Making magic from Remainders in JT

Few places are as magical to a creative as an arts and crafts store. The endless rows of pristine canvases, the smart stacks of ribbons and notions, the kaleidoscope of oil and acrylic paint tubes, all make you feel like Veruca Salt in Wonka’s factory – bratty like her too when you realize the expense of it all – and on an artist’s income! It can make one of the most vibrant artistic communities on Earth, the arts and crafts store, feel so… far… away.

I was recently thrilled to discover there’s a new nonprofit arts and crafts thrift store right here off of Highway 62 in Yucca Valley. Home to art supplies and materials for most mediums, Remainders JT is an affordable and sustainable alternative to big box and traditional arts and crafts stores.

Started by two creative couples, Joe Alvarez and Erin Campbell-Alvarez, Jim Brown and Shannon Bryan-Brown, Remainders JT is a non-profit created by artists for artists. Joe is an accomplished mixed media artist. Jim is a talented airbrush painter. Erin is a fashion designer and creator of the popular brand, Lover Dovers.

In speaking with Shannon, I was touched by how much her love of arts and crafts has been central to her life. Her grandmother first taught her to sew when she was a young girl. “I love to sew but mostly I love to meet new people and talk about their hobbies. I also love learning new ways to create,” says Shannon.

Remainders JT’s new and pre-loved goods are all offered at a great discount as about 80% of their inventory is donated from local companies and residents. “We’re looking to serve our local community by offering affordable art supplies. The area is full of artists, but supplies are limited in the area.” says Erin.

Remainders JT is inspired by the beloved Remainders Pasadena store first started by artist Robin Cox. Erin explains, “My husband Joe would chat with Robin when visiting Remainders Pasadena. During a conversation there, Robin asked Joe if he would be willing to open a Remainders store in the high desert. As an artist himself, Joe was really the person pushing for us to get involved and start the new location.”

Often called a “Goodwill for crafters,” Cox started Remainders Pasadena while she was teaching art and found she couldn’t bear to just toss her surplus arts and crafts materials. Not only were they often purchased at a premium, but she knew lots of teachers who would appreciate access to low- to no-cost art supplies. In visiting an art materials thrift shop called Scrap in San Francisco, Robin was inspired to create a similar place in Southern California but with an eye toward altruism. In 2014, she started something of a craigslist arts and crafts co-op, raised enough money to secure nonprofit status in 2016, and moved into her first storefront in 2018. To date, Remainders Pasadena has up-sized locations three times and is still growing.

Joe, Erin, Jim, and Shannon are looking to honor the Remainders Pasadena vibe and ethos and have already hosted their first workshop with plans to hold more classes in the future. Remainders JT also participates in the popular Yucca Valley 3rd Saturday Art Walk.

Photo by Erin Alvarez.

Shannon expands, “We love that we’re also a place you can come and try a hobby without a big investment. You can shop here and start crocheting for pennies.” And for those of us who often invest in hobbies we do not stick with, it’s nice to know there’s now a place to donate our supplies and they’ll go to a good home. And truly, the Remainders JT space itself is magical. Nested behind beautiful Poppy Fabrics (another Alvarez-Brown gem of a shop) it’s got bookcases and shelves, neat bins and boxes all filled with arts and craft confections that you could happily get lost in for hours.

You never know what treasures you’ll find at Remainders JT. Supplies for painting, ceramics, fiber arts, and much more. “There’s always new stuff coming in. It’s almost like a new store every time because people are donating all the time.” admits Shannon.

Help support Joshua Tree artists! Bring any creative Making magic from Remainders in JT By Rebecca French materials, supplies, and tools that are in good, usable condition to Remainders JT. All donations are tax deductible and they’re happy to provide donation receipts upon request.

Remainders JT is located at 55940 Twenty-Nine Palms Hwy, Suite #2 in Yucca Valley (Behind Poppy Fabrics). They are open Wednesday – Saturday, from 12 to 5 pm.

Among other things, Rebecca French makes bespoke disco mobiles for adults, almost like air aquariums.

www.rebeccafrench.biz, IG: @_retro_specs_

Photo by Andrew Barber.