Friends, we have some important information to share with you on the matter of our limited-edition friend Rupert Bison’s return. As you know, Rupert and his collection will be going live on our site this Wednesday, August 12th at 1 PM ET. However, there are some special circumstances for this launch. Let’s talk about it!

We encountered some unexpected production complications making Rupert this time around. We won’t get into all the whats and whys, but the upshot is this:

We will be launching on Wednesday 8/12 with a smaller batch of Rupert Bison than we had planned for. There will be a purchase limit of 1 per household, and based on our current estimations, we think it is likely he will sell out within a day.

We have set aside about a quarter of this bison batch and are referring to them as WINTER RUPERT. (Learn why further down this blog post!) WINTER RUPERT will be going live on our site on Wednesday, August 19th at 1 PM ET – exactly one week after our official Rupert launch. There will once again be a purchase limit of 1 per household. 

As far as stock goes, please be advised that we have significantly fewer Winter Ruperts than classic Ruperts. If you don't yet own Rupert Bison and you have your heart set on him, we recommend shopping his main launch on 8/12. If you aren't able to purchase him then, you will have the opportunity to try for Winter Rupert one week later on 8/19. 

Please help us keep things as fair as possible and do not purchase both versions of Rupert! 

Now, read on to learn all about Winter Rupert! 🌨🦬

Winter Rupert wearing Linden Leaf Overalls

Winter Rupert 

ALL ABOUT WINTER RUPERT!

What makes Winter Rupert different from Rupert Bison's original design?

Winter Rupert is shorter, and his head and body are wider. We think he represents how Rupert Bison looks after he has enjoyed a lovely long season of snacking on sweet prairie grasses to prepare for the winter months, and his shaggy coat has grown thick to keep him warm in the chilly snow.

What made this variation occur?

The Winter Ruperts were the first ones made in this production batch, and their sherpa fabric stretched more than expected when sewn and stuffed. We were able to catch the issue early and correct it so the majority of the batch would be consistent with Rupert's original design from 2022.

Winter Rupert (left) and Rupert Bison (right), viewed from the front

Winter Rupert (left) and Rupert Bison (right), viewed from the back

Why are you selling Winter Rupert separately?

While a certain level of variation can always be expected with Hazel Village friends due to their handmade nature, we decided the two styles of Rupert were different enough that we wanted to let you choose which one you prefer.

Is Winter Rupert still considered first quality?

Yes! Winter Rupert is handmade with just as much love, care, and commitment to quality as all our woodland friends. Which bison you choose to buy is entirely a matter of preference – many members of our workshop team adore Winter Rupert!

Does Winter Rupert still fit in the clothes?

Yes! As you can see in the photo below, he is able to wear his prairie flowers getup without difficulty. We’ve tried lots of our doll clothing and accessories on him and found that he can comfortably wear most items. The only things he might have trouble with are small/tight hats and tighter than average waistbands or collars.

Winter Rupert (left) and Rupert Bison (right) wearing their prairie flowers outfits

Once again, here is what you need to know:

• Rupert Bison and his limited-edition collection will go live on our site this Wednesday, August 12th at 1 PM ET. There will be a purchase limit of 1 per household. 
• WINTER RUPERT will go live on our site on Wednesday, August 19th at 1 PM ET. There will be a purchase limit of 1 per household.
• Please plan to purchase only one or the other version of Rupert, not both. We appreciate you helping us keep things fair.

That’s the long and short of it, friends! Thank you so much for reading this blog post. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate send us an email at hello@hazelvillage.com. Take good care! ♥️

Winter Rupert