Shifting Shells & Staying Steady
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Hey friends,
This past month has been a whirlwind. The studio has been moving forward, new products are rolling out, and the creative energy has been high — but behind the scenes, life pulled me into a major shift.
My family and I made the decision to relocate so we can tighten things up financially and keep things sustainable long-term. It wasn’t planned, and it wasn’t easy, but it’s the right move. The good news is: this change should lighten our monthly load by about $1,000, which means I can keep TurtleCraft Studio running strong for at least another year — and that matters to me more than I can explain.
It also means the next 3–4 weeks are going to be busy and a little chaotic while we pack, move, unpack, and get set up again. Between daily studio work, “dad mode,” and having a teenager in the mix, there are days where time disappears faster than I can pour a cup of coffee.
So if you notice me posting a little less or streaming less often, that’s why. I haven’t stopped, and I’m not slowing down creatively — I’m just shifting shells for a bit.
🧭 Studio Progress (Even Through the Chaos)
Even with everything happening, the studio hasn’t slowed to a stop. Here’s what has been accomplished recently:
✔ 13 New Mugs Added
The Mugged By a Turtle collection just expanded — big time.
Thirteen new designs have landed, and they’re some of my favorites yet.
✔ Free Coloring Page for November
Every month you get a freebie, and November’s page is ready to download:
[Free Coloring Page →]
This one has a cozy fall vibe, perfect for calming down after long days.
✔ New Recipe in The Leatherback Ledger
This month’s warm drink recipe is a Caramel Apple Cider Latte —
a sweet, toasty blend that fits perfectly with the season.
You can find it in the latest issue of The Leatherback Ledger.
✔ Ongoing Digital Pack Expansion
Downloadable packs are becoming a major part of TurtleCraft’s creative ecosystem, and more are planned once I’m settled into the new space.
🌿 About the Missed Streaming Schedule
I promised myself (and you all) a steady streaming routine, and I didn’t hit that mark this past week.
I own that.
But I also know the “why,” and I’m giving myself some grace while we get everything in order. Once we’re settled, the streaming schedule will return — with craft sessions, design showcases, and behind-the-scenes chats coming back online.
🐢 The Road Ahead
This move isn’t a setback — it’s a strategic shift to protect the future of the studio and my family. It’s temporary chaos for long-term stability.
And most importantly:
I’m not going anywhere.
TurtleCraft Studio isn’t going anywhere.
We’re just moving the shell to safer ground for a moment.
Thank you for sticking with me, for supporting the studio, and for giving me room to adjust as life shifts. Your support — whether it’s grabbing a mug, downloading a coloring page, reading the Ledger, or just being here — genuinely helps keep this dream alive.
More updates are coming soon, and I can’t wait to show you what the next chapter looks like once the dust settles.
With gratitude,
,Turtle