A friend told me recently about the Reverse Art Truck in Ringwood (a suburb of Melbourne).  They are a non-profit organisation which collects rejects, seconds and factory offcuts for distribution to schools, early learning centres, community groups and individuals.  I went there yesterday morning, and left with this:

An almost full green garbage bag full of bits and pieces for $20.  These are some of the craft things that I collected for Clare:

She’s had a lovely time with them today creating rockets and space ships – she’s just been to the movies to see “In the Shadow of the Moon” (a documentary on the moon landing) with her dad.  I picked up these bits and pieces for myself:

Two books of upholstery fabric samples, other large pieces of fabric, leather belts which will become bag handles, pieces of vinyl and leather, buckles, as well as pieces of card and old folder & diary covers which I intend to cover in fabric.

The variety and volume of materials available was astounding.  I thoroughly recommend it as a place to source materials for children and for any crafty person!  I assume that other cities may have similar schemes.  Materials available include timber, dowel, fabrics, pointed cones, fluoro paper, matt board, card, rubber, foam,  containers, silver & gold foil paper, rope, cord, elastic, sandpaper, cardboard, drums, wooden blocks, sheepskin, vinyl, leather, small and large reels, wrapping paper and ribbons, plastic tubing and hose, boxes, wire, twine, polystyrene, and more.  I imagine that the stock changes often as different materials become available.  If you are thinking of visiting, go without children – it’s fairly crowded and everything is tightly packed together.