The WasteShed

Category:	Art Supply Store
Address:	914 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60622, USA
Phone:	+1 773-666-5997
Site:	thewasteshed.com
Rating:	4.8
Working:	Closed 11AM–6PM 11AM–6PM 11AM–6PM 11AM–6PM 11AM–6PM 11AM–6PM

Location

Photos 84

Reviews 26

Amanda Jensen

Magical little place for extremely inexpensive art, office, and craft supplies. Second-hand, but good to great-quality. Its like the better sections of arts, crafts, and office supply stores at a 1/10 or less of the price. Come here FIRST before you go to Michaels or JoAnns. They have hundreds of pounds of fabric in the back. Volunteer to help them organize items as they only have so much space where they are for displaying product. Street or neighborhood parking can be tough, but be patient. Call or email ahead if there is a particular item and they will let you know if it is in stock. They also respond to Facebook Messenger.

Gia Lugo

The WasteShed hosted a party I attended and I was so impressed with everything there! What a fantastic idea - recycle and reuse office supplies, art supplies, crafting materials, etc. instead of just throwing them away. I was amazed at the amount of materials available there. I wish I could visit more often! I think the idea is genius, the staff is fantastic and the materials they offer are plentiful and unique. You never know what you are going to find but you are sure to find just what you never knew you needed. I will definitely visit The WasteShed again!

Amy Wu

I love the mission of The WasteShed! They take donated art and craft supplies basically rescuing them from going into a landfill and selling them back to the community. Teachers get a discount! Parents, there are brand new folders and gently used crayons and colored pencils for your back to school needs. This shop is great for finding colored thread, small sewing notions (needles, bobbins, buttons, etc), and fabric quarters. Theyre moving Aug 1, but if youre in the area a visit to Humboldt Park and Spinning J Bakery is a must!

Hannah M

This has become my first stop when collecting art supplies. They usually have what I need and I wont have to go to Michaels or Blick to buy a new package of something that I may not even use all the way. Ive seen everything from piano keys to film canisters, which makes it a new experience every time I visit. And its all reasonably priced.The owner is kind and helpful, and extremely knowledgeable. I only wish it was closer to my house--but its worth the trip!

rachel wallis

The WasteShed is always my first stop for any art/craft/textile project. Not only do they have great and affordable basics like sewing notions, embroidery supplies, all kinds of paper, matte board, etc. But I almost always end up walking out feeling inspired, and with an amazing impulse buy, like a $5 sticker maker I use all the time! Plus I can feel good that my supplies are being diverted from the waste stream. Win win!

Amelia

Well organized collection of scraps and odds n ends. Got interesting items: Japanese Prussian blue dye, 2 vaginal deliveries on beta tapes, a hell dollar,rainbow animal shaped confetti, etc. Pricing seemed inconsistent across items, but Im no curator. And my crisp, loose papers were tossed in a bag with loose bottles of paint and bags covered in loose glitter.. a separate, small, paper bag wouldve spared them.

Andrea Glaser

Im super jealous of Chicago for having this store, and I live in Portland, the land of reuse. So I guess thats saying something. I follow them on social media and Im always lusting over the stuff that comes in- unopened or barely used art supplies for like half the price? Nice paper? Power tools?? Seriously enjoy it while you have a shot at the good stuff before this mode of retail catches on there.

Alison Weiss

The WasteShed is a one of a kind art supply store. It offers gently used materials at significantly below the cost at retail stores. I make it a point to visit this store every time I am in Chicago. The inventory is always changing, so I know that I can get inspired by something different each time I come in. This store is a gem!

Adonia Lugo

I go to the Waste Shed every time I visit my in laws in Chicago and wish I had a creative reuse space like it near me in LA. Its an affordable and fun resource for crafters of all ages. My husband completed a furniture project using wooden feet we got here for a few dollars, they were just what he needed. Thanks Ellie!

Ashley Andrews

The WasteShed is an incredible asset to the community, worthy of intentional and sustained support through material donations, shopping trips, and financial donations. Think of them first before buying something new, and think of them first before throwing potentially useful items away.

Jane Labowitch

You never know what youre going to find and thats half the fun! Every time I go I leave with a bag full of amazing supplies for a fraction of what it would have cost for tree same merchandise at an office supply out craft store. Worth every penny, definitely worth the visit!

Alexandria Roberta Cook

I love this place!! If you are into crafting or art or writing letters or wrapping presents or working with kids this is the place to get supplies. They were generous enough to let us host a bachelorette party there for a particularly crafty bride and it was super fun!

Robin Weis

This is an artists/crafters paradise. Neatly organized, cheaply priced, and a wonderful home for extra craft supplies that you no longer need but dont want to throw away. I love the maps and miscellaneous postcards!

ZEE GEE

i stop in here for stretchers and sometimes oil paint :) the girls who work here are kind of rude, but hey, its an overpriced art thrift store!

Corinne Creswell

Good selection of art and craft supplies. Its helpful having a thrift store dedicated to these types of items. Really great for classrooms!

Sarah Lindsey

Such an interesting collection of crafting materials. A great find if you are looking for unique inspiration.

Gus granchalek

Full of those hard to find things youre looking for but cant quite find. A lot of fun to browse, for sure.

Joshua Herman

staff was friendly and also knowledgeable about art . Told me how to preserve my artwork.

Josh Koonce

Cool idea - recycled art supplies. Gotta remember this next time I have a project.