there is alot of stuff at michaels that can be used to scratch build stuff but you didn't say what you want to scratch build .if your grandparents are in st louis there ought to be a hobby store there which is probably going to be where you would find the plastic rods and tube ,strips and sheets .for those having a bunch of different sizes is preferable.if you are just starting out you can give glazing putty a try available at the auto parts store.when you get into major body work try out some two part catalyzing putty the kind with the blue catalyst not the red.back to michaels they have various sizes of wire in the floral dept . in the jewelery isle ther are some pliers used for bending and shaping wire (which is also in this isle but the floral stuff is much cheaper)you can also find metal foil and wire mesh ,gold leafing supplies, clay, clay tools.... dude there is just so much out there you just need to figure out what you want to build then look for the items needed to complete the task.scratch building is just a matter of breaking the whole into basic parts that can be combined. hope this is helpful also try reading through the tips section for more detailed techniques.