jediannie
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,081
Jun 30, 2014 3:19:06 GMT
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Post by jediannie on Jun 28, 2021 22:18:54 GMT
My friend shared this on Instagram and I signed up to make 4 craft bags for foster kids. I think they're looking for new items but I was planning on cutting down cardstock/patterned paper to fit in the gallon size zip top bags, plus I have tons of other supplies (I was going to add rolls of washi tape and glitter paper too). Crafting for Cubs (foster kids) The Useless Crafter instagram |
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Post by don on Jun 29, 2021 4:54:19 GMT
I think for boys of Cub Scout age, I would turn to paper folding. Making boxes, waterfalls, origami, kiragami and airplanes.
Or perhaps wooden projects.
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jediannie
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,081
Jun 30, 2014 3:19:06 GMT
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Post by jediannie on Jun 29, 2021 6:35:31 GMT
I think for boys of Cub Scout age, I would turn to paper folding. Making boxes, waterfalls, origami, kiragami and airplanes. Or perhaps wooden projects. It’s not actually for cub scouts, it’s for kids in the foster care system. |
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azcrafty
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,950
Jun 28, 2019 20:24:21 GMT
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Post by azcrafty on Jun 29, 2021 11:06:04 GMT
Thank you for sharing. I did the cards in March and I will do this one too. Its a great opportunity to give away some papers, washi tape and stickers it comes in the packs but I wouldn't use.
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Post by joblackford on Jun 30, 2021 15:22:45 GMT
Oh, this is a really great way to share some stash that's good stuff but we know we won't use! or that we know a kid would enjoy more than we would.
I wonder if there's a way to direct more people to this thread by emphasizing the sharing/destashing aspect of it... At first I passed it by, but then I realized I could definitely let go of some stuff that kids would find cool that just isn't going to get used in my crafting - those weird motif papers from 6x6 pads, the colored cardstock that doesn't quite go with anything you own, extra glitter paper, etc. Even leftover stickers from a sheet could be cool if you transfer them onto a new sheet of sticker backing paper so it doesn't look like junk/leftovers.
I'm sure I can scare up enough fun stuff to put together a kit or two. It will be fun to go shopping and add a few little fun new things like animal stickers and colorful embellishments.
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jediannie
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,081
Jun 30, 2014 3:19:06 GMT
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Post by jediannie on Jun 30, 2021 15:26:45 GMT
I wonder if there's a way to direct more people to this thread by emphasizing the sharing/destashing aspect of it... I'll edit the title since it's kind of obscure. |
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Post by joblackford on Jun 30, 2021 15:31:39 GMT
I wonder if there's a way to direct more people to this thread by emphasizing the sharing/destashing aspect of it... I'll edit the title since it's kind of obscure. Yay! I think that will grab a bit more attention! especially with the whole "cubs" thing, yes, a bit obscure. |
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cbscrapper
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,480 
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Post by cbscrapper on Jul 3, 2021 21:49:29 GMT
Bumping this back up - great idea for purged stash!
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Post by joblackford on Jul 4, 2021 2:56:38 GMT
I got some thick felt from a neighbor who was giving it away, figured I could chop it into smaller pieces and add it to my kits. I found some washi tape which doesn't excite me. And a couple of decorative paperclips. I also went through my colorful pens and found some that seem to have plenty of life left in them (I hope!) that might be fun. I haven't started looking at paper or anything yet but I think I'll make some little packs of die cuts the kids can color. I'm not really sure what I'm doing with these but hopefully they'll turn out fun.
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azcrafty
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,950
Jun 28, 2019 20:24:21 GMT
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Post by azcrafty on Jul 4, 2021 5:17:53 GMT
What size would you cut a 12x12 paper up to?
I have some planner stickers that I needed but never used and probably never will.
I can put those in the bag.
I have lots of leftover diecut pieces of butterflies and flowers, etc I might even put some of those in it.
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Post by Skellinton on Jul 4, 2021 14:28:04 GMT
I will go through my stuff as well.
I will admit the Cubs threw me off and I almost didn't open because of the suspected cub scout/boy scout connection. I am glad I did read the thread, but might suggest yet another title change. Maybe say something about foster kids in the title?
Thank you for sharing, sharing with my mom as well as she is going through a big purge.
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Post by peachiceteas on Jul 4, 2021 15:40:06 GMT
I can’t help but I’m engaging with this post to keep it alive and towards the top of the page. It’s absolutely a worthwhile cause  |
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Post by joblackford on Jul 4, 2021 16:55:48 GMT
What size would you cut a 12x12 paper up to? I'd be inclined to cut it into 6x6 to make it easy and fill as many kits as possible, but you could do 6x8 and 4x6 - the kids would probably be happy with a mix of smaller and larger pieces. I don't think there's a wrong answer. I'm hoping lots of people will chime in with what they're putting in their kits. I'm sure I have things I'm not thinking of that kids would enjoy, even though I don't have much in the way of little kid stuff. I just realized I have a friend who is moving who might have some of her daughter's extra supplies to contribute. |
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Post by Skellinton on Jul 4, 2021 18:55:26 GMT
What size would you cut a 12x12 paper up to? I'd be inclined to cut it into 6x6 to make it easy and fill as many kits as possible, but you could do 6x8 and 4x6 - the kids would probably be happy with a mix of smaller and larger pieces. I don't think there's a wrong answer. I'm hoping lots of people will chime in with what they're putting in their kits. I'm sure I have things I'm not thinking of that kids would enjoy, even though I don't have much in the way of little kid stuff. I just realized I have a friend who is moving who might have some of her daughter's extra supplies to contribute. From my experience having “scrapbook club” with elementary school kids they LOVE washi tape, word stickers and alphabets and anything gaudy. |
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jediannie
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,081
Jun 30, 2014 3:19:06 GMT
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Post by jediannie on Jul 4, 2021 18:57:26 GMT
What size would you cut a 12x12 paper up to? I'd be inclined to cut it into 6x6 to make it easy and fill as many kits as possible, but you could do 6x8 and 4x6 - the kids would probably be happy with a mix of smaller and larger pieces. I don't think there's a wrong answer. I found some gold and silver paper at Joans buy 1 get 2 free in a 6x6 pad so I'll be sending 6x6 paper. I'm also adding washi, stickers, alpha stickers, some glitter paper and plain colored cardstock. My daughter (she's 6) said I should put glitter glue too because all kids love glitter. LOL It's a good idea to go through the pen stash too. I am glad I did read the thread, but might suggest yet another title change. Maybe say something about foster kids in the title? I will edit the title again! |
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Post by joblackford on Jul 4, 2021 19:12:34 GMT
I'd be inclined to cut it into 6x6 to make it easy and fill as many kits as possible, but you could do 6x8 and 4x6 - the kids would probably be happy with a mix of smaller and larger pieces. I don't think there's a wrong answer. I'm hoping lots of people will chime in with what they're putting in their kits. I'm sure I have things I'm not thinking of that kids would enjoy, even though I don't have much in the way of little kid stuff. I just realized I have a friend who is moving who might have some of her daughter's extra supplies to contribute. From my experience having “scrapbook club” with elementary school kids they LOVE washi tape, word stickers and alphabets and anything gaudy. That's very helpful. I was going with the idea of too muchery - Damask Love seems like a good fit for young 'uns. The Shimelle papers I have that are a little to MOAR! for me might be good candidates too. |
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Post by Really Red on Jul 5, 2021 14:08:12 GMT
OMG! This could not have come at a better time!!! I have SO SO SO much I am getting rid of. I was going to call a nursing home this week, but this is SO much better. I will have at least 30 craft kids I can make. The problem, though, with the gallon bags is they do not fit the 12x12 papers  |
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jediannie
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,081
Jun 30, 2014 3:19:06 GMT
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Post by jediannie on Jul 5, 2021 17:00:40 GMT
The problem, though, with the gallon bags is they do not fit the 12x12 papers It might be a bit of a hassle but would you consider cutting the papers down to fit? I was going to cut all my paper into 6x6 or 8.5x11. I already have some 6x6 paper pads I was going to put in each kit. |
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Post by Really Red on Jul 6, 2021 13:17:26 GMT
The problem, though, with the gallon bags is they do not fit the 12x12 papers It might be a bit of a hassle but would you consider cutting the papers down to fit? I was going to cut all my paper into 6x6 or 8.5x11. I already have some 6x6 paper pads I was going to put in each kit. Yes. I think I might do this. I really am SO SO happy with this great project. I have a huge box filled with stamps and scissors and papers and so many stickers you'd be crazy. I am excited to do this. |
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jediannie
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,081
Jun 30, 2014 3:19:06 GMT
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Post by jediannie on Jul 6, 2021 16:27:54 GMT
I really am SO SO happy with this great project. I have a huge box filled with stamps and scissors and papers and so many stickers you'd be crazy. I am excited to do this. Hurray! It's also freeing to pass on things you know you won't use and giving it to kids who will totally enjoy using the stuff.  My daughter has been helping me fill the bags and I think I'm going to sign up for more since the 4 we have done so far are filled up. |
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Post by baslp on Jul 7, 2021 0:48:45 GMT
Glad I saw this post. I have papers to donate!
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Post by joblackford on Jul 7, 2021 2:22:37 GMT
Looks like someone on Buy Nothing decided it would be easier to toss out all her kids old art supplies rather than tidying them so I picked a massive pile of colored pencils, scented crayons, normal crayons, watercolor crayons, and special twistable colored pencils (as well as a bunch of old pens, highlighters, and paper clips). I sorted everything and tossed the trash, and bundled everything by type. I should be able to add some kind of fun coloring tools to my kits now. I’ll re-home the less cool stuff locally.
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jediannie
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,081
Jun 30, 2014 3:19:06 GMT
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Post by jediannie on Jul 9, 2021 20:40:53 GMT
I updated the link because the other link wasn't working anymore. I also have my bags ready (thanks to Michael's for having an amazing clearance section! I got a ton of glitter glue to include!) and was wondering if you all are going to include a piece of paper with your name and email address to make sure they know the kits are for your pledge? I emailed Bearly Arts and if I hear back I'll update.
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Post by scrapperal on Jul 9, 2021 21:11:30 GMT
I have a bunch of colored wire (remember when we created wire words?). What else can include with the wire for fun projects? And any ideas for more gender neutral or stuff for older kids?
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jediannie
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,081
Jun 30, 2014 3:19:06 GMT
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Post by jediannie on Jul 10, 2021 1:12:32 GMT
I got an email back from them and they said to include a piece of paper with your name and email address or if you forget they’ll look at the return address.
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Post by warrior1991 on Jul 14, 2021 20:13:39 GMT
I have paper and come die cut animals that I used to have for sale in my Etsy store that I can put in the bags, but that is all. I don't have glitter glue or anything like that. (I donate cards to Children's hospitals and I can't use glitter in way so don't have it in the house, plus I hate glitter). I also don't have washi tape. I could add cardstock. I could get crayons/markers from the local dollar store. What about a regular glue stick?
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jediannie
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,081
Jun 30, 2014 3:19:06 GMT
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Post by jediannie on Jul 14, 2021 23:01:58 GMT
I have a bunch of colored wire (remember when we created wire words?). What else can include with the wire for fun projects? And any ideas for more gender neutral or stuff for older kids? I think they're taking any kind of craft projects but I'm not sure. You could reach out to the Bearly Arts at this email: support@bearly.art and make sure you put Crafting for Cubs in the subject line of the email. They got back to me very quickly. I also don't have washi tape. I could add cardstock. I could get crayons/markers from the local dollar store. What about a regular glue stick? I included a glue stick in mine but since it's a glue company that's the main sponsor they may add glue to the bags but I'm not sure. If you go to The Useless Crafter's Instagram she shows what she put in her kits. |
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Post by pepperwood on Jul 16, 2021 19:37:37 GMT
I am really enjoying working on this project. I have filled 8 bags already with leftover Christmas supplies and have barely made a dent in my stash. I am going to do Valentines Day and Halloween next. It is really fun to to coordinate the supplies that go into a bag.
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Post by joblackford on Jul 16, 2021 22:21:30 GMT
I've got 4 really full bags and I keep finding more to add, even though my stash is very small. I'm giving each kid a real mixture of things, trying to split what I have fairly evenly.
I found a bunch of cardstock in colors that don't inspire me (inherited from my lateMIL) so I chopped them into half sized sheets and made a good stack for each kid, I found some brand new or nearly new things I don't need (like Doodlebug jelly planner/paper clips in Xmas shapes) and some scavenged things - paper scraps (nothing too small and generally a stack from the same collection so it hopefully doesn't seem like junk), cut aparts and die cuts, small lengths of ribbon, bright colored felt, some pre-loved art supplies (scented crayons, colored pencils) from neighborhood kids.
I'm hoping the quantity and variety of it makes up for the randomness and used-ness of some of it. Plan to buy some packs of glitter glue and googly eyes to finish them off.
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Post by joblackford on Jul 19, 2021 21:52:01 GMT
Ugh, the gallon bags are a pain to ship! I couldn't get them to fit neatly in to any size of flat rate box and the box I found for 4 of them is going to cost $25-36 to mail to TX. It's 7lbs. I just double checked and getting them into a smaller box won't make any difference. I really wish I could use a flat rate but there's no way to get them to fit. My bags are pretty thick and full.
Oh well...
TBH I was underwhelmed with the amount of promotion the "hosts" of this did. I could hardly find any examples on Instagram of what people were putting together and the ones I did find were much more organized into kits (like here are the pieces to glue this thing together into this, not just random stickers and scraps for kids to craft with. In some places they said to buy new supplies for the kits and in others they talked about sharing your stash. I took some things out of my kits because I was worried that they were too obviously *used* supplies (mostly colored pencils and pens) and might not be considered appropriate. I don't want to send stuff they can't use!
I'm resdistributing the extra stuff though my local buy nothing group, which is where I got most of it, so it's all fine. Just feeling uncertain about whether my kits are OK.
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