One person’s plastic “lace” tablecloth paired with someone else’s sheet canvas will make an interesting dye/stenciled picnic blanket. Another person’s lifetime collection of sturdy but disposable pie tins went home with someone who bakes for charity. The event Sunday August 11 at Eastside Food Co-op was billed as an Arts & Crafts Swap, and swappers artistically interpreted what might be of use.

Sketchbooks, papers, journals, markers and brushes got snapped up almost as quickly as they were put down. Mat boards departed in small quantities. Bling, buttons, all sorts of decorative elements were popular.

“I didn’t know you’d accept this kind of stuff,” said one visitor who found something useful in the “other” category. “I didn’t either,” quipped the person who brought it. Both were happy with the exchange.

Conversations ranged from friends who arrived separately catching up, to strangers who bonded over suggestions for sewing, to laments about throwaway society and what to do about it. All told, a success appreciated by those who donated, swapped, or picked up something useful.

Leftovers went to Art to Change the World, which will route supplies to the new art room at Emma Norton’s Restoring Waters housing and donate what can’t be used there to other appropriate recipients.

Organizer Sophie Hakala said the Co-op will schedule another Arts & Crafts Swap in winter, TBD. Next up is a clothing swap Saturday, Sept. 7 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Co-op in the community room, 2551 Central Ave. NE. Anything that remains will be available as a “free store” on Sunday, Sept. 8 from 11-2, no drop-offs accepted that day.

Eastside Food Co-op is a supporter of Reuse Minnesota. Information about Reuse Minnesota and Art to Change the World was available at the Aug. 11 event.

Written by Margo Ashmore, Reuse Minnesota board member | Connect and learn more about her on her website