Any Experienced Michaels Enthusiasts or Hobbyists, Here?

Hey, All,
I'm in need of a little help, here. Not even a month ago, inspired by some toys Jersey Wendy, MomtoPercy, MacawLover and Allee had made, I decided that I too would make some fantastic, store-quality toys! (Pipe dream, perhaps, but we should all reach for the stars, right?)

So, in a burst of wild-eyed enthusiasm, I went out and bought a number of wooden pieces from Michaels arts and crafts store. They were untreated, of course, because at the time I just "knew" that was the only consideration!

Until I happened upon a toy-making thread that pointed out the wrong type of wood could be almost as dangerous to your bird as some of the chemical agents in treated wood!

Oops.

So, after exhaustive research and nagging the people of Michaels half to death, as well as the makers of Lara's Crafts (the company responsible for shaping most of the wood pieces I'd bought), all that I know for certain is that the wood is untreated hardwood from China.

So is there anyone out there who knows anything about Lara's Crafts wooden pieces from Michaels? Maybe even used them for toy projects with your own birds? Or should I just call it a loss, chuck them all and get my wood from somewhere else?

Help me out, guys and gals! I'm counting on the forum's renowned collective wisdom, here.

Sorry I have no clue about the wood from China but I would be suspect.

However I did want to say I hope you paid cash at Michaels they have recently admitted to a major breach with people's personal credit and debit information. Worst part is they knew about the breach for quite some time before they let their customers or anyone for that matter know. Over 3 million people's info was compromised!

I don't know what kind of wood they use, but if it were me and couldn't find out *what* kind of wood it is- I'd take them all back and get a refund.

I wouldn't risk it.

I know you want untreated pine . Could you take it to Lowes [and maybe some guy wood recognize the wood]

Hi! I have LOADS of experience at Michaels. Around our house, we refer to it as the "Nerd Shack", and apparently I'm the Head Nerd in the Nerd Herd, because I'm in there at least twice a week. It used to be for sewing, or knitting stuff, but now, I roam the wood aisle and the baking area, in search of bird safe materials with which to create masterpieces.

I have used the wooden beads, blocks, spools, end caps and dowels from Michaels. I've dyed them, and dried them, and given them to my birds, who love them, with NO problems. I would however, stay away from any flat pieces, no matter how small, because they are plywood. I have also purchased un dyed hemp rope from there, again, no problem.

I go near the baking aisle, and rummage through the bins they keep by the slower-than-death, snake like line to the registers, because there's usually super cheap paper cupcake skirts, or paper straws there. I use them for foraging toys.

Last week I made Wingnuts favorite toy EVER. They had plastic pails, with shovels attached, for $1.50. I bought 8 and hung the shovels from a wiffle ball. He went LOONY.

Thanks to everyone who has responded so far! Your thoughts are very much appreciated!

@ Laura: Gah! I can't remember for the life of me if I used cash or a card! I really hope it was cash that day, though. Thanks for the heads-up.

@ Pinkybirdy: Great idea! I hadn't even thought of going to Lowes or Home Depot!

@ Shirre and Emily: that was pretty much the drift of my thoughts as well, before reading Michele's post.

@ Michele: Thanks for sharing your experiences with Michaels! Helps a lot!

Ohhh... this is helpful! I've wondered the same thing. I always go there, grab a basket full of things, and then put everything back in fear of them being unsafe. But now I can go right at it! Thanks for asking the question, Stephen!