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Cryptic Coffee Date - Dragon Enamel Pins

Created by SpectroliteAAA

Curious little dragons have taken up residence in a number of coffee themed enamel pins! An Enamel Pin Set.

Latest Updates from Our Project:

We are sadly still waiting. but here's some info why. + Backercard
9 months ago – Sat, Sep 13, 2025 at 08:53:18 PM

Hi guys! it's been a while. I haven't had much to say because, I'm still, waiting...

I wish I had some better news, but we are unfortunately still waiting. U_U I'm not sure what's going on on the Maufacoter's end,it's he same manufacturer I've always used, I have a great relationship with them, but there has just been so many errors with the creation of the pins. And with each error, means a redo until it gets approved, and so some of the pins are approved and are well into production, but then there's quite a few that has had a few redos, far more than just one or two X-X. So we are really being held back by these you see below. Some have a few color errors, some has some metal plating issues which is, oof, cuz color is a quick fix, but making a whole new mold takes more time. but here's some error examples so yall can see. 

Some really big errors like, Turkish Coffe had used the original error file, instead of the new one. a simpel human mistake mixing up but adds a whole new wait time for a mold after the entire batch should nearly be done. U_U The same error occured with Irish Cream, but because it doesn't hurt the pin I'm just going to keep it as it is. Samples don't usually show screenprinting, but Mexican mocha's mold also had a plating error, but Also the screenprinting was missed in the order form, so I had to add that. 

Here's some pins that came out great! These are the ones that have been well in production. Here's their samples, no need of editing. They don't have any photos of these pins with the proper plating cuz they still making them, but nonetheless lol. imagine them with copper plating for now XD

Because some people have been asking! Here is what the backcard is going to look like! I'm kind of branding to fall, more and more. My convention set up reflects this, and the painting I used is of my Autumn Wyvern piece I made ages ago, and it's still my favorite today. So, here's one of them! They all should have unique names for this kickstarter. 

Thank you everyone for being patient. This project has been kinda feeling a little cursed for me, haha, aah! <XD I'm ok, but there's just one after the next thing, delay delay. And the longer time goes on, this guilt of not getting you backers your pins yet after months overdue, I just feel worse. I apologize to everyone deeply, I am sorry for causing anyone frustration or irritation, it is completely understandable and valid. I'm so glad that so many other creators on Kickstarter are not running into as many insider issues as I am with their projects, but man, haha this one is the rockiest kickstarter I have run, and this is my 6th kickstarter lol. Infact,this kickstarter is taking so long, it's stunting my production/creation as an artist, it's starting to hurt me haha. I have the next project well into the works, and it should have been launched and finishing up around this time... and I really need to get it off the ground to maintain my art business in this economy. So it's killing me that this kickstarter hasn't even finished production yet. I see other creators launch a second project while their previous is still in the works, but I've always felt guilty about doing that? but idk, I might have to? I'm not sure.

Once again I'm so sorry I don't have better news, thank you everyone for being patient, and those who want to bail I completely understand! if anyone would like a refund no longer wishing to wait, let me know! And for those sticking around, I thank you deeply. Thank you everyone so much.

Backerkit surveys sent out!💙☕✨
12 months ago – Thu, Jun 12, 2025 at 08:39:08 PM

Hello again everyone! The backerkit surveys are officially sent out! Thank you all so much for your patience while we keep this process rolling! 💙 Please fill out your surveys as soon as possible so we can get the order placed! 

As a side note, the Tea Dragons from my previous Kickstarter will be available as add-ons at the end of your surveys! We have a limited quantity though, so don't wait too long if you were hoping to get those! :) 

As always please let me know if there are any issues with surveys, cards, emails, or what have you! There have been lots of surprises this project, so again thank you all so much for sticking with me, the state of the world is wild right now 😵‍💫

HI THERE! (New Pins HERE) Been too long for this! GOOD TO SEE YA!
about 1 year ago – Sun, May 25, 2025 at 03:26:06 AM

FIRST BEFORE THE MAIN UPDATE! 

☕️✨THE NEW PINS!!!! ✨☕️

 SO!!!!  HERE ARE THE TWO PINS THAT WILL SHOW UP ON THE BACKERKIT ADD-ONS SO YOU CAN PURCHASE IT IN ADDITION TO YOUR REWARD TIER!  AND/OR! WiLL be available to pick as one of your choices for any reward tier, just like ANY of the unlocked pin designs from the campaign,  appropriate to the pin's size!!! 

These of course are already unlocked! 

for FAQ On these two pins and how you can get them via this kickstarter, check out the last kickstarter update here

The Backerkit Survey is already finished. it's just being reviewed by the Backerkit team to make sure everything is kosher before surveys go out! Expect it in the next 1 to 2 weeks in your email! Be sure to check your spam and trash!  I'll be making another update once the surveys are all officially sent out, with an FAQ on that front as well! 

 I think the Pumpkin Spice and Dirty Chai Latte may actually be some, if not my absolute, favorites, among the Coffee Dragon pin, kickstarter set.  I love them all, but  really trying to capture the seasonal drink with Autumn, for Pumpkin Spice,  just really calls my name. I'm such a slut for the color combination and Fall. lololol

I actually did Dirty Chai Latte in POSCAS when sketching and drafting for the design.  I wanted it to feel like a little sister to the regular Latte, and Matcha Latte, and I think I actually like it more than it's original counterparts! 

Here's a picture of the painting that made it to be the final for the pin design. When rendering the pin digitally, I really tried to make sure that I kept the uniqueness of the line weight that came about in traditional paint. It was very fun, and while it won't be apart of this kickstarter, I do think that on my Etsy I will make it into a sticker some day in the future. 

I don't have any stickers up on my Etsy yet, but I'm hoping mid June I will have a set of 7 mushroom stickers, and this bad boy here. Here's the link to my Etsy Page if you want to follow it. https://www.etsy.com/shop/SpectroliteAAA?ref=seller-platform-mcnav

It is only made up of three colors! I had too much fun with it, and now it's a pin and soon a sticker! muahaha! I want to make more! 

OK NOW FOR THE UPDATE UPDATE! 

HI HI HI! Sorry! Where the heck'n Freak have I been?!

SO SORRY!  Back in the fall, when a certain big event happened across the USA, I knew I had to get a kickstarter out by early this year or I'd be screwed. But had I known how crazy my near future was gonna be for the first half of 2025, I may have waited for the Summer. <XD Not only are there always cons that drag me away, but we've been in the middle of a move and that is taking up more time than I ever expected. Because finances are tough I lost access to my ADHD meds and that made working impossible (I'M ON IT NOW! don't worry! I figured it out! haha that's why ur getting an update! OOPS @o@;;) Got a therapists, and also, The Tarriffsssssss. 

So in the last updated, once the 145% was announced, and did eventually go into effect,-- I said that I would just adjust by going through an American company. when I gauged prices based on their public estimates, BOY DID IT NOT REFLECT AT ALL WHAT IT WOULD COST FOR  MY PINS! My pins are far too ✨detailed✨ being too much art instead of purely capitalist product, that they wanted to charge like $12 a single pin. I-- cannot do that, i sell them for like $15! Also doing further research and talking to other artist friends also doing research of their own, China is just the best country for manufactoring pins. They have the most experience, so that's why the quality of all my previous pins have been awesome because my two manufactorurs are so amazing!  But the American companies want so much for anything but a soft-enamel, 6-15 fill-in, design, that I cannot work with them. I don't want to simplify my art because American companies aren't good enough to have complex designs.  

SO! I recognize I should have made an update about this delay sooner... 🥲😅... ((I'm so sorry...))  BUT because the trade war that is personally impacting my tiny business, is constantly changing by the day, I decided to wait it out, and see what might happen after some time would pass. The 145%  is far too oversized to stay perminently, it's just a stunt, and as we hoped,  on May 14th, The 145% was taken down for international Trade between the USA and China of a value of over $800 or greater, the Tariffs would fall to 30% for the next 60-90 days. SO! It's a race! 

I made my estimates for this kickstarter for a buffer of 25% Tariffs, once they were announced at the same time as some of my stretch goals mid-kickstarter. SO! that additional 5% would still suck, BUT is certainly possible for me to squeeze to ensure this kickstarter's completion. I started this KS before the Tariffs were announced, only to be committed to you guys after being forced to deal with them. 6_9;; I tell ya, it is quite the headache for me and a bunch of art friends that are trying to adapt to this stuff. Especially doing a move and lack of meds haha! 

 BUT WE HERE WE CHILL'N!!! 

The trade war and it's impact from Tariffs to people like me, and you guys the clients of any imported goods, - really sucks. But most of all, it impacts manufacturers and business all over the world, particularly in China. The workers in these manufactorers having to deal with inconsistent orders, from no orders during the time of Tariffs being too high, and then suddenly a HUGE influx of orders do to the Tariffs going back down for another few months, could lead to further delays. 

It is a really sucky time to do a pin kickstarter when your business partners are across oceans. Kinda feel backed into a corner with this one haha!😅 Once I am able to figure out this kickstarter, and get my pins, and ship them to you guys, I may not do another kickstarter for the remainder of the year. It all depends on the volatile unpredictability of whatever my dumb leader wants to fuck around doing globally. l:C Thank you everyone for being patient. Thank you for asking! I recognize those who asked if I was doing ok or for an update, is asking out of concern for me given everything I explained in mind! And rightfully you all should be in the know of what's going on. All Valid! I love you guys so much! Thank you guys for caring!  I'll be sure to make a much better effort to  keep yall updated, and not in the dark for like 2 months! once again. I'm sorry! Thank you all for backing this kickstarter, I know it's an head ache for yall too. We will get through this! I promise, everyone will get their pins . IF  IT'S THE LAST THING I DO! ✨

Thank you everyone!!! 

Thank you all for your patience!
about 1 year ago – Sat, Apr 12, 2025 at 10:50:06 PM

Thank you for your patience and kindness!

I know during a kickstarter I'm usually very active with updates and comments, and so many of you have noticed the quietness and have shown understanding concern. Thank you for recognizing this and being so sweet.  Don't worry though! I'm ok, just very busy. We are in the middle of moving, and I severely underestimated the time it would take? And also, it is true that right now it's scary for small businesses, and we are definitely feeling it, BUT at the same time we are adaptable and the kickstarter is unthreatened by the world events! I'll talk more about it later. but for now! I want to address the two missing pins! Pumpkin Spice, and Dirty Chai Latte!

Pumpkin Spice and Dirty Chai Latte:

With only 6 hours left on the campaign, and due to events of me moving in my personal life, it is impossible to get the designs for the Pumpkin Spice and Dirty Chai latte finished before the kickstarter ends. I miscalculated, I am so sorry, I am ashamed. U_U So I have solutions and here's what to expect! 

The Pumpkin Spice and Dirty Chai Latte WILL be created, and are already unlocked thanks to the amount of income we made! Thank you all! 10k is more than enough for the cost of those two pins. in about 2 to 3 weeks, Surveys will be sent out where you can pick and choose your pins, matching whatever reward tier you chose. Before Surveys are sent out, I will be posting Kickstarter updates showing the designs of Pumpkin Spice and Dirty Chai Latte when finished. So expect that in the next 1-2 weeks. 

Here's a little FAQ that may apply to your situation, for the Pumpkin Spice and Dirty Chai Latte. 

  • Will I be able to pick either of the new pins out with my reward tier?: YES!  Pumpkin Spice, and Dirty Chai latte will be available options on the survey for any Reward Tier, appropriate to their  size. (Dirty Chai Latte being small at 1.2in, and Pumpkin Spice being Medium at 1.8in) 
  • For those that got the max reward tier, wanting one of each in the set:  Don't worry! you don't need to get a duplicate pin. Pumpkin Spice and Dirty Chai latte will be there for you as well as an option, weather you  got the full set reward tier to get one of each, or 10 of one pin, they are there for you. 
  • For those who Might want the Pumpkin Spice and Dirty Chai Latte, but don't want to Up their Pledge before the campaign ends: Don't worry! I would never expect anyone to up their pledge, and blindly commit to something they don't know!  Keep your pledge where is comfortable to you, you will not be locked out from getting the Pumpkin Spice and Chai Latte. When Surveys are filled out and you've picked all your pins relevant to your chosen reward tier, You will be redirected to the "Add-Ons" Page. From there, the two new pins will be an available option for you to purchase, no different than Upping your pledge on kickstarter. Only, without the time pressure, and committing blindly to something. ✨👍And don't worry, all the Coffee Dragon Add-Ons will be at the same kickstarter discount. 💙
  • What if I only found the campaign after it ended, and I want to get any of the pins?: There will be a kind of 'last chance'  option, where I'll make a temporary pre-order store that essentially just acts as extending the kickstarter deadline from another link. You'll be able to "back" the pins there after the campaign has ended for up to 2 weeks, and all the revenue will also go to the production just the same as the campaign. :) 
  • Will any other pins be on the Add-Ons page?: Off topic but on topic, yes! because of the theme of coffee, and how this kickstarter mirrors my Tea Dragons, the Tea Dragons will all be available for the Add-ons at the end of the Survey along with Pumpkin Spice and Dirty Chai Latte. ( ALL the Coffee dragons) 

I hope this is reassuring for anyone concerned. Again, thank you all for understanding, I hope this satisfies some questions! We are in our new place now, and are like, mostly functioning wise, so feel free to make a comment with any questions, and I'll get back to you! 

Some overall updates on Pins and manufacturing

It was brought to my attention that the Turkish Coffee Cezve was backwards, and they are totally right! It was a post editing mistake on my part. I actually drew it correctly in my sketchbook when I originally made the design. When I finished the full set for KS, I noticed most of them were facing the same direction, and I wanted to flip one for the sake of keeping the silhouettes from being too repetitive throughout the set. (lol comfort zone artist problems hehehe) And I didn't even think of the Cezve when flipping Turkish Coffee haha! OOPS! SO! I Will be flipping Turkish Coffee, and for the sake of the set, I'll also be flipping Irish Cream Coffee as well because it doesn't compromise the design lol 

(don't mind the size difference, they will match) 

Will the KS be ok with the tarrif impacts? Some have voiced concern for me regarding the Tariffs and how it impacts me and this kickstarter. Thank you SO much for looking out for me, and voicing your worries, it is so kind and sweet. But don't worry! We haves been anxiously keeping an eye on the Tariff situation and are adapting. It is unfortunately true that I will no longer be able to go through my lovely manufacturers from China. They are so sweet, so professional, so quality, so trustworthy, and --they have office cats! Does your work have office cats?! we exchanged cat photos!-- ugh anyways. It sucks, and when the Tariffs jumped up to 54% I already was considering it, but now that it's over 100%, yeah uh-- like, come on haha! going into effect now or later, I am too small a business to eat that. I've already started researching for good American Manufacturers. I know that is a lot more expensive, but I entered this kickstarter with consideration of the originally expected 25% Tariff increase, and it looks like the increased price of American Manufacturers isn't too far from around that much, so this kickstarter can handle it! I was prepared to bite a bullet either way, and so pivoting to the increased costs for American manufacturers is something we can handle. So the kickstarter is good to go, manufacturing will happen no matter what and everyone can have their pins! the Tariffs impact me quite a bit, but not you guys or the campaign, and I'll be ok! Don't worry. At worst, it might be subject to delays depending on the pace of the American Manufacturers.  I got the rest. 👍✨💙

Thank you all SO MUCH, I cannot believe we reached 10k!

Seriously, genuinely. I cannot express my thanks enough. I know by technicality this is my record breaking lowest kickstarter, but I really cannot be more thankful. Being completely honest here, the economy is eating small businesses alive, I understand I don't sell necessities as an artist and people should spend their money on more important things like food etc. in such scary times. Every artist is feeling it. Vending at conventions, the income is down like 80%. Shit's WILD! the impacts are very evident in the USA right now, and YET! Somehow, yall made this campaign hit 10k. I'm shocked, I didn't think I'd make half given the state of the economy, and me not being active on kickstarter for almost like, what, 2 years? Seriously, thank you all for finding my art work supporting. Thank you always for stick'n around and not forgetting about me, And thank you for enjoying my artwork in the form of enamel pins on your jacket, your hat, or on a pin board. Thank you all so much! Please look out for yourselves first, and thank you for hitting 10k!

All Current Designs Unlocked!! More to Come!!
about 1 year ago – Sat, Apr 05, 2025 at 11:25:47 AM

Hello again! I just wanted to make a little update saying we've unlocked all the revealed pins so far! That was a little bit ago, please excuse how all over the place this project has been, we are in the middle of a move and multiple shows, so things are pretty hectic haha 😅

Now I am planning on doing 2 more designs to finish this one out, but they aren't ready yet! I will get them up as soon as possible, so keep an eye out! I know one will be a Pumpkin Spice Dragon, plus another small pin <3 

I also wanted to mention that I'm opening commissions for the first time in years! I posted about it in our mailing list the other day, and if you happen to be interested in that, please click this link to see the details! - Commissions Are Open!!