A bag of vintage yarn sold by the pound. A handful of colored pencils for pocket change.
That is the kind of math that makes a crafter grin.
This little nonprofit shop in Ohio runs on donated craft supplies and volunteers. Fabric, beads, stamps, frames, and paper all get a second life here.
I love how the whole place keeps good materials out of the landfill. I can’t imagine a better excuse to start a new project.
So where is this treasure chest, and when can you stop in?
A Craft Treasure Chest On Ridge Avenue
Scrap It Up sits at 5935 Ridge Ave in Cincinnati, Ohio, inside the Pleasant Ridge neighborhood. It is a nonprofit creative reuse store, and the shelves hold donated art and craft supplies.
Think of it as a thrift shop built just for makers. Fabric, yarn, paper, beads, stamps, and picture frames all wait for a new project.
Google lists it as a thrift store, but that label sells it short. Shoppers describe it as a craft lover’s dream, and the topics that come up most are fabric, craft supplies, yarn, and treasure hunting.
The shop is small, and that is part of the charm. Every shelf, bin, and corner seems to hold something a crafter did not know they needed.
Here is the quick pitch. Scrap It Up takes supplies that might have been thrown away and puts them in the hands of people who will actually use them.
The rest of this guide walks through what you can find, when to go, and how to make the most of a short visit.
Why Reuse Is The Whole Point
Landfills are full of perfectly good craft supplies. Scrap It Up exists to change that, one skein and one scrap at a time.
The shop collects donated materials and sells them at low prices. Shoppers often mention sustainability as a big reason they love the place.
That mission shapes the whole experience. Nothing here is mass-produced for display, and every bin is a bit of a surprise.
One visitor said it felt good to spend less than at a retail craft store while keeping supplies out of landfills. Another called it a great way to upcycle craft items, fabric, patterns, and books.
It is also a nonprofit, so your small purchase supports a community project. That is a pretty satisfying way to buy a bag of buttons.
The idea is simple but powerful. Creative reuse turns clutter into possibility, and the people running this shop clearly believe in it.
For crafters on a budget, teachers, and anyone who hates waste, the mission is as appealing as the merchandise.
Fabric Is The Star Of The Show
Fabric gets more mentions than almost anything else at Scrap It Up. Seventeen mentions went to craft supplies, but fabric came close behind.
Shoppers talk about basic cottons, bias tapes, and sewing notions at friendly prices. One sewing fan said they found just what they needed after picking up the hobby.
Paper and fabric have been described as priced by the pound. That setup makes it easy to fill a bag without worrying about every inch.
Another shopper walked out with a mountain of fabric for about twenty dollars. That is a big haul for a small shop.
Quilters will notice the quilting books too. They show up in shopper comments alongside patterns and notions.
If you sew, bring a short list and an open mind. The stock changes with donations, so the best pieces may be different every time.
Fabric lovers could spend a long time here. Even a quick visit can turn into an armload of future projects.
Yarn By The Pound, Seriously
Knitters, take note. Yarn here has been sold by weight, which is a refreshing change from per-skein pricing.
Shoppers have mentioned yarn prices of a few dollars a pound over the years. Prices can change, so it is smart to check at the register.
One visitor spotted vintage yarn with fun packaging. Another noted that containers and old packaging add to the charm.
That kind of find is why people call the place a treasure hunt. Yarn is one of the most mentioned items, and the selection shifts constantly.
Bulk pricing is part of the fun. It encourages you to grab a mix of colors for scarves, amigurumi, or classroom projects.
If you plan to buy yarn, ask a volunteer how pricing works before you head to the counter. A quick question keeps the checkout smooth and everyone happy.
With a little luck, you could leave with enough yarn for several projects. Pair it with a few needles or hooks from the same shop.
A Fistful Of Colored Pencils For Fifty Cents
Colored pencils might be the smallest bargain here, but they win hearts. One shopper reported getting a bunch for fifty cents.
Another listed colored pencils in a long haul that also included cards, wrapping paper, magnets, and kid craft kits. That is quite a bag for a small bill.
Pencils are great for classrooms, sketchbooks, and rainy afternoons. They are also easy gifts for budding artists.
Office supplies turn up here too. A shopper called it a great place to get craft and some office supplies.
Stamps, stencils, paints, and rubber stamps show up in comments as well. The variety makes every aisle feel like a mini art store.
Teachers and scout leaders may find this especially handy. Stocking a project table does not have to cost much.
Still, the stock depends on donations. If you spot something you love, grab it before someone else does.
Beads, Frames, Stamps, And Other Odds And Ends
Anything and everything is the vibe. One shopper even said the kitchen sink is around the corner.
Visitors mention jewelry making supplies, picture frames, stamps, and fabric in a single trip. Others list wrapping paper, scrapbook materials, stencils, stained glass, and leather dye ink.
Beads and patterns round out the picture. Collage supplies and holiday decor turn up in reviews as well.
Some items are gently used, and some are new. One shopper noted pieces that came from the old Swallens store days.
That mix keeps the place unpredictable. A compass kit in its original packaging was reportedly found at a tiny fraction of its usual price.
Little homemade signs mark the bins and sections. A shopper called those signs thoughtful, and they do help you find your way.
Give yourself time to browse every shelf. The best finds are often hiding behind something else.
Volunteers Who Love A Good Project Chat
Behind the counter are volunteers, and shoppers talk about them often. Words like sweet, helpful, and knowledgeable come up again and again.
One visitor said the staff are happy to talk craft projects. Another mentioned a longtime volunteer named Bonnie, who is there most Saturdays.
The owner response in the store’s listing calls the volunteers wonderful. They also work during closed hours to keep things organized.
That effort shows. A shopper called it very well organized for a reuse store.
There is a small-town warmth here too. One visitor shared that volunteers patiently counted out a child’s pennies to pay for his little goodies.
That moment sums up the spirit of the shop. It is about community as much as bargains.
Ask for ideas if you are stuck. Chances are someone nearby has a tip for your next project.
Cozy, Cramped, And Proud Of It
Space is tight at Scrap It Up. The owner herself says the shop packs a lot into a small space.
Visitors call it quaint and cozy. Some say it is always busy and a bit cramped.
That compact layout adds to the treasure hunt feeling. You turn a corner and find another bin of surprises.
One shopper compared it to the old five and dime stores, where every visit brought something different. That nostalgic feel fits the place well.
Moving slowly is part of the fun. Take your time, and share the aisle kindly with other shoppers.
A crowded shop can be a good sign. It means people are finding things they love.
Bring a tote bag and leave the bulky coat at home if you can. Narrow aisles reward light packers.
Who Will Love This Place Most
Teachers, knitters, scout leaders, and sewing fans all get a mention in shopper comments. One longtime visitor even named Sunday School teachers.
Parents and grandparents are on the list too. A shopper bought supplies to craft with grandkids over the summer.
Kids can find scraps to decorate their artwork. The owner says they love seeing what children discover.
Budget-minded artists will feel at home. Fresh supplies from a big craft chain can add up fast.
Eco-minded shoppers benefit as well. Every purchase helps keep materials out of the landfill.
If you like a good rummage, you are in the right spot. The stock changes with donations, so no two visits match.
Even people who are just curious may leave with a bag. It is hard to resist a bargain bin.
Hours Worth Writing Down
Open hours are short, so plan ahead. Google lists Wednesday from 3 to 7 PM, Thursday and Friday from 11 AM to 2 PM, and Saturday from 11 AM to 3 PM.
The shop is closed Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. One visitor said the limited hours add to the excitement.
Check the shop’s own website or social pages before you go. Schedules can change.
Donations are handled separately. A visitor noted that fresh donations are accepted by appointment only, so reach out before hauling a carload.
Wednesday evening is a handy window for people with day jobs. Saturday offers the longest stretch.
Since the shop is small and often busy, arriving early may help. That said, I can’t promise a quiet moment.
Mark your calendar and set a reminder. Missing the window means waiting until the next one.
Parking, Steps, And Getting Through The Door
Finding the shop is simple. It is on Ridge Avenue in Pleasant Ridge, close to the neighborhood’s community park.
A shopper said parking is available at that park. A few spots also sit on the No Outlet cross street on either side of the store.
Accessibility deserves a note. A visitor mentioned two steps at the front entrance and narrow aisles.
The owner replied that a ramp leads to the back door on Parkview. They also try to keep the aisles clear.
If you use a wheelchair or walker, plan to use that back entrance. A call ahead can help clear up any questions.
The full address again is 5935 Ridge Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45213. Pop it into your map app before you leave.
Once you are inside, the rest is easy. Grab a basket and start hunting.
The Verdict On This Ohio Craft Stop
Scrap It Up is a small shop with a big payoff. It sells donated craft supplies at low prices, and shoppers keep coming back for the surprises.
The shop holds a 4.8-star rating on Google from more than a hundred reviews. Most visitors praise the prices, the volunteers, and the sense of discovery.
One shopper did report a confusing checkout over bulk yarn pricing. The shop says it stands by its volunteers, so asking about pricing first is a smart move.
For Ohioans, this is a fun in-state find to plan a trip around. It is also a good excuse to explore Pleasant Ridge.
Bring a bag, a short list, and some curiosity. Leave room for something you did not plan to buy.
Pocket change goes a long way here. The best part is knowing every find just kept something out of the trash.
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