I, also, give to grandkids to play. Seems spools are more fun than other "toys". I keep any wood spools, just because they are wood. One day will do something with them.

Good to know I'm not alone. I have a gallon sized baggie with spools of all sorts right now. I thought I read somewhere that you can wrap them with fabric and make a wreath. I've seen some made with spools with the thread still on them, but what a waste!

Here are a few links I've found for using them:

http://modernjune.blogspot.com/2010/...ol-wreath.html

http://www.everythingetsy.com/2010/0...ols-of-thread/

http://www.ehow.com/way_5497235_wood...ol-crafts.html

http://sewing.craftgossip.com/tutori...ad/2009/10/30/

If you have enough of them I guess you could glue them together around a glass jar and make a vase -- or with a weighted bottom something to hold scissors, etc. or a hotplate ... or why not a lamp?

Me too. Out they go. I throw away scraps too even though I know that's a no-no.

When the grandkids were younger, I used to give them the empty spools, a little plastic bowl with dish detergent and water in it and let them blow bubbles to their heart's content! Then, throw them away. (the plastic ones)!!!!! Edie

They make wheels etc for kindergarten to play with, so I donate to the school.

I have 3 Macaws and a Cockatoo, so they get them to destroy, lol!
They also love to sit with me while I'm pinning and pull the pins out
while I'm putting them in :)

I had kept quite a few then threw them out, but I'll recycle from now on. I didn't think of that at the time!!

There are several uses for spools. I have a cute shelf that the posts that hold the shelves are spools strung on heavy wire. To make, cut 4 lengths of wire a little longer than the height of the shelves. Twist one end of each wire so that the spools will stay in place (like a little ring on the end). Drop one spools onto each wire. Cut 3 pieced of boards for the shelves, about 4 or 5 inches wide and about 8 or 10 inches long. Bore small holes in each corner not getting too close to the edge. Place a wire/spool into each hold. Add spools to each wire to make a separtor post for the next shelf. Add second shelf and more spools to make the next section. The add the top shelf and twist the wire to hold in place. Cut off any remaining wire. Paint as desired. ~~I also use the spools to keep my embroidery floss organized. And, if you are a string saver (dog food bags), a spool is good for holding the string. This is also good for small ribbons or lace. I keep them in clear plastic shoe boxes so I see easily what I have.

I collect them for my friend who has parrots. They love to play with them.

I bought a lamp kit and used a large mason jar and made a little table light, I used only the wooden spools just hated to throw away a little of history. Hubby drilled hole in jar for me.