Baltimore resident Nancy Hotchkiss is bringing Portland’s popular non-profit SCRAP PDX to Federal Hill. SCRAP B-More will open at 925 S. Charles St. at the former 1,200 sq. ft. home of Protean Books & Records, which recently relocated and expanded to 836 Leadenhall St. SCRAP collects donations of reused materials for arts and crafts, in addition to school, office, and party supplies, and sells them at a discounted price.

Hotchkiss is hoping her new store will be popular with local teachers, crafters, and eco-moms, who she described as moms looking to create things with their children from reused materials. Hotchkiss has a master’s degree in museum education and has worked with many zoos and aquariums throughout her career, including most recently at the National Aquarium in Baltimore. Hotchkiss is a fan of the “reuse movement” and thought bringing a location of SCRAP to Baltimore would allow her to do more of her two favorite things: working with her glue gun and hanging out with her dog Kima, who will be a regular at the store.

Hotchkiss was looking all over the city for a location for SCRAP. She wanted to find a location in a walkable neighborhood near public transportation and a space with an open layout and the right vibe. She was focusing on areas like Hamilton and Hampden, but checked out the Federal Hill location while visiting a different property in the area and immediately fell in love with the space and the black and white checkered floors. She said she’s already had so many people in the neighborhood stop by to say hello and has received great support and resources from Federal Hill Main Street and director Hillary Chester.

The layout at SCRAP will have different sections such as arts and crafts, scrapbooking, collaging, jewelry, and costume and party items. Hotchkiss is also excited to bring eco-mochilas to Baltimore, which are hand bags made in the rain forest of Colombia from reused plastic bags. SCRAP has received donations from MICA, Loyola University Maryland, local architects, and Federal Hill’s DUO Signage + Graphics, which will be making SCRAP’s new storefront signs. Hotchkiss has also picked up many free items from Craigslist. She joked that her house looked like Sanford and Son before getting her own space to put the items in.

SCRAP is always looking for donations. Customers, businesses, and institutions can see a list of items they take on SCRAP’s website.

SCRAP will also host open studio classes, workshops, and educational events. Hotchkiss is looking to partner with local restaurants to provide food, wine, and desserts.

SCRAP will be open Thursday through Sunday from either 11am to 6pm or 12pm to 7pm, and Hotchkiss is hoping host the soft opening on June 30th. Hotchkiss is also looking for volunteers to help at the store.

About the Author: Kevin Lynch Founder and Publisher of SouthBmore.com, longtime resident of South Baltimore, and a graduate of Towson University. Diehard Ravens and O's fan, beach volleyball enthusiast, dog lover, and "bar food" foodie. Email me at Founder and Publisher of SouthBmore.com, longtime resident of South Baltimore, and a graduate of Towson University. Diehard Ravens and O's fan, beach volleyball enthusiast, dog lover, and "bar food" foodie. Email me at [email protected] and follow me on Twitter at @SoBoKevin