Trash to Treasures at Scrap4Art

Cathy, and even other non-profit members, are allowed to take whatever they can cram into one regular store bag, plus two bags of fabric and an unlimited number of items from the blue 55-gallon barrels scattered throughout the store. These behemoths hold things like puzzle pieces, toilet paper tubes and more empty Pringles cans than a fraternity churns out in a lifetime.

Scrap4Art is also open to whoever else might find use for dress patterns circa ‘Dynasty' or those plastic milk jug rings cats love so. The cost is $3 for a medium-sized bag and $5 for a larger bag, and both are all-you-can-stuff at this bauble buffet.

For those overwhelmed by the possibilities (or just needing a creative kick in the pants) the store holds workshops for adults and kids, and works with Girl Scout troops to help the girls earn various badges. Scrap4Art holds two to three workshops a month, and a schedule can be found on the store's web site. Those who don't consider themselves crafty enough need not worry.

"You don't have to be creative to be an artist," said Jessica, digging through a freshly donated box largely comprised of plastic potato sacks. None of the store's daily activities like this could not be complete without volunteers. Scrap4Art is always accepting people willing to lend a hand, whether it's at a speaking engagement or sorting donations into bins. All of this former trash is waiting for human hands again. To be counted and stacked, handled and fiddled with, ready to become someone's latest muse.

"With the art community we have here, it's a great thing for Toledo," said Jessica.

Scrap4Art is located at 1501 Adams St. in downtown Toledo. Their hours of operation, upcoming workshops, and a list of acceptable donations can be found on their web site at www.scrap4arttoledo.org.