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Clever Octopus Creative Reuse Center
2250 S W Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84115, United States
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Clever Octopus Creative Reuse Center
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Ra
Review №1

This was my first visit and I am officially obsessed. The store has a huge collection of leftover art supplies, unfinished projects, and random items that can be upcycled into art. I feel like I could spend hours looking around and finding little treasures. I brought my toddler along, and because it’s so cheap I let him pick out whatever he wanted—he came home with a little bag full of his own supplies he’s excited to create with. I appreciate the attentiveness of the staff and the atmosphere of inclusion and community involvement. My only complaint is that some of the markers my son brought home are already low on ink. But overall awesome place, we will definitely be back!

Em
Review №2

This place is phenomenal. So clean and organized and you can tell they care about how they contribute to the community by their non profit donation program and programs for educators. An absolute treat of a find!

Da
Review №3

The staff was very nice and helpful. I was able to find sewing supplies very cheaply and they have supplies for a huge variety of crafts, as well as artisan made creations for sale. Since it is a reuse store, though, be aware that they might not have exactly what you are looking for. Reduce, reuse, recycle!

Ty
Review №4

Great thrift second hand art store. They are non-profit and have a bountiful supply of anything art.

Br
Review №5

This is a thrift store for craft and art supplies. Prices are good. Selection is good. They still require masks, so that is annoying. Ill come back after that changes.

Co
Review №6

It kills me to leave such a low review because once upon a time I would have given 5 stars plus I sent every crafter I knew to them. Im upset that you cant have more than 3 people from one car at a time. We used to ride share but then some had to wait outside! Im fine with the mask requirement but why such hard rules with occupancy? You have a HUGE location now! Im also really upset that you have to have an appointment to donate. I would understand calling ahead but having to wait DAYS to give you free supplies that will help you make money? Call me old school but thats insane. They end up going to savers where I can drop off same day but they wont appreciate the supplies like your consumers would. So saddening!!!

Ca
Review №7

I love this store!! I always buy art supplies here because its so much more affordable. I love how they always have sales, and being a member only costs $20/year and it comes with the best perks. Their Reuse Market is full of the most unique items, I love buying them as gifts. Plus, they are a nonprofit, so I know my money is going to something good!!

Ci
Review №8

They wouldn’t let me buy a 50 cent item with cash.. they said I could only get it with a $5 purchase (due to COVID). This meant that I not only wasted an hour of my time going through everything in the store as a brand new customer, but that they’ve lost a customer for life as well. I communicated with the associate for over 5 minutes, begging her to let me buy the one item. I left without because I’m not spending $5 on a donated/junk key. I’m so upset about this store and I’m even more upset that I had to leave without the treasure I was excited about (but was definitely not worth $5). I wish I would’ve had the opportunity to speak with an owner, so they could see my predicament and actually help make a customer for life rather than loose one.

Sh
Review №9

Such a fun place! The local artist inventory was fabulous!

de
Review №10

I love thrift stores & crafts so this is a perfect combo. They have lots of newer items too. If you have projects in mind, you might be able to do a quick search & find but otherwise, you might spend some time searching for hidden gems! I bought stuff for kids crafts, embroidery, doll making, paper flowers, & I bought yarn, felt, stencils, clothes pins, fake florals, scrapbook paper, ribbon, & more. I love the idea of their craft kits! Love repurposing so I love this idea to bring these things together. They had jars, scrap fabrics, fabric, stamps, beads, painting things, scrap wood, plastics, & so much! They have classes & a little boutique with crafter items. Its cute! Ive loved it!

Kr
Review №11

This is hands down my favorite store ever! I make a weekly trip here and find everything from shipping supplies to fabric, even unique vintage jewelry and other items! Their mission is right in line with mine, and I appreciate all the extra precautions they have taken and are continuing to take during the pandemic. The employees are always friendly and helpful. Don’t buy new! Buy secondhand, save some money and support this amazing non profit ❤️

Je
Review №12

What an adorable little store! They have all sorts of second hand bits and bobbles that are great for crafting on a budget.

Ma
Review №13

I do not like new center. Its too overwhelming. Too expensive. Young girls are rudeAnd not respectful.. I miss being able to talk to older ladies about ideas. It was cheaper at other location.will not be back.

Ry
Review №14

Awesome place that has a bunch of odds and ends for crafting. Just let your imagination go and youll have plenty of new ideas.

Ni
Review №15

Amazing!!! Killer prices, great selection and an abundance of materials to spark your creativity. Check them out!

Sa
Review №16

It is organized.. I would say its like a thrift store for used craft items.

Ja
Review №17

Sadly I have lost all respect or desire to shop at this store.What was one a down to earth little community shop is now highly commercialized & no longer inclusive to all in the community.Their fear during & after the covid craziness is sadly not compatible with the free-spirited, art minded community they pretend to serve.😔I wish that they were able to open their minds to the possibilty of not requiring patrons to mask up or at least offer non mask hours for those unable to comply.

Vi
Review №18

Ive been shopping at Clever Octopus for a few years now and I love it. However, I feel like since they moved locations Ive been increasingly disappointed with their pricing.For example: last year I bought a number of glass test tubes from them for about 75 cents each. Recently theyve stocked some similar test tubes that are much smaller than the ones I got before and they are FIVE DOLLARS EACH?! I understand a small change in price but that is insane, especially for a thrift store. I often buy glass tubes and I have purchased the same tubes from a scientific supply store for a dollar each - brand new.Additionally, I was hoping to buy some embroidery hoops from them today as I like to use them to make wreaths. A 12 hoop at Michaels costs $3 and guess how much they are at Clever Octopus? Also $3. On top of that, embroidery floss at CO is now 50 cents (new embroidery floss is 60 cents) where before it was between 10-20 cents each.Generally, I find their pricing to be inconsistent and I have started to wonder if the staff is checking how much some of these items go for when they are brand new.I love Clever Octopus - theyre staff is friendly, their mission is something I love and support, and I am always excited to tell my friends and family about this amazing store. But if their poor pricing guidelines continue I might have to start shopping somewhere else for my creative supplies.

Pa
Review №19

10 person rule for the whope store seems excessive and the shorter female staff member was very rude to use when there was only 3 in our party. One of our masks had slipped down a little and she was on us like a hawk. Not a very pleasant first experience after reading great reviews and hearing good things from neighbors.

Da
Review №20

I love this place. Such a great concept and done so well. Its well organized and easy to find the items you are looking for. Today was my first visit and I will definitely be back!

Cy
Review №21

I love Clever Octopus!Art projects can get pretty expensive when you’re buying brand new material. Meet Clever Octopus, a creative reuse center where you can buy new and used materials for cheap. They have everything you can think of and more. Think paint, canvases, fabric, and other basics, but add on materials like vintage books, stamps, and snake leaves.I like going there and making a project based on what I find. My last art piece was a vintage topography map that I painted on, all the materials used were from Clever Octopus!Thank you Clever Octopus!

La
Review №22

This is such an eclectic store! A little bit of everything and lots of things you didnt know that you needed! I have stopped here to add flare to a project or two! The staff was exceptional! And the shop, is bag full of fun and whimsy!

An
Review №23

Sadly because of the covid restrictions we werent able to explore as much of the store. Hopefully they lift the 3 person rule. We went with 4 people one of which was a 2 year old and we were not able to be in the store at the same time. Looks like a really cool place. I would have loved to explore more of the stuff.

je
Review №24

I’ve been hearing about this place for years - and now that they’ve moved closer to me, I finally had a chance to pop into the new store to check it out. It’s HUGE! The cashier was super helpful and showed me where to find art for my new house, and pointed out that the reclaimed canvases would be good for decorating my walls, too. I was in and out for under $10. Amazing.

So
Review №25

Clever Octopus is one of my favorite places to visit in Salt Lake City. I love how affordable everything is and the friendly and helpful staff. I have found so many great and useful items for less then $5 and I love having such a huge variety of items to choose from. If you’re an artist and love arts and crafts this place is definitely a must to get the most out of your money.

Ha
Review №26

I go here almost every week. Very interesting finds and a good place to get inspired, but I have noticed one full-time staff member is very very rude and short with volunteers. I have noticed this every time I have visited. I am disappointed in the way this employee treats unpaid staff - short, snippy, disrespectful tone, and speaking down to them. I feel bad for those who choose to volunteer their time here. :(

Ni
Review №27

This place is incredible! yesterday was my first time going in and I browsed for about two hours. i found so many unique treasures and great used art supplies at amazing prices. I can’t wait to go back!

La
Review №28

COVID safe, caring about the community, magical selection of reusable, recycled art and craft supplies. Crafting? GO HERE FIRST! Also, a great place to get inspiration for your next project.

As
Review №29

One of my absolute favorite places to visit in SLC! I can always find the crafting materials I need in their vast and ever-growing collection. Even more fun, every time I go I get inspiration for my next project. The staff is creative and friendly, making the visit not only productive but enjoyable. To any artistic soul or crafting fanatic, I highly recommend making Clever Octopus a frequent stop.

Au
Review №30

Love this place! All the odds and ends for all my crafting needs.

Gi
Review №31

Such a fabulous spot to purchase ANY type of crafting supplies! Try all the things at crazy prices! Great place to donate, too.

Je
Review №32

With my Girl Scout troop meeting remotely, I decided that we would all make collages over a virtual meeting. I knew Clever Octopus had my back and would have everything I could want within my budget and they did not disappoint. Fabric scraps, poster board, embellishments, feathers, lace, maps and the BIG FIND a fill the bag with collage elements for $1 allowed me to get small pieces of a variety of printed papers (things most people would have thrown in the landfill). I was able to get everything I needed for 12 girls for about $12. Throw in some magazines and glue and Im done! THANK YOU! We will be starting with post-COVID vision boards and I cant wait to see what the girls make.

Ka
Review №33

Best place to buy craft supplies in SLC! They have everything you could think of and it’s all a fraction of the cost of a chain craft store. The employees are all so friendly too! You’ll never need to go to another craft store again.

Mo
Review №34

This shop is so great - I tell people about it all the time. Good way to reuse/recycle craft & building supplies. Staff is super helpful too, ever visit!

Ja
Review №35

We were treated very poorly trying to sanitize our hands. The person at the front of the store was barking orders at me and my children as we were trying to properly put masked on and sanitize our hands. Mask mandates have made many establishment think its ok to treat their customers poorly.

Ch
Review №36

I love this place, and everyone that works there. Turns out I didnt need to be saving all the junk I have saved just in case.

Am
Review №37

Wow! This place is stocked full! Cheap and many treasures! Staff was helpful as well! This is a place that I should put on my social media because everyone should go here!

Ti
Review №38

LoVe the surprises I find. Got the most extraordinary lamp made from a welding helmet and crow feathers. Thanks Vincent. Its spectacular. Please let him know that 2 old hippies are craZy for his art work. Also an amazing creative shrine from Laurie Knowley. Love the artists room at the Octopus 🐙.

Ca
Review №39

Very nice staff. Unique inventory and decent prices.

Al
Review №40

Im looking forward to using the camera bag I got yesterday from Clever Octopus.

Ro
Review №41

An amazing place to spark your imagination or to gather what you need for a project. Staff is always super friendly and helpful. A great mission and a place you can feel good about spending your money.

Cr
Review №42

This place is amazing as a member the discount really adds up donate to get your membership.

NC
Review №43

Want a cool place to buy reasonably priced art supplies AND help our community recycle, at the same time?! The Clever Octopus ( @cleveroctopus ), in South Salt Lake City, UT is the place to do that! 🖍♻️🐙 They have yarn, sewing patterns, sketch pads, rubber stamps, stickers, paint supplies, shirts, cloth pieces (for quilts), lace, postcards, canvas, frames, mannequins, magazines, jewelry making items, charms and more! Its such a fun store, that your brain will explode with all of the creative possibilities, you can make! (At least thats what happened to me!🤩🌈🌟) Hope you get to make it out there and make something fun! Theyre going to start offering classes soon too! Dont forget to show off your talents! Cheers! xx

To
Review №44

I would only post 1 star because this is not my sorta place. However my wife loves it here and drives 3 hours to make it happen as often as she can.

se
Review №45

All aartists should come here

Je
Review №46

This is the best store ever! If youre looking for something to inspire your next craft project, dont go to Michaels or JoAnns, visit clever octopus! Its like the Barney bag opened up shop! You can find anything and everything here, and at really great prices!

Ta
Review №47

One of the best craft stores Ive ever been too, I wish there were more second hand art stores. Go here before you go to a bigger chain store. Its a win win! You get cheap art supplies while also supporting a wonderful local business.

Bo
Review №48

So much craft supplies for cheap!

Lo
Review №49

Dont go here. Please dont I need all the incredible arts and crafts supplies on the cheap and if you go here then I wont be able to get it all. Great selection of everything you need and dont need. Staff is very nice and helpful.

Re
Review №50

Super unique non profit second hand craft supply store with huge selection. Fantastic prices.

Al
Review №51

First craft store my teacher-husband liked being in! He found supplies for his classroom at a discount. The new location is huge and very well-organized! Way to go!

No
Review №52

Literally anything you can think of for crafts or projects, they have it. Friendly staff and great prices!

As
Review №53

I love it there. They have literally everything for crafting needs at really cheap prices.

Ps
Review №54

One of the Best places to shop for anything DIY, crafty, or quirky! Amazing staff, super clean and friendly atmosphere. You can get lost for hours !

Hu
Review №55

This ended up being a bigger place than Id imagined! The variety is immense! They have sections for jewelry making, storage, craft kits, books, hardware, local maker merch, paints, so on and so on. I went in looking specifically for storage boxes and came out with many other things to try.You might not go in finding an exact brand or color or size or type of thing. Its basically a thrift store for art supplies. But youll find something. I can promise you that! The staff is also very kind and helpful.If your interests are open, you love creating, you love repurposing/reusing/redirecting waste, this is a good spot for you. They do good here from what I can see. 💙

Li
Review №56

Ive purchased three embroidery kits and have loved them. The fabric scraps offered are a great quality and I love the variation of colora- nothing the fabric and floss. Its been fun to do with my kids.

Mi
Review №57

I love it artist helping artist such beautiful people 💟

El
Review №58

A friendly, esoteric, and addictive experience

Se
Review №59

Most the staff where extremely rude and made me and my gfs feel very unwelcomedI used to love this store, I been going for 3 years and always loved finding things and buying what we needed and what we didnt know we needed.But on are last trip there where two cashiers who not only made us feel unwelcomed I could hear them talking and makeing fun of us and it hurt.I will not be coming back

Ja
Review №60

Awesome store, great to find reclaimed/reused treasures! I honestly have no idea what half the stuff Ive bought there is actually intended for, but its great for art/sculpture projects!

Tr
Review №61

Best store ever.

Ja
Review №62

Incredibly friendly staff, open and organized floor, and VERY covid safe!

au
Review №63

Such a great place to find supplies and ideas for any craft, project, or repair. high quality but extremely affordable. staff was so welcoming, knowledgeable, and helpful. they really care about what they do. store is awesome—a sanctuary for everyone. i will definitely be coming back!

Mi
Review №64

Clever Octopus is awesome for Cub Scouts! They came to our Wolf Den Meeting and helped us pass off three requirements for the Council Fire belt loop. The boys LOVED IT! We made the coolest little robots using scraps of metal, wire, wood and random objects brought from home. Each robot was different and unique. The boys wore safety goggles and were allowed to use hammers and power drills. When our time was up, the boys were still fully engaged and were wishing they could stay a little longer. Sheri Gibb is a gifted teacher and works great with children. She taught the boys to think beyond Reduce, Reuse, Recycle to also include Repair, Reinvent and Refuse. It was a highlight of our year. Thanks Clever Octopus!Wolf Adventure: Council Fire. Requirements6A - Learn about the 3 Rs of recycling.6B - Contribute to an existing recycling center.6C - Create your own project from recyclables.

Ba
Review №65

Awesome store full from floor to ceiling with random stuff donated and displayed in fun, artistic ways. Staff loves their work you can tell and will share ideas and tips and inspiration! You name it, and you just may find it. Donate your miscellaneous treasures and extras and this non profit will put it to use. Check out their classes! Kids come discover treasures and get creative! Moms and teachers this is a place to go to.

Br
Review №66

Clever Octopus is an amazing company that does so much for the community. The take items that may otherwise be destined for the landfill, and they use them in beautiful art creations. You can also visit their shop in Murray to buy craft supplies at insanely low prices. I was amazed at the selection! I will never go to a traditional craft store again. Not as long as Clever Octopus is in the neighborhood. They also teach art classes to children, all over the valley, for FREE. I make sure to tell all of my friends to visit the folks at Clever Octopus. The owners are incredible.

Ch
Review №67

Clever Octopus is the first place you should visit for supplies for your next DIY project!We went this week and filled a bag with crafty goodness! At Craft & STEM we are always doing something crafty. This week we picked up from Clever Octopus a roll of teal adhesive backed vinyl, lots of material for making capes, some hard to find electronics parts, fabric for tutus, glitter cardboard, & a scrapbook paper pack - for less than $15!Clever Octopus is our first stop for crafting and DIY project supplies!

ju
Review №68

This place is a gem. I recommend going there to first donate (wed-sat only for donations) and then browse. Bring in bored kids this summer and get exploring !

An
Review №69

Best store ever for childrens projects and crafts. I end up here at least once a month and leave with exactly what I need at very low cost and the added bonus of feeling good about the environmental impact of reuse.

Ga
Review №70

Interesting selection of crafty supplies.

El
Review №71

My kids have done several of the Clever Octopus art camps and they loved its unique and creative style. Their projects are always fun and original. My kids learned to find things around the house and to use them to create their own art projects. I can thank Clever Octopus for teaching them how to reuse and repurpose.

Gr
Review №72

Loved the store. I found so many wonderful supplies. ❤

Ko
Review №73

Basically heaven!

Au
Review №74

Really cool and creative space!! Could spend hours here just browsing around.

Mi
Review №75

Absolutely wonderful little store. I was able to get incredible deals on fabric, crochet hooks, glass jars, and a ton more. They even let me dig through a box of crayons since I needed certain colors for a DIY project. The people working there are very helpful and creative. They connected me with a wonderful resource in the community and gave me ideas on how to make my project easier. Great for diy projects, advice, wedding needs, scrap booking, sewing, crochet and knitting- really anything!

Wi
Review №76

One of my kids favorite camps! I have four kids and each one of them could not wait until the next camp started. they loved the interactive parts of the camp as well as the creative.

Ja
Review №77

My kids have done so many beautiful projects from Clever 🐙! Things I still have and will keep for years to come. Sheri is an incredible, patient teacher as well as anyone whos been there to help with the kids!!!

Ri
Review №78

Cool little store with unique finds. Variety of items to use for making crafty projects

Ia
Review №79

Eclectic variety of supplies for artists and anyone who enjoys browsing a large inventory of assorted goods.

Gu
Review №80

Entire place smelled like cat pee. I couldn’t stay for even 5 minutes.

Er
Review №81

They did not have anything I needed. I drove 30 minutes for nothing.

Ya
Review №82

This place is amazing

Ka
Review №83

😎😎

Information
100 Photos
83 Comments
4.8 Rating
  • Address:2250 S W Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84115, United States
  • Site:http://cleveroctopus.org/
  • Phone:+1 801-441-0866
Categories
  • Art supply store
  • Art school
  • Arts organization
  • Craft store
  • Fabric store
  • Non-profit organization
  • School supply store
  • Thrift store
  • Yarn store
Working hours
  • Monday:10AM–6:30PM
  • Tuesday:10AM–6:30PM
  • Wednesday:10AM–6PM
  • Thursday:Closed
  • Friday:10AM–6:30PM
  • Saturday:10AM–6:30PM
  • Sunday:10AM–6:30PM
Service options
  • Curbside pickup:Yes
  • In-store pickup:Yes
  • In-store shopping:Yes
Highlights
  • Women-Led:Yes
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible entrance:Yes
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot:Yes
Planning
  • Quick visit:Yes
  • LGBTQ friendly:Yes
Payments
  • Debit cards:Yes
  • Credit cards:Yes
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