Ok - So it looks like the first Hot product to be featured in the DST insider and on the home page of DST is a Mystery Mega Collab Kit by the Scrap Orchard Designers.
If you want to see the contents, it was revealed here:
Mega Collab Revealed
Looks like it currently is selling for $3.00 and the product listing says that the price will increase in one week. I don't know when that will be.
Remember, "The introductory cost for this package is $350.00" I don't know if this is what they actually paid.
Let's discuss.
How did the DST CT team do using the kit?
Do you think this was cost effective advertising for this product?
Did you click on the DST link to take a closer look?
Did you buy this kit? Are you planning too?
Do you look at reveals before purchasing?
Do you think the store covered the fee, or did the designers all chip in?
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265 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 265 of 265Did anyone participate in the Treasure Hunt? If so, did you actually browse any of the stores that you visited?
I wouldn't dream of buying from someone that I have not received a few freebies from to judge the quality of their work. Or that I have not seen around in the forums to know their demeanor and professionalism.
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Well, their demeanor doesn't equal quality, so how they behave doesn't mean zip to me. I'm not buying their personality.
I have also found that some designers produce great freebies, but a terrible product when you have to buy it! Why is that?
I didn't think DSD was totally about the sales. Although I do think of it as like the Black Friday of digiscrapping. That aside, it just didn't seem as festive this year. There weren't as many chats and events at the different stores. I would have loved chats or tuts or things related to techniques to be offered. Or more crops to just go hang out, chat, and scrap. Just the whole overall tone seemed lackluster this year.
I sell my kits for $7-8+ and sell plenty of them to make it worth my time and more, so why would I sell them for less? There are lots of customers out there that recognize the value of a quality jam-packed digital kit.
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Totally agree, same here! :)
I sell my kits for $7-8+ and sell plenty of them to make it worth my time and more, so why would I sell them for less? There are lots of customers out there that recognize the value of a quality jam-packed digital kit.
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I do too, but why should I spend $7-8 at some of the newer boutique stores, get a bunch of sub par product when I can go to a tried and true store and spend less? Not all the designers at the newer places are terrible, some of them are great and they get my custom. Some of them though should never have started in the design biz. I understand we all have to learn, but if they are asking $7, I expect quality, not a learner's kit.
I do too, but why should I spend $7-8 at some of the newer boutique stores, get a bunch of sub par product when I can go to a tried and true store and spend less? Not all the designers at the newer places are terrible, some of them are great and they get my custom. Some of them though should never have started in the design biz. I understand we all have to learn, but if they are asking $7, I expect quality, not a learner's kit.
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This is a given. No one is saying you have to spend $7+ on a subpar kit. I am willing to spend that much on designers I trust and where I know the quality is. With new designers you take a risk, but it usually takes one time to know whether or not you are going go back and purchase again.
On DSD, I liked the sales because I could try new designers or even older ones I hadn't tried for a while. For example, 1 or 2 years ago, I bought from Emily Merritt and the 2 sisters and thought their products were really blurry and lacked quality. So, I stopped buying from them until on DSD. There was some $1 stuff at WAS. Well, I was right all along! They DID NOT improve. OMG! Their papers are still blurry. I don't understand how it's even possible. These days, there are a lot of good quality CU overlays out there. And if you make your papers by yourself, be sure to have a GOOD scanner, otherwise, don't bother scanning 3D stuff. And come on, a good scanner only cost around $150.
So, these designers will never see my $ again.
You want cheap products, go buy cheap products. But don't bitch about how you want quality products for next to nothing. That makes you cheap.
November 4, 2008 3:12 PM
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I don't care if you think I'm cheap, lol!
I don't think a designer HAS to sell a kit for $7 to be a good designer.
I'm a fan of the Lilypad. I like the fact that they haven't raised their prices like crazy.
Look at this kit by Natalie Braxton: http://www.the-lilypad.com/store/product.php?productid=1064&cat=0&page=1
It's an amazing kit with awesome quality handmade products and it's only $3! So, yes, you can still find great kits for less than $4. And no, I'm not in her CT, I wish I was!
Look at this kit by Natalie Braxton: http://www.the-lilypad.com/store/product.php?productid=1064&cat=0&page=1
It's an amazing kit with awesome quality handmade products and it's only $3!
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Her kit is very small: 8 papers and around 20 elements. This is my definition of a MINI kit IMO, and should ONLY be around $3-$3.50 - if that.
The kits I buy for $7-8 have 100+ elements, an alpha and 12-15 papers, and yes, excellent quality as well. You are not going to find that kind of kit for under $4 unless it has been out several months and it is marked way down during a big sale like DSD.
The kits I buy for $7-8 have 100+ elements, an alpha and 12-15 papers, and yes, excellent quality as well. You are not going to find that kind of kit for under $4 unless it has been out several months and it is marked way down during a big sale like DSD.
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Could you link me up to a kit in blues and browns like what you are talking about???
That is an adorable kit by Natalie, but the items are not hand made, if by hand made you mean real felt flowers, stitched and created IRL and scanned. The great thing though, is they look like they are! That is a quality designer, in my book.
The kits I buy for $7-8 have 100+ elements, an alpha and 12-15 papers, and yes, excellent quality as well.
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100 unique elements or 100 elements including a bunch of recolored stuff? I bet it has recolored items. I can do that myself. 20 unique elements recolored five times does not count as 100 elements in my book.
100 unique elements or 100 elements including a bunch of recolored stuff? I bet it has recolored items. I can do that myself. 20 unique elements recolored five times does not count as 100 elements in my book.
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Nope.. not all recolored. A good designer WILL recolor an element in maybe 2-3 colors, IMO. Especially if there are multiple colors in an element, like stitching on top of felt, for example. And to do it well takes time, and I appreciate when they are included in a kit. So I do count those. I can recolor too, but I personally don't like to take the time (to do it well) when I am in the middle of scrapping.
So unique elements...I would say 50-75 at least. That is still double the elements to what Natali's kit had, so selling a kit like that for around $7-8 (including an alpha) is not unreasonable in my book, and I pay that all the time. I don't expect to get a kit like that for less.
And I would link you up, but I would just be accused of either being that designer or being on her CT... But those kits ARE out there. My hard drive is full of them! :)
Do you REALLY use all these 50-75-100 elements? How many layouts do you create with 1 kit? And how can you afford paying for all that?
Do you REALLY use all these 50-75-100 elements? How many layouts do you create with 1 kit? And how can you afford paying for all that?
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Are you serious? I am not the op, but did you ever paper scrapbook?
You go into a LSS and you spend WAY more than $6-7 on cardstock, ribbons, metal tags, and other embellies. And that usually makes a page or two. Since I have been digital sb'ing, my scrapbook expenses have gone WAY down - even with paying for full price digital kits. It is a way cheap hobby!
(if you have self control, that is, lol!)
On using that many elements: If I get a kit that big, I make probably 2 pages with the coordinating stuff, but yes I use the other stuff for other pages as well. But I am an eclectic type scrapper and like to use all sorts of things from various kits. So if the kit is cute, I will use most everything in it for many layouts.
A good designer WILL recolor an element in maybe 2-3 colors, IMO. Especially if there are multiple colors in an element, like stitching on top of felt, for example.
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That's a given. I was referring more to ribbons and other basics, things that are usually very easy to recolor. I can do it better that most of the designers actually.
I wish you would link me up, I wouldn't think you were on the CT or that designer and even if you were, it wouldn't bother me.
But I am an eclectic type scrapper and like to use all sorts of things from various kits.
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Me too. It's usually the big joke with the designers that I CT for as I never use just one kit for one page. I know that a lot of scrappers are doing this now but I remember being the same two years ago and it was weird then.
Are you serious? I am not the op, but did you ever paper scrapbook?
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No! Too expensive. But still, so is digital scrapbooking. I mean, do you work or what? I'm a SAHM and there is no way I can afford $7 kits on a regular basis. I won't spend all my husband's money on a ''hobby'' (if you scrap-for-others, you might consider this a job).
Are you serious? I am not the op, but did you ever paper scrapbook?
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No! Too expensive. But still, so is digital scrapbooking. I mean, do you work or what? I'm a SAHM and there is no way I can afford $7 kits on a regular basis. I won't spend all my husband's money on a ''hobby'' (if you scrap-for-others, you might consider this a job).
November 5, 2008 6:39 PM
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I've wondered if a significant portion of the diggy market is in, simple because it IS cheaper. Sure there's a ton of gals who hate the glue and the mess, but I love that I can get an entire album of pages out of a $7.00 kit.
meant to say, simply not "simple".
Time for bed.
Try treating designers with some more respect please.
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Respect is earned. Try treating your customers with some respect and maybe they'll show you a little respect in return.
I didn't think DSD was totally about the sales. Although I do think of it as like the Black Friday of digiscrapping. That aside, it just didn't seem as festive this year. There weren't as many chats and events at the different stores. I would have loved chats or tuts or things related to techniques to be offered. Or more crops to just go hang out, chat, and scrap. Just the whole overall tone seemed lackluster this year.
November 4, 2008 9:28 PM
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ITA! But I also think that is due to the fact that we already had one this year, didn't we? In April or May or something.
ITA! But I also think that is due to the fact that we already had one this year, didn't we? In April or May or something.
November 6, 2008 6:00 PM
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Yes, that was Scrapbooking Day. Maybe the digi community needs to choose just one. Last time around both events were done to the 9's and were both a ton of fun. But it left DSD this time around feeling blah. What's the point of having a separate day for digi scrapbooking if we're not really going to celebrate?
Am I the only one who doesn't think Sweet Shoppe is as good as everyone makes it out to be? Every kit I've bought from anyone there with a few exceptions is all very digitally made looking and everything is just a bunch of recolors. It's all the same 5 elements in 50 different colors.
No, you're not alone.
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Am I the only one who doesn't think Sweet Shoppe is as good as everyone makes it out to be? Every kit I've bought from anyone there with a few exceptions is all very digitally made looking and everything is just a bunch of recolors. It's all the same 5 elements in 50 different colors.
November 7, 2008 8:22 PM
If ya don't like Sweet Shoppe Designs-then don't shop there. I'm sure it fits the needs of some scrappers.
I happen to enjoy most of their kits, but do not like stores like After 5 or designers like Jofia.
I think thats the wonderful thing about Digi- there are lots of choices for lots of different styles.
To 9:14
I know people have different tastes but even so, Sweet Shoppe is not as high quality as people make it out to be. Everything is the same or the same element recolored 50 times in one kit, you don't need every element in every color in one kit. As I said, there have been exceptions, some kits have been ok but others were just not as good as they could have been. Sweet Shoppe is one of those stores where the previews look better than the actual kit. Where I agree everyone has different tastes, look at Jofia.. everything she does is unique and different and I'm assuming most is scanned/photographed and extracted by her and alot of time is put into it whereas if you go to Sweet Shoppe, everything is pretty basic things made in Photoshop or PSP with not very much uniqueness
Where I agree everyone has different tastes, look at Jofia.. everything she does is unique and different and I'm assuming most is scanned/photographed and extracted by her and alot of time is put into it
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I agree with 9:14 --- SOOooo not into Jofia, Natali, etc. But there is digital scrapbooking, and digital ART, and I feel Jofia's stuff is better for the artsy stuff - which I am not into.
I don't even go to the GSO thread at DST anymore because it is all the same dreamy, artsy-looking stuff ALL the time. I wish there was a separate category for those wanting to record memories and really SCRAP, and a separate section for ART - a layout that looks like it should be hanging on the wall like a painting. They have different uses/purposes.
I am into recording memories, scrapping my LIFE, not making my children look like perfect angels falling out of heaven LOL... although I do appreciate those lovely layouts, I just don't have any interests in making them.
So like you said, it is wonderful we all have so many options for our different tastes & styles! :)
Although I don't want my pages to look totally artsy (a la Jofia), I also don't want them to look totally immature and pre-schoolish (a la Sweet Shoppe) either.
The extremes are very good at generating hype. It would be nice to find a scrapping hangout that's free from all the extreme pimping and hype.
To 2:16
Can you give a designer as an example of someone you like that's a good medium between the Jofia style and Sweet Shoppe style?
2 words...Scrap Artist. I love SA because it's a nice medium...unique stuff I can actually use to scrap with. FPD and TLP are good too.
I used to love SA-but anymore-not so much.
Not crazy about any of the designers there. I wonder what made Micheline Martin leave after so short of a time though.
I was never a fan of hers at SSD-nor did I follow her to SA-but someone was asking about an action of hers and I went to find it at SA and she was gone. Someone else had to lead me to Oscraps.
I think Kasia is a good medium between dreamy and sicky sweet.
Kasia is good but alot of her kits look like they're all the same colors.. and have the same stuff in all of them.
What do you guys think of Flergs?
Kasia is good but alot of her kits look like they're all the same colors.. and have the same stuff in all of them.
What do you guys think of Flergs?
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ITA. Kasia's stuff is cute, but does all look the quite the same... Natali is one I feel whose kits all look the same too. I can't tell any of her kits apart anymore.
I hear a lot about Flergs - like some people really going ga-ga over her stuff, and although I have never bought from her before, I think it is pretty cute... Not sure about the hype though...
I wish there was a separate category for those wanting to record memories and really SCRAP, and a separate section for ART - a layout that looks like it should be hanging on the wall like a painting. They have different uses/purposes.
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Just because you scrap on a more basic level, doesn't mean that those who create the arty layouts aren't just recording their memories either and aren't just scrapping.
I just SCRAP but it would probably be considered too arty by someone like you. Each piece on my page has a meaning. Who are you to say it's not just scrapping? Seems a bit snobbish to me.
I used to love SA-but anymore-not so much.
Not crazy about any of the designers there.
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I like some of the designers over there. Laurie Ann and Designs by Lili are my particular favorites. Dianne Rigdon has returned, which is interesting.
What do you guys think of Flergs?
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Hi Flergs! ;)
Actually 2:52 I'm not Flergs. I asked what people thought of her because she has somewhat of the cutesy feel of Sweet Shoppe but a little different and I like her but was wondering what other people thought. Actually, I go back a forth.. I like one kit of hers I get hen the next one I don't like as much, etc.
What do you guys think of Flergs?
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I think I'd like to have detailed instructions on how she makes that glitter.
I think I'd like to have detailed instructions on how she makes that glitter.
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Art Rage
I wish there was a separate category for those wanting to record memories and really SCRAP, and a separate section for ART - a layout that looks like it should be hanging on the wall like a painting. They have different uses/purposes.
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ITA!!!
I think I'd like to have detailed instructions on how she makes that glitter.
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Art Rage
Exactly. Simple-simon. Just fill up a background with ArtRage glitter, (you have to have the paid version in order for the glitter to work, the free version doesn't make good glitter because it doesn't have the metallic setting) export and save as .psd format, then open in photoshop and save as a pattern. Then make a layer-style with your glitter as a pattern overlay. You can then simply add color overlay in various colors (with "color" blend-mode selected - and try different blend modes for different looks) to get any color you want.
Some colors may need curves or levels adjustments to get them looking right, depending on how light/dark your beginning glitter/pattern was. There is no reason whatsoever to buy it in multiple colors or to purchase a new set of glitters to match particular kits (though that is definitely a clever marketing tactic); just change your color overlay setting. ;)
To turn it into "glitter gel" just add a bevel and emboss layer-style - just keep experimenting with the settings until you find one you like.
Actually 2:52 I'm not Flergs. I asked what people thought of her because she has somewhat of the cutesy feel of Sweet Shoppe but a little different and I like her but was wondering what other people thought. Actually, I go back a forth.. I like one kit of hers I get hen the next one I don't like as much, etc.
November 9, 2008 3:11 AM
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Before she became famous, I downloaded some of her freebies and wasn't that impressed, the glitter was blurry, amongst other things. She has improved since then, but her stuff doesn't grab me. It's nice and all, but it doesn't stand out. I can think of other designers who do the same thing and don't sell at SBG, so I go to them instead.
I wish there was a separate category for those wanting to record memories and really SCRAP, and a separate section for ART - a layout that looks like it should be hanging on the wall like a painting. They have different uses/purposes.
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Just because you scrap on a more basic level, doesn't mean that those who create the arty layouts aren't just recording their memories either and aren't just scrapping.
I just SCRAP but it would probably be considered too arty by someone like you. Each piece on my page has a meaning. Who are you to say it's not just scrapping? Seems a bit snobbish to me.
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Not the OP, but to have someone like you that creates the fancy, artistic layouts calling those of us that don't like that style more "basic" is the epitome of snobby, LOL!
Not the OP, but to have someone like you that creates the fancy, artistic layouts calling those of us that don't like that style more "basic" is the epitome of snobby, LOL!
November 9, 2008 3:40 PM
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No, not really. It is basic, I do that kind of scrapping too. You obviously think I meant basic as an insult, when I didn't. Look up the word sometime and you'll see what I mean.
Alma Townsend is not at SBE anymore?
I just don't understand the hype with Flergs. It's all very average to me.
I just don't understand the hype with Flergs. It's all very average to me.
November 9, 2008 6:32 PM
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I think it's more to do with the fact that she's out there in the forums and stuff.
No, not really. It is basic, I do that kind of scrapping too. You obviously think I meant basic as an insult, when I didn't. Look up the word sometime and you'll see what I mean.
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LOL... you are totally snobby and condescending, IMO.
No, not really. It is basic, I do that kind of scrapping too. You obviously think I meant basic as an insult, when I didn't.
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We will have to agree to disagree then. You call my kind of layouts "basic",(which I would say my layouts are FAR from basic) I call your kind of layouts "art" and not true scrapping... Just our own differing opinions.
Not the OP, but to have someone like you that creates the fancy, artistic layouts calling those of us that don't like that style more "basic" is the epitome of snobby, LOL!
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Gotta agree with ya there, my thoughts exactly.
Did any of you read that I do non 'arty' layouts as well or you are so far down on 'arty' layouts that you can't see what I wrote for your own superior attitudes? Geez. I wasn't condescending but you all are, saying it's not scrapping, it's not memories, it's just 'art'. Why are arty layouts not 'true' scrapping? I didn't down you for doing non 'art' layouts, but you're all down on me.
LOL... you are totally snobby and condescending, IMO.
November 9, 2008 9:11 PM
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Whatever, at least I can do all kinds, you obviously can't. Now that's condescending, see the difference? Oh, that was condescending too. Sheesh. I'm glad that I'm not so black and white as you. It's either your way, or the wrong way.
Whatever, at least I can do all kinds, you obviously can't. Now that's condescending, see the difference? Oh, that was condescending too. Sheesh. I'm glad that I'm not so black and white as you. It's either your way, or the wrong way.
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lol.. whatever. Blog owner - new topic please!! :)
"I can think of other designers who do the same thing and don't sell at SBG, so I go to them instead."
What is wrong with SBG? I have seen a few references similar to the one above - made me curious, perhaps someone more 'in the know' than me can shed some light on this for me...
Thanks :-)
Anyone else doesn't like the new graphics on the SBG website? Way too colorful, it's disturbing.
Well this blog loves SA and hates SBG. Maybe SA people bashing SBG? Designer drama! SA bores me. SPD and SBG not so much.
I don't see anyone 'loving' on SA and 'hating' on SBG. There are people praising and people bitching about both sites. I think maybe you're just a little sensitive.
The people who are talking about SBG are mostly talking about Maya and Flergs anyway. Speaking of, I wonder why Maya just lost 2 of her designers to SA anyway?
Nah. I'm just stirring up trouble. I for one like both sites.
Can we have a new topic please?
The people who are talking about SBG are mostly talking about Maya and Flergs anyway. Speaking of, I wonder why Maya just lost 2 of her designers to SA anyway?
November 10, 2008 3:24 PM
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and Jessica Bolton has gone, does anyone know where to if anywhere?
Also Meredith Fenwick just got picked up by 2Peas!
I don't think SBG has more than one of the original designers left when the store went consignment. Doris Castle I think is the only one, and she left and returned. Ronna Penner has gone to SA. Rachel Young didn't stay at SBG very long either. There has been a lot of designers leaving SBG over the last 12 months. I know a few left SA but there seems to have been a bigger move out of SBG.
I think they are just playing musical chairs. Just look at TDC and some of the other stores. I don't think it has anything to do with the stores so much as designers trying to find themselves or something. 2Peas is a bit interesting though.
Has the blog owner abandoned us?
Yep. Seems like the blog-owner hasn't even looked in here in a while... ?
Are there any other new blogs that people know about?
Are there any other new blogs that people know about?
November 10, 2008 9:02 PM
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No but I wish! I'm so bored! I want gossips!!!
So, what do you think of people like her: http://digiscrapwarehouse.com/xcart/manufacturers.php?manufacturerid=58
selling images she took for free on stock photos sites?
http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1063047
http://digiscrapwarehouse.com/xcart/commercial-use-product/christmasbits.html
-->http://www.sxc.hu/photo/913943
I mean, come on! I buy CU once in a while and I can't even trust those people anymore. First, those images are free and they are super easy to extract. If I buy it and I didn't know it was a stock photo, I could get in trouble in the future. Customers will assume I stole a stock photo. Bad for my business. Geez! No wonder why all the kits lately look like they are made from extracted stock photos...they are!
12.45 all I can say is puke! Her stuff is awful and she probably stole all of it from off the web. Why don't you report her?
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