Leatherback Ledger Vol. 1 • No. 06 - Warming the Workshop - TurtleCraft Studio

Leatherback Ledger Vol. 1 • No. 06 - Warming the Workshop

🪵 From Turtle’s Desk

Happy New Year, Legends 🌿

There’s something quietly powerful about the turning of a calendar. Not because everything suddenly changes, but because it gives us a moment to pause, look around, and notice what’s already taken shape.

The last stretch of the year was about settling in — literally and creatively. The Studio is nearly fully set, the dust has settled, and the tools are humming again. December wasn’t loud or flashy, but it was meaningful. The kind of progress that doesn’t announce itself, but lasts.

As we step into January, TurtleCraft is finding its rhythm again — steady, curious, and grounded.

🔧 Studio Update: Tools, Tests, and Tiny Wins

One of the biggest developments lately has been bringing the Bambu Labs 3D printer online. It’s been performing really well overall — no major hiccups, no wild troubleshooting spirals. The only real speed bump was PETG filament taking an extra attempt to dial in, which felt less like a negotiation than a lesson in patience.

We’re currently printing AMS flipper brackets to make access a little easier when adjustments are needed, and we’re still waiting on the AMS 2 Pro to arrive. That next step will open up even more possibilities, but there’s no rush — learning the tool properly comes first.

Ironically, the printer has me feeling like a kid on Christmas morning. Watching ideas become physical objects, layer by layer, still hasn’t lost its magic.

A 3D printer mid-print on a workbench, showing partially completed AMS flipper brackets in dark filament, cropped to focus on the printed parts and nozzle.

🌟 Creator Corner Update

Split image of a woman's face and a tiger with 'Team Tor' text.

We’re excited to welcome Tor to the Creator Corner this month, joining our friend Quicksave Conversations. It’s always a good feeling to add thoughtful voices and creative perspectives to the space, and we’re grateful to have them both here as the Corner continues to grow.

✨ January Theme: Warm Beginnings

January isn’t about sprinting into big announcements. It’s about warm beginnings — starting small, staying curious, and letting momentum build naturally.

Slow starts aren’t slow progress.
They’re foundations.

🥖 Recipe of the Month: Hearthshell Garlic Knots

A simple, warm appetizer perfect for quiet evenings, background prints, or sharing without ceremony.

Ingredients

  • 1 can refrigerated pizza dough (or fresh dough)

  • 2 tbsp melted butter

  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced

  • ½ tsp dried oregano

  • ½ tsp dried parsley

  • Pinch of salt

  • Optional: grated parmesan or mozzarella

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (or follow dough instructions).

  2. Roll dough out and cut into strips. Tie each strip into a loose knot.

  3. Place knots on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

  4. Mix butter, garlic, oregano, parsley, and salt.

  5. Brush generously over the knots.

  6. Bake 12–15 minutes, until golden and puffed.

  7. Optional: add cheese and return to oven for 1–2 minutes.

Serve warm.

Turtle’s Note:
These are best enjoyed between tasks — one now, one later — while something quietly finishes in the background.

🎨 Free Coloring Page of the Month

Warming the Workshop

To celebrate the start of the year, this month’s free coloring page captures a quiet, cozy moment inside the TurtleCraft Studio — where tools rest, warmth lingers, and creativity gently wakes up.

Scene Description (What the Page Shows)

A cozy workshop interior with:

  • A wooden workbench at the center

  • A small turtle perched nearby, content and curious

  • Hanging tools, shelves, and jars in the background

  • A lantern or warm light source glowing softly

  • Subtle details like twine, notes, and simple workshop textures

The scene feels calm and inviting — not busy, not technical — just a warm space coming to life.

Designed with bold, clean outlines and plenty of open areas, it’s perfect for all ages and easy coloring sessions.

🐢 Turtle’s Note

This page is meant to be colored slowly — one section at a time — just like warming up a workspace after winter. No rush, no rules. Pick the colors that feel right.

The Warming the Workshop coloring page is available as a free download this month in the Studio’s digital section. Free for personal use — share your finished pages and tag us if you’d like!

🧭 Looking Ahead

January will continue in this same spirit: refining the Studio, testing ideas, and letting creativity unfold without pressure. There are no grand reveals queued up — just real work, thoughtful pacing, and plenty of joy in the process.

Thank you for being here. For reading, creating, and making space for craft to grow naturally.


— 🐢Turtle

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