How to get rid of stuff you haven't/can't/won't ever use

Expression, Jan-Feb, 2005 by Kathie Gillaspey

eBay: The number of people selling art supplies on this site are in the masses. Why not jump on the bandwagon? Make sure you list your auctions in specific categories such as "ABC Acrylic Paints" instead of a generic "acrylic paint" category. Beware, though, browsing through eBay to figure out how to list your auction can be dangerous--there's just such great stuff listed for sale!

Online Trading Groups: Yahoo and MSN as well as other online sites have e-mail groups set up specifically for trading and selling gently used art supplies. Some are generic trade groups (all types of art and craft supplies) and others are more product specific (rubber stamps, inks or yarn).

Garage Sales: Arrange to have a garage sale. If the weather in your part of the country is not the best at this time, plan one for the spring. Get together with a couple of your friends and plan a GIANT sale. Take the time between now and when you have your sale to figure out how to get the word out for the best possible results.

Exchanges With Your Friends: Some supplies you decide aren't for you, might just be what someone else in your stamp, scrap or altered-book club is looking for. Set up a time and date to have everyone bring their unwanted supplies and trade. Add a bit of a challenge to it. Everyone who acquires new "stuff" must use it to make something and bring it to your next meeting.

Senior Centers, Hospitals, Women's Shelters: Making art and expressing your creativity can be very healing. Make a donation of unwanted art supplies to organizations that can benefit from acquiring supplies for their group that normally wouldn't be within their budget.

Schools & Service Organizations: Virtually any art teacher out there is willing, ready and able to accept your generous donation of art supplies and materials. See if you can arrange with the teacher or leader to teach a project using the materials you provide. Keep the creative spirit alive!