Q&A for 13 Nights of Halloween 2021 swap :)
https://www.etsy.com/shop/CaitlinMcCarthyArt -- wow WOW wow yes these are gorgeous and I love them all???
https://www.etsy.com/shop/BatinYourBelfry -- RAT KING! I like all of the animal ones here a lot I make beautiful and very lightweight yarn-and-ribbon hairfalls - would you like a set in the colors and length of your choice? If yes, name up to four colors and length in inches! No thank you! Would you appreciate a skein of handspun yarn? If yes, what weight? What colors? How do you feel about beads? Any allergies to typical fibers? 150% yes please! Acrylic makes me itchy. I love a DK+ weight yarn, and surprise me on color! Prefer my yarn unbeaded, but I love beads on their own. Do you like stickers? Patches? Buttons? I have way too many stickers and buttons, but I love patches! Do you spend time in the outdoors? As much as I can, though I live in a city. Do you enjoy cooking and/or baking? Very much so -- mainly baking! Always interested in neat spices/sugars/etc. And would love some cute cookie cutters! The Paintbox Soapworks Weenie collection went live today! Would you like anything? Those sugar scrubs look so nice -- I've never tried this shop before, but I would love one of those, and all the fall scents except Guy Fawkes sound nom. The Pickety Witch is taking pre-orders for their new Halloween pins (estimated ship date: early September). Have any caught your eye? Ok I know I said I have too many pins, HOWEVER, how-ev-er, I would definitely love the cat on a broom or May King pin, my goodness. Zeep's Spooky Collection drops some time next week. Here's the scent list. Would you like any wax melts, candles, whipped soaps, sugar whips (whipped soap/scrub hybrid), body butter sugar scrubs (moisturizing scrub), meringues (lotion), bath bombs, or bath rocks from Zeep? Never heard of this shop either! I have a wax burner, and I love a leaf/pumpkin/bonfire home scent, so fire away with any of those (Fall Eats and Pumpkin Queen and Beetlegeuse caught my eye for sure). Does anyone here like vintage halloween?
Yes! Especially Victorian/Art Nouveau-y stuff. Love cats, ghosts, skeletons, bats. It seems like a lot of shops’ Halloween lines have items related to the same standard fandoms, such as The Nightmare Before Christmas, Hocus Pocus, Disney’s Haunted Mansion, Beetlejuice, Addams Family, etc. Do any of those (or other ones) particularly resonate with you? Not really a fandom person, so no thank you! How do you feel about oracle decks? Never heard of them! Will stick with tarot for the time being. Would you like witchy/ritual oils/sundries? Any limitations (e.g. deities you won't work with)? I'd love a little dish/plate for candles. I've also had my eye on some of the notebooks from Haute Macabre (https://haute-macabre.myshopify.com/collections/accoutrement/products/femina-ferox-notebook-by-open-sea-design-co)... really anything from HM is a safe bet. Is there anything you would like to try from the UK specifically? (e.g. Lush exclusives) Ooh, I love Lush, so yeah, if there are any exclusive scents/bath bombs/masks I'd love to try 'em! Oh, and are you into astrology? Not too much. If it's helpful I just looked it up and I am a Sagittarius with Capricorn rising and a Scorpio moon! Would you prefer to receive ONE HUGE (more expensive) GIFT and 12 inexpensive ones, a few more expensive, or all about the same price? I don't have a strong preference! Fandoms: Don't have any! Do you collect things like tarot decks? If so do you have a wishlist or a list of ones you already have? Would you like a silk tarot bag? Would love a bag! I have a few decks and am not in need of more. Do you like rocks/crystals? What colors kinds? Would you like them in bead format (holes drilled?) Love 'em. Would love a string of beads, a palm stone, a geode, really anything. Am especially fond of labradorite and moonstone. My mom has an etsy store - she makes bags. Do you love anything from it? Not particularly -- they're neat! But I have a pile of empty makeup + knitting bags waiting to be filled with stuff. If you like tea, how do you want it delivered? Loose? Bags? Tiny little messenger pigeons (subject to availability)? Any way is fine, messenger pigeons/squirrelpost gets exrta points. Also, how do you feel about atmospheric/novelty scents and novelty food items? Things like "new car candle" or "eyeball jawbreaker" or whatever. Shmeh! Let's say you want something knitted. What are you most interested in? Sure! Am always happy with infinity scarves, shawls, cowls, and hats. Here's my Ravelry favorites list 4 vibes: https://www.ravelry.com/people/rhonorv/favorites * What colors would you prefer said knitted object in? Earth tones or ocean tones, or black or grey * Stripes, gradient, semi solid, variegated? Solid, or a dyed-variegated yarn! * What type of yarn would you prefer? Mohair or chunky knit Are you interested in receiving any of the following homemade / home dried / home canned goodies? (just erase the ones you don't want when you answer to make it easy?) dried (we have a commercial sized dehydrator): Dried Honey Crisps Dried catnip Dried elderberries canned: Candied jalapenos Cardamom plum jam Vanilla peach jam homemade liqueur / brandy: Rose Petal liqueur (small sample) Plum Brandy (Slivovitz) (small sample) Lavender Vanilla Bean liqueur (small sample) We are SWIMMING in zucchini right now. Would you like any zucchini bread? No thank you! How about pumpkin bread? Heck yeah! If breads don't appeal, do you have a favorite baked or homemade treat recipe you'd love to have made for you? I would love to try your favorite thing to make, whatever that is! Shoes: Size 5, but I am pretty overshoed at the moment and picky always. I will never say no to socks or slippers, though! These are my questions, which I am also answering, because why not: Do you like/would you want to receive comic books? Any favorite genres or characters? Heck yeah! I have a ton but love indie comics and old single issues, especially weird sci fi and anything X-Men. Would you like a palm stone, or anything else, from Haute Macabre? I love all of HM's site and have some of their stones (grey moonstone, garnet, labradorite), but am always happy to receive other special rocks and books from them. What's your favorite flower(s)? Orchids and peonies! What's you favorite woodland creature? All of them, even the bugs. But if I had to choose I'd say owls and chipmunks Do you prefer receiving a big box with all of your goodies, or is it okay if one or two things are shipped directly to you separately (with notice!!) for customs/shipping cost purposes (i.e. if there's something customs might not allow in from the States that can be shipped from within your country)? Don't mind at all: whatever is easiest for you! Would you like a fabric face mask? If so, do you prefer a dome shape or a pleated shape? Sure! Dome, please (Also, I have a small face/head) And back to other folks' questions: I have a literal stockpile of skincare products. Can I interest you in cleanser, sheet masks, moisturizer, sample things etc etc.? Or a general pampering package? What is your skin type? I have pretty oily skin, so anything that exfoliates would be nice! I enjoy samples. Anything from here? ChocolateStorybook on Etsy Cotton Candy!!!! Anything except the banana one for sure I have been enjoying the incense from here hand-dipped incense sticks | Hexennacht and here Hand-dipped incense sticks | Mr. Hex (mr-hex.com) Any thing interesting from either site? I can get a little sneezy with some kinds of incense, so I will pass.
8/16/21 Would you like some delicious coffee? If so, do you prefer whole bean or ground? If ground, what grind? Also, light or dark roast? Flavor preferences? Oooooh yes! Espresso ground only please; I don't have a grinder. I like coffee-flavored coffee but will try fancy flavors in small quantities, light to medium roast 😛 8/17/21 I may be going to the Renaissance Fair this weekend (if not this weekend then soon and multiple times), any Ren Faire goodies you may like? Oh fun!! I miss fairs of all kinds... I realize that you have already gone and come back from the fair, but, in case it's helpful anyhow a fun pen, perhaps? Or a brooch/hair comb? I always go to my town's local Farmer's Market and they have booths selling things like candles, Gourmet Pickles, Flavored Oils and Vinegars, dog treats (like bones and animal feet), honey, and bath products. Would you like any of these things? Am always happy to receive pickles and interesting spices/oils. No dog treats, though. Do you have a preference for numbered packages for each night of the swap vs randomly selecting from unlabeled goodies? Very slight preference for numbered packages but please don't knock yourself out if that's too much! If you didn't say much about your reading preferences in your survey but would be interested in receiving books, can you elaborate a bit? I think I did, but will add a few more thoughts! I really love history books, though I have a toooon of books on Rome and Britain. I love non-fic nature/ecology books as well. I also love older sci fi, especially short story collections. I've been on a Virginia Woolf and Daphne DuMaurier kick lately, so anything by them/similar except Rebecca, To the Lighthouse, or Mrs. Dalloway would surely be enjoyed. Are you interested in cocktails, be it recipes, infusion kits, tools, supplies, specialty bitters? Meh! If I got them I bet I would try them, but I'm not a big cocktail maker at home. 8/18/21 Is there something that you definitely prefer to not receive in any category (anything to avoid if you hadn't/forgotten to mention)? Not that I can think of! Are there patterns/prints (more guidance than general Halloween/Autumn) you like for things or are you open to whatever I may find that speaks to me? I dearly love a good plaid, and a realistic floral. Any significant other or other special person? Like if I wanted to send you specialty cocoa for a date night, would that be OK? I am making up the cocoa part, but you get my drift. I have a husband! Coincidentally he loves hot cocoa, so. I would love to request folks to to put their wish list in this thread and link in their signature. I would love to decant from my oils if I have any my person is looking for! Done! If you happened to list some favorite fandoms earlier, would you also name your favorite character(s) from those fandoms? Not a big fandom person! 8/19/21 Do you have an Amazon link? Can you post it?? I don't!
if you are a knitter/crocheter, are you over on Ravelry? If so, what’s your user name there?? I am, hooray! @rhonorv 8/20/21 I make homemade fire ciders, would that be of interest? Non-alcoholic and they are quite fiery. Sure!! Are you interested in getting other BPAL items besides perfume, like hair gloss, bath oils or T-shirts? Big yes to bath oils, have never had the pleasure! No thanks to t-shirts, and HG decants are welcome! 8/21/21 So partner, would you be interested in a Frankenbag done in Halloween prints? No thank you Y'all with furbabies... Are there any food allergies/sensitivities or quirks to know about? Two of cats are pretty particular about food/treats with their panoply of old-cat GI complaints, but the other two are sturdy. They all love cat nip and silver vine. how do you feel about (ethically sourced) butterfly / moth art (in a jar or shadowbox) Would love! I have a small butterfly shadowbox on my wall right now I may have preemptively picked out 2 Halloween-themed mugs with cute matching spoons, before I knew who my match was going to be! So I leave it to you: Bat, or Cat? Cat!!! 8/22/21 If you mentioned aversions to any common Halloween decor items (skeletons, witches, spiders, etc.), how encompassing is that? Specifically, is a "kid friendly" drawing of that same item on a piece of decor (like, a book cover or wrapping paper) still a preferred pass? No aversions!
Would you be interested in receiving a never-used eyeshadow palette from Nororiously Morbid (gothy colors) and/or a never-used eyeshadow palette from Pretty Vulgar (romantic neutrals)? Sure to the romantic neutrals! 8/23/21 I live in Japan. Are you interested in anything specifically Japanese I could get for you here (doesn't necessarily have to be Halloween themed)? For example, are you a fan of the anime Demon Slayer and want merch? Are you interested in trying some fun kit-kat flavors? Do you need a new set of pretty chopsticks? Oh!! Matcha Kit Kats!!!!! Any kind of printed fabric I could make into a scarf or headband would also be delightful there is an excellent chance teeturtle will have a sale in time for this swap: anything (particularly tshirts or socks) that appeal? Sizes? Socks welcome! I'm a size 5 shoe. I've got way too many t-shirts I love all of these: https://www.teeturtle.com/products/purrfect-together-socks?variant=19577791455078 https://www.teeturtle.com/products/black-cat-socks https://www.teeturtle.com/products/running-with-chainsaws-socks https://www.teeturtle.com/products/lucky-kitty-socks Haus of Gloi Fall Part 1 drops soon, anything here you like? https://www.hausofgloi.com/blogs/blog/fall-lineup-2021 I've never tried this house! Persephone's Descent, Amethyst, and Spider Silk are the scents that most appeal to me. All the lip balms look great too. 8/24/21 Could you use a journal or sketchbook? For sure!! Do you need BPAL storage? Imps? Bottles? Imp storage would be really nice!! I have about 40 that are in all different little cardboard jewelry boxes... Do you wear socks? What kind? No show, ankle, knee high, over the knee? Fibers? I do! All either ankle or calf-height (for boots). I prefer thinner socks (cotton/rayon) Do you have a favorite candy(ies) [or prepacked individual snacks] that you wouldn't mind filling up your box as packing material? Or teas/coffee blends you'd enjoy? If you prefer none of this, that's fine too! That's such a cute idea! I love Werthers and raisinets. Am also a fan of tea, especially rooiboses I'm going down the Shore for a few days! Any treats you'd like from a cute beach town- salt water taffy? Fudge? Wrist fans? Tie-dye beach dress...? Big yes to taffy or fudge! How do you feel about fancy marshmallows? Pretty good! 8/25/21 We've asked about candy, but let's talk specifically about gummies. Do you like crazy shapes, sweet/sour? Any kind sound good to me!! Anything from these Etsy shops? Grave Markings I love! No ty to the others What about the Mutter Museum's gift shop? Oh ho ho, anything there is a safe bet for me! 8/27/21 I grow mugwort and it's harvest season. Would you like dried leaves for bathing or tea? Or a bound bundle for smoke cleansing? (Its said to be excellent for divination or lucid dreaming, but do not use if pregnant.) its also a digestive bitter and tastes great on chicken. No thank you! I grow loads of other herbs and I'm drying them now. Any favorites you might like? Mint, basil, oregano, chives, lemon balm or others? Love mint! Would happily try any of the listed dried, edible herbs. I grew a huge load of onions and garlic. Any interest? No thanks! Feathers? I have geese, ducks, peafowl, chickens and quail. So I collect their shed feathers and share them with people I like. YES! I am generally interested in any natural artifacts from places where I don't live (leaves, feathers, shells, stones). I grew a boatload of Green Shiso this year and plan to make a shiso pesto with it. Would you like some? (Nut wise it has pistachios) Sure!! I also plan to experiment with infusing it in vodka. I'm planning a plain shiso infusion and a shiso citrus infusion. If they turn out would you like some? Also sure! 8/28/21 Would you be interested in this hand sanitizer dispenser/keychain that doubles as a light (its eyes light up when you press between its eyes!)? (see photo here) No thank you! If you're into tabletop games, what games do you already own, and/or what type are you interested in? I enjoy Dominion (have the base game), Pandemic (have the Cthulu version), and Catan (don't have a copy of my own), and I like trying new board/card games too! 8/29/21 DO YOU LIKE TRUE CRIME STORIES? DO I EVER!!!!! TRULY A LOT. DO YOU LIKE SEASONAL MAGAZINES ON BAKING AND DECORATING? I've never had one but I love random magazines and backing, so yes! If you are enthused by the idea of receiving coffee, do you want whole bean or ground? AND do you have flavors that you like (or definitely hate and never want again)? Ground, espresso if possible please! Will try small amounts of any flavor, but I prefer regular coffee. 8/30/21 Would you be interested in some very size-inclusive tights? There are Halloween patterns, but also most colours under the sun, and are very comfy. Sure!! Kind of low on tights right now, actually, and I wear a small + am pretty short (5'2") if length is an option. What about indie chilli sauces/chutneys/jams? What type of chilli/spice level? Sure -- Mild to medium spicy works!
In case anyone else shares a love for adorable tiny plushies, any interest in v soft and cute vegetable/fruit plushies? There are also small animals. All plushies will be requisitioned by the cats of the house, so anything safe for them is fine I don't collect them myself.. The Polish Pickup/Indie Pickup is live for wishlisting, and will ship in time for this swap (this year). Anything strike your fancy? (It's not just nail polish...there's jewelry and bath scrubs and wax tarts and all manner of things. It's fun!) https://polishpickup.com/ Nothing jumps out! 8/31/21 Anything here sound good to you? https://gryffonridge.com/ Oh cool!! The seafood blends and sugars all look amazing. Hayden Evens Art has released some new Halloween and Disney-themed prints and stickers. Do any spark your interest? Nope! So would you hate or be into more miscreant Halloween vibe decor - like wholesome figurines repainted, creepy dolls, goats with horns, (fake) animal skeletons, things in jars? Is anything too dark, morbid, or recoil worthy? Hail Satan, so sure! My line is like, actual stuff in formaldehyde (mainly because of Cat Breakage Risk). Love skeletons and bones. Shmeh on creepy dolls. do you use any sorts of semipermanent dyes or do anything fun/wild to your hair? are there any hair products you like? I'm pretty boring on the dye front, though I do love silk/satin scarves and ribbons for braids! what about skincare? i am pretty into k beauty and am curious if others are interested in any aspects of this. I'd definitely try sample sizes of some K-beauty! I used to visit a shop regularly (that has since closed :,( ) that was all K-Beauty and it was the best. Love me some snail mucin/bee venom. Cellar Door Bath Supply Co.'s Halloween & Fall collection is out (https://cellardoorbathsupply.com/collections/halloween-fall-collection anything you might be interested in? Oh, I just ordered some Once Bitten soap and a candle, so I'll pass!! haha Regarding tea, what type of tea do you prefer? Black tea, green tea, herbal tea? Any type of tea you really don’t enjoy? Rooibos and basic green and Paris from Harney and Sons are my favorites. I also love fruity teas (I make them into iced tea!) 9/4/21 are you interested in eco-friendly menstrual products? There are some beautiful gothic print reuseable pads I'm looking at specifically. No thanks! 9/6/21 Bath and Body Works? I know this is a bit of a love em or hate em company, but I really love their foaming hand soaps and scented hand sanitizers and my kids like their body wash, so I'll be placing an order with the next good sale. Anything that catches your eye? They unfortunately often make me sneeze :,( 9/14/21 I'm making homemade applesauce this weekend with apples I picked last weekend. I'm going to try my hand at canning for the first time (got my mom, the experienced canner, on speed dial lol) If I succeed would you like a jar? Heck yes! Good luck! 9/22/21 How do you feel about sniffies? Just fine!