[VFB] Scrounged Stuff for Fly Tying

[Jimmy D. Moore]

Being retired and on a fixed income, I don't spend nearly as much for fly tying materials as I used to.  I have also found out that there's some really good stuff out there, if you use your imagination and get out and look - craft stores, flea markets, garage sales, etc. etc.  This is not meant to take away from Lines End. I still buy my hooks, thread, and a bunch of other fly tying materials, such as specialty feathers, tying tools, tying light, wading staff, etc. from Byard.

Some of my "SCROUNGED STUFF" includes the following:   I could go on and on, but I'll let you add your stuff.  By the time we get through, there should be a "treasure trove" of good ideas for tying materials.

Strands of burlap from a "toe sack" Makes great fuzzy tan dubbing.
Belly fur from my two kitties.  Makes great dubbing. We had a swap on VFB once using pet hair.
Plastic ties.  The kind where one end slips inside the other and locks.  Pieces from the smallest ones make great beetle legs.
Netting from the fabric store - the very fine mesh like used for a bridal veil.  Cut for mayfly wings.
Freezer bags, etc. cut into strips and wind around hook to build fly body.
Broken necklaces.  Pull the beads off and use for whatever.
Thin layer of foam used in packing. Can cut wings, bodies, etc.
Bubble wrap.  Cut around the bubble, glue on fly body and use to make a super floating fly.
Copper wire from old transformers.
Black plastic casing from electrical wires. Cut and use for wing cases.
Plastic lids, like from Pringles cans.  Cut the shape you want. ( They do come in colors )
Dolls eyes. Doll hair, from worn out dolls. ( if your daughter will let you have it. )
Fur off discarded fuzzy toys, like Teddy Bears, etc.
Foam ear plugs make great bodies for pan fish.
Bead chain from old key rings. Makes great bar bells for eyes.

Do you have something to share?   If so, please add it to the list.  This will be very helpful, especially to "Newbies.

Have a Great Day !

JIMMY  D