Our Misssion:
Sustainable Art Supplies for Every Creator
SPARE (Sustainable Provisions for Arts, Reuse & Education) is a nonprofit resell shop for donated art, sewing, and craft materials. based in Marin County, California. Its mission is to keep art, craft, and sewing supplies in circulation, out of the landfill, and in the hands of teachers, students, artists, and makers.
SPARE collects donated materials from individuals, estates, artists, and businesses. These supplies are currently being sorted and stored, with plans to offer them at affordable prices through a dedicated storefront in the near future.
As creative expression shifts further into digital spaces, SPARE helps people stay grounded in the act of making. There’s something irreplaceable about using your hands—about real tools, real materials, and the satisfaction of creating something tangible. SPARE exists to support that kind of creativity by making sure cost and access aren’t barriers.
The Inspiration Behind SPARE
SPARE is inspired by existing arts & crafts resell shops and creative reuse centers—particularly The Legacy in Sebastopol, where SPARE’s founder has spent years volunteering. There, she saw firsthand the joy that affordable, well-organized creative materials can bring: the thrill of discovery, the spark of inspiration, and the sense of possibility when access isn’t a barrier.
Read The Sebastopol Times’ write-up about The Legacy and her creative involvement with the shop.
That experience helped shape SPARE’s vision to create a welcoming space where good supplies can be rediscovered, reused, and appreciated all over again.
About the Founder
SPARE was founded by Mena Lazar, a longtime sewing enthusiast, former tech entrepreneur, and community volunteer. Mena co-founded Six Apart, one of the early companies behind blogging tools, and has spent the past three decades immersed in the world of sewing and textiles. She brings experience in digital community-building, nonprofit service, and creative reuse together in launching SPARE.
As a mother of three school-age (2nd, 4th and 11th grades) children, Mena is especially focused on making creative tools more accessible to the next generation. Mena’s creative work can be found on Instagram at makethislook makethishistoricallook.
Our Status
SPARE is currently in its early stages. Donations are being accepted and organized in preparation for the launch of a permanent storefront later this year. In the meantime, the organization is connecting with local schools, artists, and community supporters to build a welcoming, affordable, and sustainable resource for the region.
We are a registered, board-govered California non-profit corporation in California. Currently, our 501(c)(3) is pending approval by the IRS.
Interested in donating?