Birdieflyaway’s 13 Nights of Halloween Q&A 2021

 

Would you be interested in a cross stitched Halloween ornament?

Sure! Black cats, devils, or something funny would be awesome.

 

8/11/21

 

Are there any collage artists in the mix?   I would LOVE to curate one of spooky autumn goodness if my person were to be interested!

I am not a collage artist, but that sounds rad.

 

Have you seen the Dragon con list?  & would any of them appeal to you?

 

**UPDATE here, I ended up ordering a half bottle of Fuzzy Peach Sweater and got decants of these other two from a decant circle** 

 

YASSS! Fuzzy Peach Sweater & A Mug of London Fog; Pomegranate, Spicy Geranium, Black Musk and Peach Pulp; Peach Brandy Snake Oil have all piqued my interest. I’m not requesting any fairying because I just spent too much on an order…but these all sound amazing. 

Which Harry Potter house are you? 

Gryffindor, but sometimes I sneak over to Slytherin if feeling rowdy.

 

8/12/21

 

Do you like any art from these two sellers? They are local artists and I will probably pick up some stuff for myself soon! 
https://www.etsy.com/shop/CaitlinMcCarthyArt – Wow! I love the Bury Me in Books bookmark and the prints I like most are Krampus, The Magician, Baba Yaga, Lydia, The Oracle, Coven, Trick or Treat
https://www.etsy.com/shop/BatinYourBelfry – Definitely! I think I LOVE everything in this shop lol.

 

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! Remember- this can be part of your Halloween costume! I don't really understand what this is, but am intrigued! I have 18in hair. Maybe black, burgundy, purple and ivory?

 

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?

No thank you for yarn or beads. No allergies though.

 

Do you like stickers? Patches? Buttons?

I like all, but prefer patches because I'm swimming in stickers and I get such placement anxiety!

 

Do you spend time in the outdoors?

Yes when I can - in the garden, porch hangouts with friends, swimming, playing with my girls. Going for evening walks. Unless you meant outdoorsy, like naw I'm not an avid rock climber, hiker or anything. 

 

Do you enjoy cooking and/or baking?

Sometimes. I like making cool yummy seasonal things with the girls like once or twice for the season. I just don’t like devoting so much time to cooking when my time is so split already. For myself I enjoy experimenting with juicing.

 

The Paintbox Soapworks Weenie collection went live today! Would you like anything?

No thank you.

 

The Pickety Witch is taking pre-orders for their new Halloween pins (estimated ship date: early September). Have any caught your eye?

Yes! The goat holding the pumpkin and the Serpent of Astrology are cool.

 

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?

No thank you. I don’t use wax melts and I have so much bath stuff I need to use what I have!

 

Does anyone here like vintage halloween?

I LOVE IT SO MUCH. All of it, but especially vintage Halloween stuff with cats, witches on moons, and children.

 

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?  

I think some of the Beetlejuice stuff is kind of fun, like sandworms and the Book for the Recently Deceased stuff. And I’m probably safe in saying I’m a fan of anything with Lydia or Morticia. I used to really, really like TNBC much more, but the obscene amount of it everywhere has turned me off. I've never really cared for Hocus Pocus, personally I find those witches so annoying lol. 

 

How do you feel about atmospheric/novelty scents and novelty food items? Things like "new car candle" or "eyeball jawbreaker" or whatever.

I’m here for that, all the time.

 

If you like tea, how do you want it delivered? Loose? Bags? Tiny little messenger pigeons (subject to availability)?

I’m getting low on bags, which I prefer at work, so yeah, bags. Yes, pigeon delivery preferred.

 

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’d prefer a mix of low, med, higher priced things versus one large and 12 small or all the same. 

 

What are your fandoms, if any?

Handmaids Tale. Queen’s Gambit. A Court of Thorns and Roses series (ACOTAR). Lonesome Dove. 

 

Do you collect things like tarot decks?  If so do you have a wish list or a list of ones you already have?  Would you like a silk tarot bag?

I’ve only kept one deck (Rider Waite) for years, so I would love another to start resonating with. And if I had a new deck I would love a silk bag, but my 1 deck already has her bag that I won’t be replacing.

 

Do you like rocks/crystals?  What colors / kinds?  Would you like them with holes drilled (either as a pendant - you'd need to stick a bale in, or a bead?)

I do, and I super love if they’re wearable. I like clear/smoky quartz,  labradorite, malachite and citrine most. No druzys or dyed rocks though please. I do also prefer rough stones over polished.  

 

My mom has an etsy store - she makes bags.  Do you love anything from it?  We can also do box bags, draw string bags, dice bags, etc. and if you want a different type of material or a different fabric pattern, I'm open to links to specific things.   (yes, we have harry potter things.  We bought most of it before JKR showed herself to be a twat since we buy lots of bolts at the same time - yes, we have a whole room stuffed full of fabric.)

I like the Bones bag and fabric!

 

Let's say you want something knitted.  What are you most interested in?  (hat, fingerless mitts, scarf, shawl, cowl, infinity scarf, shawlette, gnome, doily, coffee mug cozy, talisman bag, dice bag, soap sack, washcloth (I have a pattern with the leviathan cross for bpal), amigurumi / toy, bracelet, cuff, necklace, other?)   (Can you link to a photo of what you envision or a pattern on ravelry?  Or put it on pinterest or something if you have that.)  

Fingerless mittens or knitted bracelet would be lovely!

* What colors would you prefer said knitted object in? Black, dark green, indigo, purple, dark orange? Something halloweeny looking

* Stripes, gradient, semi solid, variegated? No preference! I just really hate chevrons, please no chevrons.

* What type of yarn would you prefer?  ("wool", BFL, merino, merino/silk, merino/silk/cashmere, merino/cashmere, just silk, just cashmere, tencel (non-animal, plant based), other?   I also have non-dyed organic wool (mill spun) from our own sheep - finnsheep and shetland.  The finnsheep is dark brown (sun bleached black sheep from Sarge and our two black ewes we can't tell apart so they're ewe 1 and ewe 2) or a lighter silvery beige (from freckles) and the shetland is white.  (we just call her shetland.  They're mom's sheep, she should have named them, lol.)  Most of my stripy yarn is either merino or merino cashmere.) I am clueless and pay no attention to most fabric types beyond “ooh that’s soft, silky or rough”. I mean, all of those above sound incredibly lovely and I would appreciate having something like that with so much thought, meaning and expertise.  

You can check out some of my finished projects on Ravelry if you like (click on the project for more photos)  (I'll have to make a list of which items are available  because I knit a lot of things and then just put them in a cabinet and gift or sell them.) I don’t have an account here, sorry!

 

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?)

(see list in this post under spoiler because long)

Wow! These caught my eye for sure and sound lovely! Dried elderberries, homemade liqueurs/brandy, rose petal liqueur, whole plums w/spices, any bread (all of the ‘other’ sugars and flours sound fantastic, would love any of those for something different. Especially beet, coconut or date.)

 

8/16/21

 

How do you feel about oracle decks?

I don’t have one, but I've been wanting one actually!

 

Would you like witchy/ritual oils/sundries? Any limitations (e.g. deities you won't work with)?

Oohlala yes. No limitations.

 

Is there anything you would like to try from the UK specifically? (e.g. Lush exclusives)

Tea; Shrimps & Bananas😜  I've never tried anything Lush, so maybe? 

 

Oh, and are you into astrology?

 Yes, I am! Libra with Taurus rising and Scorpio Moon. 

 

What size shoe do you wear (inc wide/narrow, etc)?

Size 9, ol’ regular footfoots.

 

Do you like/would you want to receive comic books? Any favorite genres or characters?

No thank you.

 

Would you like a palm stone, or anything else, from Haute Macabre?

Ooohhh, yes I would. And yes on anything else!! I own nothing except HM BPAL’s, and always window-shop there.

 

What's your favorite flower(s)?

I cannot think of one flower I do not like. **Every time I come back to update questions I see this answer and it's annoying me, so Bird of Paradise. 

 

What's your favorite woodland creature?

Owl.

 

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)?

Whatever is easiest for my person! It’s no big deal if it’s not possible to all come in one box, though that's ideal.

 

Would you like a fabric face mask? If so, do you prefer a dome shape or a pleated shape? 

Only if it is cool. I definitely do not need anymore ol’ regular pattern masks. Pleated please.

 

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?

No thank you.

 

Anything from here?  ChocolateStorybook on Etsy

No thank you, I’m not real big on candy (except gummies, I will eat all your gummies).

 

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?

Yes, I would love some new-to-me incense. (Hexxennacht: All Souls Night, Head Shop, Rumrunner, Wormwood, Date Nights at Annapurna look AMAZING -but please not that buttered popcorn one lol). No thank you on the Mr. Hex smellsticks.

 

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?  Only if it is seasonal please (pecan, marshmallow, pumpkin, cinnamon, etc). I would need ground, any grind is fine. I like alllll roasts. I love trying unusual flavored coffees, like one time I tried a cardamom flavored coffee and it was incredible and I think about it all the time.

 

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? Ahh! I’ve never been and have always wanted a friend to introduce me to Ren Faire life lol. So I don’t even know what to request, but yes, I’d love something.

 
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? 

I do love market honeys.

 

Do you have a preference for numbered packages for each night of the swap vs randomly selecting from unlabeled goodies? 

This is my first 13 Nights swap (only 2nd ever swap!) so I'm not sure-sure, but if I get to pick then I pick numbered for each night!

 

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 love books so very much and prefer print. I'm especially interested right now in vintage/older books on folk magic, hoodoo, and divination. I'm also into dark medical non-fiction. However, if there's something you've read that you think is incredible and should be shared, I would totally love that too, coming from someone in this group! Used, written in, folded up, or new is fine with me. 

 

Are you interested in cocktails, be it recipes, infusion kits, tools, supplies, specialty bitters? Yes! I do like to keep my cocktails to 4 or less ingredients. I'm in a tequila, rum and whisky long phase. No to gin and vodka drinks. I don't really need any tools I can think of? Specialty bitters sound nice. I don't actually know what an infusion kit is, but sounds up my alley!

 

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 got a husband who would probably be happy about something like that, if you so desire.

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! I wrote a wishlist there but don't know how to link mine, I'm so sorry! If anyone wants to tell me how I'll do it, forgive my technical dimness. 

 

If you happened to list some favorite fandoms earlier, would you also name your favorite character(s) from those fandoms? I like all characters from those mentioned above. Additionally though for halloweeny-figures, you can't go wrong with me on Lydia, Morticia, Wednesday, Babadook, Sally or the kids from ANBC, Rocky Horror Picture Show (I can't believe I forgot to mention this one!! Big Fan!!), The Craft, Nosferatu, Practical Magic. All characters in Handmaid's Tale, favorite from Lonesome Dove is Gus. Oh I forgot I mentioned ACOTAR - favorites are Rhysand and the Suriel 

 

8/19/21

 

Do you have an Amazon link?  Can you post it?? I'm embarrassed by some things on here, but fine lol. Amazon.com

if you are a knitter/crocheter, are you over on Ravelry?  If so, what’s your user name there?? I'm not, sorry!

 

I make homemade fire ciders, would that be of interest? Non-alcoholic and they are quite fiery. (my question, so yes)

Are you interested in getting other BPAL items besides perfumes, like hair gloss, bath oils or T-shirts? (my question, but yes to gloss and Tshirts, I have zero BPAL shirts, but no thank you to bath oil)

 

 

8/21/21

 

So partner, would you be interested in a Frankenbag done in Halloween prints? fucking yes!

 

Y'all with furbabies... Are there any food allergies/sensitivities or quirks to know about? No.

 

how do you feel about (ethically sourced) butterfly / moth art (in a jar or shadowbox). If ethically sourced, hell yes!

 

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? I love mugs, but reallllly don’t need any more because of space…but. 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 here. But if I said anything related to this that I forgot about, kid friendly for that is fine. 

 

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)? Yes to the Notoriously Morbid one, no thank you on the Pretty Vulgar palette.

 

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? I'm not real big on candy and a kind pass on anime. Maybe chopsticks, but not sure I would use them much because with my wildlings I have to eat as fast as I can before somebody damn needs something. I do really love seaweed snacks and matcha flavored things though. 

 

there is an excellent chance teeturtle will have a sale in time for this swap: anything (particularly tshirts or socks) that appeal? Sizes?  No thank you.

 

Haus of Gloi Fall Part 1 drops soon, anything here you like?  https://www.hausofgloi.com/blogs/blog/fall-lineup-2021 I'd enjoy any of the soaps or butter bombs (I assume these are bath bombs?)

 

8/24/21

 

Could you use a journal or sketchbook? I have plenty, so not at this time.

 

Do you need BPAL storage?  Imps?  Bottles? No thank you, good on storage.

 

Do you wear socks?  What kind?  No show, ankle, knee high, over the knee?  Fibers? I do like a good fun over the knee sock. I don't need anymore other style socks though. No fiber preferences.  

 

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! I like all the mf gummies ever made, and sour gummies too. Gum, nuts are good. I like all teas, but in fall I move away from anything fruity and gravitate towards rooty, herbal, or calming ones. For coffee I like seasonal or unique flavors and any roast is good with me. 

 

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...? I'm a sucker for beach anklets and beach dresses, I am. Size L

 

How do you feel about fancy marshmallows? No thank you. Though I've never had a fancy one...but I've just never really loved marshmallows. 

 

8/25/21

 

We've asked about candy, but let's talk specifically about gummies. Do you like crazy shapes, sweet/sour? GD yes, all of that. Ok, so I did just remember there are some that have this like, white backing layer that I do not care for. I think it's the blue shark gummies and maybe some others. I super love sour gummies. 

 

Anything from these Etsy shops? Kodiak Sea Charms, I like all the hoop earrings Halloween Hill Studio, I like all their pumpkins, notably Enchanted Pumpkin & All Hallows Eve  Grave Markings Oh shit yes, haha! "Yes today Satan" cracks me up and I freakin love the Black No.1 pin. I don't wear pentagrams, so no to all those. I like nearly everything else here.

 

What about the Mutter Museum's gift shop? Why do I love the teeth magnets?? Any of the books are totally up my alley (except I've read Stiff and The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks). I have Umlaut and the gnarly syringe pen. 

 

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. I'm so jealous, I'd love to grow my own mugwort! Yes, I'd use leaves for tea or for smoke cleansing. I'd use in a bath if leaves are bound in muslin or sachet.

 

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? I'd use any of these except lemon balm unless you teach me what to do with it. 

 

I grew a huge load of onions and garlic. Any interest? Yes, would love either or both, would be great for my fire cider. 

 

Feathers? I have geese, ducks, peafowl, chickens and quail. So I collect their shed feathers and share them with people I like. No to chicken feathers, but I would definitely use the others. I would either use them in vases or they would be awesome to incorporate into certain crafting projects I work on. 

 

 

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). Wow, sure! I’ve never had shiso, I don’t think.

 

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? Sure, either sounds interesting.

 

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!)?  No thank you.

 

If you're into tabletop games, what games do you already own, and/or what type are you interested in? Not really, I like playing chess and have a set, but that’s it.

 

 

8/29/21

 

 DO YOU LIKE TRUE CRIME STORIES? For watching yes, for reading no. 

 

DO YOU LIKE SEASONAL MAGAZINES ON BAKING AND DECORATING? No thank you.

 

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 please, I don’t have a grinder. I get excited about flavored coffees, especially interesting and odd ones. Maple Bacon, cardamom, cinnamon varieties, caramel, coconut, rum are some of my favorite  coffee flavors I've tried. I don’t care for French vanilla, can’t really think of any others I dislike.  

 

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. I’d be interested in Halloween pattern/vibe pair, yes!

 

What about indie chilli sauces/chutneys/jams? What type of chilli/spice level? No thanks, I find I don’t end up using such.
 

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. I don’t desire plushies, but my girls would like them.

 

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/ No thank you.

 

Anything here sound good to you? https://gryffonridge.com/ wow this site overwhelms me, maybe one of the curry blends, curry leaves, lime salt or maine sea salt.

 

8/31/21

 

Hayden Evens Art has released some new Halloween and Disney-themed prints and stickers.  Do any spark your interest? Haha, yes I like Delia Deetz, Audrey II and The Birds.

 

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? (my question) No to creepy dolls because they don't creep me out so they do nothing for me, No to extreme bloody gore only because my girls are still young and are big Hallow-weenies. I haven't found my 'too far' yet really, I don't think - like nothing with dead kids is the only thing I can think of that would make me recoil. 

 

do you use any sorts of semipermanent dyes or do anything fun/wild to your hair? are there any hair products you like? Ooh this is a fun question. I can't get too wild with all over color because of ma job, but I've played with streaks of all colors. I have medium brown hair so I have a hard time finding colors besides red or black that will actually take, but I haven't tried lots of dyes so there maybe one that works better.

 

what about skincare? i am pretty into k beauty and am curious if others are interested in any aspects of this. I'm happy with my skin routine and don't need anything related to this.

 

9/1/21

Cellar Door Bath Supply Co.'s Halloween & Fall collection is out! Anything you might be interested in? Well dang, I think earlier I said I don't need anymore bath stuff, and like I don't really, but these are hard to say no to 😝 The most appealing ones are Black No.1, Haunted Woods, October Road, and Zombie repellant, I'd go for either the soap or candles in these!

 

Regarding tea, what type of tea do you prefer? Black tea, green tea, herbal tea? Any type of tea you really don't enjoy? I do like most tea under the sun. I change my tea blends with the seasons so now I'm into dark, rooty, super herbal, black, or chais.  I least like blueberry and ginger teas. Some top faves are mugwort, lemongrass, peppermint, yerba mate, chamomille, pine needle, white tea. I'm good with blends or single ingredient teas.

 

9/4/21

Are you interested in eco-friendly menstrual products? There are some beautiful gothic print reusable 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? I use their wallflowers all over my house so always love those (interested in the new Fairytale one, also Vampire Blood, Sweet Whiskey, Pumpkin Clove, Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin, Leaves, Ghoul Friend). My girls and I love their foaming soaps too, so HW ones would be fun. Also super curious what that Bonfire Bash smells like. 

 

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? Sure!