Artist Spotlight: Hannah Nussbaum
Every quarter, we highlight one of the amazing artists in our reuse community. This quarter, ACR has the privilege of spotlighting Hannah Nussbaum from BeKindRewind who upcycles old VHS tape covers into notebooks! Learn more about Hannah and why she loves being able to “transform ideas into tangible items” in this interview!
When did you start creating notebooks out of VHS covers, and what initially inspired you?
I started making VHS notebooks almost four years ago in 2021. Earlier that year, my family relocated my grandmother to an independent living community and downsized her apartment. While I was helping her go through her belongings, we decided it was time to part with the VHS tapes but Grandma made me promise to take them and not get rid of them. So, stacks of VHS tapes sat in my apartment for months! Because I didn't have a VCR or know anyone with one, the tapes essentially became art. The covers brought memories of movies we watched together and I wanted to find a way to preserve them. Couple that with my love of notebooks and making lists - BeKindRewind was born! Film is so ingrained in our culture and can truly unite people. I love the idea of being able to upcycle something to preserve those memories.
What happens to the actual VHS tapes, once they become naked?
I do a few different things with the actual VHS tapes once they are naked. The majority of them are donated to a couple places in Austin, including Out of the Closet, for them to be loved by people who have VCRs. Some broken tapes I use to build things like display shelves for markets, flower pots, and filing cubes. They are very fun to spray paint! I have also started playing with weaving actual tape from the inside of the VHS on canvas to make art to hang.
Do you have other creative hobbies?
I have SO many creative hobbies. My mom owned a craft studio while I was growing up and she definitely passed along the crafting gene. I like to crochet, knit and cross stitch. I also teach art classes with my non-profit Youth2Seniors. I visit assisted living facilities and do all kinds of art projects including painting and decopauge. It is so fun to see how making something creative can brighten someone's day and connect different generations!
What's your favorite aspect of creating?
My favorite part of creating is transforming ideas into tangible items. It’s so rewarding to watch materials evolve into unique pieces that spark joy and start conversations. The process keeps me grounded and present, and I love connecting with people who share a passion for all things creative. Being surrounded by other creators and their amazing work is so inspiring. In a crazy world, it’s comforting to know we can use our hands and minds to create beautiful things that bring joy to others!
Do you ever donate materials to ACR? If so, what compels you to donate?
I donate to ACR all the time! The tricky part for me is to drop off more than I buy! I love makers coming together and sharing materials and ideas. I donate to ACR because I don't like wasting things or throwing things away and I often end up with different kinds of things that still have love to give. I know that ACR can find new homes for materials and keep them out of the landfill. As my mom always says, "One person's trash is someone else's treasure!".
Do you have a particular ACR find that you absolutely love? How did you use it?
I really enjoy walking through the store and seeing what speaks to me. Whether I am shopping for my own crafting needs or for my art classes simply walking through ACR always strikes inspiration. I don't think I have a consistent go-to find but I always find something wonderful to come home with!
How do you prefer to engage with your audience?
Markets are my favorite way to engage with my audience. I love hearing the stories about the movie covers people pick. Whether it is the first movie someone saw in the theater, a movie they watch with their mom every year during the holidays or one that's become an inside joke with friends, it makes my heart happy to see the notebooks bring so many smiles and joy. I absolutely love it!
Where can we learn more about your work?
If people want to learn more about what I do, I have an Etsy store with most of my titles posted and an Instagram account (@Bekindrewindatx). I love when people reach out to me directly with custom requests! Let's talk about movies!
