CReATE Studio Makes Reusing Fun

Mom Jemma Wilbermuth is a natural artist and a natural “saver” of things, so when she sought to re-enter the workforce, she combined her inclination for both to establish CReATE Studio, an art space dedicated to reusing materials that would otherwise be cast away. CReATE Studio recently celebrated its first birthday, and has already developed a steady following from people who want to combine arts and crafts with recycling. “The thing I love to see in kids is that they are really developing their problem solving skills,” comments Jemma on the impact CReATE Studio has on its young artists. “Kids will have this vision, and to create it they’ll have to see new things and new possibilities.”

While larger reuse studios utilize items from businesses or manufacturers, CReATE Studio is more community-based, accepting donations from residents and their homes. A handy “starter list” of recycled materials on the website will help you begin amassing your own unique supplies for an arts and crafts corner at home, or give you a good idea of what to save and donate for use at CReATE Studio. How many times have you thrown away precious bottle caps, broken or chipped dishes, egg cartons, Kleenex boxes, mismatched socks or old cds? It’s a natural to try to reuse items from manufacturers, but says Jemma, “Sometimes people forget that there’s also so much at home that can be reused.”

Check out CReATE Studio online then take your kids and head to the Westlake Village location for two hours of walk-in studio time that’s offered three times a week.

There’s even an occasional Ladies’ Nights workshop – specifically for grown ups – where specific projects are completed, because, Jemma says, “Everybody needs a place to express themselves without boundaries.”

CReATE Studio

Westlake Village, 91361 (818) 522-5213
(call or email for exact address)
Drop-In Studio Days: Tuesdays,Wednesdays & Fridays
11a.m.-6 p.m.
Ages: All
Cost: 5 and under $6; 6-12 $8; 13 and up $12 (Studio fee includes up to 2 hours of studio time and all materials made)
Website