For crafters, it’s not uncommon to have leftover bits and bobs lying around or cupboards overflowing with yarn, fabric, pipe cleaners and other extra supplies that take up space. A new Calgary store is trying to change that.
(M)artkit is Calgary’s first arts and crafts thrift store, started by owner Kourtney Penner as a way to make art more sustainable and accessible for all ages. Penner has a background in the art industry, the non-profit sector and most recently in local government as Calgary’s former city councillor for Ward 11, but she felt herself drawn back into the art space.
“I wanted to come back to it in a meaningful way,” says Penner. “Now I’m back, creating community through the joy of creating, the joy of finding treasures and the joy of being around like-minded individuals who are also excited to have creativity and play in their life.”
At (M)artkit, there’s a variety of supplies for every kind of project, almost entirely donated by the community. If you need four or five pipe cleaners or just a few pairs of googly eyes, you can probably find it here instead of buying a new pack and having the leftovers sit around. And if you’re looking for yarn, shoppers can find brand-new or half-used skeins for projects.
The ability to buy exactly what you need helps you save money and lessen clutter in your home. “It’s just more sustainable and more cost-effective,” says Penner.
Donations are accepted anytime during opening hours — bring up to two bags of crafting goods to the store (preferably pre-sorted) to drop off. Larger donations should be scheduled ahead of time. A full list of items that (M)artkit accepts is listed on the website’s donation page.
(M)artkit also has a studio area where people can book a time to come in and use the art supplies in the store to create. You can also help sort donated materials in exchange for studio time.
“You can come in and just get the supplies you need, or just use a tool that you would only use one time,” says Penner. “Again, it’s just creating that sustainable environment, but also social. People can come in and meet like-minded people.”
Penner also plans to start offering summer workshops, bringing in guest instructors to teach various arts and crafts mediums.
6230 Centre St. S.E., 587-225-9758, martkitthrift.com