## Unlocking Creativity and Sustainability: Spare Transforms Crafts in Marin County
San Anselmo‘s got a new gem. Spare, a nonprofit fabric and creative reuse store, is breathing new life into discarded materials while building a lively community of creators.
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Corte Madera resident Mena Lazar brought this place to life. Her vision makes art and crafting supplies affordable and accessible for everyone—teachers in Mill Valley, budding artists in Novato, and seasoned makers all over Marin.
### From Tech Mogul to Textile Treasures: A Marin Story of Passion and Purpose
You might know Mena Lazar from the tech world. She co-founded Six Apart and once owned LiveJournal, but now she’s poured her entrepreneurial energy into something more tactile.
After her daughter was born, she stepped away from tech and found herself drawn to hands-on creativity. Volunteering at Legacy in Sebastopol, a well-loved arts thrift store, sparked her inspiration.
Legacy’s staff shared not just advice, but racks and tubs too. Their support helped her get Spare off the ground, giving the shop a solid start.
Lazar’s love for sewing and historical costuming runs deep. She’s collected antique fabric for period gowns, and that passion shapes Spare’s entire vibe. The store feels personal—there’s a sense of story in every shelf and bin.
It’s not just about supplies here. You’ll stumble upon shimmering glitter, intricate rubber stamps, and all sorts of items that seem to carry whispers of past projects and dreams.
### An Elevated Thrifting Experience for Marin’s Makers
Lazar wants Spare to offer more than the usual thrifting experience. She knows busy parents in Sausalito and weekend crafters in Tiburon don’t have time to dig endlessly.
She curates the merchandise herself, so people can actually find what they want without a hassle. That means less rummaging, more creating, and honestly, it just makes the whole process more fun.
You’ll often spot Lazar at a table near the register, lost in her own craft projects. She lights up when customers come back, excited to show what they’ve made from Spare’s treasures.
### Beyond the Stash: Community, Education, and a Breath of Fresh Air
Spare isn’t just about selling discounted supplies. It’s about building a stronger, more connected Marin.
Lazar wants to create a space that feels like a personal break from the relentless news cycle. She hopes it offers a real, community-focused alternative to the digital world.
It’s a spot for hands-on engagement. People can collaborate and find the simple, genuine satisfaction that comes from making something beautiful.
Lazar stays busy expanding community engagement. Here’s what’s happening:
- Preparing for the New School Year: Right now, she’s gathering a big collection of art and craft supplies to hand out to teachers all over Marin County. The goal? Make sure educators in places like Larkspur and Fairfax have what they need to inspire their students.
- Exploring Workshop Opportunities: Hosting workshops could be next. These would give folks from every corner of Marin a chance to learn new skills and connect creatively.
Spare is located at 324 Sir Francis Drake Blvd. in San Anselmo. They’re open Tuesday–Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more info, call 415-295-7026 or check out sparecrafts.org.
Here is the source article for this story: Marin resident on a mission to get people crafting
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