A Purge and Picky Recipients

leftover craft paints and supplies

The last time I used these paints was about six years ago. SIX YEARS! Why have I kept it? I, too, wonder. However, these things happen when I plan to use them again. Plus, I have not seen fit to get rid of them until now. Oh, there is a package of feathers that seems to have had bugs.

 

Now, I am bumfuzzled as what to do with these paints. No, I have not examined them to see if they are still good. They are slow moving.

 

If I toss them out, I will feel guilt and wonder forever if they were still good to use.

 

However, giving them away will be difficult in my world. I have no intentions of driving them around and offering them to people who will turn up their collective noses.

 

Example: I cleaned scrap from my sewing room and sewing supply room. I had enough tiny scraps, many just strings attached to pieces the size of a washcloth. No one would come here and pick them up. "Just load them in your trunk and drop by. I will see if I want them. "  HELL NO!

 

I smiled and left the place I had just happened to stop on my way home. If I called someone, I got a grilling as to the size, fabric content, size of largest piece, size of smallest, colors, etc. My answer remained the same: I don't have time or energy or motivation to do an inventory. Let me know if you want to drop by. Everything will be on the curb on Thursday and remain until the garbage runs next Thursday.

 

Giving things away can be exhausting.

 

One woman came by with her husband to find pieces of fabric for the kindergarten in their church school. They took a bit and thanked me. I pressed them to take more but they said they wanted to leave some for others. After I assured them no one else I called was interested, the took lots. There was enough to fill a full-sized pickup bed AND mounded up. The couple took about two cubic yards in their van.

 

There is a bookcase on the curb that I told friends about, but they want me to work for them when I don't feel like doing what they want.

What color is it?

Solid wood or pressed wood?

What kind of wood?

Painted or stained?

Exact measurements? They want me to take a tape out!

Can I change the shelves or are they nailed in place?

Is it dirty?

 

All the questions exhaust me because all the decision as to whether they will take it or not rests on me. Plus, I will have to go to the bookcase, get out, measure, write it down, make decisions and report back..

 

These craft paints and fabric paints go in the trash unless you can tell me a way to get out of it that does not involve me answering innumerable questions, driving, or trying to convince someone to open up the bottles independently from me or my being in on the decision as to whether the paints will be okay for crafts. I do NOT want to hear later that someone ruined a craft or had a disappointed child. I do not think they are sellable at a thrift store. Someone needs to experiment with them.

 

Do you ever have trouble getting anyone to consider  a freebie? There are very few freebies I can guarantee when I know I will hear from the person if the freebie disappoints.  The feathers with a larva in it is in the trash.

 

Your turn

Have you ever had anyone put all the decision on you when you offered something free? A thousand and one questions when you make it clear it is just on the curb?