Ok, I was already a ‘craft supply hoarder.’ Really, really. Having a 
to actually MAKE things with said supplies, does NOT actually “help.” It’s a vicious enabler. And so am I. #sorrynotsorry
There is a program called “Zero Landfill” and they collect various samples and such from interior designers, architectural firms, home builders, etc. etc. From fabric swatches for draperies, to upholstery, leather, tile, wallpaper, wood(floor and wall coverings)… It all sounds kinda odd, and like, “So? What am I going to do with something like that?” Well, you’re all ‘forgers now… yer gon’ think of something.
Fair warning, be prepared. You’re going to find at least 2 huge boxes worth of things you want. You’re going to need room for it. So clear a space before you go and empty your trunk. Pick-up dates are called “harvesting” where you can go and pick out things. However, if ya volunteer to help set up, weigh, and sort in the weeks before the ‘harvest,’ ya get first dibs on stuff. You want first dibs.
In the next couple of days/weeks I’ll take some pics of all the cool stuff I’ve picked up. It’s amazing. And the colors! I’m so stoked. I love this feeling of my brain racing through possibilities of projects.
You do have to be careful, because some of the cool looking stuff turns out to be vinyl flooring or something odd… not laserable at all. I have 4 swatch books of ‘leatherish’ stuff that is PVC (most stuff still has a label on it somewhere), HOWEVER, I can still use this as a bracelet by itself, no lasering at all, just pop a couple of snaps on it, or as a base to put some etched leather pieces on. Each book… has over 60 pieces! Almost the perfect size, as is, to make a good size cuff! If you check my Crafty Cretin thread, you’ll see leather change trays, they were made from real leather upholstery samples I picked up last year.
Anyway… just had to yammer on about this to people I suspect would understand. 
Oh, I buried the lead… ALL of it… FREE. 
Zilcho dinero. Nada dolla. Go forth and save your supplies from the landfills of America! 
Most of the stuff was carpet, vinyl flooring samples, some laminate (couldn’t tell if it was laserable) and fabric samples. The tile was scarce. Mostly small stuff or too big. I took a few usable things I could find.
