Who we are
REcreate designs is an adult & children’s clothing line, accessories, and home goods made from upcycled materials since 2005. After years of making unique, handmade holiday gifts for friends and family, founder Carol Lynn Lapotka began producing one-of-a-kind creations for local craft and street fairs in Madison, WI. Lapotka studied art, design, and environmental studies at Edgewood College, and transformed these interests into a business. REcreate Designs thrived and became a full-time venture after moving to Missoula, MT in 2007. We were the first to bring the comfy and ever popular “tee skirts,” made from upcycled t-shirts to Montana local markets and area retailers. REcreate Designs now operates just north of Missoula at the foot of the Mission Mountains, and is constantly expanding its selection of trash-to-treasure products.
HOW WE UPCYCLE Raw materials are sourced from thrift and second-hand outlets, reclaimed, and repurposed into the products—keeping an estimated 3000 lbs of waste out of the landfills every year.
HOW WE UPCYCLE Raw materials are sourced from thrift and second-hand outlets, reclaimed, and repurposed into the products—keeping an estimated 3000 lbs of waste out of the landfills every year.
We have expanded our selection of adult clothing from the basic tee-skirt that we started 11 years ago to a full line of clothing including tops, tanks, hoodies, dresses, and accessories. In 2009 we added our Wee Cycle line that offers a chance for kiddos to be dressed in durable clothing with a longer closet life because of specific conscious design decisions. Our selection of styles for kiddos includes baby rompers & shirts, fancy pants, skirts, jumpers, dresses, hoodies, jackets, legwarmers, and hats ranging in size from baby to tweens. We encourage Montana pride and share this love with our MT shaped ornaments and magnets made from old book covers that are available in a variety of colors and patterns. We welcome custom work for a majority of our designs, including the Eddie bags.
We are proud to be 100% made in Montana by people who care. We employ local folks and purchase a majority of our raw materials from area thrift and second-hand stores. We give back to the community whenever possible. REcreate is a member of 1% for the Planet, Sustainable Business Council, Made in Montana, Missoula Downtown Association, and a presenter of the MADE fairs—an alternative arts & craft market. REclaim, REpurpose, REcreate designs—seeing things not as they are, but for what they can become.