I bought the Amazon swiper, but decided not to use it. The process of getting it set up was more in-depth than I was prepared for at the time. If you want it I can try to figure out where I put it and send it your way.

Good luck on your first craft fair!

I so appreciate it! Unfortunately, there are new guidelines for the card readers and you have to buy ones that accept the new creditcard safety chip (but thank you so much for your offer!!!).

I am super excited!

Do any of you do needle felting? It looks like it will be another fun/addictive hobby as long as I can keep from stabbing my fingers! I've just ordered tools and supplies for my first project- a robin. Any suggestions for a newbie? I'm amazed at how realistic some of the felted creations I've seen on line are.

I just started it in December. I haven't made very many things yet. A few little gnomes and some mushrooms. I bought some wool locally, and got a wide assortment of colours in small amounts (for little details) off of eBay. I'm not enough of an expert to give you much advice except to say that you WILL stab your fingers, so resign yourself to that. Or get those little silicone rubber shields you can put over your fingertips. I'm thinking I need those. Desperately. Also, get extra needles, because when you're really absorbed in what you're doing it's easy to bend the needle without even realizing you've done it, and then it'll snap off.

And yes. It is addicting. Watching that pile of fluff coagulate into a recognizable shape is like magic.

I didn't know about the silicone rubber shields. My set of tools includes leather ones.

How do you know which size and style of needle to use?

Err... I guess and hope for the best?

I believe the coarser needle is what you start with. The finer needles are used later in the process when you are trying to get more precise and detailed. I think. Also, I've found that once the blob of wool is getting kind of tight and dense, the finer needles are easier to use. On one website I saw all kinds of needles in different shapes, and I have no idea what they're all used for, but I think that some of it is just personal preference.

I've seen the leather ones too. I think they would breathe better, but the silicone ones look like they fit better, which makes me think they'd be less likely to shift around and irritate me. I haven't actually tried either one yet, I just keep thinking I need some, because those stabby little needles hurt!

I just picked up a Robin kit this past weekend from a fiber show...I'm addicted to knitting and every other craft so I don't see how this will be much different!! Have fun and be careful! I'm trying to go down in history as being the only one to never stab myself....haha

I'm going to use instructions/pattern I found on Pinterest. Good luck with yours. I'd like to know how it turns out. Maybe one day you'll make felted miniatures of your pups!

I know this post is old, but I just joined the board.
It might be a "timing" thing. And unless you are experienced in fixing sewing machines I would have a pro do it.

Where can I find affordable material for some crafts I want to make and sell? We don't have a lot of money so I need really affordable material.

TYIA

Gg

Are you looking for something specific ? How much do you need ? Ive got a ton i can just give you

Try your thrift store. Our goodwill always has tons of yarn. And look at the curtain/bedsheets section. Tons of fabric cheap, and a lot of times some awesome vintage prints!

I have several yards of a pink, blue, brown small flower print on a beige background that I got many years ago for a project I never completed. It's a polyester/cotton blend which isn't any good for my present hobby, so it's yours if you can use it.

I would suggest trying to find a recycle store. You might have to scour the internet, but maybe you'll get lucky and find one in your area. I stumbled upon one in Denton, TX when checking out Texas Woman's Univ. It is called Denton Scrap. They accept donations of art/craft and misc items like containers, obsolete electronics, bottle caps, scraps of fabric, yarn, vintage stuff, teacher supplies, office supplies, old magazines. Since there are two universities nearby they often get fine art supplies donated by students. I'm addicted and go there often. There are places like this all over the country but they are hard to find. My son's art teacher didn't know about Scrap Denton and she went to school around the corner. St. Louis has a similar store, as well.

If you are looking for paper, like card stock, then I suggest xpedx. They are mainly wholesale but do have locations that are open to the public. I used to go there when I was tasked with making all the baby/bridal shower invites and thank you cards for my gigantic Irish Catholic family. I would get a ream of nice card stock fairly cheap.
Looking at their website, they might have changed their name to Veritiv since my last visit. Hopefully they still sell to the public. You can also get envelopes super cheap.

If there is anything particular you are looking for, send me a message. I can keep my eye out.

roly-polies (hopeful future art teacher and fellow thrifty gal)

Here is a listing of some U.S. and International stores: www.artofrecycle.org click on reuse list

I'm looking for no pill fleece to make stuffed animals.

I can use other materials also for some crafts I'm looking to make.

Thank you

Thanks I will look there.

Thanks for the help!!

yes I can use it.

Oh, I'm so glad! Do you want me to send it to your street address or the P.O.Box number?

PO Box please thank you!

we are only a couple of hours from denton. we may make it a family trip before November and get in some boxing also and see about finding some pokemon in a new area also.

Thank you so much

GG

Out tomorrow. You should have it Saturday. Good luck with your new enterprise!

Thank you

I've been searching the web, and stores like Moore's and Michael's. The store staff usually have no idea what I'm talking about.
I can't find anyone on the web who sells large Tunisian hooks in anything but wood or bamboo.

Anyone know of a source I might have missed?

thanks to all of you happy hookers
GG

I've seen them at places like Tuesday Morning. I've seen them called afghan crochet hooks, so maybe use that in a search on Amazon. Also try blitsy.com they have lots of great craft items for really cheap.

thank, I hadn't tried either site, and I'll change the search info.
GG

Addi makes crochet hooks for their interchangeable system. The smaller sizes are metal, but for anything larger than 6.0 mm, they make them out of plastic. I guess they get too heavy if the larger sizes are made of metal. If you are interested in them, probably the best place to find them is on eBay.