Rachel Carpenter

@skyeenchantress

Boardgame designer, blogger, writer, and retail specialist with a background in archaeology, linguistics, and emergency management. Daily Blog: Linktree:

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Rachel Carpenter@skyeenchantress· 21d

I've been re-jigging both Monk's Cat & Librarian's Cat so that they play partially in-hand, partially on-the-table so that I can nix the custom cardholders. There's still plenty to do, but both games function again and I actually think Librarian's Cat plays better this way.

Monk's Cat
Solo, partially in-hand play-through-the-deck game

Goal: Craft an illuminated manuscript in 8 rounds. Get the letters in order, illuminate them, and watch out for your workshop kitty. After all, the Abbot won't be pleased if the new manuscript is covered in pawprints!

Manuscript Deck in-hand.
Workshop is now your play area. Shelf #1 & Shelf #2 can each hold up the 3 sheets/letters. Pawprints are added to the Manuscript from their labeled deck. Extra Cat Cards (for higher difficulties) are in the upper right.

Librarian's Cat
Solo, partially in-hand play-through-the-deck game

Summary: You just bought the closed up village library and have to get it back into shape before your licensing inspection tomorrow! Shelve books together by Genre, alphabetize each Genre, and clean up the Dustbunnies, Bookworms, and Water Damage before the inspector arrives!

I'm holding the Stacks, Library Cart Shelf Label is in the center of the play area. Pawprints belong to Monk's Cat, but I haven't printed the new Not Right Meow/Discard Label for Librarian's Cat.

Librarian's Cat

At game end following a bit of a stress test. I managed to get rid of 6 Dustbunnies, 4 Bookworm infestations, and 2 areas of Water Damage using just 1 Cat in 8 Rounds. 3 regular Genres were in play, along with the Dark Magic books. Dark Magic books can't share space with other Genres on the Library Cart, so playing with them ups the difficulty.

The original Workshop Cardholder for Monk's Cat. It worked. I liked it. But it was a barrier for playtesters and for potential publication. The Library Cart for Librarian's Cat worked this way too. Both are now gone, but I'd like to try and keep the Music Stand that Composer's Cat uses...

Rachel Carpenter@skyeenchantress· 22d

It's almost time for Pumpkin Spice! & Everything Nice! The perfect way to start (or end) your day. Pairs well with Pumpkin Spice Lattes, snickerdoodles, and crisp Autumn air. Relax, enjoy, and put a little play in your day. Get your own copy at The Game Crafter! Link below!

Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice
Box and cards laid out for photo

Rachel Carpenter@skyeenchantress· 23d

As for Composer's Cat... I'm keeping the cardholder... for now. And I will continue to pitch this game. It deserves a publisher and a proper retail release. I just need to find the right folks. To follow this kitty's journey: boardgamegeek.com/thread/32160...

Composer's Cat

Partway through a solo play with The Parting Glass.

Custom Music Stand Cardholder with Lyric Cards.

Rachel Carpenter@skyeenchantress· 23d

Librarian's Cat works too! Yes, I cut corners and re-used some components from Monk's Cat for this test drive, but, it works!!! Both games function without the cardholder! I've got some more work to do, but this is a big step forward! WIP thread: boardgamegeek.com/thread/34319...

Librarian's Cat
New prototype.
Shown at end of a successful play.
Note the Pawprint Cards aren't for this game, they belong to Monk's Cat, which I was also testing.

Rachel Carpenter@skyeenchantress· 23d

Monk's Cat is able to work without the cardholder!!!! This is a gamechanger. Because even if I can't get a publisher, it means that Game Crafter is an option now! Interested in a solo game about illuminating a manuscript while a kitty makes your job harder? boardgamegeek.com/thread/36365...

Monk's Cat: The Book of [Pawprints]

New prototype without the custom cardholder.

Shown at the end of a successful play.

Rachel Carpenter@skyeenchantress· 26d

Looking for a cute and quirky in-hand card game? Check out Lincoln's Cat! www.thegamecrafter.com/designers/ra...

Lincoln's Cat, cards shown in-hand while playing.

Rachel Carpenter@skyeenchantress· 26d

Work continues on Nine Tails: A Solitaire Game. I have a Player Aid card that I'm finally happy with! Yay! The rulebook and box are my next tasks.

Rachel Carpenter@skyeenchantress· 29d

Hi! I'm Rachel and I'm an independent game designer. I love designing (and playing!) small-box solo games. Some are crunchy. Some are chill. All are designed so that you can incorporate some play into your day! Check out my current line-up here: www.thegamecrafter.com/designers/ra...

Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice
Solo
18 Cards

Box and cards laid out on carpet

Rachel Carpenter@skyeenchantress· Jul 6

Also: I do my own art. Out of necessity. I'm a game designer first and I've had to do a lot of learning to get this far. Lots of "how to draw a fox" tutorials. Development of my little kitsune below:

Nine Tails, next iteration of the kitsune.

Nine Tails, final version of the kitsune used in the 2025 9-Card Contest on BGG. The tails have a pattern now (adapted from the mandala I drew for Eight Elephants), but he still looks like a fox + a turkey.

Rachel Carpenter@skyeenchantress· Jul 6

Nine Tails by @amuristudio.bsky.social is soooo cute! But now, I've got a problem... I'm (finally) almost ready to put my kitsune-themed solo game on The Game Crafter and it's been called Nine Tails since it competed in the 2025 9-Card Contest on BGG... maybe Nine Tails: A Solo Game... Advice?

Complete kitsune art for Nine Tails.
No AI- all me.

Rachel Carpenter@skyeenchantress· Jul 4

Oh my gosh! I had 4 PNP sales overnight!!! 1 of each game in my America 250 collection. Thanks, everyone and stay playful!

The United Cards of America
State Cards laid out for a photo.

Rachel Carpenter@skyeenchantress· Jul 4

Happy Independence Day! Celebrate America's 250th birthday with some awesome games! Find them all on The Game Crafter today! www.thegamecrafter.com/designers/ra... All now available in both print-on-demand and print-and-play formats!

My America 250 collection of games on a patriotic runner.
Games:
Fireworks for the 4th
The United Cards of America
Liberty, Death, or Taxes
Lincoln's Cat

Rachel Carpenter@skyeenchantress· Jun 29

Some updates for today! I'm excited to announce that the print-on-demand editions of Eight Elephants and Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice now shop with printed hook boxes! Note that print & fold tuck box download is still available. www.thegamecrafter.com/designers/ra...

Rachel Carpenter@skyeenchantress· Jun 29

As an indie game designer, my to-do list is never really finished. But that's okay- because I can start my day by playing Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice with my morning coffee. And since the game is out there (Game Crafter) maybe someone else is out there doing the same exact thing.

Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice
Print & Fold Tuck Box with 18 cards laid out for a photo.

Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice is an 18-card solo game.

Rachel Carpenter@skyeenchantress· Jun 27

Good morning, BlueSky! Did you know that ALL 6 of my available games are available in both print-on-demand and print-and-play formats? Yep, it's true. And 3 of the print-and-plays are even just $1.99! You can find them all at www.thegamecrafter.com/designers/ra...

Ad images for each game with prices for print-on-demand and print-and-play formats.

Rachel Carpenter@skyeenchantress· Jun 26

BGG pages for Elements & Eighteen Eggs are approved as of this morning! Woot! Now to fill in all the blanks, link back to the WIP threads, add photos, and probably a few other things I forgot about 😜.

Rachel Carpenter@skyeenchantress· Jun 23

Hello BlueSky! Anyone looking for a bluffing party game for 2-8 players? (Or up to 15 with 2 sets) Liberty, DEATH, or TAXES is now available as a Print & Play on The Game Crafter for just $1.99!!! Find it (and more great games) here: www.thegamecrafter.com/designers/ra...

Liberty, Death, and Taxes cards in hand.

Rachel Carpenter@skyeenchantress· Jun 18

Anyone looking for cute and quirky games from an independent game designer to celebrate America's 250th birthday? Made in the USA - Printed with The Game Crafter. You can check them all out here: www.thegamecrafter.com/designers/ra...

Fireworks for the 4th
Board and components

Lincoln's Cat
In-hand solo 36-card game
Lefty-friendly
Game shown in-hand partway through a play

Rachel Carpenter@skyeenchantress· Jun 16

I'm still looking for a publisher for Composer's Cat. I haven't given up on the dream. But these things take time, so if you want to support Composer's Cat, the best way you can do so (for now) is to buy/support/share/like Lincoln's Cat, which is currently available on The Game Crafter!

Rachel Carpenter@skyeenchantress· Jun 10

Don't be late! #SaveStargate #GiveGeroHisGateBack If you want AmazonMGM to hear you, then you need to make some noise!

Social Media Ad for the #SaveStargate Twitterstorm. AmazonMGM has canceled the new series and fans are trying to save it.

Rachel Carpenter@skyeenchantress· Jun 9

Hi, BlueSky! Looking for cute and quirky solo games? Then please take a look at my current line-up over on The Game Crafter! www.thegamecrafter.com/designers/ra... And stay tuned for new games dropping later this summer!

Fireworks for the 4th: display board, fireworks cards, match, fuse, timer, and rulebook

Eight Elephants, cards laid out for a photo. The game comes with a print & fold tuck box and 27 cards. Timer not included.

Rachel Carpenter@skyeenchantress· Jun 8

Eight Elephants is a cute and quirky real-time matching game for 1-2 players. Don't let the adorable artwork fool you, this isn't the matching game you grew up playing. Watch out for the cobras! Find Eight Elephants here: www.thegamecrafter.com/designers/ra...

Eight Elephants, cards, scattered for a photo

Eight Elephants, at game start the cards are arranged in a 5x5 grid

Eight Elephants, at game end. All 8 sets of elephants have been collected. I win!

Rachel Carpenter@skyeenchantress· Jun 8

Get the fireworks display in order before the big show! Experience the frantic, fiery fun of Fireworks for the 4th, a real-time cooperative game for 1-2 players. Find it here: www.thegamecrafter.com/designers/ra...

Fireworks for the 4th- display board, fireworks cards, fuse, match, and timer. At game end, the show begins!

Rachel Carpenter@skyeenchantress· May 27

Tired. No sales since the first week of May. 6 of my games are finally available for purchase on The Game Crafter and... crickets. The struggles of an independent game designer... linktr.ee/rachelncarpe...

All 6 of my games: Fireworks for the 4th, Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice, Eight Elephants, Liberty, DEATH, or TAXES, The United Cards of America, and Lincoln's Cat

Fireworks for the 4th, at game end, all Fireworks Cards revealed. Timer and rulebook to the right side.

Rachel Carpenter@skyeenchantress· May 27

Currently working on revisions for Unlucky Spirits while also writing a 13-game campaign companion for it that I'm calling Uncooperative Spirits. The game's board is shown below. It's a beast and hasn't gained much traction (yet), but I believe in the concept.

Unlucky Spirits, game board. Player boards with spots for "tarot" cards are to either side, the Talking Spirit Board track (nested circle-pentagon-pentagram-pentagram) takes up the center, and the Household Omens go across the top. Full size is 45"x45" but I'm also working on a 20"x20" using non-standard-size components.

Rachel Carpenter@skyeenchantress· May 23

Really liking the box for Last Leaves! I'm pants at boxes, but this one turned out cute. Coming to The Game Crafter later this year!

3D render of hook box for Last Leaves, an upcoming solitaire matching game

Rachel Carpenter@skyeenchantress· May 22

Yay, the box is done! Elements will definitely be in my 2nd batch of games to go up on The Game Crafter.

3D Box Render for Elements, coming soon to The Game Crafter!

Rachel Carpenter@skyeenchantress· May 21

Memorial Day weekend is nearly here! Check out my collection of America 250 games over on The Game Crafter! www.thegamecrafter.com/designers/ra...

My America 250 collection- all 4 games: Fireworks for the 4th; The United Cards of America; Liberty, DEATH, or TAXES; and Lincoln's Cat!

Rachel Carpenter@skyeenchantress· May 18

3D Render of the tuck box for Elements, coming soon to The Game Crafter! Woot!

Rachel Carpenter@skyeenchantress· May 3

New month, new goal! Help me sell 100 games in the month of May! I've got 6 different games for sale on The Game Crafter, 3 of which are also available as print & plays! Check them all out here: www.thegamecrafter.com/designers/ra... As always, stay playful! And thanks for your support!