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Sneak peeks of upcoming projects.

Highlights

Charmsey
CREATOR
about 11 hours ago

Project Update: Paris Parfait Discussion!

Hey!!

I was about to start working on Paris' ref, but I wanted to run some things by anyone interested in Paris. I was really caught up in the excitement of things and moving very quickly, but with a little more time to think, I was worried that the manufacturer might struggle with the shaved look of the ears. I thought a full, fluffy ear may work better, and looking at tons of poodle images, it is a very standard but adorable look.
Paris

It is really tough for me, because they're both cute for different reasons. I wish we could have both, but that isn't an option, so I'm just thinking really hard. I personally really love the full, fluffy ears. BUT-- what do you guys think?

I was very tentative to show this, because I know how invested some are in the original designs, but it was really too cute-- in my opinion-- not too. I feel like there is more area to decorate with accessories too, which is always a plus when you're not feeling very minimalist hehe.

I'm going to work on someone else for now, while we stew on this!

Please be kind to me and other people when discussing this. If you like one very much, you do not have to give opposing ideas a thumbs down or be hostile.

I just wanted to add that in there! I know 99% of everyone will be very nice to each other!

Charmsey


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Riot (Assistant)
CREATOR
about 15 hours ago

Project Update: Sample Update!

Hi everyone! We're back with another sample update!

Thank you for your continued patience and support while Loppy works with their manufacturer to ensure all Hurtsies are perfect! Here are the latest rounds of samples for Grave Robbert, Nibbles, Riffraff, and Wiggles with revision notes Loppy has sent back to their manufacturer. 


A Note on Critiques:
Thank you so much for your feedback! We want to take a moment to remind folks if providing feedback please provide constructive feedback (theoretical examples of what not to do: this plushie looks awful, can you go back to your old manufacturer, it's ugly, etc, etc).

Survey Update:
We still have not sent surveys out yet because we want to make sure the samples are perfected so you, our backers, have the most informed design when selecting which Hurtsie you want. Since it is taking a tad longer than we anticipated to have samples completed we expect the production timeline will likely shift. Once we know more, we'll update our production timeline!

Pre-Order Store
We are still planning to open a pre-order store to allow folks who missed out on pledging a chance to adopt a Hurtsie! The date on that is TBD but hopefully very soon! 

We will be back with another update super soon! Have a good day! 

Includes Backer-Exclusive Content
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Charmsey
CREATOR
about 24 hours ago

Project Update: Reminders + Samples Update

Hello Cookie Crew!!

If you aren't part of the Discord, please consider checking it out for quicker updates/conversation/community!

https://www.backerkit.com/c/projects/charmsey/circus-sweeties/updates/12856#top



Reminder

**Bold bits to help those who are in a hurry like me!! ;A;


Surveys and the pre-order store will remain open until all prototypes are completed! I estimate that it will be sometime mid-2025, if we're lucky! We have a lot of dolls to prototype, and it all depends on how many revisions they go through and the speed of the manufacturer. I do feel like we have a really great, talented, and responsive manufacturer, so that's good news for us, but things happen! Like... all kinds of things.

I appreciate your trust and faith in me as we go forward. My email is always open if you have any questions or concerns:

[email protected]

I also answer questions over on the Discord, and if I don't get to it quickly, we have a really helpful community so far. If someone knows the answer they'll definitely share it~



Samples

I was... admittedly a little cocky when I thought I'd have all the references drawn by Monday. It has been really difficult the last week, time-wise. I am usually not able to sit at my computer to work until 9pm my time, and by then I'm pooped, but I have been able to get at least 2 refs out a day! 

So far I have paid for:



  • Dotty
  • Una
  • Madame Macaron
  • London

I anticipate I'll definitely have everyone paid for by Friday. We are wrapping things up with Nessie. We had to fix her eye embroidery and her neck accessory. She is a cute shape, but it wasn't exactly easy to get her accessory off, so she will have a cute little snap button to secure it.

After these two changes, Nessie will be complete, and they will start work on Gertie! So, that is some exciting news. After that, it'll be Dotty!

I will keep you, my wonderful Cookie Crew, updated as these come in! Don't worry!

Batty and Lupin should be on their way too. I paid for the shipping, so hopefully not too much longer and we'll have some silly content for everyone! >:3c

Anyway, lookit me... always talking. Here are some references!

Dotty Dragonsbeard

Una ube

Madame Macaron

London Lollipop


**Remember, designs are subject to change based on:



  • Materials available
  • What can reasonably be translated from 2D to 3D

I do my best to think about these things when designing our cookies, but I'm still learning a lot myself! I appreciate the patience and understanding on this. Big thanks to all of you who are like me and will love them no matter what! I've been very happy with every sample so far, even when we've had to make changes.



One more Reminder: I am honoring refunds up until the surveys lock and pre-order store closes. If at any point your cookie isn't baking up the way you hoped, feel free to email me: [email protected] 

You do not have to vent your frustrations/disappointment. Simply let me know things have changed for you and you would like a refund, and I'll help you out!

Please include your email associated with your Backerkit!

I think that covers everything!


P.S.: Contest Winners I will be doing my best to get everyone's complimentary credits in this weekend!! If you are scratching your head wondering about that, it will be done soon. I just have to manually do it. I promise I'm getting there fhfhfhf

P.P.S: I will be addressing Remi Razzles stuff as soon as I get to their reference!

Charmsey




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Charmsey
CREATOR
about 10 hours ago

Project Update: Paris Parfait Poll

Hello again, Cookie Crew!

I don't know why I didn't just... do this to begin with, but we have a poll to help me figure out how to go about this!




I really appreciate all the kind feedback thus far. Everyone has been so nice, regardless of their opinion!

I am not sure EXACTLY what material the fur will be for their longer hair, but I'm going to try and see if they have something similar to this:



We will just have to see what is available to us, though. ^^ We'll know soon enough I guess!

Charmsey
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Charmsey
CREATOR
about 10 hours ago
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You don't have to reply but I'm curious what everyone else chose (•ᴗ•). My pledge level is a Zag line and my add-ons are: Gabby plush, Zag plush, and the pins. So $90 (ㆁωㆁ). How about you?

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Critter Valley
CREATOR
1 day ago

Project Update: Survey Smoke Test, Pre-Order Store, + Discord Server!

🌱 The survey is ready to test!
Just before posting this update, I sent out the Smoke Test for surveys! 

This test goes out to a small percentage of backers, so if you received it, please check your email and fill it out. Your quick response and feedback are a huge help in ensuring the survey is ready for everyone else!

If all goes well, the rest of the surveys should go out this Thursday! ⌛

Oh and If you’re part of the smoke test, you’ll get an early peek at Cinder’s sticker design and a brand-new add-on! I’ll be sharing these surprises in the next update when all surveys are sent out, so try to keep them a secret for now! 🤫 

To prepare everyone else, here's a quick Q&A regarding surveys!

🍄
When do I pay for my survey add-ons and shipping?
You’ll be charged for any add-ons and shipping costs after surveys are locked. While we don’t have an exact date yet, surveys are estimated to lock sometime in mid-January. Once the date is set and gets closer, I’ll post regular reminders so you’ll know when your card will be charged.

 🍄  Can I change my selections after I submit my survey?
Yes! You’ll be able to adjust your survey until it locks, which is expected to happen sometime in January. Once the lock date is set and gets closer, I’ll send regular reminders so you can make any final changes.

 🍄  I may be moving soon. Will I be able to change my address?
Yes! Even after the survey locks, you’ll still be able to update your address. You can edit it up until right before the rewards are ready to ship. A few weeks before shipping, I’ll send a reminder to double-check your address to make sure everything’s correct!

 🍄  I'm not sure what items I want yet. Do I need to respond to the survey right away?
The survey will stay open until January 15th, or until all samples are ready, which might take a bit longer. You don't have to make your decision right away! That said, early survey responses help us get a head start on production planning! You’ll still be able to edit your survey until it locks, so you’ll have time to adjust your choices if you're unsure.






🌱 The Pre-Order Store is now open for non-backers!

Missed backing during the campaign? You can now back through the pre-order store!

⚠️ Already a backer? Please wait for your survey to purchase additional items! Using the pre-order store will charge you for shipping twice, and that's no good! 








🌱 We now have a Critterfolk Discord Server!

Ever since Charmsey created a Discord server for Circus Sweeties, I’ve been inspired to make one for Critterfolk too! I’ve spent the past few days putting it together, and it’s finally ready!

The server is now ready for you all to join! I'm so excited to be able to chat more and get to know you all better ❤️

🔗 CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CRITTERFOLK DISCORD SERVER! 🔗

Please Note :
You will have to accept the rules in order to message in the server!


🌱 That's all for now!
If you are having issues with the Smoke Test, please let me know in the comments here, through discord, or through email @ [email protected]!
user avatar image for Critter Valley
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TheEastPatch
CREATOR
2 days ago

Project Update: The Big Post-Campaign FAQ!

Hello! The Angel Hare campaign is OVER, and we've been getting lots of questions. Please refer to the list below and scroll to whatever answers you're looking for!


FAQ Contents:
  • When will I get my items?
  • I may move before the pre-order shipping date. What can I do?
  • When is the survey coming to collect my shipping information?
  • My card declined! How do I fix it?
  • I didn't have time to get an add-on I wanted! Can I still buy it?
  • I missed the whole campaign! Can I still buy something?
  • What is this I'm hearing about a 'cool' Francis?

When Will I Get My Items?
We've had the projected schedule displayed at the bottom of the campaign page, and have copied it here for your convenience! These dates are estimates based on the Kickstarter schedule we experienced earlier this year. To help with the wait, we'll be posting regular progress updates with digital illustrations you can make personal use of!


- November: Funding ends and we collect shipping information.
- Dec - Feb: Plushie production!
- March: Quality check, and the plushies are sent to our fulfillment center! A professional team quickly sends them out to you all, and the angels fly to everyone's homes.



I may move before the pre-order shipping date. What can I do?
Worry not! Before everything is sent to our fulfilment center, you can update your address at any time. We'll send out a warning beforehand to remind you before we lock shipping information to where it will no longer be editable! Expect this around early March, but keep an eye out for emails in the spring.

Click here to see how to update your address!


When is the survey coming to collect my shipping information?
Expect the survey this week! We want to be thorough and careful to make sure everything runs smoothly, so thank you for your patience as we take the time to set it up right. It should arrive at the email associated with your BackerKit account, and should also be accessible on the BackerKit site through the project / your profile. If you're nervous you've missed it, try following the steps at this link!

 
My card declined! How do I fix it?
Be not afraid! There are several options for you depending on what your payment error was. There is a more elaborate breakdown and steps to fix it in THIS helpful article, but basically:
- If your card is expired or needs to be replaced, updating your payment method should automatically charge it again.
- If your card declined because of unavailable funds, for fraud alert, or for another reason, BackerKit will attempt to charge it again in 7 days. If that one fails too, it will try again in another 7 days. If that one doesn't work, it should give it a last chance when you fill out the survey.
Should you struggle with anything and can't find the answers in the linked articles, it would be best to reach out to BackerKit customer support! We do not personally handle any of the charging mechanics and if you email us for help we'll only be able to refer you to the folks who know how it works since we do not.

 
I didn't have time to get an add-on I wanted! Can I still buy it?
Yes! When you get your survey to enter your shipping information and complete your pledge, you will be offered the chance to buy ANY of the add-ons from the campaign again. So if you were feeling a little remorse for missing out on something or missed the ridiculously narrow window where we unlocked the lunchbox, you'll still be able to get it when completing that survey! 

 
I missed the whole campaign! Can I still buy something?
Yes, actually! Once the surveys go out, folks will be given two weeks to complete them and lock in their information. During those two weeks, we're going to use a feature BackerKit offers where we can set up a pre-order store for late comers! You'll get to order anything the campaign had aside from the voice lines, and will be fed into the same production pipeline as the campaign folks. We'll announce it everywhere once it's up, so just keep an eye out on our socials or in our discord server!

 
What is this I'm hearing about a 'cool' Francis?
For those who didn't know, we had a Twitch stream during the last hours of the campaign to count down the end and show off the plushies. When the 150k stretch goal was shockingly met, Rachel (one of the two Mangan Sisters who makes the show) said that if we somehow got to 160k she would print and sign pictures of Cool Francis - a doodle Hannah made in about a minute using a mouse in photoshop of Francis wearing sunglasses - and give one to every single backer. This one of a kind relic of a gag during a moment of poor judgement was nonetheless a promise, so Rachel plans to follow through. This will be on a piece of printer paper included in every package, possibly modified to include a letter of thanks! The jankiness is part of its charm!


We truly have been blown away by everyone's support, and had no earthly idea how much love y'all would pour out for this! The plans to pay that forward are well underway. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you! We'll keep you updated as things progress!

Until next time,
- The East Patch Team
Hannah & Rachel Mangan
 
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Charmsey
CREATOR
5 days ago

Project Update: Nessie + Smoke Test --- Update!!

Hello Cookie Crew!!


NESSIE UPDATE

Like an hour after I posted an update yesterday, our manufacturer sent me the updated Nessie featuring the suggestions of the lovely Makeshiftwings!


She is so much floppier, isn't she!? She just looks... more nessie shaped to me! I'm very happy about that. There are a few things I'm unsure about, like the eyes being too close together, but otherwise... I have no doubt she is very squishy and fun to hug! She is even filled with mochi stuffing, which is apparently much softer than regular polyester stuffing.

She looks so dreamy to me. I'll be getting back to them on Monday about any minor changes. (And to pay for the prototypes, of course!)


SMOKE TEST

The smoke test has been sent out for the surveys!! We will be sending out the rest of the surveys tomorrow, once we're sure everything is working correctly! 


REFUNDS

If the cookie you were purchasing isn't the way you imagined, I am processing refunds until surveys and the pre-order store closes!

By the by, you do not need to tell me why you don't like the doll, why you are leaving-- it's okay-- please just ask for a refund and it will be processed. It becomes a little mentally taxing to have to read why this design I finalized, that I love, isn't good enough.

Small creators are not Mattel. We do not have a complaint department that handles these things. We have to read everything ourselves-- the good, the bad, the ugly-- and we generally love the thing we're creating and it can be disappointing for us to have to read your complaints as you leave. 

It's okay to just say, "My situation has changed! Can I get a refund?" Creators will appreciate that much more! 

OH! Please make sure to include your Backerkit email, so I can find you easily in my pledge manager and start the process!

Thank you!!!


CONCLUSION

So, yeah! For the rest of you who are as excited as I am, thank you!!!

I'm really pumped to see the other prototypes. Nessie was a little more complicated, because she is SOOOOO different from the other dolls. But I think everyone else is going to go a lot smoother. Minus Gertie... she's a little tall and awkward-- so her pattern will be a bit different.

Process is being made. We have a lot of waiting to do, so be sure to check out our Discord, if you haven't already! There is a lot of fun to be had, I think!

Discord Information: https://www.backerkit.com/c/projects/charmsey/circus-sweeties/updates/12856

I will be back soon for more updates!

Thank you so much for all the patience in advance. Remember, if you have any questions or concerns, my email is: [email protected]

I try to check regularly. If you don't hear back from me in 24 hours, give me a nudge! I don't mind. I might have missed you.

Okay, bye bye Cookie Crew!! Talk to you soon!!

Charmsey
user avatar image for Charmsey
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TheEastPatch
CREATOR
5 days ago

Project Update: We broke 125k - only one stretch goal left!

It's safe to say y'all keep breaking stretch goals faster than we're prepared for, but now that we're at the final day we're ready for ya!

Please enjoy the new unlocked add-on, a signed cross-over art print for each season of the show that y'all have helped us grow over the last two years!

We'll be streaming the final two hours on Twitch tomorrow if you'd like to watch us be overwhelmed and sappy for a while! It'll start at 6pm EST and go for a while after the final countdown! We'll show off the plushies in person and perchance even have some fun secret announcements at the end, who knows.

Regardless of if we hit 150k and unlock the suspiciously lunchbox shaped mystery stretch goal or not, the last 19 days have been beyond what we expected and then some. It's been humbling, emotional, and a list of other adjectives I'm too tired to come up with, but letting us work on what we love is tremendously generous. Thank you all so much for your support, for the stories you've shared, and for the community you've built with us. We're going to keep telling stories and sharing our passion with you for a long time!

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