The Scrap Exchange

This place has it all. And I do mean all of it. It’s nestled back in a corner of Durham in a large retail space and lots of room. Items are grouped by type. I found many interesting things to purchase. I also felt like I paid a fair price for the items I purchased. I personally give 4 stars instead of 5 because it was difficult to navigate and although the employees were friendly and helpful when asked I really had no idea what I was doing. I bought a vintage purse and skirt, looked through the abundant sewing supplies, and found a new whiteboard for my classroom. I wish the schools could do purchase orders here. There’s a ton of donated science supplies they might benefit from. It’s far out of the way for me but definitely a nice way to spend a rainy day. I would love to make it back soon.

Been here several times but I was so excited the last time I went, all the Halloween stuff! I love it. Great place to find all kinds of goodies! Staff is also very nice.

Where else can you find useful items at a great low price???

Imagine that civilization collapses, and the people left to sort through the ruins of the industrial world and gather stuff together are all competent seamstresses, stone masons, electronics technicians, and art students.
ESPECIALLY art students.
Now imagine how amazing their home base would be.
Now imagine they love to teach classes and share their stuff and their knowledge with you. Are you thinking that would basically be the best place in the history of places? Well YOU WOULD BE RIGHT. This place is incredible.

I’ve heard great things about the Scrap Exchange but I wasn’t too impressed. Most of the stuff is really things you’d trash, so if you are a crafter, not sure you’d get anything of value here. Artists, however, may be able to turn these things into something useful, but I couldn’t figure out how! Huge collection of National Geographics.

I can’t believe I hadn’t visited The Scrap Exchange after hearing about it consistently for the past three years! I was a little hesitant after hearing about their most recent move into the Lakewood plaza, I used to live a couple miles from there and would occasionally swing by the Food Lion when in dire need and let me tell you, it’s sketchy [just not a place I felt safe as a young, white, female]. However, if you can overlook that and see the good in what The Scrap Exchange is doing, you will be pleasantly surprised.
Going to the Scrap Exchange challenges me to do more projects with used materials. My sister has gone there many a times to pick up salvaged wood for various projects. I am not usually a «do-​it-​yourself» type person, but I think if you have something in mind prior to visiting, this is a great place to pick up project items for a much cheaper price. Personally, the store can be a little overwhelming if you’re going there looking to be inspired. There are just SO many products and things, things you never would’ve thought to recycle. However, if you can hone back on the sheer magnitude of the store, and have an idea of what you want before you arrive, there’s a good chance you’re going to be pleasantly pleased. Unlike most thrift stores, the Scrap Exchange recycles more stuff: office supplies, paper, ribbons, yarn, phone, children’s toys, cardboard boxes and metal tins, scrap wood, etc. They have a whole area of unused greeting cards, scrapbook supplies, board games and some ceramics and jewelry. They DON’T have clothing and not a lot of furniture or household products.
They have one area where you can fill a bag (three sizes priced $ 5-​$ 15/​bag) with anything from about twenty large blue bins. These bins have everything from bottle caps to pieces of unfinished knitting or croquette work to old race medals to fabric scraps. The Scrap Exchange also offers a «members» program (I THINK it’s $ 45/​person or $ 30 if you’re a student, teacher, clergy, etc.) They offer discounts and special shopping events to members. The Scrap Exchange also offers classes for adults and kids! I haven’t been yet, but it’s definitely on my child-​friendly list!

I love this place. If you don’t have an idea in mind it may be harder to find knick knacks. However, if you know what you want it will save you many many hours. The building is not huge but it’s a LOT of stuff for cheap. It’s like a yard sale on steroids. The wood is only 25 cents a pound. You can get a 3 by 4 sheet of wood for 4 $. They have weekly specials and even monthly memberships. The staff is nice and very helpful. This place is a must if you’re doing a DIY project or decorating !

Awesome! Has pretty much everything you could possibly need and then some! Decently organized too

Awesome concept, awesome place to peruse for items that might be of use to an artist or if you are someone just looking for a specific bit of fabric, office supply, etc. They hold wonderful, community-​based events and encourage creativity for the young folk in town. One of the greatest corners of Durham.

Awesome reuse and repurpose supply center! Just wandering around got me thinking about fun creative ideas!

Wow this place is awesome! Part retail store, part creative space and tons of DIY fun!
I met some Unilocalers at the make n take room last night for some holiday fun. If you have a group of friends, students, etc. this is a great place to take them for some creative DIY crafts. For just $ 5 you get and hour and a half to play with all kinds of cool recycled materials and make whatever you want. No glue allowed you have to get really creative and put your crafts together using masking tape, staples, string or whatever else you can think of.
The Scrap Exchange is a nonprofit creative reuse center and they have moved to this new space. The space itself is huge. They offer classes, an open studio, and what we experienced the make n take room, which can hold as many as 50 people. Even though the make n take room is geared toward children, us adults had an absolute blast. I really needed this hour and a half to just get back into my creative mind and only think about the craft I was making. I forget how calming it is to sit down and do some arts and crafts.
The retail store is amazing I had a friend stop by while we were there and she was blown away. She’s coming by next week to make some purchases for her business. This is one of those truly unique places that everyone needs to check out. So stop on by and visit, volunteer, or donate to this great cause. I can’t wait to come back here. My mind is full of great ideas since leaving last night. Thanks to The Scrap Exchange for recharging my mind and giving me more creative juice.

I’m hooked! This is the second time I’ve visited the Scrap Exchange with my kids and we love it! Two huge rooms with donated scraps: a vintage section to a «fill your own bag» for as low as $ 3.75…it’s an artists’ and crafters’ dream store! Keep an open mind and let your creative juices flow. You won’t be disappointed. (There are even separate rooms for you to create your masterpiece!) become a member and you’ll receive discounts and first alerts to upcoming events.

New Location! Two Giant Rooms! It’s a Scrappy Day! Dude! Did you see those ½ Dude Mannequins or the Book on Ventriloquism (how to make a Ventriloquist Manikin)! I LOVE Mannequins!!!
Vinyl Record Albums for 50 Cents (not by FiftyCent)
Fabric
Paper
Glass
Tile
Giant Spools
Medical Equipment that could be re-​purposed for some super-​Scary Art
Lots of JUNK and You know what to do with it! Then there is some ART about to take place! The have something going ON here!!! No Clothes! This place is like a Thrift Store for Visual Artists and Crafters
Designers DESIGN ! I think Justin LeBlanc (project Runway) shops here!