Entry No. 38 — the Anchorage file — filed under: hands-on
Anchorage re:MADE
A reuse nonprofit and thrift-style shop on Old Seward that turns donated castoffs into something new, and runs hands-on classes built around that ethic of upcycling, furniture refinishing, and reclaimed materials. Past sessions have had students turning scrap wood into bangle bracelets with simple tools and all materials supplied, no experience needed. It's a quirky, mission-driven alternative to a polished craft chain, and proceeds back the organization's reuse work.
The story
Started in 2015 by Jenny Forner and Patti Buist as a pilot project under a national creative-reuse framework, Anchorage re:MADE set up shop in a massive 17,000-square-foot facility on Old Seward Highway, just past Huffman Road. It isn't a standard thrift shop trying to offload dusty clothing. The entire setup functions as a volunteer-driven small-business incubator and landfill-diversion station that transforms donated Alaskans' castoffs into usable goods.
The real work happens behind the retail floor, where volunteers and job-trainees process salvaged materials that would otherwise end up in the municipal dump. Misprinted hoodies get shredded for upholstery, outdated garments become footstool filling, and surgical blue wrap collected from local medical facilities gets remanufactured into heavy-duty paint drop cloths. Every dollar made from shop inventory cycles directly back into funding the organization's community programs.
Instead of buying mass-produced craft supplies, you can step into their back workshop to learn how to work with reclaimed lumber and salvage. Rotating hands-on sessions take people with zero tool experience and walk them through turning scrap wood into carved bangle bracelets or refinishing salvaged furniture. You walk out with something functional, made out of raw materials that were head-first for a landfilled grave.
What it's like
Pulling into the lot off Old Seward Highway, you step into what feels equal parts timber warehouse, maker workshop, and secondhand garage. Paint-dusted work tables sit near rows of salvaged furniture, bolts of donated fabric, and jars of refinishing chalk paint. The vibe is quiet and practical—volunteers are on hand to point out raw materials or show you to the workshop area. The catch: store hours are tight and class spots are limited, so you'll want to check their Square scheduling link and confirm current open days before making the drive down South Anchorage.
The move: Pick an upcycling or refinishing workshop and rebuild something usable out of salvaged material together.
📍 Before you go Specific class offerings rotate and are listed on their separate Square scheduling site; store hours are limited, so check the current calendar before going.
- 📍 South Anchorage
- 💸 $$
- ⚡ Up for anything
- 🌗 Indoors
Where: 13500 Old Seward Hwy, Anchorage, AK 99515
Hours: Added 2026-06-23 — confirm current hours before you go.
⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.
Pair it with
- Flying Crown Airpark — Located less than a mile west, this South Anchorage neighborhood trades standard streets for a paved runway, making it a quick detour to see homes built with airplane hangars instead of garages.
- The Stranded Starfish — Double down on South Anchorage handcrafting by pairing re:MADE's wood salvage sessions with a teaching studio four miles away where you cut, grind, and copper-foil your own stained glass.
- Alaska Wholesale Flower Market — If you want to shift from reclaimed timber to raw flora, head four miles north to step inside a commercial flower cooler and learn hands-on floral design.
- Snow Blossom Acupuncture — Float Tank — Rinse off the shop dust three miles away by floating in 1,200 pounds of Epsom salt inside Alaska's first permitted float tank.
Good to know
Where is Anchorage re:MADE located and what are its regular store hours?
It is located at 13500 Old Seward Highway in South Anchorage, between Huffman and DeArmoun roads. Standard store hours are Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours until 8 p.m. on Thursdays, and closed Sundays—though you should confirm their calendar before visiting.
What kind of hands-on workshops do they offer?
Workshops revolve around upcycling, woodworking, and furniture refinishing. Past sessions have taught participants how to turn scrap wood into bangle bracelets using basic hand tools or refinish worn timber pieces. All tools and materials are provided, and no prior skill is required.
How do I sign up for a class or check availability?
Class schedules are listed on a separate Square booking page linked from their main website. Keep in mind that classes require a minimum of three registered students; if a class is cancelled, participants are given class or store credit to reschedule.
Is Anchorage re:MADE a nonprofit?
Yes, it operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All proceeds from shop sales and workshop registrations go toward supporting their reuse initiatives, landfill diversion efforts, and job-skill programs.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: Official site · Yelp · guidestar.org · Reddit
last checked: 2026-06-23