ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Art supplies can be expensive, but a new craft store in the city's West End is helping to cut those costs down to size, according to the owner.
Cut the Scrap! carries pre-owned scrapbook paper, stickers, acrylic paints, canvases, fabrics, coloring books, sewing supplies, stamps, thread, stencils, beads, magazines — just about anything a crafty person needs for their next big creation.
At the haven for hobbyists, shoppers who trade in supplies receive a store credit.
Owner Debbie Scheunemann opened the shop in June at 35 N. 19th St.
After retirement, she said, she wanted to turn her passion into something lucrative.
"I've crafted my whole life as far back as I can remember and I've always wanted to have a craft store because it seemed like fun," she said.
"People often come in and say, 'This is such a good idea,' because craft supplies are expensive."
Organized 'scrap,' art classes
Inside the quaint store, shelves and drawers are lined with colorful beads, splashy fabrics and brightly colored yarns.
Scheunemann is meticulous with the displays so that the supplies are easy to spot for shoppers (for instance, ephemera journal supplies and stamps are sold in sets).
"If you want to try a new craft and don't want to spend a lot of money, it's great."Debbie Scheunemann
"I would say 95% of everything in here is donated, mostly through word of mouth and through my Facebook page," Scheunemann said.
"If you want to try a new craft and don't want to spend a lot of money, it's great. And [the big chain] craft stores don't sell everything. It's also nice because when people bring in things, they can get it at a really good discount."
The cost of supplies varies.
Most everything retails under $20 — the most expensive item on a recent visit was a glass grinder that costs $49.
A bottle of watercolor paint costs 75 cents and a tube of second-hand acrylic paint retails for $6.
"When you're starting out as an artist, paint can be expensive, sometimes costing $15 a bottle and more," Scheunemann said.
"It's also nice because when people bring in things, they can get it at a really good discount."Debbie Scheunemann, owner of Cut the Scrap!
Art classes, supporting other artists
In the middle of the store is a group of tables where Scheunemann intends to teach classes for both children and adults on crochet-making, mandala drawing and dinosaur plush sewing.
She's also on the lookout for artists to teach classes part-time and in-house.
There's also a corner in the front where Scheunemann displays works by local artists.
Currently, she is selling handmade quilts made by Wanda Rehrig, an artist based in Northampton.
How to donate
Scheunemann is always on the hunt for secondhand art supplies.
"I have a lot of wood, beads and stamps. The demand really is for paint and blank canvases," she said.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.
For info, click here.
