Hey there! I made a quick trip to Nashville over the weekend to have an early birthday celebration with Jamie and Andy. I also had an appointment to update my Blog Headshot and Bio.
Simply put—I met with two very nice, young women, Claire wrote fixed me up with a professional bio , and Andrea took a bunch of photos of me. (did you know I REALLY don’t like to have my picture taken?) More about that later, as I don’t have the pictures yet.
So, of course we had to do some shopping while I was there. (and some eating) Jamie was excited to show me one of her favorite places to do some thrifting. It’s a fun place, and I think that many of you will be able to relate to the concept. It’s called Smart-Scrap Made Art Supplies.
source: SMART Facebook page
SMART! Eclectic Materials for Artists & Crafts people
SMART! is a one-of-a-kind resale space, offering donated art and craft materials to Nashville’s creative makers while benefiting Progress Inc.—a local nonprofit for adults with intellectual disabilities.
Another picture from their Facebook page. Everything is so incredibly organized.
This picture is also from their facebook page. Jamie’s friend Michelle Bukowski is the featured artist at SMART this month. They feature artists who use repurposed materials in their artwork. Michelle uses granola boxes as her canvases to keep them out of the garbage. You can see her pieces in the background hanging on the wall. See more of Michelle’s art on her Facebook page Michelle Bukowski, artist.
As I was walking through the aisles, I was thinking to myself “I could donate so much stuff to this store” 
You name it, and they have it. Many of the items are small, but I got 2 table leaves for $7 each. I also picked up 4 scrabble tile holders for about $1.50. In addition I got 2 cardboard tubes (this store has everything) for 70 cents. One can never have too much Plaster of Paris to make some DIY chalky paint.
I’ve been needing the blog updates, and seeing the family was a bonus!
So, my question to you is this—would you visit a store like this to make a donation? Or to pick up some needed craft supplies?
gail
I will visit for donate and for buying, it should be fantastic to find those missing pieces that we need to finish or fix something. Thanks
I would shop there, and donate! And hope I didn’t get re inspired by my own donations, and buy them back!
That sounds like a really cool store! As much as I love shopping at ReStore, salvage and thrift shops, I would definitely shop at this place, too!
What a great idea – I’d definitely donate and buy from there.
I love Nashville! Where else did you go?
Happy birthday!!
HAPPY PRE-BIRTHDAY Gail……It is good to see another fellow March Birthday’er. Myself as well as many of my family members celebrate birthday’s in March (my dad and I share the same day). I have to admit you run across some of the best “honey holes” around (insert jealous face). I would like to say I have something like this were I live, but sadly I don’t. If you hear of any place like this near Asheville, NC…..please give me a whistle and I’m there.
Louisville has a store that sounds very similar. It’s called “Good Garbage Center for Creative Reuse” The items you talked about are the type of things the Louisville store has. They take any donated items that can be reused.
Thank you Donetta for letting me know that! I’ll check it out!
gail
i would probably donate and buy at that store! maybe have to find it next time i convince my boyfriend to go to Nashville. Jamie is so beautiful in her pic. can’t wait to see yours!
~~HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!~~
Now it is a shame that you have to come to Nashville and tell me later about a store I should already know about living in this area! LOL….thanks for the info and HAPPY BIRTHDAY.
Pam,
You should definitely make regular visits to SMART. I think stuff they have a lot of turnover on their merchandise. Something there for everyone.
gail
HAPPY BIRTHDAY dearest friend! Hope you had a FABulous day!
I love that you don’t like getting your picture taken–especially when you’re SO photogenic!
I’m re-working my about me page/bio/picture too! Professional help -huh- that’s a really good idea! Can’t wait to see the outcome–
Catherine
Thank you Catherine! My birthday is actually tomorrow. Hoping it’s going to be a great year! I highly recommend getting some professional help. hahahah I mean BLOG help. lol
I would totally visit to donate and to buy! Looks like fun! I can’t wait to see your new photos and bio, I am sure you look beautiful! Happy Early Birthday and glad you had a fun weekend Gail! Hugs!
I love Nashville! My brother is in the 101st, so maybe I can visit next time I’m down there. Looks like you had a great weekend…enjoy your birthday!! 🙂
Karla,
You should definitely try to get by there on your next trip to Nashville. They have fun stuff. I need to donate a bunch of stuff on my next trip.
I think it’s time to clean out the craft stash.
gail
Now that store is a unique idea to me. I’d pop in sure, to see what I could use. And inquiring minds want to know, what are you needing a cardboard tube for? Pole vaulting on your birthday?
hahaha yeah, this old gal is going to do some pole vaulting (on cardboard) hahahah
I have some vinyl wallpaper projects that I need to roll up. stay tuned….
Yes, I would visit a store like this to make donations!! And yes! I would pick up supplies there! Looks like an awesome place.
Happy Birthday 🙂
Debbie
ohhh Debbie–I can’t wait to go back next time I’m in Nashville, which just happens to be next month for the Country Living Fair!
I will be taking lots of pics next time. I was having so much fun, I forgot to snap a single picture!
gail
I would visit this store if I ever was close by.