01/18/2020
CLOSED.
We have officially closed our online stores. Ivoryforge.com and our etsy store are no longer. I'm sure you want an explanation. There is some good news, though!
A lot of life has happened since we "temporarily" closed due to relocation. Tons of change and growth. I'm well into an apprenticeship as a union carpenter in Spokane, WA. We've had a second child born into our family, a baby boy born at the end of October. I've admitted my fantasy addictions, mainly video games, and have been in therapy. Of all the changes, that has been the most impactful. I have little bandwidth left for fulfilling orders for Ivory Forge anymore, so I have closed it down.
I know that many of you have asked if we have any tutorials. When my livelihood depended on sales, there was very little chance I would release our "trade secrets" to the world, for fear that our competitors would pick up our tricks. Well, now I would like to share that information with the world! I hope, come warmer weather, to start releasing tutorials on youtube! I'm not sure where to start, as far as what are "the basics" you'll need. The only things I intend to sell anymore will be: 1) digital files of the templates you'll need to follow along with my builds, 2) prototypes, and 3) pieces that I've finished in my spare time. I have come to dislike the stress of "to-order" production and sales. I may occasionally accept custom requests, but that will be at a premium, since I intend this to be something I do for fun. "Orders" take the fun out for me. Otherwise, I'll be happy to consider requests for tutorials.
I'm endlessly grateful for all your support throughout Ivory Forge's journey. You have been wonderful. I'd like to give a special shoutout to our partners and friends. These include the cosplayers we officially sponsored, like Macy Rose, Chelsey Cosplay, April Gloria, Yelaina May Cosplay, Paper Roses Cosplay, GeezAlize Cosplay, and SLC Green Arrow for showing off our products and helping us grow. Photographer JHaasPhoto and his clients that featured our products in their shoots. Caledonian Custom Laser for providing stellar laser cutting services that helped streamline, and increase precision in, our foamsmithing. Elswares Props for teaming up and combining our talents to bring to life more amazing replicas than we did on our own. PVC Armory, which is run by my cousin and former business parter, for being good sports and putting up with me/us.
I won't be closing this page down. I will use it to announce the new youtube channel and associated social media pages. I won't be doing the tutorials under the name Ivory Forge. I've thought of an awesome name that I think captures the essence of what I want to accomplish with this new phase.
Again, thanks.