“One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.”
I’m sure you’ve all heard that expression. And if you’re honest, you know what it’s like to be on the treasure side of that statement! In fact, some of us would be out some pretty cool pieces of art, furniture, and clothing if it weren’t for those who took the time to give their ‘trash’ to organizations with individuals who have the magic touch of transformation hidden in their fingertips. My last visit to It’s All Fine in Ravenna was confirmation that trash is more like beauty; it’s all in the eye of the beholder.
When I first arrived, I went straight for the clothing rack. I had purchased a tank top last time I was there and was hoping for something that would be appropriate as we transition from winter to spring. I was thrilled to find a couple of cotton sweaters. Not too bulky or too lightweight…just perfect. And I love the colors!
Both Brittany and Emily were there who manage the store. They have the unending job of sorting, organizing, pricing, and changing things up. Items that cannot be used at It’s All Fine in Ravenna may go to their Warren location. And if not there, they have other options. Very little is unusable.
I had the opportunity once again to speak with Tiffany, the Day Habilitation Supervisor, who works with developmentally disabled individuals who are part of Leeda Northeast, an organization that provides supports and services to these individuals, many of whom are employed at It’s All Fine. Several of these folks have taken an interest in crafting and work with various materials (your ‘trash’), transforming it into useful works of art. It’s always amazing to see the end product of what was once just an image inside one’s mind! “The individuals share with me their ideas.” says Tiffany, “and I may do the cutting, but they do the rest. The sanding, staining, and with the many crafting supplies we receive, ribbon, glitter, buttons…they create their crafts. These are then placed in the store and when they sell, if anything had to be purchased, it’s subtracted before they receive the proceeds.” Hence, the need for plenty of embellishments and materials to be on hand!
Take, for instance, an old stairway spindle:
One of the crafters had the brilliant idea of turning it into a carrot! “These have been big sellers,” says Tiffany.
And what do YOU see when you look at this pile?
Was it anything close to these?
These would all make great spring decorations for home or gardens.
For the crafty developmentally disabled folks who work in the shop located in the back portion of It’s All Fine, their ideas are only limited by the resources at hand. Why not gather your ‘trash’ and see what they can make of it! Unused craft supplies,more SPINDLES please! Oh the ‘stuff’ that you could collect! It’s All Fine welcomes your donations and the opportunity it brings to recycle, refurbish, and re-create something wonderful. So get started with that cleaning so they can get started with the gleaning!
When you bring in your donations, you’ll want to take a look at the fine collection of furniture and household goods on display. I don’t know if these items are all still available, but this slide show will give you an idea of what you’ll find.
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Stop by for a visit. Stop by with donations. Stop by for both!
You’re sure to see something out of the ordinary!
It’s All Fine
Secondhand and Vintage Store
250 West Main Street
Suite 201
Ravenna, Ohio 44266
(330)552-2180
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Mon-Thurs – 9:00 am- 5:00 pm
Friday – 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday – 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
*If you have very large items to donate, please call before.