{"id":4240,"date":"2026-01-11T17:00:06","date_gmt":"2026-01-12T01:00:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lioninthetrees.com\/blog\/?p=4240"},"modified":"2026-01-11T17:00:06","modified_gmt":"2026-01-12T01:00:06","slug":"the-quarterly-coven-of-crafty-cats","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lioninthetrees.com\/blog\/2026\/01\/11\/the-quarterly-coven-of-crafty-cats\/","title":{"rendered":"The Quarterly Coven of Crafty Cats"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Quarterly Coven of Crafty Cats<\/em> aka the QCCC was a tier of patrons wherein I would send them a box of goodies every quarter, three times a year. Last year, I made the decision to make 2025 the final year for the coven. And I wanted to share the final newsletter I wrote for them here on my blog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Quarterly Coven of Crafty Cats<\/em> was inspired by the mail tier that Shing Yin Khor<\/a> puts together for their patron members. I really loved the idea of mailing out physical, unique objects and ephemera to folks and I thought it\u2019d be a great way to grow my little Patreon space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When I originally started the Quarterly Coven of Crafty Cats<\/em> however many years ago, I was still doing Kickstarter campaigns and creating goods like zines, stickers, shirts, and pins. Items that could easily be put into a care package every four months.
I was also beginning to return to my handmade, DIY roots and traveling a little bit more. So I got the idea to use the QCCC tier as a way to experiment with new ideas, and as an excuse to get myself out of the house more as I looked for souvenirs to share with members from my adventures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ironically, it was after a year or so of creating the QCCC wherein I found myself pivoting away from crowdfunding campaigns and back to handmade work through pottery. Which meant that my original idea to use pins, zines, stickers, plushies, etc was no longer going to work. But, it opened the door for me to finally try out mediums and ideas that weren\u2019t related to manufacturing merchandise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not only did the QCCC tier give me much needed structure as I struggled for years to figure out a relationship with my workflow and process. The tier also gave me the opportunity to practice and experiment with clay, because nothing says practice like having to make 10 of the same object!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I never wanted to overextend myself, and so I kept this group limited to 5 people at first and eventually expanding to 10 once I got accustomed to the workload. I had the desire to open it up to 20+ people and possibly cap it at 50. But in 2025, I could really feel the tension growing between my regular workload and Patreon work and started to feel overextended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While on my summer trip this year, it felt like I was at a crossroads\u2014I could either invest more into Patreon or invest more into myself and gallery shows. There was no way I could continue doing both without getting burnt out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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When Elon Musk bought Twitter and the site began tanking, I remember vowing that I was never going to allow the imbecilic whims of an idiot with too much time and money on their hands to ruin my life.
I can\u2019t completely detach away from these deadbeat billionaires, but I could at least start to build something that depended on them less and less.
That way, in the future, should something like Twitter\u2019s fate happen again then I won\u2019t be so impacted.
Patreon has always had a rather shaky history that honestly hasn\u2019t ever had its users\u2019 best interests in mind when it came to decisions and changes to the platform.
It is backed by venture capitalists therefore all decisions are\/will center on how to get these people not only their original investment, but more. And more. And more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We like to think that the internet will be forever, but I know deep down that one day Patreon may go belly up. And if not totally gone, then something is going to happen to it like Twitter and I don\u2019t want to have a repeat experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Participating in gallery shows was something I once wanted when I started my journey of being a professional artist. But that door never really opened for me all the way so I pivoted and focused on my own online shop and in-person markets\/festivals.
In 2025, I ended up participating in a number of gallery shows\u2014more than I\u2019ve ever done in a given year. I had a moment after the KILN II show where it felt like I could choose to pursue the gallery path if I desired to do so.
I saw what that could path could be for me, and how that could change and expand what being an \u201cartist\u201d meant to me and my work. I also felt that it allowed me to distribute my eggs into other baskets that may provide more stability in the future instead of leaving them solely in an online one.
And so I decided to say \u201cyes\u201d.
It wasn\u2019t an easy decision to disband the Printmaking Pals<\/em> and Quarterly Coven of Crafty Cats<\/em>.
But I think in the long run this choice is going to help me fly to new heights as an artist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

patron<\/strong> \/ \u02c8pe\u026a tr\u0259n \/ n.<\/em> : A person who gives financial or other support to a person, organization, cause, or activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019m so thankful for each and every one of my fellow Crafty Cat for these years.
$25 a month is incredibly generous, and their patronage did not go to waste with me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because of their support, I was able to start this pottery journey in the first place and drastically improved over the past few years. Through the QCCC, I was also able to figure out a rhythm between my schedule and workload. And it gave me added joy whenever I went on a trip and I had to hunt for some kind of souvenir to share with them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Quarterly Coven of Crafty Cats<\/em> is proof that financial support can greatly change (and improve) the life of an artist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Classes cost money.
Tools cost money.
Traveling to shows and festivals cost money.
Just being alive costs money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Giving money to the artists who are making the work that you care about\u2014and want to see more of in the world\u2014is one of the greatest ways you can help support them and the work that they\u2019re creating.
Patronage of the arts is how we got masterpieces like the Sistine Chapel and Seinfeld.
And it\u2019s how I got to be where I currently am, today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make art,<\/em>
Make rent,<\/em>
Help others do the same.<\/em><\/strong>
– Scott Benson (creator of Night in the Woods<\/em>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I wanted to curate a recommendation list of other artists and creatives that I love who I would really like to share some of that $25 pie with if folks would like to find other artists to support in 2026.
I think it’s important that we do our best to lift one another up because a rising tide raises all of the ships. And I wouldn’t be here without the generous help I’ve received over the past decade.
And I want others to experience the same opportunities for growth and success like me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My criteria for this list is that I wanted people who had some kind of subscription-based platform.
I felt that this would be easier for people to give continued monthly support to another artist instead of having to remember to visit someone\u2019s shop on a regular basis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bianca Xunise<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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Bianca Xunise is an artist, writer, cartoonist who creates comics inspired by being a punk\/alt Black woman. Absolutely love her work!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Bianca Xunise’s Patreon<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Candace Jean Andersen<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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Candace is one of my longtime friends I met way back when in the indie Salt Lake art community. She creates fantastical illustrations using traditional, analog tools like graphite pencil, coloured pencils, and watercolours.
She is working on getting back onto her artistic feet this new year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Candace’s Patreon<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Canis Ovis<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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Canis Ovis is an artist I\u2019ve known about for quite a few years now!
They had a rather rough 2025 as it appears on social media.
If you like occultish vibes, werewolves, and animals they\u2019re a great artist to support!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Canis Ovis’ Patreon<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Daniel Hentschel<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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Where do I even begin with Daniel LOL<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Daniel Hentschel isn\u2019t for everyone. But I really love that he\u2019s trying to push the envelope of storytelling through social media. I would describe him as an absurd surrealist with some dadaism. His work really plays with what is real and what isn\u2019t.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Daniel Hentschel’s Patreon<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

He also made a great short story found footage film titled, Sister<\/em>:
https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=PBCR3vhW9oQ<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Dominique Ramsey<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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I absolutely love Dominique\u2019s work! Their use of vibrant colours, bold patterns, and creative storytelling makes for one of the most unique art styles I\u2019ve ever seen!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Dominique’s Ko-fi<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Dr. Earyn McGee<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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Dr. Earyn McGee is a herpetologist and science communicator, and she’s the creator of the #FindThatLizard challenge that was once on twitter.
She also creates animal inspired ceramics!
Her patreon helps support her continued work of the #FindThatLizard game which has been an incredible way to make science more accessible and engaging to others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Dr. Earyn McGee’s Patreon<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Evelyn from the Internet<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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I absolutely love Evelyn and her spirit. She is so fun, honest, and unapologetically herself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2028Here you can get an idea of her videos:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@Evelynfromtheinternets\/videos<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Cousin Evelyn’s Patreon<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Girl, That\u2019s Scary<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Girl, That\u2019s Scary is one of my favourite podcasts!\u2028
It\u2019s hosted by two amazing black women chopping it up every week about a horror movie or horror-related television show.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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GRLTS POD Patreon<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Olivia Stephens<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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Olivia is a fellow werewolf appreciator and one of the Realest Ones I\u2019ve ever had the pleasure of sharing digital space with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She\u2019s been working really hard on her newest piece, Darlin\u2019 and Her Other Names<\/em>.
Her patreon page actually inspired me to start doing weekly update posts!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Olivia Stephens’ Patreon<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Ricky Peacock<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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One of my criteria for watching a twitch streamer is that I can tune into their stream at any point and not have to worry about them spewing out something absolutely racist, phobic, or any of the bad -isms.
It’s taken me a while to find someone new that I enjoyed watching ever since Jerma entered his retirement arc, but then I came across Ricky last year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ricky Peacock is a streamer who has a really chill personality, great fashion sense, loves animals, and nurtures a pretty inclusive and respectful environment because he is That Kind of Guy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Ricky Peacock’s Twitch<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Shing Yin Khor<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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Shing is such an inspiration for me! I love everything they do.
Imaginative, raw, real, authentic, and honest are how I would describe them and their work.
And as mentioned in the final newsletter, their patreon mail tier inspired the QCCC tier!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Shing Yin Khor’s Patreon<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Susie Ghahremani aka boygirlparty<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Susie is another longtime friend of mine as well as a big inspiration. I love her spirit and that she sees art and creativity the same way I do. I would consider her my Artistic Soul Sister.
Susie is probably one of the most hard working artists I know, and after all these years she is STILL crushing it!

Much like many others, she had a rather rough 2025. But I’m so thankful she is on the mend from some of health issues she suffered last year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Susie’s Patreon<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Nicole Dornsife aka Thornwolf<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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Nicole is a Renaissance Woman!
She does fantastical wildlife illustrations using analog tools, cheeky nature inspired gifts, and she is also one of my favourite contemporary logo designers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Nicole’s Patreon<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The Quarterly Coven of Crafty Cats aka the QCCC was a tier of patrons wherein I would send them a box of goodies every quarter, three times a year. Last year, I made the decision to make 2025 the final year for the coven. And I wanted to share the final newsletter I wrote for […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4282,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"pagelayer_contact_templates":[],"_pagelayer_content":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[18],"tags":[61,21],"class_list":["post-4240","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-patreon","tag-community","tag-patreon"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lioninthetrees.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4240","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lioninthetrees.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lioninthetrees.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lioninthetrees.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lioninthetrees.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4240"}],"version-history":[{"count":13,"href":"https:\/\/lioninthetrees.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4240\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4278,"href":"https:\/\/lioninthetrees.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4240\/revisions\/4278"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lioninthetrees.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4282"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lioninthetrees.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4240"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lioninthetrees.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4240"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lioninthetrees.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4240"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}