In Search of Brad

Friday is supposed to be craft day, but due to lack of time, preparation, or creativity on my part, Friday often comes and goes with no craft. So imagine my excitement this past Thursday night when I found an activity that not only looked fun yet manageable for a 3- and almost-5-year-old, but was related to the science lesson (frogs) we'd had on Wednesday. There were only two required supplies: cardstock (which I had) and brass fasteners. You know, the kind with two prongs on the back. You probably used them in elementary school to fasten the hour and minute hands to a paper clock. Even though it was 10:30 at night, I wanted to get those fasteners now so that, come morning, there would be no reason not to make our frog lifecycle wheels.

At this hour, Target, my first choice, was closed. That left Wegmans (my other favorite store, closing in 30 minutes) and Wal-Mart (but surely I'd find them at Wegmans). For the past two or more years, I've managed to stay out of Wal-Mart (except for two very brief visits, with only one resulting in a purchase). I'm not religious about it, but I really haven't had much need to go there. Until 10:50 p.m. Thursday, after I'd failed to find the fasteners at Wegmans.

I made my way to the office supplies section at said Mart, and scoured the three aisles of paper, erasers, and thumbtacks--to no avail. An associate suggested the fabric and craft section. I hunted hopefully; their craft section is not too shabby. But after another 20 minutes, I left Wal-Mart with some construction paper for future projects, deodorant, Sesame Street placemats, and no fasteners.

I stopped by Harris Teeter on the way home. No fasteners.

The next morning, Google told me I'd find them at Staples, which is not far, but further than I wanted to drive. I called Home Depot and described the fasteners to the lady on the phone. My initial description did not register, so I elaborated. "I have no idea what you're talking about," was her response. "Well, is there someone else who can help me?" I was placed on hold. I tried again with the second associate who exclaimed "I know exactly what you're talking about!" I was placed on hold again. When she returned, she had not found them, but suggested A.C. Moore. Duh! I had forgotten all about that place! Once at A.C. Moore, I made what was now my fifth inquiry about brass fasteners (and learned that they are also called brads). The associate asked whether I wanted plain ones or fancy ones. "Plain." "We only have fancy ones." Well, OK, show me to the fancy ones! They were scrapbooking brads and fancy indeed. They came in different sizes and colors. I selected a package of the plainest fancy brads and finally had the critical pieces to what would be the greatest Friday project ever! (Shown below in the "tadpole" position.)

It was completely worth it.