Learning from Scratch (LFS)

Inexpensive, Unique Art and Educational Supplies

What we do We re-direct safe, clean manufacturers’ by-products and other resources once destined for the landfill (‘found materials’) toward the arts and education. Examples include: paint, fabric, papers, wood, yarn, containers, etc.

Mission We are the community conduit to recover and redistribute reusable resources, left over from manufacturing, for the greater Grand Rapids arts and education community. Access to materials is through teacher and family learning workshops, teacher in-services, the LFS retail space(s) and a community outreach program. Through our program, we teach and demonstrate- through the use of ‘found materials’ -the principles of creativity, critical-thinking and problem-solving and responsible environmental stewardship.

To volunteer: LFS is in frequent need of volunteers, both for on-going tasks and one-time only events. Duties may include pick-ups, deliveries, helping with workshops and exhibits, making sample classroom materials, updating the web site, work bees on special projects, sorting and stocking shelves, helping other teachers and customers with ideas on how to use products in classrooms, etc.

To learn more: If you need more information, wish to schedule a teacher workshop or in-service, or are interested in volunteering, please e-mail diane@the-wordsmiths.com.