Hey crew.
I want to step away from the teasers for a minute and give you an honest update about First Layer, why things have shifted, and where we go from here.
What Happened
We ran into issues finding the right vendor, and multiple sponsors we had been working with had already exhausted their budgets for the year. They expressed interest in participating next year instead, which I appreciate, but it meant we couldn't put together what was needed to move forward this year as planned.
That isn't me blaming those businesses. They have their own commitments and budgets. Those were the circumstances I needed to plan around, and I wasn't able to make it happen.
Working Toward Nonprofit Status
There was another important piece happening behind the scenes too: working through the process of becoming a nonprofit.
That mattered to me because I wanted to build something that could serve this community beyond one event or whatever I could personally manage to pull together. My hope was to create a foundation for future gatherings, learning opportunities, partnerships, and ways to make this hobby more accessible to people who might otherwise never get the chance to try it.
I wanted to approach that responsibly. I also underestimated how much time, learning, paperwork, and coordination that process would take alongside trying to organize an event.
We are still navigating that process. I don't want anyone reading this to think nonprofit status has already been finalized.
Thankfully, a couple of community nonprofits have been helping me work through the red tape and understand the steps involved. I genuinely feel blessed to have that support. People who already have plenty on their plates have been willing to make time, answer questions, and help me find my footing. That has meant more to me than they probably realize.
But their help doesn't change my responsibility here. I was trying to build the foundation and organize the big event at the same time, and I didn't give myself enough room for either to take longer than expected.
I shared my excitement before enough of those pieces were secured. I needed a more realistic timeline and a stronger backup plan. That part is on me.
I'm Sorry
I'm sorry to everyone who was looking forward to First Layer. I'm sorry to the people who believed in the idea and wanted to see it happen. I know enthusiasm and good intentions don't replace following through.
As the admin, I should be willing to put my name on this update just as readily as I would have put it on a successful event. I don't want to celebrate the wins publicly and then quietly stop mentioning the things that didn't work out.
Honestly, I'm disappointed and embarrassed. I wanted to do something big for this crew, and I couldn't get it across the finish line this year.
On Crowdfunding
Someone also suggested crowdfunding. My first reaction was that I really didn't want to ask the group for money. I wanted to find a way to provide this experience without putting that responsibility on the people I was trying to do it for.
But I'm learning that it's worth considering for next year instead of dismissing it because asking for help makes me uncomfortable.
This isn't a donation request. Before that conversation goes anywhere, we would need a realistic budget, clear expectations, transparency about where contributions would go, and a plan for what happens if the goal isn't reached.
Right now, I need to take what I've learned, continue working through the nonprofit process with the people helping me, and recalibrate First Layer before making another big commitment to you.
So Where Do We Go From Here?
We work with what we have, and we keep finding ways to bring this community together.
That's where the scavenger hunt comes in.
The Oklahoma Ring Hunt
Underneath the Green Lantern theme and all the green lights, the idea is pretty down to earth. We're making OK3D rings and partnering with local shops to give people a reason to get out, explore, and hopefully meet each other along the way.
- 1. SolveSolve a clue to reveal a participating shop
- 2. VisitStop by during business hours
- 3. CompleteFinish the shop's ring challenge
- 4. CollectGrab your ring and log the discovery
We have participating shops confirmed in OKC and Edmond, and we're talking with other independent shops about joining. The goal is to expand across Oklahoma — I'll keep a clear distinction between confirmed locations and conversations that are still happening. More locations will be revealed as they're ready.
We're also exploring additional activities with some of the shops. I'd love for certain stops to offer something that encourages people to spend a little time there, talk, and enjoy the visit. Those details are still being worked out, and I'll share them when they're confirmed.
The rings are something fun to collect. What I'm really hoping for is what happens around them.
Maybe you bring your family and discover a shop you've never been inside. Maybe you run into someone from the group who's working through the same clue. Maybe you finally meet the person who helped you fix your first layer at eleven o'clock on a Tuesday. Maybe you find out there's another maker down the road who's been printing alone in their garage too.
I can't promise those moments, but I can help create opportunities for them. That was a big part of what I wanted First Layer to accomplish in the first place.
I also want this to be welcoming to people who don't own a printer yet. You shouldn't have to arrive with a workshop, years of experience, or an impressive project to feel like you belong here. Sometimes getting curious and meeting the right people is how a hobby begins.
The scavenger hunt doesn't erase the disappointment around First Layer. It's a different experience, and I understand that. It gives us something we can build now while I work on the bigger pieces that still need attention.
Enid
We're heading to Enid
We also have the event in Enid to look forward to, and I'm genuinely grateful to O'City Flips for inviting us to participate. Having someone make room for our community means a lot, especially right now. I'm excited that we still have that opportunity to get together and be involved.
To the Admin Team
I want to recognize the admin team too. There are people putting time, ideas, and care into this group, and my accountability for First Layer shouldn't take away from their efforts. I'm owning my part in this, not putting it on everyone who wanted to help.
We want this group to be somewhere you enjoy spending time. Somewhere you can ask a question without feeling stupid, show off a project you're proud of, get help with a stubborn printer, and find people who understand why you're so excited about a piece of plastic.
That takes everyday effort. Listening. Following up. Being honest when plans change. Making sure newer members feel welcome and that the people offering help know they're appreciated.
I have some follow-through to show you, and I know another enthusiastic post isn't a substitute for that.
Thank you for being here, for helping each other, and for giving these ideas a chance. And to the people helping me navigate the nonprofit process and figure out what comes next — thank you for reminding me that I don't have to know how to do every part of this on my own.
First Layer needs another pass. In the meantime, we've got rings to make, shops to bring aboard, an opportunity in Enid, and hopefully a few new friendships waiting to happen.
— The First Layer admin