Meet the Fundraiser Friends: Four Spooky Characters Are Ready to Make Their Debut
It has been a little spooky around my crochet table lately.
If you have been following along, you already know that Paulie the Opossum and Freddie the Fish are back this year to help raise money for the Paul Leeder Project.
But I couldn't just bring back the same Paulie and Freddie.
Their biggest event of the season happens on Halloween, after all.
They needed a little Halloween personality.
One idea turned into another, yarn started flying, and before I knew it, our two familiar fundraiser friends had transformed into four completely different characters.
And tomorrow, September 12, they are finally making their official debut!
Meet Zombie Paulie
First up is a Paulie who looks like he may have spent a little too much time wandering around the graveyard.
Meet Zombie Paulie!
With a light purple face, darker purple body, bright green eyes, pink feet and that unmistakable opossum personality, Zombie Paulie is spooky, colorful and still somehow pretty darn lovable.
Getting the balance between zombie and cute little crochet opossum was part of the fun with this one.
There is much more to his making story, but I am saving that for his own spotlight.
For now, just know that Zombie Paulie is officially ready to meet you.
Meet Witch Paulie
Apparently one Halloween makeover wasn't enough for Paulie.
So meet Witch Paulie!
This version went in an entirely different direction. Instead of creepy and crawly, Witch Paulie is bringing a little crochet Halloween magic.
Complete with a witch hat, cape and plenty of personality, this Paulie might look like there are a few spells brewing.
Don't worry. I am pretty sure they're friendly ones.
Those little accessories ended up being a big part of bringing this character to life, and I'll share more about that when we take a closer look at how Witch Paulie came together.
Meet Vampire Freddie
Paulie wasn't getting all the Halloween fun.
Freddie needed a transformation too.
And somehow we ended up with a vampire bass.
Meet Vampire Freddie!
Yes, you read that correctly.
A vampire bass.
Complete with his black fins and little vampire teeth, Freddie has traded an ordinary swim through the pond for something a little more dramatic this Halloween.
This might be one of those ideas that sounds completely ridiculous until you see it...
and then it just makes sense.
At least in my crochet world it does.
Meet Pumpkin Freddie
Last, but certainly not least, we have the character that asks the very important question:
What happens when you combine a bass with a pumpkin?
Apparently, you get Pumpkin Freddie.
Rather than simply giving Freddie a pumpkin costume, this version became part pumpkin and part fish, with a pumpkin inspired body paired with Freddie's bass features.
He's weird.
He's festive.
He's completely unique.
And I absolutely love him.
I'll share more about how this unusual little combination came together in his own post too.
Four Friends. One Bigger Purpose.
As silly and fun as these four characters are, there is a much bigger reason they have been taking over my crochet table.
Every one of them was created to help support the Paul Leeder Project.
The project works within our community to help feed and clothe those in need while also teaching life skills and encouraging the mindset and tools people need to move forward and thrive.
It is about helping people build toward something better.
Not a handout. A hand up.
That is why 60% of every Paulie and Freddie sale will be donated directly to the Paul Leeder Project.
Each fundraiser friend is $35, and this year's goal is to find homes for 25 Paulies and Freddies by October 31.
Twenty five handmade friends.
Twenty five opportunities to make a difference.
And hopefully quite a few smiles along the way.
Their Official Debut Is Tomorrow, September 12!
Now it is finally time to get these four off my crochet table and out into the world.
Zombie Paulie, Witch Paulie, Vampire Freddie and Pumpkin Freddie will make their official debut September 12 at the Sylvania Tractor Supply Annual Farmers Market from 10 AM to 2 PM.
This will be the first time the entire Halloween fundraiser collection is out together!
You'll be able to stop by, see them in person, choose your favorite and learn more about what we are working toward with this year's Paul Leeder Project fundraiser.
And if you can't make it out to see us, you don't have to wait until the debut to claim your favorite!
Orders are officially open now.
Choose Zombie Paulie, Witch Paulie, Vampire Freddie or Pumpkin Freddie and I will make your fundraiser friend just for you. Each one is $35, with 60% of every sale donated to the Paul Leeder Project.
This Is Just the Beginning
Introducing these four is only the first chapter of their story.
Over the coming weeks, I will be sharing separate posts right here in The Paul Leeder Project blog category taking you behind the scenes of each character.
We'll talk about how they were made, the choices that shaped their personalities, what happened along the way and, of course, celebrate as they begin finding their new homes.
Tomorrow is where that next part of the story begins.
Four fundraiser friends are heading to Tractor Supply.
Our goal is 25 adoptions by October 31.
And I cannot wait to see where this little army of spooky opossums and fish takes us.
Ready to help us reach 25 adoptions?
Choose Your Paulie or Freddie & Order Now
Handmade with purpose.
Not a handout. A hand up.
HEY, I’M MELISSA…
Hi, I'm Melissa—the creator behind Naturally, MelissaMade, founder of The Hook Nook, and dreamer of the Purple Peacock Bus.
As a homeschooling mom, homesteader, crochet educator, and handmade artisan, I've discovered the incredible power creativity has to bring peace, confidence, and connection.
What began as a simple hobby became my sanctuary, inspiring a business and community dedicated to helping others experience the therapeutic benefits of crochet one stitch at a time.
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The Hook Nook Chronicles shares crochet tips, inspiration, community stories and creative growth.
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