You know the saying “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure” and “You never know who you’ll meet on Craigslist” (okay, I technically made the second one up, but I have heard lots of people say something similar). I wouldn’t necessarily call Craigslist a social media channel, but I’ve met a fair share of people through this ‘random’ exchange of goods that I could certainly be friends with. Sometimes it’s a little weird, you have a moment when you’re saying goodbye where you want to chase after the car and yell “hey, you want to hang out sometime?” I know I’m not alone in this…
Well, I’ve never actually done it – asked a CL stranger to meet for coffee – but I don’t see why I shouldn’t start. It makes sense that the things you are buying or giving away would be of interest to someone you would get along with.
Anyway, back to the one man’s trash thing. I was cleaning out my home office a few weeks ago and decided it was time to let go of a TON of design samples I’ve collected over the last few years. Things like recycled glass tile, wallpaper, fabric, you know. All the pretty things that I won’t ever spec because they’re not likely to even be in production anymore. I cannot throw stuff like this away, and had intended to donate to the Art Institute – but seeing as it’s Summer I didn’t have the option. So I opted for Craigslist.
After a surprising number of interested emails, I saw one from a girl named Caitlin who said she is a crafter who had just moved out from the Midwest and had to leave behind a ton of her supplies. Her ‘story’ instantly brought me back to my early 20′s when I too was a crafty transplant from MN who spent lots of lonely days making art before I made friends. I decided she was the one and sent her the info.
I didn’t meet Caitlin in person, I left the items on my porch, but I was really excited to find a photo in my inbox the next day, showing me her first creation with the stuff I had given away.
A found armoire and some wallpaper samples – cool, right?
This is a piece of furniture that Caitlin found in an alley, painted and decorated with Innovations wallpaper samples that I gave her. Isn’t this creative?
This parquet pattern was created using wallpaper samples
A BIG Thanks to Caitlin for sharing this with me and allowing me to share with you! Next time you have an opportunity to make a new friend, do it.
