Carol,

I found some blinds on garbage day a few years ago, but last year when I ran out I just couldn't find some by the side of the road on G Day or at the second hand stores. So I checked out WM and bought some for cheap. I was surprised at how inexpensive they are and still have some from my $5.00 purchase.

I've always had good luck finding old blinds on Freecycle and once bought some at Goodwill.

Another vote for miniblinds.
Freecycle is the best source. I still have a couple sets under my garage rafters.
Vertical blinds are good too...a little tough to cut into strips because they are stiffer, but work like charms.

I usually insert extra labels in the container. It saves time when transplanting the HOS.

Yep, Mini blinds have my vote! Freecycle is a great avenue to find mini blinds. Garage sales during the summer are another source that is cheap!! Also, ask for the tails/ends/scraps of blinds at the stores where they cut blinds (Menards, Lowes, Home Depot, etc.). They are always glad to give them away..

I found a brand new 24 in. wide mini-blind at a used resale store and it was only $3..What length is everybody cutting their markers for the jugs/liter bottles? What are you using to cut them with? I don't have access to a band saw. There is a workshop here in our community. Don't know if I could ask anybody there to cut them for me or not.

Pippi, you can use scissors, it just takes longer. For me, the bandsaw is easier and I use what I have. I found another one in the attic today. I'm going to need more markers soon.

I use 7" kitchen shears. This is a favorite tool of mine. I use it in the garden too.
I cut the slats into 3 - 4" long. I also split them in half length-wise. If I stack several slats together, I use the black shears to cut them:
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I use an awl or kitchen shears to make ventilation/drainage holes in my containers. No toxic fume, no fuss. Easy as pie:
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I always see miniblinds at Goodwill - I got one there last year for a buck or two and there is plenty to last me for a while.

Hi All
I've taken slats from the mini blinds on my house windows. Some windows are short and have extra 1-2" of slats that never open, just sits in a little pile on the sill. Makes the blind lighter too when lifting. Easy to do.

Donna Mae

Here is a link that might be useful: Shortening mini blinds