Highlights
Project Update: Remi Razzles Update
I have been trying to read all of the suggestions, and opinions, and everything else. It makes my head spin, a bit, if I'm going to be honest.
I would like to apologize to everyone who pledged based on whichever version of Remi you saw, only to realize they were still a really big WIP. I thought I had expressed it enough in writing, in various places, but I realize not everyone can see everything.
I'm also sorry to everyone who was unaware there was more than one poll. I don't know how to handle this in the future, yet. I thought making updates and including new polls as they happen was enough, but it doesn't seem to be? I'm going to have to figure that out for the future!
I've had MANY suggestions, and I appreciate it, but some are more feasible than others.
For example, I loved the idea of magnets, but the more I thought about it, the more I worried it might look strange? I worry the manufacturer won't be able to shape it to where it sits on the head in a way that it looks like its poking out and not just... sitting on the head.
Another suggestion was manufacturing both, and making them twins. I don't know if that is feasible from a financial standpoint.
A lot of people are recommending zippers, which I am for, but others say that it is a sensory issue.
So, I'm kind of feeling a little trapped, and I know that ultimately, there is no way to make everyone happy when it comes to this issue.
I have reached out to the manufacturer, asking if the concepts I think are feasible are... you know, actually feasible haha.
I don't want to show any of my concepts until after I speak with the manufacturer, however, because I don't want to put anything in anyone's head and inadvertently create more disappointment! I will definitely be back later tonight. I just wanted to address some things and apologize.
If you need to back out of the project because Remi isn't what you expected or wanted I understand! If I need to manually issue refunds, I will.
I hope that most of you will decide that you love Remi no matter what, but I also understand people have preferences!
Thank you in advance for that patience and understanding. I'm about to pack up and I'm on my way home from some obligations I had today, but I have more updates coming!!
Charmsey
Project Update: Remi Razzles Update 2 + Pre-Order Store OPEN!
I have good news and maybe (?) bad news? Let's start with the 100% good stuff! The Pre-order store is now open. PLEASE remember, if you are a BACKER, do NOT buy anything via the pre-order store. You can use it window shop, if you want too, however! You'll be able to to add everything you want once the survey goes out~!
To reiterate!
Backers do NOT need to purchase through the pre-order store.
Everyone else --> Yes! If you missed the campaign while it was going or just decided to wait, go check it out.
The pre-order store will be open until all of the samples are complete, and surveys close!
Have fun everyone!!!
https://circus-sweeties.backerkit.com/hosted_preorders/
Remi Razzles
However, I had doodled up a couple other options that they said would work!
One of my kiddos friends at DnD recommended sprinkles on the brain haha, so I did it. I also see people recommending a more candy like brain, like marshmallows and such. I could make it gummy worm colored, too? Like a gummy brain? Maybe if it was any color other than pink?
I'll include another poll, but I guess at the end of the day, I will have to make the decision one way or another. I hope this might be a good middle ground, though!
To address those with sensory issues, I am doing my best to figure out how to make this a non-nightmare. I didn't go into Circus Sweeties planning to be 100% sensory friendly (I mean I didn't plan for it to be a sensory nightmare either lol), but if I CAN avoid awful feeling things I will, as I'm also sensitive to certain textures. My kiddo is. My best friend is. If the zipper on the forehead can be concealed by fabric that maybe has a scar embroidered on it, I will do that, but I'm not sure what is possible yet. I'm just trying to figure out the brain issue at the moment! ^^;
We still have plenty of time to determine what we're going to do with Remi, but I'd love to figure them out sooner rather than later.
I also really loved the suggestion of having another group of Circus Sweeties called Sideshow Sours! Maybe they could be a band, since Remi plays guitar in my mind hehehe. I am really hype about that.
Anyway, I'll leave this for now! There is a lot to do still, outside of this. I have a lot of art to finalize for merch, and a lot of characters to make ref sheets before we pay for their prototypes. ^^
I'm still working on the Discord too, I swear!
ALSO ALSO!!!
I made a huge mistake when picking the winners of the writing contest, so please congratulate another plushie winner: ashtonamaya5!
They wrote 'The Lion, The Costumes, and The Wardrobe' and it was really good! If you haven't read it and you like to read, you should check it out!
Charmsey
Project Update: BIG UPDATE! Roadmap for November + More!
Sorry it took me so long to get to this big, important update! I am always busy on Saturday, but I have some time now and we have a lot to cover don't we!?
I just want to thank everyone again for being here. Do you all know how honored I am yet?? I hope you do! It's a super lot. I'm walking on clouds right now!
Yesterday was so amazing. I didn't expect, or even know that people could continue to back after 7pm. I was so confused at first, and then super excited. It lasted so much longer than I could have anticipated. It was very exciting!
Discord?
Roadmap for November!
2nd-14thish - Pledges will be processing. Any failed payments are being retried automatically by Backerkit. Now is the time to make sure your payment went through or update your card info if it didn't.
3rd - Preorder store opens! (Backers DO NOT place an order in the preorder store or you'll be charged twice for shipping. Orders DO NOT automatically combine.)
15th - Backers are imported into the pledge manager, survey smoke test goes out to 5% of backers to make sure everything is working correctly.
16th - All surveys go out (unless you're on a payment plan). These will remain open until all prototypes are finalized so you can edit/add/remove items at any time!
16th and onward - Funds are released to me so prototyping can start in earnest!
Additional preorder store and survey note: you won't be charged right away. The preorder store funds and any added survey charges will be collected when surveys lock/the preorder store closes.
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to leave them below, or message me on Twitter (This is a great way to reach me quickly), or email me: [email protected]!
Batty and Lupin!
In fact, I have some fun news about those two! They actually fit in BAB clothes!
Come on.
Remi Razzles
I don't even know how to start this one ahaha. There is such a divide. I need just a couple days, if that is okay? I was going to do some doodles, look over peoples comments/emails (I have seen them!!) and maybe talk to the manufacturer before I make any decisions, just to be sure it's feasible!
I really appreciate the patience in advance. I really want to make everyone happy on this one. When I first designed them, I never imagined the brains would be an issue for some.
As of now, brains are in the lead, but if we could find a middle ground where both sides would be happy, that'd be really cool for Remi, don't you think? I'd hate for 50+ folks to pass up on our cute little rockstar if there was a way around that.
Sticker Sheet
I am steadily working on the sticker sheet for the add-ons! Here is a cute rough Zoey and Elliot to hopefully help tide everyone over!
Elliot needs a darn bubble, but hopefully the safety gear will suffice! If not, Ellie will take care of her I'm sure hehe.
Okay! I think that is it for this update! I realize there are other things I'm probably missing, and I haven't even looked at my email today, but I am about to! ^^ I appreciate the patience again!
Talk to you again very soon!
Charmsey
This user is a top contributor to this community!
Project Update: ❤️SNUG-ALONGS PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS ANNOUNCEMENT❤️ + Snug-Alongs Series 2 Reminder!
(Remember: You can join our discord to discuss the project, get more sneak peeks, etc!)
💜❤️🧡💛SIGN UP FOR NEWS ON SNUG-ALONGS: SERIES 2💜❤️🧡💛
🧡💛❤️SNUG-ALONGS PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS ANNOUNCEMENT❤️💛🧡
THANK YOU SO SO MUCH to ALL participants! Your photos had me teary eyed and full of emotion going through all of them...😭
🎉CONGRATS🎉 to our winners: @ okamiwildlight on Twitter and @ fibroraccoon on Instagram!!!
This Chiffon photo really had me staring at it for ages. All three photos in the set were gorgeously taken right at sunset and you can really feel Chiffon's content and peaceful feelings sitting on this swing. Beautiful.
Peanut and the Raccoons at the wildlife center really touched me... and I know how hard it must have been to get this photo at just this moment with the baby looking at the baby!! This photo really touched me!!
Thank you SO SO MUCH AGAIN to ALL... each photo was so amazingly wonderful and touched my heart and your stories of how you love your backpacks have completely made my year.
Please remember to check the link for Snug-Alongs Series 2... we will have more info soon!!!!!!!!!
💜❤️🧡💛SIGN UP FOR NEWS ON SNUG-ALONGS: SERIES 2💜❤️🧡💛
(Remember: You can join our discord to discuss the project, get more sneak peeks, etc!)
Project Update: Moving Forward: Samples, Surveys, More!
Here's what we're working on right now!
- As of November 1st, we have begun processing pledges. Surveys will be sent out shortly so you can choose your Hurtsies and add-ons, as well as setting up shipping. We are delaying surveys a bit until we get the completed samples in. Due to popular demand, we will also be setting up a preorder shop for those who were unable to pledge during the campaign.
- Samples are still in production! The first round of photos I shared was graciously sent by my manufacturers so we could speed along the process by getting everything placed roughly where it ought to be. I know the paper faces threw some people off, but it's nothing more than a matter of saving time. I'm about to send off the color edits and adjustments for the finalized samples!
- RE: Mishmash's design! I had a lot of comments mentioning that they liked the first sample shown better. However, I need to clarify that this is the same sample. It's just complete with embroidery and updated straps. Due to Mishmash being a backpack, his shape is a little bit different compared to the stiffer base of the other Hurtsies. This is so you can store more goodies inside of him. His legs are a bit longer so that he can be placed in a seated position like the other Hurtsies. That being said, he does still need a few tweaks, but he's getting there!
My current priorities are getting these samples finished and surveys sent out after! So next update, I'll have even more goodies to share with you. (OH! and did I mention we're getting a cool official logo soon?)
Thanks as always, everybunny! I hope you'll continue to hang out with me as we all watch this project come to life (or back to life?)
Project Update: 45 Minutes Left + Plushie Video!
We are officially 45 MINUTES away from the end of the campaign!
I wanted to sneak in one last update to share a video of me handling the plushies!
I meant to do this much earlier, but I was a little self-conscious about my hands. For years I’ve struggled with chronic nail-biting, so I’ve spent this whole month working on healing my hands just to make this video! 🥺❤️
Here’s a short video of me wiggling them around and showing off more details!
(You will have to open the update on Backerkit to watch the video!)
Look at their cute little faces! Frasier's little paws! Clover's little dew claws! They are so soft and fun to stim with!
Alright, now this is the final reminder! Now’s your LAST CHANCE to submit or update your pledge before we wrap things up!
Thank you all SO much for your amazing support this past month. I've teared up a few times today because I'm so happy and grateful to have had the chance to share my love with you, and to have you all give back so much more. Thanks for believing in me and my critters! I'll chat with you all again soon ❤️
(By the way, even though the campaign is set to end in 45 minutes, overtime mode is on! Every pledge adds an extra 10 minutes, so let’s keep it going as long as we can! 🎉)
Project Update: Nessie Sneak Peak!!
I really thought I would have all the writing contest winners picked last night before bed, but I was falling asleep at my desk-- so I was like... no. Go lay down. You'll get it done before the campaign ends.
Which I am currently working on for sure! We have a little over 3 hours left, and there are about two stories left that i haven't read, but we're getting there! I thought I'd take a break though, because... I woke up in the middle of the night and looked at my phone, which I don't usually do, and was surprised to see our manufacturer had sent me Nessie videos! I wish I could upload them here, but here is a little gif:
Watch the full video on Insta or Twitter:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DB10w9TqR9j/
https://x.com/Charmseytchi/status/1852436978220024285
Isn't she cute so far!? We definitely need to work on the floppiness, among other things, but overall it is a great start!
Here are some of my notes to the manufacturer. I'm super excited to see the next sample. They should be wrapping up Lupin and Batty for real this time. We're making progress!! I can't wait to pay for the rest of the prototypes.
Thank you again!! This couldn't be possible with out all of you. I feel like I'm in a dream hehe. I really love these cookies, and I'm so happy other people do too!
Anyway! Break time over. Back to reading all these seriously amazing stories. I must enjoy pain, because it is going to be pain to pick winners. If you haven't read the stories, and you like to read, you need to go check them out. I want to draw so many scenes to go with the stories. fhfhfhf
Project Update: Pay Over Time Option!!!
I am such a doofus. I didn't realize this was an option, but I've enabled this option which might help some of you!
SORRY IM SO SILLY OMG.
EDIT: REMI RAZZLES IS UNLOCKED!!! YAY!!!!
Project Update: Writing Contest Winners!!
I apologize that this took me so long. I was determined to have it figured out today, and I think I managed with Evan's help hehe.
It was a really tough decision. These stories will live rent free in my head for awhile. I just loved 'em all! I can't believe how long some of them were, too! Like wow, some of y'all can really write!!
It was a good time, though! It was so cool to see everyone's take on our cookie friends! Some of them were exactly what I imagined, and others were different and exciting for it. It was just so cool and I think I'm even more attached to everyone after reading everything ehehe.
Okay, enough rambling!
Top 3 Winners for the Plushie Prize!
- Una's Magic
- Echobrook (I dont think your story had a title!)
- Haunted Mansion
5 Runnerups!
- London and Marla Haiku
- There Once Was a Limerick 'bout Nessie
- What Lurks Below
- Dotty's (and Millie's) Halloween Eve Day Mission
- Circus Sweeties Surprise Party
To everyone else, thank you so much for participating too! Please please know I didn't make this decision easily. It was so dififcult.
But I am so glad we had a writing contest, and we are DEFINITELY doing it for Series 2, and I hope all of you return and dazzle me with more tales!
I was writing down thoughts as I finished each story, so if you wrote a story and want to read what I was thinking in the moment, please check out this document!
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1U5ANUcAZVB_8jgpYIdlV6QsPCiKX8a6CsOOz7qDgdfo/edit?usp=sharing
I also think I need everyone's email associated with Backerkit, so feel free to email that to me!
I will make another update tomorrow after a little rest regarding our campaign being over and how wonderful we did and more!! All I can manage right now is a BIG big thank you to everyone. This has been so exciting and I am so happy to have each and every one of you here!
Goodnight Cookie Crew! I will be back ZzZzZz~