This is what the back of my car looked like after Julen and I made a trip out to the ZeroLandfill program pick up site.
The good people there (all volunteers) met me with smiles and were so happy to see an eager preschool teacher in search of classroom supplies.
I went with a single modest shopping bag in search of fabric and somehow left with boxes and bags full of all sorts of different materials...
...like these sample bricks...I'm thinking, for painting on, to use for printing projects, maybe even to use to built a little play scene for the kids.
...and these wallpaper samples...so textured, they'd be great for crayon rubbings, to use for book covers, and in collage.
...and then there is the fabric. At the pick up site two men in ties instantly filled two boxes to the brim full of fabric samples for me. I was all too happy to take it off their hands.
The boys and I went straight to the preschool to take inventory. It was fun sorting all the pieces by fiber content.
There were a lot more fabrics that were all natural fibers than I had expected. Like silks, cottons, wool, mohair and linens. I have so many ideas for projects...from nature bags, to dress up play clothes, to simple stitching projects.
I also came home with tile pieces, wood and carpet samples and bits of concrete counter top. I'd love any suggestions for projects if anyone has any ideas. They run a local website that is full of inspirational projects others have made. Check it out here. I'm especially fond of the scrap chairs and Maharam sample pillow found here (and the quilt is lovely too).
Not every community has this wonderful program, but wouldn't it be great if they did? Check out the project site list to see if there is one in your neighborhood.
(Thanks go to my beautiful sister for sending me the information on ZeroLandfill.)