My Story:

Every since I was young, I was fascinated with creating dolls to play with and to give away to friends. Since I didn't learn to crochet until I was 21, let's just say that those dolls never worked out as well as I'd hoped. My failed attempts largely forgotten, I turned to drawing. I loved the genres of fantasy and science fiction, and the more that I read, played, and watched, the more characters I invented within these amazing worlds (as well as some worlds of my own invention).

Most of my drawing repertoire consisted of character drawings (I think it still does), but I wanted to find a way to make them more than just drawings, more than just ideas on paper. After I learned to crochet, I spent two years teaching myself how to crochet quality dolls through the art of Amigurumi (the Japanese crochet craft of making 3D dolls and toys) that I would be proud to give away as gifts to family and friends, and to sell to others who wanted to see their imaginings made flesh (or yarn, in this case). The rest, as they say, is history.

My Project:

Phoenix Dawn Creations wants everyone to have their favorite original characters in a tangible, 3-D form that they can hug, show off to friends, and enjoy as the physical embodiment of their own imaginings. This Kickstarter will raise the funds I need to produce 150 original character dolls from crochet, and pay for other expenses. This Kickstarter will also allow me to determine if a large enough market exists for Phoenix Dawn Creations to make original character dolls a staple commission service in the future. 

The dolls made as rewards for this Kickstarter will be the first of the 150. Should funding and rewards exceed 150 dolls, then not only will I have the opportunity to complete my project through the rewards, but I certainly will have my answer with regards to the interest in this service (I will also probably cry tears of joy at the out-pour of support). 

My dolls are crocheted from high-quality, soft yarns that are durable and have a variety of pleasing colors. Most of my yarn choices are acrylic, but some skin tones can only be found in other fibers. Dolls are clothed in a variety of crocheted and fabric clothing to ensure that your original character looks as amazing as you've always imagined! Eyes can currently be made from buttons, safety eyes, or embroidery. NOTE: If you have a 3-year old or younger child that will be playing with these dolls, please let me know so that I can embroider the eyes. Safety eyes, ironically, aren't safe for play by any child under the age of 3. 

At this time, I will not be making props for character dolls, but if we raise enough money, I may change this. :)

I will be making these dolls within my own home. I live in a smoke-free environment, but I do have three cats. While I keep my work space as feline-free as I possibly can, please inform me if you are allergic to cats so that I can take further precautions in order to avoid cat hair contamination. Thank you!

The Rewards:

Sushi Keychain:

A 1 1/2 square inch plush keychain. Durable 16 gauge, 1/4" stainless steel links make for a nearly indestructible chain so that your keychain lasts as long as possible! :)

3" Doll -

A small doll designed after your original character! Standing at three inches tall, the entire piece is hand crocheted and embroidered for quality. Complicated hair styles will be made from felt. 6mm black safety eyes can be used, or the face can be completely embroidered, as seen above.

4.5" Doll- 

A slightly larger doll designed after your original character! Standing at four and one half inches tall, the entire piece is hand crocheted and embroidered for quality. 6mm black safety eyes are used and can be painted another solid color, as seen above (Doll on the left), or the face can be entirely embroidered.

9" Doll- 

A larger doll designed after your original character! Standing at nine inches tall, the entire piece is hand crocheted and embroidered for quality. 9mm black safety eyes are used and can be painted another solid color, or the face can be entirely embroidered. At this time, I do not have a sample of the female 9" tall dolls.

Drawings- 

Custom bust drawings of your original character! Either a pencil drawing, or a fully inked, full-color drawing. Bust drawings may be substituted in favor of a chibi drawing (example below). :)

What's On Your Mind?

Why are your estimated delivery dates so far away?

Because there is only one of me, and I am sadly incapable of working on drawings and crocheted crafts 24/7 (if I find a cure for that, I'll let you know), it may take some time to finish everyone's rewards. These estimated dates are just that - estimates. It may take longer or shorter depending on how many backers I receive, how my final semester of classes goes, and how many questions I need to ask you for a proper idea of what your character looks like. I will keep everyone updated through Kickstarter during the pledging process, and again afterwards as I begin creating these pieces. Because of the personal nature of commissioned pieces of original characters, I will keep in touch with you during the creation of your reward, and you will be aware of the progress of your commissioned piece at every step of the way.

Can my character be from a copyrighted story?

As long as it is an original character lacking any copyright protected materials, yes. Copyright protected materials include logos/symbols, names, and distinguishing features (i.e., Harry Potter's scar). Non-copyright protected materials include color combinations, general clothing styles, and character archetypes (i.e., Ninja versus Naruto). If your character comes from a game featuring highly customizable characters, we will need to discuss the details in order to determine the best way for me to approach the doll (such as, your customized Commander Shepherd from Mass Effect 3 might be put into more generic street clothes as opposed to the armor/clothing from the game).

How will you make my super amazing original character?

After the Kickstarter has finished and I have managed to raise my goal, I will send you an email. If you have ANY references that will help to show me what your character(s) looks like, or what different aspects look like (for example, "My character is a D&D 3.5 Monk who dresses like X character from Naruto, but his hair is like this character from Mortal Kombat, and he has tiger stripes that look like this picture I took at the zoo"), that will help me to get a better idea of what I am creating just for you. If I have any questions about details, I'll ask you. Once we get the details pinned down, I'll buy the materials that I need and get to work. In short, I want you to be satisfied with your one-of-a-kind, hand-made doll or drawing! :)

I want to back your project, but I don't have an original character that I really want as a doll/drawing. What are my other options?

That's no problem at all! :) There is always the option of pledging money to the Kickstarter and opting out of a reward, or choosing a reward far less than the amount pledged. Other options include:

Instead of an original character, I can make you a substitution doll or drawing of any non-copyrighted character or concept such as a ninja, zombie, angel, demon, troll, druid, etc;. 

You could also request a character that falls within the realm of Public Domain (e.g., Cthulu, Flying Spaghetti Monster, etc).