Thanks for checking this site

Right now (12/27) I have carpet, in great condition (about 50 samples and small pieces, some bound, most of it is brand new).  There are also 13 large and 5 medium tiles.  There are wood samples of several sizes.  There are several sets of wood blinds.  There is also cork and bulletin board material.

I probably won't post here for a while (maybe just Craig's list).  I've been working on another blog, and this fall has been super busy.  I am still picking up materials, and I have some for you - just email me with your request, and I'll let you know.  I mostly have fabric, carpet, and wood these days.

Take care, and keep in touch. workkidslove@gmail.com

Carpet squares

I have more than 100.  Please come pick them up!

I also have wood samples, shutters, large tiles (more than 1 foot squares)

Extra, Extra...

**Wood and carpet are here again.**

I have decided to give my blog readers advanced notice on the good stuff.  Check here, and you'll get it before the Craigslist crowd is notified.

Tile samples and some spongy stuff:

Showcase:

Here is the lovely wine cabinet my new friend made with fabric samples:

She made this skirt from fabric samples, too (she is amazing):

Just fabric books? No, new chairs.

Showcase:

These chairs were given a beautiful makeover using our repurposed fabric squares:

Lovely bike basket liner...

Thank you for sending pictures!

Sample books and materials from my last trip:

For some pictures of the Montessori activities I love to make from these materials, see my Montessori activities blog http://mymontessorimaterials.blogspot.com/.

Worley's Wonderland

Today I made another exciting trip to 

in Castro Valley.  These guys are the nicest people.  I'm going to start collecting supplies, so get ready for some fun stuff.  

Today I got wood samples:

There are a bunch of sizes.  The wood is beautiful.  I will leave them out, and you can have whatever you can use.  

I also got more fabric books (this picture shows some of the fabric I'm collecting for a giant map of Africa I'm making):

I have some interesting sample books (colorful swatches).  I'll go through it and post more pics when I get the chance.  I'm going back on Friday to get a bunch of carpet squares (like 20, think front door mat size), so let me know if you want some.

I also had an inquiry from a lady who wants to donate to schools, after school people, worthy causes...so let's keep spreading the word and see what fun connections we can make.

Welcome to your new site for free stuff!

** We currently have foam pieces available. **

Introductions

This all started with Mr. Worley from Worley's Home Design Center (http://www.worleyandsons.com/).  I went into his store asking about extra fabric books and other samples to bring to my preschool class.  Everyone was lovely, and they sent me home with a bag of goodies.  Over the weeks, they donated various supplies that would otherwise have been hauled off as garbage:

Fabric, Wood, Carpet, Wallpaper, Paper, Foam, Plastic, Metal, etc.  

It was fantastic!  I started taking their extras to my daughter's elementary school in Hayward and posting some things on Craigslist.  It became clear that they would have ongoing materials, and I knew others 

(schools, after school programs, clubs, nonprofit organizations, and people who like to make things)

would appreciate their generosity, too.  In addition, I knew there were other local businesses who would like to share with the community, eliminate extra materials lying around, and donate their supplies to people who would use them, instead of sending them to a landfill.

If you are looking for free materials, let me know, and I'll contact you when I get them.

If you or your business is looking for a place to donate useful leftovers, contact me.  I would be happy to promote such businesses and seek ways for them to write off donations.  I am also looking for locations to have meetup events, which could drive traffic to your store.

Let me know if you are interested in attending a meetup for the purpose of distributing supplies.  Also contact me if you would like to volunteer to pick up or store supplies until the next event.

Ideas for using fabric squares: http://tipnut.com/scrap-happy-fabric-scrap-ideas-free-patterns/

Low cost materials:  http://www.creativereuse.org/mainstore.html

Building materials (Habitat for Humanity) http://www.habitatebsv.org/ReStore

Fabric samples (sign up for a time/leave a donation) Sat. September 8 - http://www.meetup.com/upcyclers/events/79636722/