Scrapstore visit

We visited the Scrapstore company in Bristol. This was very exiting to me as it reminded me of being a child and playing with creative things. First we looked around the store and all the scrap. The amount of scrap filled a warehouse and came in all shapes and sizes from buttons to curtains. I took pictures as I walked around and asked a few of the customers some questions. There are over 1400 clients and member groups such as schools and brownies, so it seemed important to get their opinion of Scrapstore.

Interviews

guide leader
this lady was collecting material for a craft weekend with the guides to make dresses.

Hambrook Primary School
They were collecting materials and fabrics for a collage and spring windows
"we tend to just leave the materials out and let the children experiment."

I talked to some of the people who worked there to find out the routine for scrap. First Charlie will communicate with the companies who supply the scrap. Then Dave will pick up the items which are non-toxic, non-sharp and non-breakable. Back at the warehouse James and Darren will then sort through the items. I was told they try to never throw anything away.

After walking around John Pedlington talked to us about the Scrapstore, he explained the main aim is to re-use not re-cycle. They have over 60 suppliers which all donate scrap to the Scrapstore but are looking for more. He explained about the 'playpods' project in which scrap is given to children on lunchtimes and breaks to play with. They also work with 4 children's charities and other companies such as BAND, White Designs and the Better Food Company. I also found out they have solar panels installed on the roof.

Slogan "Turning waste things into play things"

On the way home I thought of different projects I could do.
-3d project
-sculpture/collage
-model
-film/advert
-social networking page
-chain reaction film
-clothes bins
-leaflet/poster
-animation

I have decided I would like to work with Scrapstore.