What is this?

Hi. My name is Bobby. I'm the maker of the shiny things at Dark Side Customs. I've been making jewelry since 1999. This particular business has been up and running since 2009. It's my way of putting handmade, geek-inspired jewelry and accessories out into the world. 

Many people that know me also know that I wear kilts quite often. I love them. They're super comfortable. They also fit the vibe of the conventions and faires where you're most likely to find me hocking my wares. My big idea at the moment... Kilt Pins. Not just any kilts pins. Geeky Kilt Pins. 

The Kilt Pin is a traditional, functional, and cool part of wearing a kilt. It keeps your kilt from flapping in the breeze and showing of things you may not want the general public to see. 

Your standard Kilt Pin (like the one pictured) is quite the cool bit of kit for your kilt. But I work with geeks. They like a bit more... Geekery. That's where I come in. That's where you come in.

Because I work with small, simple hand tools, making these pins could get to be quite a bit pricey. I have, however, found a tool that will cut the work time immensely. It will allow me to keep my prices low. That will allow interested parties to be able to afford my work. No hesitation. That is exactly what I want. 

I've been the guy that couldn't afford anything at a convention or faire. These are my people. I cater to them.

What We Need & What You Get.

Break it down for folks in more detail:

The tool I need to do this work is a bit on the pricey side. It's a mini fusion welder. Along with the tool, I'll need a few necessary accessories to be sure I can move from one job to the next with ease.

It won't just be Kilt Pins. It will also be earrings I have been afraid to try for fear of damaging or destroying delicate and expensive materials with a torch. Tie tacks. Cravat Pins. Brooches. Etc. You can even feel free to give your input. Have a design in mind? I love a challenge. Let's do this.  

For funding this campaign, I'll be giving you the first success. Those earrings, tie tacks, Kilt Pins... yup. You're totally getting some. I'll be including a handwritten thank you note with each perk I send out. You deserve nothing less. You'll be helping me get one step closer to moving this business out of the house (and my wife's hair) and into the shop I've been dreaming of. But that's a later campaign.

If I don't happen to make all the money needed, I'll still be putting the money away to save for this tool and the accessories. I'll still be sending out the handwritten thank you notes. They will simply include a message about why you might have to wait a bit longer for your perks. If I get close enough, I'll just get the tool I need for the one project. I can wait for the accessories for the others. But I'm not going to dwell on the negative.

Why, Bobby?

If you really want to know why I'm doing this...

I have a silly dream of opening my own store one day. I don't want to owe a penny to a bank if I can help it. This is a baby step.

I want to give my fellow geeks (and anyone that loves handmade jewelry and accessories) the type of quality they deserve. Better. I want to walk around the events I'm working and feel proud to see my items doing their job. 

Kilts are going mainstream. Now I have a little something extra to contribute to the world. I've worked in fashion for years. But now I can be a real part of it.

That's Easy. Right? 

No WAY!!! I'm still making all this stuff by hand. 

• I'm designing it. 
• I'm building it. 
• I'm photographing it. 
• I'm writing copy for it. 
• I'm marketing it. 
• I'm praying I can reach my audience. 
• I'm doing it all again.
  

Why put myself through that? Because it's worth it. I'm not the type that gives up. It's hard? Fine. So am I.

What if you can't contribute funds?

No worries. You can still help in a big way. Share this campaign with your friends. Ask folks you know to get the word out and make some noise about the campaign. We all know a couple of weird people. Right? This could be right up their alley.