MARY BALDASANO / Special to the PVT Bees, bunnies, pen holders and more are made from empty cans, bread ties, cereal boxes and more. Advertisement

Jacquelyn Chapman has made things from trash since she was a little girl.

The hobby is an effort to help save the environment by reducing the amount of useful trash in landfills.

She has been teaching her daughter, Alicia, to do the same, which gives them quality time together.

She also teaches other children to do the crafts on KPVM, Channel 41, at 10:30 a.m. Saturdays with a rebroadcast on Fridays at 4:30 p.m.

The show teaches children how to do one or two things at a time, depending on the complexity involved in making the item.

The show is for ages 6-12, with easier items possible for younger children.

"I'm receiving great feedback about the show from viewers," said Chapman, "and we will continue as long as possible."

Alicia Chapman said, "Crafting is fun, and it's good to see trash turned in stuff. My friends think it's cool and often ask me to make things for them." Her mom added, "Alicia is a designer including developing games to play by children. She's good at it."

It helps parents to spend time with their children and use imagination to make new things.

Some things that have been made include: pencil holders, bookmarks, snakes, bugs (using twist ties, toilet rolls, cereal boxes), and flowers (using coffee filters, construction paper, etc.).

All items are made with Elmer's glue, as it's easy to use and doesn't make fingers all sticky.

Chapman even receives trash items from church members and friends to use in her crafting. Her husband, Lee, wasn't all that enthusiastic at first and disagreed with the concept but is now a supportive participant and director.

Watch the show with your children; maybe you'll learn something together.