First of all, thank you for considering an alternative to throwing them away!
Scroll through the following list for ideas of what we do and don't accept, and feel free to ask if you're not sure. The world of art supplies is massive (with many niche hobbies that may not be specifically mentioned below) but it is also filled with serendipity, where just the right thing can turn up for someone who needs it.
Email us to schedule a local pickup or dropoff (at Cobden Village Shops or in Marion, IL), or if you're too far away, you could mail it to my P.O. Box. In your email, please include a description of the item(s) you're planning to donate - photos are nice, too!
just about any preloved, leftover or unused supplies to get crafty with!
Usable paints of all kinds, canvases, various papers, pens, pencils, crayons, markers, erasers, paintbrushes, chalk, things for cutting and pasting, buttons, sewing & crochet needles, threads, yarn, fabrics, ribbons, velcro, zippers, patches
notebooks, folders, rulers, clips, staples, rubber bands, functional things for cutting, pasting, or writing
Wrapping paper for reuse/scrapbooking/paper projects, gift bags, blank cards, envelopes, bows, curling ribbon, tissue paper
Paint color chips or samples, wall art, mats and frames, hanging/mounting kits, baskets/bags/containers for organization
scratched up cds/dvds, random gameboard pieces or incomplete puzzles, coloring books, stickers, kits & toys that inspire creativity for all ages!
Due to limited space, recyclable items - UNLESS they are art-related or have uniquely cool aesthetic value - should be taken to our local recycling center in Carbondale. They take a surprising amount of stuff: glass, all plastics except #6, books & magazines, office & colored paper, newspaper & junk mail, tin & aluminum cans, cardboard, electronics and more. Follow the link below, select the CRC Southern Recycling location and then the "Public Drop Off Criteria" button for the full list.