; $7.99
7. Persian Hand-Painted Inlaid Khatam Marquetry Pencil Box; $44.99
8. Mini Frog Toy Earrings - Plastic Animal - Whimsical; $3.99
9. The Handmaid's Tale Embroidered Patch Set of 3 - Iron-on or Sew-on; $11.99

Questions about the online store? Email [email protected]. As a nonprofit, all revenue from the store goes directly back into our mission to keep materials out of the landfill. We take care to research and price all of our materials below retail value. Here's a link to the online store: https://creativereuse.square.site/

Join us for our upcoming workshop: Up, Up & Away: Make a Paper Mache Hot Air Balloon!

About the workshop: Create your own hot air balloon sculptures using upcycled materials—highlighting both creativity & sustainability. By repurposing everyday items, the class emphasizes how art can be both expressive & environmentally mindful.

While the creation of your balloon structure will be guided, the embellishment will be up you. Create a truly one-of-a-kind piece through color, texture, and personal details. You’re invited to rediscover this nostalgic craft while elevating it, quite literally, into a balloon uniquely your own.

About the Teaching Artist: My name is Keevey-Maria, or Kee. I've been working with paper mache for the last six years—it's part of my daily routine. It started when my son asked to be a flying eyeball for Halloween. I mean, how do you say no to such a request?! Since then, I've made a Horseshoe crab costume, a goat mask, flying creatures, and various carnivorous plants.

Event details:
Up, Up & Away: Make a Paper Mache Hot Air Balloon!
When: Sunday, June 14 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM
Where: Creative Reuse Gallery - 214 N Lexington St.
All ages (participants 10 and under are recommended to come with an adult)
PWYC (Pay what you can)
Registration is required: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/up-up-away-make-a-paper-mache-hot-air-balloon-tickets-1990890556247

This week we are featuring Aimee, a local artist and the founder of Whimsy Guild, a local craft guild that provides a community for creative exploration in Pittsburgh. Learn more below:

"As a longtime teacher, maker, and obsessive artistic dabbler, I started Whimsy Guild to share the joy of making with others and build a community that emphasizes wonder, delight and happymaking experiences over perfectionism. I host monthly get togethers where we make something wonderful. Recent workshops have included gel plate printing and shadow puppets. One of my favorites is the Maker-Prompt-a-Rama, where we make art based on a random prompt! I bring all kinds of art supplies and random items and everyone interprets the prompt in their own way. It's amazing to see what everyone comes up with!

In my own artwork, I love fiber, collage, and printing, and mashing up all of those! Recently I have gotten fixated on making gel plate prints and using them to make collages. I use materials from Creative Reuse in both my guild and personal work. My favorite recent finds include items for creating textures for gel plate prints - I discovered silicone candy molds can make incredible patterns! And, I'm constantly stalking the acrylic paint bin and the sewing notions. "

Upcoming event: Maker Prompt-a-Rama At Protohaven! Saturday, June 14 from 1-4 PM "Maker Prompt-a-Rama is a chance to energize your spirit by making something completely unexpected using creative constraints!"
Website/Newsletter Signup: whimsy-guild.com
Instagram: .guild

Elephants, birds, and tiny tins... oh my! Stop by the shop to check out these very special items.

Interested in an item here? They're not online, but in our retail shop. Or they could be gone! Call (412) 473-0100 or stop by to get more details. Our shop is open 11 AM - 5 PM, 7 days a week!

About us:
Creative Reuse is a nontraditional arts and crafts supply shop in Pittsburgh, PA. As a nonprofit, we do our best to keep supplies affordable so that they can get back out into the community. Our mission is to inspire creativity, conservation and community engagement through reuse!

Location: 214 N Lexington St in Pittsburgh, PA (in the same building as Construction Junction)
Hours: 11 AM - 5 PM daily
Donation times: 11:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Please visit our website to learn more about our operations including how to make a donation!

Here's what we have available in our online store this week! Our online store has shipping options available or you can select free curbside pickup and pick it up right at our physical shop location at 214 N Lexington St. in Pittsburgh, PA!

1. Rainbow Strip Cotton Fabric - Ann Kelle Design for Robert Kaufman; $2.31
2. Transparent Flair Plastic Beads - Peridot Light Green - Plastic Strand Spool Copy; $11.25
3. Bead Landing Cording 10 Colors - 100 Yards; $7.49
4. Semi Precious Beads 10 Inch Strand of 8mm Round Striped Blue Agate; $3.00
5. Black and White Geometric Ribbon Trim Tape 1 Inch Wide; $8.00
6. 50 Pieces Mini Jigsaw Puzzle Set of 2 - van Gogh Sunflowers & Munch Scream; $5.99
7. Vogue Dictionary of Knitting Stitches - Anne Matthews - Vintage Craft Book 1984 - Knitters Guide; $12.99

Questions about the online store? Email [email protected]. As a nonprofit, all revenue from the store goes directly back into our mission to keep materials out of the landfill. We take care to research and price all of our materials below retail value. Here's a link to the online store: https://creativereuse.square.site/

Woaaahhh, we're having a fabric sale for the whole month of June (or while supplies last). Fill a bag of fabric and other fiber/sewing related supplies from the special sale area for $19 per bag. Also, pick one item from the fabric section in the back to become 50% off! Apply the discount to fabric, sewing machines, looms, yarn, or any other fabric-related supply you can find!

This week we are featuring the work of Emmy Girouard, a multidisciplinary artist based in New York. She uses found objects and second-hand stores to source the materials she uses in her collage and fiber arts practice. Read more about her work below:

"My name is Emmy Girouard, and I am a New York City–based interdisciplinary artist and content creator working across visual art, craft, performance, and digital media. My practice focuses on environmental sustainability and reuse, creating work from recycled and repurposed materials sourced from secondhand stores and found objects throughout the city."

Follow Emmy on Instagram at !

In our online store you can find: traditional art and craft supplies, vintage jewelry, collectibles, instructional books, and...a tiny version of Austin Powers?! Surprising things await you. These items are exclusively available online! Our online store has shipping options available or you can select free curbside pickup and pick it up right at our physical shop location at 214 N Lexington St. in Pittsburgh, PA!

1. Perfume Sprayer - Pocket or Purse - Travel Size - Refillable - Vintage - Used; $19.99
2. Animals and Stripes Pattern Cotton Fabric - Save the Children - Primary Colors - Vintage; $6.75
3. Fire Engine House Hampden #46 HO Scale Building Set - No. 1390 - Model Train Scenery; $9.99
4. Kamakura-bori Lacquerware Plate or Trivet with Carved Floral Design - 6 Inches; $19.99
5. Afghani Tribal Necklace; $89.99
6. Handmade Bear Belt Buckle - Rectangle - Rope Design - Hammered Texture; $24.99

Questions about the online store? Email [email protected]. As a nonprofit, all revenue from the store goes directly back into our mission to keep materials out of the landfill. We take care to research and price all of our materials below retail value. The link to our online store can be found in our bio!