It was the last day of 2011 and kids at the Marin Country Mart Farmers Market were having so much fun creating sparkly New Year’s Eve decorations. They were using recycled materials provided by SCRAP, a non-profit creative reuse center, materials depot and workshop space based in San Francisco. 

The child-sized tables were filled with boxes of used CDs, beads, old magnets, little gold plastic champagne glasses, gold stars, tiny colorfully wrapped packages, silver wired mesh ribbon, holographic swirls, big shiny pearls, silver bells and so much more. 

The base of all the kids creations were donated wire French fry holders. The kids loved gluing the colorful and sparkly reuse items to the holders, creating one-of-a-kind projects that sparkled and twinkled in the sunlight. 

Sisters Cadence, 6 ½, and Kendra, 4 ½, were enjoying their art projects. Cadence told me, “We are all making crafts and art… I like using my imagination and making stuff!” As Kendra showed me her sparkly creation she said with pride, “My mom and me and my sister made this!” With a big smile on her face and a sense of accomplishment, Kendra went over to her mom, and was heard saying, “Do you like the snowflake that’s on here? … I did it all by myself. … Do you like how I did that? … I glued it all together mama…”

Ellen Burns, an art educator with SCRAP, runs this art activity for kids at the Farmers Market. She told me, “…I love that we can do open ended projects where the kids get to be the creative designers of their project…and every project is different…We will be here the 2^nd Saturday of each month from 9-2 p.m. … and it’s totally free.”

Kira, 6, told me, “I had fun making a project out of recycled stuff!” and with a big smile was very happy to pose for a picture with her New Year’s Eve centerpiece.

The tables were continually filled with kids wanting to create, and there was a palpable sense of excitement as children chose from the boxes of sparkly offerings. All the children were creatively focused and having fun at the last Marin Country Mart Farmers Market of the year. And, I am sure they will enjoy their creations well into the new year – all made from donated recycled items!

Until, next Wednesday, remember, it’s all “for the love of kids…” 

And, to all my readers, I wish you lots of fun and joy in this new year!

In joy, Marilyn

Remember, every 2^nd Saturday from 9 - 2 pm, SCRAP will be at the Marin Country Mart Farmers Market with free reuse projects for kids. To learn more about SCRAP you are welcome to visit their website: SCRAP