Cut the Scrap! Secondhand Arts and Crafts Store: A Haven for Creativity and Sustainability in Allentown
By Shannon Gable
Allentown, PA – Nestled in the heart of Allentown at 735 North 19th Street, Cut the Scrap! is more than just a secondhand arts and crafts supply store; it’s a vibrant community hub where creativity and sustainability converge. Founded in June 2024 by Debbie Scheunemann, the store has quickly become a beloved destination for local crafters and artists, including students from nearby Muhlenberg College.
Debbie Scheunemann, a retired engineering technician, moved to Allentown from San Diego in 2013 to be closer to her sister. Driven by a lifelong passion for crafting, Debbie decided to open Cut the Scrap! to provide affordable craft supplies and foster a sense of community. “If you wanted to try crocheting, for example, you could come in and for a couple of dollars buy a hook and yarn and see if you liked it. And if you don’t like it, well, you’ve spent less than $10, and you tried a new craft”, says Debbie.
The store is packed with a diverse array of donated supplies, including yarn, fabric, beads, paint, brushes, and hundreds of other crafting items. Debbie estimates that 95% of the store’s inventory comes from community donations. To manage the overwhelming influx of donations, Debbie has designated Wednesdays and Sundays as donation days.
Cut the Scrap! also offers a loyalty program where donors can earn store credit for bringing in arts and crafts supplies. This initiative not only supports the store’s inventory but also encourages a culture of recycling and sustainability.
Beyond providing supplies, Cut the Scrap! hosts various crafting events and workshops, such as beginner crochet, card making, foil art and quilting. These events foster a sense of camaraderie and offer therapeutic benefits, highlighting the healing power of creativity.
Debbie’s vision for Cut the Scrap! is clear: to create a welcoming space where anyone can explore their creative potential without breaking the bank. “It’s a great place to satisfy your crafting needs, whatever they are. You can find so many different things to make and to do on a shoestring budget”.
As Cut the Scrap! continues to grow, it remains a testament to the power of community, creativity, and sustainability. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or a curious beginner, this unique store invites you to discover the endless possibilities that secondhand supplies can offer.
Contact Information:
- Address: 735 North 19th Street, Allentown, PA 18104
- Phone: (835) 233-3684
- Website: www.cutthescrapcrafts.com
Upcoming Events:
- Beginners Crochet Class with Deb D.
- Menopause Minute: Art Therapy with Michelle
- Snarky Card Class with Debbie
Store Hours:
- Wednesday – Sunday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Subscribe to Our Newsletter: Receive special offers and updates on new products by subscribing to our newsletter on the Cut the Scrap! website.
