Hi friends! 💛 I know it’s been a minute since my last update, and I promise I haven’t been avoiding you (or Choir Critters)! 🙏
The last few weeks have been a whirlwind of con-booth redesign and travel, taxes/behind-the-scenes admin, and staying in close contact with my manufacturer as we move into production.
🌈 Chrome / Colored Electroplating: What my Manufacturer Warned Me About
A quick manufacturing note: My manufacturer cautioned that colored electroplating is not as durable as standard plating, and it can wear or chip faster if it experiences repeated friction or “collision.” In Choir Critters' case, that matters a bit more than usual because some designs include metal loops + lobster claw clasps / hanging components, which means there’s a higher chance of tiny parts rubbing against the plating over time.
I asked whether a protective epoxy coating could be applied to hard enamel to help with this, but they’ve tested it and haven’t had success with epoxy over hard enamel in a way they’re confident in.
🪽 What We’re Doing About It: Two Angel Opossum Samples
To make the best call before we mass-produce anything, I’m having two Angel Opossum samples made:
Hard enamel + colored electroplating (original plan)
Soft enamel + epoxy over electroplating (more tolerant of friction from attachments)
According to my manufacturer, the pins are receiving plating now, so I’m hoping to have photos/videos soon! 📸 I’ve also requested that both samples be shipped to me so I can physically test scratch resistance, see the finish in person, and then share results with you all. Once I’ve got them in-hand (and gotten your feedback), I’ll be able to move forward with the next round of samples with much more confidence! 💪
In the meantime, here’s a peek at the finished mold for our little Angel Opossum:
🛍️ Survey + Pre-order Shop: Locking Date
Because convention prep took longer than expected (and I promised you an announcement before I lock things), I’m setting:
📌 Next Friday, April 10 as the day I’ll be locking orders and closing the pre-order shop!
If you haven’t completed your survey yet, please try to get it in before then so I can lock counts and keep production moving~
🗓️ Pay Over Time Backers
No stress! You won’t be left behind. Your surveys are released after your final payment clears, and I’ll keep a window open so you can submit your choices even if I’ve already locked the main order counts. (BackerKit sends the survey link within ~72 hours after the final installment processes, so no fear if you don't get it right away!)
🐾🎪 A Little Look at the Con
As mentioned, I redesigned my whole booth and got to show off Choir Critters a bit at C2E2! Huge thank you to everyone who stopped by and/or placed pre-orders at the con. It was an amazing weekend, and I’d love to attend again next year. 💛
That’s all for now!
I’m hoping to share photos/videos of the Angel Opossum samples soon. Until then, have a wonderful weekend, and thank you again for your patience while I do my best to make these little guardians as durable (and delightful) as possible. 😇✨
~ Qesque 🎨 Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and Bluesky: @Qesque
