What is the scrapstore?

The scrapstore's aims are two fold, firstly to divert waste items from landfill and secondly to provide exciting art and craft materials to the people of Cumbria. We believe that one persons junk is anothers treasure, and by reusing clean industrial waste we can provide opportunities for people to create wonderful, beautiful and useful things.

How did the scrapstore start?

The scrap store started some years ago when the local Wigton Carnival was resurrected. Instead of buying in expensive crepe paper to decorate the floats, waste coloured cellophane (the type used for sweet wrappers) was sourced from a local factory where it was made. This was a master-stroke as not only was the waste diverted from landfill, but the carnival was a vibrant and colourful success! Other carnival groups from the surrounding area contacted us to see if we could source the cellophane for them too and Free For All's scrapstore was born. Since that time we have continued to provide a supply of cellophane and have also sourced regular supplies of cardboard and wood from other local businesses. At the beginning of 2008, Free For All joined up with a national network of scrapstores and began swapping our materials with other groups so that we can expand the range on offer and increase the creative possibilities.

What materials will I find at the scrap store?

Materials now include transparent coloured cellophane, paper, cardboard sheets and tubes, fabric, off-cuts of fake fur, leather and sheepskin, small and large pieces of wood, ceramic tiles and much, much more. However, you should be aware that our stock varies from week to week and we cannot guarantee continued supplies of any materials.

Who uses the scrap store?

Our membership has increased year on year and now ranges from individual child minders and creches, to Age Concern, schools and church groups, scouts and art organisations, as well as our carnival groups of course.