So I’m just gonna come right out and admit it. I have a pretty huge stash. There are certain things I gravitate toward: I have a lot of fabric, a lot of dollar store supplies (ha ha), and I have a really hard time throwing some trash away because I just know it could be made into something great. I am 100% sure I could “shop” from my stash all month and not run out of projects to make (even if I made one every single day). Last week I randomly tweeted that I wasn’t going to buy any new supplies in April, and April Stash Bust was born.
In celebration of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, and a few of us crafties decided to pull together and do something to celebrate! Did you know that we spend $4.2 billion per year on art supplies (!) (that’s a pdf) and many of them are toxic and harmful to the environment. Instead of buying new, let’s pledge to make April a Craft Destash Month! Together, we can have a really big impact on the environment and on our own wallets.
For the entire month of the April, let’s pledge not to buy any new craft materials, tools or supplies for the April Stash Bust!
Many of us have ginormous stashes with many fun and creative projects waiting to be born. So, we also pledge to make at least one project from our stash using only what we have on hand. For motivation and to show how you can use and repurpose what you already have on had, we’ll have a round up of exciting destash tutorials from:
- Scoutiegirl.com
- craftleftovers.com
- dollarstorecrafts.com
- cosaverde.com
- craftingagreenworld.com
- glueandglitter.com
- swap-bot.com
And to encourage you to do the same we will be hosting an April Stash Bust contest!
To enter, take the Stash Bust pledge to not buy any new materials, tools or supplies for the month of April. Place the awesome April Stash Bust badge (created by Liz at cosa verde) on your website or blog (found below). Create a project from your stash using only what you have on hand. Submit your finished project detailing the stash materials you used with a link to your finished project by Earth Day, April 22nd. A team of crack judges from x, x and x (to be revealed) will review the projects and choose a winner.
So what could you win?!
A lucky creative type will receive:
- “Alabama Stitch Book” by Natalie Chanin from Swap-bot.com
- A one year showcase on cosa verde for your repurposed & eco-friendly crafts
- A one year membership from Hello Craft
- A cup glove kit from Glue and Glitter
- A mini box set of volume 2 of Craft Leftovers zine (issues 1-4) from Craft Leftovers
- A Modeling Chocolate kit from Dollarstorecrafts.com
Other April Stash Bust Events:
- Super Secret Stashbusting Challenge: 10 lucky crafters will be chosen to craft with a super secret envelope of goodies from dollarstorecrafts.com [click here to apply by April 5th]
- April Stash Bust craft supply swap at Swap-bot
Participating? There are an array of buttons for you to choose from at the info page.
p.s. feel free to grab a button, bust your stash, and send me links to what you are working on! Let me know if you have a tutorial to contribute, too!
22 Comments
Lissa
What a great idea! I can’t wait to get started!
Corvus
Ahh, the timing! I’ve been living off my stash due to unemployment for months, and now I’ve got a temp job coming up in April and am dreaming of buying a few little bits here and there, and this comes up. Hmm. I’ll have to think if I could stand the challenge.
sarahwww
It simply CANNOT be the 40th anniversary of Earth Day… I remember the first Earth Day and if it were the 40th anniversary I would have been—wait, hmmmm DANG time flies!!
Love the stash busting and need to join you! LOL!
Melissa
It would be brilliant for me to try this as I still have stuff in my craft room that needs to be organized and if it were to be used then I wouldn’t have to find places for it. (in there anyway;) Can I assume I’m allowed to not count the fabric I have to buy for a paid job? Cuz if so I’m sooo onboard!
heather
@Melissa, yeah, if it’s for a job it doesn’t count! :)
pam
I am so on board with this whole craft from stash concept! Count me in!
Deborah
I so need to do this. I already started clearing out my stash by giving a king-size pillowcase of scrap fabric to my son’s teacher, didn’t even make a dent. And then there’s jewelry supplies, found objects, and paper crafts. So many possibilities!
can’t wait! Deborah
Valencia
I’m in!!!
Polly :)
Perfect timing! I just sorted through my craft stuff yesterday and have so many projects that need finishing…or starting even. I would love to do a tutorial for you if you’re still looking for some. I’ll send you an email about it. Thanks!
Amanda
I’m so in…I lost my job about a month ago so I’ve had more free time & lots of ideas that haven’t come to fruition. April is going to be a VERY crafty month for me!!
Andria Delgado
Yay! This is super exciting for me! I love to repurpose, upcycle, and reuse supplies.
So, is there an official pledge we need to sign or recite in front of the bathroom mirror?? :-p
Sherrie
oh so excited! what a great way to encourage stash usage! and support earth day!
Vivian Nelson Melle
I’m game. This is the crafting behind Mamita’s Creations, but I love the idea of others doing it too. I’m sure newcomers will fall in love with the idea. You have to get pretty creative. ;)
Amanda
Heather, i was very happy to see your response to Melissa! I too have to purchase certain supplies for a paid job, but can definitely create projects for myself from my stash. I did one TODAY in fact, was formatting the pictures when I received your newsletter.
2 questions: How many can we submit, is it limited to just one? And do we email it to you or post the link here?
Thanks!
Michelle
Awww…yeah! I finally figured out how to post a button on my blog, and now I’m entering my first online challenge!
Bring it!
Laura Lofgreen
I am an Earth Day lover as well an so appreciate your idea. Check out my blog to see the My Dear Trash Earth Day Book Drive. I’m working with several local bookstores and the Phoenix Public Libraries. In honor of Mother Earth, we can all do something. Loves to you.
britt
i am in. come on over and check out what i have been making!
Carmela
I want to play! I don’t have an enormous stash, but I probably have more than I need — certainly when it comes to paper. And I love some of the ideas I’ve seen posted!