Hello fellow crafters! Just a short note to let you know about some sales. This is my favorite time to shop for craft supplies and decorating needs. The week before Christmas you can find, in every craft store, 50% sales, at the least. Sometimes they reduce it even more depending on the size of their stock and how much they want to move it out.

I like to start planning for next year's crafting. I know I will always need ribbon, wreaths, and florals. That is where I begin. If I wait until after Christmas for bigger sales, I usually miss out on the good stuff. I buy just about anything I think I can use. Sometimes it might just be an item that is pretty, and I figure out what to do with it later. You never know, the ideas just pop in your head at times.

Featured sales this week at Joanns include gift wrap & accessories, ribbon & bows, indoor & outdoor decor, trim-a-tree, partyware, floral and candles. Prices range from $.24 to $99.99. Prices effective until December 24th. You can find these on line. Click Joann's right here and it will take you to their home page. Hit the Weekly Sales Flyer. Type in your zip code, two flyers should pop up, a regular one and Christmas.

Michael's online add takes a little more navigating. Again you need to use your zipcode. I found the sales under seasons and celebrations. Their Christmas items are also 50% off. However there is an extended list of 70% off items for Christmas which include wreaths and garlands and ribbons and more. This sale will be on until December 24th.

A.C. Moore's, found in eastern United States, is also having their Christmas items at 50%-70% off. You can find this information by clicking the little box right at the top of their site. Items include Christmas floral, berries, bushes, wreaths, swags, trees and ribbons. Prices effective until December 22nd.

The stores listed above are the local stores for me. I also shop at my local Kmart, Walmart, Lowes and Sam's Club. They have Christmas sections with great crafting items too. Also, don't forget, dollar stores in the area.  You can find some nifty items  there for only a buck!

As you can see I love to shop for craft supplies. I get around. It's like harvesting crops in the fall. It does save time and money for the following year. Shopping now also lets you begin crafting for next Christmas Season ahead of time. I like to start during the summer and fall. This is a great idea for crafters that do shows. They can build up their stock a little at a time without being rushed. I was a procrastinator. I always waited until last minute and would spend days with little sleep. I learned. A few times I remember sleeping in my van while my mom worked my stand. (Moms are great!)

So go grab a buddy (usually my mom), stop for lunch, and shop 'til you drop!