The Idea Store

The Idea Store is one of the most unique -- and environmentally responsible -- stores in east Central Illinois. Located in Lincoln Square Mall, Urbana, the store is a colorful, messy mecca for creative reuse (also known as upcycling). Shelves brim with coffee tins, pins, puzzle pieces, plastic eggs, ribbons, bins of corks, paint swatches, slides, old jewelry...nearly anything goes.

Co-founded by Carol Jo Morgan and Gail Rost in 2010, the Idea Store mission is to give discarded items a second life and provide them to the community. Inventory only consists of donated items. Profits support their mission of fostering creativity, education, environmental stewardship and community. The Idea Store is can be a boon for public school art teachers, clubs and art enthusiasts short on budget but long on creative ideas.

Emily Stutzman, Mazie Gierat and Nazala Salauddin produced, directed and edited this overview of the store and its treasured place in Urbana-Champaign's creative community.