Helpful Hints: Acquring Materials

The craft projects on this website are, for the most part, inexpensive to make because the major materials are items which are usually thrown away. These materials can be gathered by asking parents and other interested adults to save various items. Since it takes some time to acquire these items, the call to collect these items should be made two or three months before the beginning of the event in which the craft projects will be used.

Below are some possible alternate places for acquiring craft materials...

Bleach bottles, fabric softener and liquid laundry detergent bottles can be found in Laundromat trash containers. If an attendant is present, you should explain your purpose before going through the trash. Some owners save bleach bottles and will gladly give them to you if you explain that they will be used in constructing craft projects.

Metal shortening cans may be substituted for 2-lb. coffey cans. School cafeterias are a good place to check.

Foam is often packed around computers and furniture shipping containers. Furniture stores and trash containers of department stores are an excellent place to find foam. Carpet stores usually have scraps of foam carpet padding.

Disposable communion cups. Many churches use disposable communion cups- especially Christian Churches, who serve communion every Sunday. If you cannot get them to save used ones for you, they will probably sell you the few you need for crafts.

Candle wax. Churches which use lighted candles during Sunday worship services will usually have a large collection of used candles. (After Advent season, they may also have a collections of used candles of various colors.)

Beads. A cheap source of beads is the "after Christmas sales", where beads strung up for garland are reduced in price. (Make sure the beads slide on the string!)

Diamond dust can be purchased at a craft store.

Paint solvent can be purchased at auto body paint store. Paint solvent is very helpful in the removal of glue from bleach bottles and other bottles. (Fingernail polish remover can also be used, but it is not as effective.) "Goof Off" is a well-known solvent which can be purchased at paint stores and general merchandise stores. WARNING: ALWAYS USE SOLVENTS IN A WELL VENTALATED ENVIRONMENT. WHEN WORKING WITH PAINT SOLVENTS ALWAYS WEAR EYE, MOUTH AND HANDS PROTECTIVE WEAR! NEVER ALLOW YOUNG CHILDREN TO HANDLE OR WORK WITH SOLVENTS!