As we prepare for launch, we want you to help decide which Dragon Hoard Keepers we should prioritize. We've taken the time to give them perfectly normal people names! Your thoughts will help us decide which ones to put together for our first stretch goals.
We really did not intend for it to go so long between updates, but unfortunately, progress has been slow the past two months. Regrettably, this was my greatest fear with running a campaign this large; hiccups certainly happen, and manufacturing has surely proven that once again! But progress is definitely happening, fear not!
Here's a break down on where we are right now!
Production Status
Plush
Teal Rain Dragon 🟢🟢🟢 Pale Moon Fish 🟢🟢🟢 Caribou Goaticorn 🟢🟢🟢 Black Moon Fish🟢🟢🟢 Black Goaticorn 🟢🟢🟢
The above plush have arrived to us and are ready! Some of you have seen them out and about at shows; don't worry, we have plenty of stock. We want to implement in person pickup at conventions and events for those of you who have visited us! This however is dependent on surveys. We are STILL waiting on some samples (mainly Void Dragon and Star Fawn) however, we may be proceeding with only rough photos since we do need to get item counts on everything. As backers, would you be okay with rough photos of Void Dragon and Star Fawn for filling out surveys? Please comment below. Rough photos are prototypes of where the plush is at right now. There might be changes.
LavenderGoaticorn 🟠🟠🟠
Lavender Goaticorn is in production! The prototype is approved and the full order is being made! There was a delay in April where the factory accidentally mailed both Lavender and Void Dragon by sea (aka month long shipping). Unfortunately, when we got the samples, we discovered issues with both. For one, Lavender was sewn with gray embroidery instead of shiny silver. So it was back to the drawing board with another sample.
We have now confirmed as of mid May that Lavender is complete, with the correct embroidery color and she has now proceeded with production.
When we received the sample at the end of April, we discovered several issues: firstly, maroon was not working for his antler color. The stars on his side were also too big and the factory used gray instead of silver embroidery. These things are all changed on this new sample.
We however, are still waiting for the sample to arrive. We really wanted photos of him and Rain together for surveys, but waiting on Void is delaying surveys. The pressure to release surveys now, and get accurate counts on which designs people is definitely weighing on us. Which is why we are leaning toward sending them asap. Shipping table are complete, as well as item setup. The only thing we lack is finished photos. Looking at these sample photos, we think this is the final Void Dragon. We just wish we could see him in person and take better photos for you.
The plush with the greatest struggles has really been Star Fawn.
Star Fawn has been suffering from some unfortunate growing pains. Here is a look at her transformation so far. I don't often post these because the editing process can be discouraging. It takes a lot of tenacity and patience to make it through the process.
The first version is promising, but she suffers from an unfortunate buzz cut to her mane. They also shrank her eyes (for reasons?) The tail fur color left a lot to be desired. So edits are happening here and edits take time.
Second Version has the correct mane color BUT they used it everywhere and also changed the horns a lot. So back to editing!
These are my proposed edits that I submitted as of last week: shorter horns and a tail with blonde fur. How will she turn out? Only time will tell. Her horns might change further until we find something we are satisfied with. Unfortunately, this is all part of the editing process. A lot of the delay has just been going back and forth like this. And with a week to two weeks in between to remake the sample, the time really adds up. @_@
Cycles of Rain has shipped to us but isn't here yet. He's on his way though!
Ashen Goaticorn 🔴🔴🔴 Sea Foam Capricorn 🔴🔴🔴 Mini Pin Set 🔴🔴🔴
We ordered these pins shortly after the first order of pins. When we inquired about the status of Ashen and Sea Foam, the factory dragged their feet. They then complained about the size of the pins and the details after we had paid for the order. Sadly, we had to reduce the pins from 4 inches to 3.75 inches. We reduced the details slightly (in a way that wouldn't detract from the designs). We are now waiting on samples of these pins. We hope that they will be worth the wait, but it has been quite the battle to get them made.
It might be asked "Why not look for another manufacturer?" But it was not guaranteed the same thing wouldn't happen with someone else, and sourcing a new company to work with is so time consuming, that we decided against it. This is how the current designs look:
With the bonus pins, unfortunately, they got forgotten in the mix of dealing with these bigger pins. We are still waiting on samples but hope to see some soon.
Other Items:
Bonus Stickers 🟠🟠🟠
Free bonus stickers that come with the campaign are shipped! We are waiting on their arrival.
Goaticorn Socks 🟢🟢🟢
The original order of socks came with sewing issues. The order has since been remade, and additionally, we will be adding large size socks (Men's 8-12) for order!
Technical Business
Surveys 🟠🟠🟠
As stated previously, we are waiting on photos to be able to send surveys. However, due to needing to know production numbers, we are thinking of launching them sooner with some items having placeholder images. Would everyone be okay with this? After surveys are sent, we can facilitate pick up for some items in person. This would mainly apply to any plush who have a green light status.
We will make an announcement as soon as smoke test surveys and full surveys go out. Thank you for your patience.
Preorder Store 🟠🟠🟠
Photos are what is holding back the preorder store as well. We will open this when surveys are released.
Lastly, thank you all so much for waiting. We know waiting is difficult. It's also difficult to sit here and write about all the issues we encountered. I think a lot of people assume manufacturing is a simple wave of a wand and it's done. But communication errors happen, mistakes happen and at the end of the day, we're all just humans, trying to do our best. Thanks for continuing to ride along on this journey. We hope the plushies at the end of the road will be worth the wait!
Today we’ve got a long update. But I promise it’ll be fun. Let’s dive into it.
Action Item
There are a number of failed cards and surveys still not filled out in the pledge manager. If that’s you, be sure to fill out your survey and fix any incorrect information. For those who need their survey find it here! Comment or email us at [email protected] with any questions!
Shipping charges are still pending until all items of this project have made it our way and we have a better understanding of the state of the world at that point. Thank you for your patience!
Okay with all that covered, now to the Production status!
Plush Production Progress
The Dragon Hoard Keepers in full production swing! Progress is moving smoothly. Current projections are that they should be on the boats by July and aiming to land by August.
A small detail folk don’t go over is tag design and just how much detail is put together to get these looking professional with all the right information.
Coins Progress!
Coins are quite the beast to design. Ryan really digs into the detail and in some ways they are significantly more tricky to get right due to the management of height. Let’s take a look at what the final designs look like!
Now that’s a lot of detail! And I’m happy that the sampling of this detail has been very smooth. Let’s take a look at some of the samples put together for the Potion Decision Coins!
And the FrostFire coin sampling is still under way. The following do not have the aging effects that show off the detail like the other two. Each side of the coin is a different plate to help bring out it’s bird!
We were even provided with a photo of the molds! The process has been so very interesting.
As something fun for each of these coins, we’ve also included magic item descriptions that will be part of the backing cards of these beautiful pieces. We really hope this brings them to life when you receive them!
Pin Progress
Not much to report here just yet. Design files are submitted for the Hoard Keepers and production is soon under way! Mini Pin design files are being ironed out and finalized for final submission. We expect all 38 minipin designs to be in by end of June. I can’t believe there are that many!
Our latest project is The Five Dragon Kings! We were lucky enough to be invited to participate in PinQuest. The community there is so accommodating and we couldn’t help ourselves. This campaign follows the story of the Dragon Kings of China. Each a powerful divine deity who controls all weather, rainfall, and bodies of water. Each residing in the kingdoms of the four cardinal directions.
Be sure to follow the campaign and receive a lantern pin free when you back within the first 48 hours!
Thank you everyone for your support! We’re one step closer to all the goodies making their way to your doors!
To start, I wanted to apologize for not doing an update sooner, and also not having sent the surveys yet.
When I set up the pledge manager, I realized that I had somehow managed to duplicate over 100 SKU's... (major oops on my end) which has been a pain to go through and fix. Which has caused a lot of delays in getting the survey out to you.
Fear not; it will come. Since I already ordered the pins, there shouldn't be a delay. It just means that the surveys will be be sent closer to the shipping days. I normally give myself 6 months after a campaign to order/get surveys, etc, so we are still well within that timeframe.
But, I do have good news. I finally got some samples to show you guys!
I think they turned out adorable!
And there was a custom pin again for this campaign. The moon will be glow in the dark!
I probably won't receive the pins until sometime next month, but as soon as I get them I will send you pictures! And hopefully by then I will have the survyes sorted out and the right SKU's with the right items so when you select your pins you get the right ones!
Once again, I apologize for the delay in the surveys. I normally try to get them out sooner to get accurate numbers but just went ahead and ordered lots.
This campaign will run either as a part of the Pinquest campaign next month (If I can finish setting it up in time), or if I can't get my dragons in a row, next year.
Thank you so much for your patience! Great news....Surveys have been approved and are going out today! Yay! Look for those in your inbox, and if you have any issues, I'm here to help.
First to go out will be the "smoke test," which goes to a small number of backers to be sure the wrinkles are ironed out. After that, the survey will go to everyone.
Remember, you won't be charged for shipping or for anything added during the survey until everything is in hand and ready to send out to you, and I'll send an update before charging cards. I'll be double checking shipping charges and adjusting as needed if there are any accidental overages.
The final deadline and locking date for surveys will be closer to shipping time. Before they are locked, I'll send an update so you will have a chance to double check your shipping address.
Remember, you MUST complete your surveys, pay for shipping and any add ons, and correct any card charge mistakes from the campaign before your rewards are shipped to you.
I'm here to help! Email me at [email protected] with any questions you may encounter. During the survey, you'll see two questions for naming the animals! YOU get to help decide what their names are! The winners of the contest will get one free big size animal -- if you submit the winning name for the raccoon, you get one big raccoon, and if you submit the winning name for the kitty, you get one big kitty!
I wanted to wait to send the survey until we had the latest photos -- thank you for your patience!
All the animals are looking good! The kitty and raccoon are just as we saw during the campaign. It took a little while for the factory to work out the design for the little raccoon -- the face and tail are very detailed! To keep those features, the little raccoon will use shorter fur.
All of the new animals are all so adorable! Here are the latest photos so you can see!
We're so excited by how these look! So excited for the new Dragon Raccoon & Dragon Kitty!!
Here are the new prints and stickers! If you pledged for a physical reward, you get at least one print and one sticker as a bonus. You'll get to choose individually, so you can mix and match the print and sticker.
ONE SET OF MINI DICE will be INCLUDED AS A FREE BONUS with every bag of holding (either big or little size bag of holding) purchased during the campaign (or as an add-on).
OR, if you prefer, you can add one of the extra-special metal sets (mini metal or rainbow) as an add-on during the survey-- so keep an eye out for that if you like fun new clicky math rocks for your dragon to hoard. Our big dragon cats Ashe and Skye are running low -- so if you'd like to add one, now would be a good time to do so. While they last, we'll have these at our in person conventions as well, but now is a good time to reserve one if you want to adopt Ashe or Skye! As a reminder, all of our dragons are limited edition -- so if you like them and haven't adopted yet, snag one during the survey! If you add one, they will be set aside and shipped when everything is ready.
I wanted to keep things moving along, so the animals are already in production! Big and little raccoons, big and little cats have been ordered and are being made! Woohoo!! I'll update you when they're finished and shipping from the factory. After they ship, they'll travel on the ocean, arrive to me, and then I'll be able to start packing and shipping all of your rewards. We're still looking at the delivery promised in the campaign (October) or sooner!
We're looking forward to seeing some of you in person at our upcoming shows, and hearing from the rest of you as you complete your surveys! Thank you again for your support!
Thank you all so much for your support -- we're so excited for the new Raccoon and Kitty!!
