kitbop
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,621 
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Post by kitbop on Sept 1, 2023 21:30:02 GMT
Welcome back to the quarterly challenges team! I hope you are all as surprised it is September as I am??? Speaking of surprises - I had forgotten I'd volunteered to lead a team this month so good thing grammadee tagged me in the teams thread, yes?  nylene , AussieMeg , Linda , azcrafty , sarahbee , Shakti , natscraps , katiekaty , gramma scrapperal , joblackford schroemaWe have a few chores for the quarter: 1. Post some challenges for the quarter! 2. Do not feel stress to earn points. We are here to encourage and support and use our crafty mojo any way it flows. Life happens. 3. Participate in SKETCHTEMBER! I definitely encourage everyone to try a few sketches. Remember that the point of a sketch is to *adapt* it to fit your photos or card, and your style. You are not going to be judged - just take what inspiration a sketch gives you and run with it. 4. Participate in CARDTOBER! This is not a strong point for me but this year I have challenged myself to use cardtober and make at least 10 Christmas cards. 5. Poke your head into this thread every so often and say "hi" or report how things are going. Ask questions if you have them. This week, can everyone give a quick intro and maybe share: 1. Cats or Dogs? 2. Simple Stories or 49th and Market? 3. Scrap standing or sitting? 4. Halloween or Christmas? |
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kitbop
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,621
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Post by kitbop on Sept 1, 2023 21:37:22 GMT
Hi! My real-life name is Kirsten. I live in Ontario, work full time as a physio, have a bursting house with 3 adult kids, 2 dogs and 3 cats and DH. My scrap space is in my dungeon (basement) and has no windows. We are hoping to move in the next few months, but we'll see what happens there.
1. Cats or Dogs?
Hard to choose but I think overall dogs win for me.
2. Simple Stories or 49th and Market?
Another hard one! Recently, 49th and market colour palates have been wonderfully enticing and I love that their ephemera is generic, but I begin to get weary of that level of distressing, all the florals and collage effect, so I'm going to stick with Simple Stories.
3. Scrap standing or sitting?
Sitting. I'm lazy.
4. Halloween or Christmas?
Christmas 100%. I love the cheer, the decor, and the baking.
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Post by Linda on Sept 1, 2023 22:12:28 GMT
Thanks for volunteering to lead us kitbopI'm Linda, I'm a not-quite empty nester SAHM - just DD16 still at home...and 3 kitties - Dusty and Pad-Bear are 2 and Mini is a very youthful 13. My mojo has been awol lately so I'm hoping a new quarter renews it. 1. Cats or Dogs? CATS of course 2. Simple Stories or 49th and Market? neither really but Simple Stories is closer 3. Scrap standing or sitting? sitting 4. Halloween or Christmas? Christmas I guess... |
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azcrafty
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,955
Jun 28, 2019 20:24:21 GMT
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Post by azcrafty on Sept 1, 2023 23:03:40 GMT
Thank you for hosting us kitbop. I always forget to look in here...until I get tagged 🙃 Hello,I'm Noemi from sunny and extremely hot Phoenix, Arizona. I'm a cardmaker and I'm active on the cardmaking site. I'm ready to make some fall and winter cards. 1. Cats or Dogs? Dogs- I have a cute almost 7 year old rescue named Baxter, he has 16 different breeds in him, but looks like a south Russian Ovcharka. 2. Simple Stories or 49th and Market? I love both! But the Simple Stories patterned papers and ephemeras work better for cards. 3. Scrap standing or sitting? Both. I used to sit while I crafted, but a few months ago I got a nice table that I can move to different rooms and I can change the height on it. 4. Halloween or Christmas? Christmas all the way. I'm from Hungary so I didn't grow up with Halloween. I love all the Christmas traditions and yummy food. And now I love making Christmas cards. |
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Post by AussieMeg on Sept 1, 2023 23:25:53 GMT
I'm looking forward to a fun and productive month, and for my mojo to return after a three month hiatus!
1. Cats or Dogs? Definitely dogs
2. Simple Stories or 49th and Market? Not gonna choose - they both fill a need in my life
3. Scrap standing or sitting? Sitting
4. Halloween or Christmas? Christmas - Halloween isn't much of a thing here.
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Shakti
Pearl Clutcher
Troubled, complicated, and constant
Posts: 3,240
Oct 30, 2022 23:42:30 GMT
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Post by Shakti on Sept 2, 2023 0:19:26 GMT
IRL I am (yet another) Jennifer. I'm in historic Concord, MA and my nest emptied literally yesterday when we drove our younger out to UMass Amherst! I am enough of an introvert to hate ice breakers generally, but this one is quite nice -- thanks, kitbop. 1. Cats or Dogs? We currently have 2 of the former and one of the latter, but I have been Team Cats my entire life. Cats also tend to be Team Me, even cats who don't generally like people. 2. Simple Stories or 49th and Market? Huh? Cardmaker only and not too familiar with either brand, but on azcrafty's recommendation above, I'll pay more attention to Simple Stories going forward. 3. Scrap standing or sitting? Mostly I sit, but often stand when gluing items down to give me better perspective on the alignment. I also sometimes stand while using my guillotine trimmer on a side surface (not my desk). 4. Halloween or Christmas? So, personal preference is Halloween all the way and for a few reasons. But I have yet to make a single Halloween card. I make lots of Christmas cards, though. And for a few reasons. |
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Post by joblackford on Sept 2, 2023 1:52:58 GMT
Hello, yes, no, I can’t believe it’s September! Thank you for hosting us  IRL my name is the same as my name here, Jo but I’m not customarily as pink as my avatar. Originally from NZ, but I’ve lived in the lovely PNW for 20 years. 1. Cats or Dogs? I love them both. I grew up with a cat, and somewhat afraid of dogs. As an adult I discovered I’m quite allergic to cats and always had been, explaining a lifetime of misery! And discovered that I absolutely love dogs. My favorite dog is a Brittany spaniel named Luna. We borrow her when her family goes on summer vacation. If I could magically not be allergic I would adopt a cat. 2. Simple Stories or 49th and Market? Doodlebug! I like other brands but Doodlebug is what I love best and use most. 3. Scrap standing or sitting? I like to stand, but I love my mid-century modern desk which is sitting height and has drawers (such luxury! it holds so much!) so now I sit when I make cards. When I make photo books on my laptop I usually kneel on the floor at a Japanese style low table with a nifty kneeling stool. 4. Halloween or Christmas? Nightmare Before Christmas! I like them both. I celebrate both, decorate for both, make cards for both. I like all the layers of history, culture, mythology, and religion around all of the holidays. |
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nylene
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,779
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Post by nylene on Sept 2, 2023 1:56:34 GMT
Hi, Team. Thanks for hosting us kitbop! I am Nylene from Utah. I have been married almost 56 years, have 4 children, 14 grandchildren and 4 great-grands. I have been scrapping in this form since 1994, but have kept a scrapbook since I was 12. 1. Cats or Dogs? We have neither but I think I would choose dogs. 2. Simple Stories or 49th and Market? Simple Stories is more my type. 3. Scrap standing or sitting? Sitting, but I stand up to stamp. 4. Halloween or Christmas? Christmas because the grands are usually around a lot. |
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Post by sarahbee on Sept 3, 2023 12:10:27 GMT
Hi Crafty Crew! Apologies for being a couple of days late to the group — we are out of town for the holiday weekend and are without internet. My name is Sarah, I’m 34 years old, married (12 years next month — got married the same year I graduated college) with two darling girls ages 6 and 2, and 3 dogs. I work full time from home as a medical coder for a large regional hospital system. We moved back to my hometown four years ago and I feel fortunate to have a nice little craft room (which doubles as a seldom-used guest room) in the basement. I took up quilting 2 years ago on a whim and immediately fell in love — I haven’t been scrapping nearly as much as a result. So I am looking forward to completing some layouts this quarter. 1. Cats or Dogs? I love both, but I have to say dogs are my favorite. We are owned by a beagle, a rat terrier mix, and a scruffy terrier mutt. All rescues 2. Simple Stories or 49th and Market? I will be the odd woman out and say 49 and Market! I love their art style. 3. Scrap standing or sitting? Standing all the way! I need a top-down view. 4. Halloween or Christmas? Christmas…especially since we’ve had kids, it makes the season that much more magical. I love decorating, planning gifts, and just the warm cozy glow that settles around our home. I enjoy Halloween too, and of course the girls love trick or treating. But I’m not a fan of the way it’s been commercialized in the last few years and turned into an entire season. Maybe that’s grinchy of me but it felt more fun and special when we didn’t have a 2-month lead up to Halloween starting Sept. 1st. |
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gramma
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,114
Location: Sacramento, Ca
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Post by gramma on Sept 3, 2023 15:59:39 GMT
My real life name is Claudia - married 51 years this year - I have 4 kids, 9 grandkids and 7 (soon to be 8) great grands. I work part time these days in accounting. I scrap, sew, crochet, cross stitch - -
1. Cats or Dogs? Used to be both but now just one old man dog
2. Simple Stories or 49th and Market? I never choose paper by collection - I just buy whatever strikes my fancy
3. Scrap standing or sitting? Sit mostly - Stand to get mats straight
4. Halloween or Christmas? Christmas all the way
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Post by joblackford on Sept 3, 2023 19:19:49 GMT
I enjoy Halloween too, and of course the girls love trick or treating. But I’m not a fan of the way it’s been commercialized in the last few years and turned into an entire season. Maybe that’s grinchy of me but it felt more fun and special when we didn’t have a 2-month lead up to Halloween starting Sept. 1st. All of the seasons need to get back in their proper places IMO! I've been seeing fall decor ads on YT since about mid-July  I know as crafters we have to think ahead and so I do appreciate being able to buy holiday *supplies* out of season, but when stores are already heavily discounting their fall decor in August that's a red flag for me. I am really trying to keep Halloween to the 6 weeks between the fall equinox and Halloween where it belongs, but I had to inventory my fall decor tote and spooky craft stash the other day. I don't want to be tempted to buy things I don't need, already have, or can't fit in my storage, but if I see something really good I don't want to miss out. I know retailers do this to us precisely because the longer the shopping season is, the more we will buy, especially if we can't remember what we already own. |
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Post by joblackford on Sept 3, 2023 19:21:01 GMT
(I'm currently splitting my time between making Christmas cards and autumnal cards with plans for Halloween cards in the back of my mind)
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schroema
Full Member
Posts: 497
Jun 24, 2019 14:58:49 GMT
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Post by schroema on Sept 4, 2023 13:09:35 GMT
👋 I’m Melissa. I live in Ohio with my husband and teen son; my daughter is in college in Pennsylvania. I was an at home mom for many many years, but for the last 5 I’ve been a preschool aide. We are about 2 weeks into the school year so the physical exhaustion of those first days is waning.
1. Cats or Dogs? Neither, I’m not really a pet person. A few instances as a young child have scarred me. 😬
2. Simple Stories or 49th and Market? My two current faves! Simples stories has a slight edge I’d say. I find some of the 49 and market backgrounds gorgeous but difficult to work with.
3. Scrap standing or sitting? Sitting
4. Halloween or Christmas? Christmas
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kitbop
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,621
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Post by kitbop on Sept 4, 2023 13:15:06 GMT
I find it very hard to pull out my Christmas supplies. That is a drawback to having them physically separate for organization purposes. I have pizza boxes: 2 boxes of patterned paper (1 cream based, 1 white based), 1 box of stickers, 1 box of ephemera, 1 iris box of stamps and dies, AND 1 iris container of "new" Christmas (everything I bought in the past 2 years...because it wouldn't fit in the OG boxes, and because I thought maybe it would encourage me to use it). When I get a new scrap space in my new house (still in dream mode, but it's on the horizon) I will fix this, and have a shelf close by dedicated. AHEM: grammadee asked me to remind you all that we need CHALLENGES for this to be a CHALLENGE GROUP. I myself haven't added any  but will today. Pls ignore this PSA if you have already done your job! |
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Post by joblackford on Sept 4, 2023 16:38:56 GMT
grammadee asked me to remind you all that we need CHALLENGES for this to be a CHALLENGE GROUP. I myself haven't added any but will today. Pls ignore this PSA if you have already done your job! Ooops! I've been slacking... but I guess maybe I'm not alone in that! |
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Post by katiekaty on Sept 4, 2023 18:06:57 GMT
Sorry to be such a slacker but have had a few busy weekends and I am back working again at leas for the next four months-gotta love contract nursing! But hours are great and no weekend hours so I will have more week day evenings and weekends free to craft which is awesome!
And, oh my goodness, as I am posting this, we finally are getting some rain here—73 days no rain unless you count a five minute sprinkle about 35 days that didn’t leave the pavement even wet! We haven’t had a day under 101 in a month, but I see it’s 96 out with the-so awesome!
1. Cats or Dogs? Both!we have 5 cats and 1 dog.
2. Simple Stories or 49th and Market? Simple stories, I preferGraphic 45 over 49th and Market
3. Scrap standing or sitting? I scrap any which way, sitting at the scrap room desk, standing at the kitchen island, sitting at the kitchen table, sitting anywhere on the floor using a floor desk DH made me that is a foot hog and 2 1/2 x3 feet with a handle for carrying or using a lap desk while watching tv. I have one of those butt cushions you put on a chair for comfort but put on the floor to comfort the tush when I scrap sitting in the floor!
4. Halloween or Christmas? Both, because the both involve CANDY, eating and/or making it. I love all the candy holidays: Christmas, Valentines, Easter, Mother’s Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas!
And, the rain is gone, the sun is shining, and the temps are rising…..( that didn’t last as long as making this post-bummer)
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nylene
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,779
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Post by nylene on Sept 6, 2023 16:43:48 GMT
I can tell already that I am going to get way behind. I didn't scrap at all in July and very little in August so it is taking time to get myself back into gear.
My goal is to use at least one sketch from each hostess. I hope to do more, but I'm pretty pokey. There is no chance I will accomplish every sketch. I am loving and collecting them, however.
What is everyone else's rate of speed in scrapping?
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Post by Linda on Sept 6, 2023 16:49:42 GMT
What is everyone else's rate of speed in scrapping? I tend to go in cycles of scrapping alot and not scrapping at all. When I do scrap...I'm pretty speedy...30 minutes or so for a layout if it doesn't require the Cricut or stamping/die cutting or much journalling. |
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kitbop
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,621
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Post by kitbop on Sept 8, 2023 14:45:44 GMT
What is everyone else's rate of speed in scrapping? This is why I love the online crops. It gets me working, distracts me from overthinking, and often I'll get a layout done in 2-3 hours versus my normal 4-5 days! What slows me down the most is a GOOD IDEA. Like - "it would be great to scrap a page of her first competition and her last competition together"...well, then I'm scrambling for photos rather than just using what is printed in front of me. Or reprinting photos to fit a design I like. I should just use what I have and be happy. This month, I've only done 3 sketches so far, but will keep picking away. Love that the sketch starts me off with a few less decisions to make. And, oh my goodness, as I am posting this, we finally are getting some rain here—73 days no rain unless you count a five minute sprinkle about 35 days that didn’t leave the pavement even wet! We haven’t had a day under 101 in a month, but I see it’s 96 out with the-so awesome! oh my, where do you live? We've been over 100 here the past few days (after humidex) but we're slipping back down to a lovely 70-75 range this week. |
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Post by joblackford on Sept 11, 2023 1:51:57 GMT
We’re having lovely days in the 70s and low 80s, and the 10 day forecast shows continued summer/drought weather that will keep my husband working on our exterior house painting for a while longer (touch wood). How is everyone else’s weather?
So far I’m doing well keeping a post it note to tally crafty hours, one at my desk and one by my crochet. Last time I played I had to guesstimate and I worried that I was totally wrong, either way too high or way too low. And I just printed the challenge list. I’m determined to keep up with tallying the points this quarter. It will save me a lot of headaches!
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Post by Linda on Sept 11, 2023 14:07:25 GMT
So far I’m doing well keeping a post it note to tally crafty hours, one at my desk and one by my crochet. Last time I played I had to guesstimate and I worried that I was totally wrong, either way too high or way too low. And I just printed the challenge list. I’m determined to keep up with tallying the points this quarter. It will save me a lot of headaches! I need to print the challenge list...and figure out a way to remember to tally points. I'm sure I always underestimate mine |
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nylene
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,779
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Post by nylene on Sept 11, 2023 15:01:23 GMT
I need to check the printout and start recording points for the pages I have done. My goal for Sketchtember was to complete at least one sketch from each hostess and I have done that. Now I can relax and do other sketches as they fit my photos or as I have time. I really appreciate the work the hostesses do to get a sketch and a sample ready each week. Thank you to all!
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kitbop
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,621
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Post by kitbop on Sept 11, 2023 19:04:28 GMT
I haven't yet printed the challenges. I've just kept busy doing sketches - my own or other's. I've only managed 4 so far this year but hopefully today with produce #5.
The sketches are a great motivator this month tho. I'm "supposed to" be working on photos since I having printed since February, but I have put that aside in favour of sketchtember for now!
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Post by joblackford on Sept 11, 2023 20:25:50 GMT
So far I’m doing well keeping a post it note to tally crafty hours, one at my desk and one by my crochet. Last time I played I had to guesstimate and I worried that I was totally wrong, either way too high or way too low. And I just printed the challenge list. I’m determined to keep up with tallying the points this quarter. It will save me a lot of headaches! I need to print the challenge list...and figure out a way to remember to tally points. I'm sure I always underestimate mine I've set up a page in my planner to write down each project/session and scrawled some columns to note creation points, sharing points, and bonuses for each. I separated them out because I don't always share immediately. I have my challenge printout to check off with each month using a different color. And I have my crafty-time post its. It's not a pretty system but I think having it in different places might help me actually use it. I can easily read over the challenges every week or two and ask if I did that thing, although sometimes I have to go back and look at photos to check. |
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Post by katiekaty on Sept 15, 2023 15:05:07 GMT
My contract nursing job ended early-good and bad, but that’s the way of it. Good because I can take a week or two off if I want before starting a new one. So, I get to play……
I don’t have a clue what I am going to do, other than spend a few hours organizing and finding the top of the craft desk, making way in the kitchen so I can keep a separate project going there when cooking, and getting the mending basket together and placed in the family room to work while watching t with the family.
I am really looking forward to distressing after this past contract with some crafty stuff and fun cooking and trying some new eclipse. And of course posting here and keeping up with every one!
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Post by joblackford on Sept 15, 2023 21:19:49 GMT
My contract nursing job ended early-good and bad, but that’s the way of it. Good because I can take a week or two off if I want before starting a new one. So, I get to play…… I don’t have a clue what I am going to do, other than spend a few hours organizing and finding the top of the craft desk, making way in the kitchen so I can keep a separate project going there when cooking, and getting the mending basket together and placed in the family room to work while watching t with the family. I am really looking forward to distressing after this past contract with some crafty stuff and fun cooking and trying some new eclipse. And of course posting here and keeping up with every one! Don't forget to estimate your time for organizing and tidying up and enjoy your break and playtime! |
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Post by AussieMeg on Sept 16, 2023 22:55:18 GMT
My goal for Sketchtember was to complete at least one sketch from each hostess and I have done that. Yes that is always my first goal as well. Last year I managed to finish all 30 sketches, but I am way behind this year. |
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kitbop
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,621
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Post by kitbop on Sept 17, 2023 12:45:22 GMT
Last year I managed to finish all 30 sketches, but I am way behind this year. My challenge has been that most of the sketches are multi-photo, and many have been 2 pagers as well! ALL of my own sketches are 2+ photos. All the hosts tend to be multi-photo scrappers - different than other years. katiekaty - enjoy settling in for a little break! It's hard to make that adjustment to down time. Hope you feel your crafty mojo flowing soon. |
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Post by Linda on Sept 17, 2023 14:22:42 GMT
Once again I haven't been finding much scrappy time - and haven't scrapped all month except for the online crops really. Sure hoping someone hosts a mid-week crop again ( grammadee? mom?) so I can catch back up on sketches. I'm going to have to find time to prepare my Wed sketch though. I haven't even counted points yet |
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Shakti
Pearl Clutcher
Troubled, complicated, and constant
Posts: 3,240
Oct 30, 2022 23:42:30 GMT
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Post by Shakti on Sept 17, 2023 14:24:27 GMT
Yeah, I signed up for a team, was waiting for the challenge list, and then the next thing I knew, it was mid-month. How'd that happen? I haven't recorded a thing!
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I know as crafters we have to think ahead and so I do appreciate being able to buy holiday *supplies* out of season, but when stores are already heavily discounting their fall decor in August that's a red flag for me. 
