Hello friends
I mentioned a week or so ago that I continue to work for Spellbinders
and I will have exciting details to share with you all soon... and I promise it will be soon!
Before that announcement I have some other news to share with you regarding the
Hope and Chances Creativity studio/shop.
Although the shop is now proving popular, after a lot of deliberation I have decided to close.
I love my shop, I loved decorating it and making it into a crafty haven,
I love having the classes, the Knit and Natters and more, but it takes an incredible amount
of work and I juggle that alongside my family and City job.
I really wish I could be in two places at one time but alas no - where is that magic wand??
So the decision has been made - the shop will close shortly (dabs eyes with hankie yet again!)
With the shop closing I also have to say goodbye to my craft room.
Again, a decision had to be made...where can I craft??
I cannot return to my conservatory - I've filled it with so much other stuff now including kittens!
I looked to rent an office space but wasn't keen to have landlords again. And then...
my parents came to the rescue and have offered to build a log cabin in their garden for me.
My parents are the sort of people that once a decision is made they leap into action.
The log cabin is being placed where Mum's greenhouse once stood -
(it's okay, her greenhouse is being located to a sunnier spot hence laying the new base
I blogged about recently).
Within a day the greenhouse was dismantled with some help from Mitchell and Bella...
(note she appears in each photo!)
I mentioned a week or so ago that I continue to work for Spellbinders
and I will have exciting details to share with you all soon... and I promise it will be soon!
Before that announcement I have some other news to share with you regarding the
Hope and Chances Creativity studio/shop.
I love my shop, I loved decorating it and making it into a crafty haven,
I love having the classes, the Knit and Natters and more, but it takes an incredible amount
of work and I juggle that alongside my family and City job.
I really wish I could be in two places at one time but alas no - where is that magic wand??
So the decision has been made - the shop will close shortly (dabs eyes with hankie yet again!)
With the shop closing I also have to say goodbye to my craft room.
Again, a decision had to be made...where can I craft??
I cannot return to my conservatory - I've filled it with so much other stuff now including kittens!
I looked to rent an office space but wasn't keen to have landlords again. And then...
my parents came to the rescue and have offered to build a log cabin in their garden for me.
My parents are the sort of people that once a decision is made they leap into action.
The log cabin is being placed where Mum's greenhouse once stood -
(it's okay, her greenhouse is being located to a sunnier spot hence laying the new base
I blogged about recently).
Within a day the greenhouse was dismantled with some help from Mitchell and Bella...
(note she appears in each photo!)
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My parents have a wonderful garden and the views are stunning, it will be a perfect place to craft
and I think Bella will also be pleased - apparently she is having a dog flap fitted into the cabin!
The base was completed this week and the cabin is being shipped in from abroad and will
arrive soon.
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I am pleased to confirm that the website will continue and in fact
without the outlay of the shop I will be able to stock even more items and definitely
a huge competitive range of Spellbinders.
Also be on the lookout for new kits ....
If you have a shop loyalty card please keep hold of it - you will not lose out, there is a new
online loyalty plan being launched - details will follow shortly.
There is going to be a shop sale day on Saturday 4 October, a chance to stock up and
grab some bargain items, please come along from 10am.
Please join me on this new journey, there is going to be news,
building works, decorating and everything ably overseen by Bella!
.JPG)
Take care friends and huge thanks to those who visited the shop and attended classes.
It has been such a great experience but, as they say..as one door closes another opens -
stay tuned!
48 comments:
Hi Christine. Oh I do wish I could give you a big hug as deciding to close your shop must have been a massive decision!
But a wonderful new log cabin to craft in! How wonderful for you all, you and Mum and Dad get to see each other even more, and you will, hopefully, have far less stress : ))
Thank you so much for continuing the website, we would be lost with out you. I am looking forward to seeing what other news you have for us.
I will be thinking of you over the next few days and especially on Saturday, but remember to keep in mind what is best for you and your family, (and how your lovely cabin is going to look when you have finished decorating it and with Bella (and the cats) popping through her little flap door : )
Love and hugs to you Christine. Take care. x
Such a monumentous decision for you to have to make, but to be honest with you I have often wondered over the last year or so that I have been following you, just how you managed to cope with everything going on. I often read your blog and thought "I hope she doesn't burn herself out trying to keep everything going". I would have loved to have visited your lovely little shop, sadly now not to be, but it sounds like other things are going to be becoming more important, so I wait with baited breath to learn what's coming next. All best wishes to you and yours.
Hi Christine
OOOh how is wish I could give you a big gentle hug Bless youxx
It must have been so hard for you to make this decision you and the family have worked so hard to make such a beautiful craft haven. I was never lucky enough to visit your shop but loved all the pics you showed to us.
Now you are going to have a stunning craft room in a beautiful garden hope you have a big window to sit at your desk and look out. Bella will be delighted as she can pop in and out of her "flap" and visit with her "Grandparents"
Will be thinking of you and all your exciting news take good care
luv n hugs Annxx
Hi Christine. Big news today and I know that whatever the future holds for you will be amazing. You're very lucky that you have the support of your lovey boys and your wonderful kind parents and bella of course.
Looking foward to hearing about your news and the next exciting stage of your life.
Love Val in Spain x
Hi Christine, what a huge and difficult decision it must have been for you but children, family, Bella, kittens and of course you must come first. As one door closes another door opens and the door to your log cabin looks an amazing place to create. I love your kits and look forward to more of them. Thinking of you and good luck for the future x
I Watch your blog every day.You are part of my daily routine.Although your beautiful shop is closing,you did it and can never look back and say you never gave it a go.Like the ladies have said before me I do not know how and where you have found the energy to do all that you do.So a new chapter begins.Your parents are a fantastic support and will love having you close.I look forward to all your new news.Good luck with everything.
LOVE & LIGHT FRANCES XX
Hi Christine
I'm sure this has been a big decision for you and a difficult one. But, like many of the previous bloggers, I have witnessed you juggle an amazing amount over the past year. I've so enjoyed the classes I've attended and learnt some great techniques. But equally, I learn just as much from you via your blog (no cake, though!). I'm sure there will be opportunities to meet up and craft/eat cake again. What wonderful support your parents are giving you and your new log cabin will soon become a craft haven.
With love and a hug, Anne O
Morning Christine,
I'm so sorry that you have had to make such a difficult decision, it must have caused you many sleepless nights. Such a shame for you and the family. Now your decision is made you can change the journey, the log cabin sounds amazing what generous parents you have. I wish you well in all that's to come.
Lydia
X
What a difficult decision but probably the right one. With so much going on I can understand it, am glad the website will continue & can't wait to hear your exciting news. Very cute photo of Bella who looks worn out, must be all the supervision work she's been doing.
Michele.
Hi Christine,
I am sure you must be very sad in closing your shop,but I am sure you will have things all worked out.
Your log cabin sounds wonderful,I am sure you will make it lovely.
Your website is great so we can still get all we want from you. You are always so helpful.
I am looking forward to the news you have for us.
Take care. x.
Hi Christine,
So sad that your pretty shop is about to close, but as your other lovely followers have said before me, look forward to more amazing opportunities opening up for you. Your Mum And Dad are lovely and supportive, and I look forward to seeing how you decorate your log cabin, I bet it will be a lovely crafty haven. Please don't keep us in suspense for too long about your exciting news.
Take care.
Chris xx
What a brave and difficult decision this must have been. It has been a wonderful project for you and the finished shop was amazing. I often felt jealous of people who lived closer. You are an amazing lady juggling so much. I wish you continued success and am so glad for the blog and your online shop. Gillian xx
Good morning Christine
So sorry to hear about your lovely shop closing. This must have been a very difficult decision to make but sometimes you have to let something go to be able to enjoy the remaining areas of our lives.
On a positive note - how exciting a crafty cabin all of your own. I often look longingly at my husband's man cave and think it would be better use of the space to have a crafty cabin. He cannot be persuaded though.
I look forward to seeing how your new craft space takes shape and to continuing to shop on your website.
Take care and big hugs
Lesley
PS. love the last photo of Bella. She has obviously working very, very hard.
Hi Christine , So sad for you to have to close the shop but it will be lovely in your new craft room. Bella will be good company for you she is beautiful and looks so cuddly, Don't be sad as they say as one door closes another one opens . love Jean Z xx
Hi Christine
I think you have made the right decision, { you know i was always asking you to take some me time } a body can only take so much ,and i think your Mum & Dad must feel better too, now you have all worked out what is best .
Hurray for loving parents and a close knit family { excuse the pun } and now you have so much to look forward too as one door closes as you have said .
I am sending you big hugs and lots of good wishes as i look forward to the next chapter of your crafty journey Christine .
Take Care
Elaine H X
Hello Christine. Well that is certainly news. Poor you - that horrific decision to part with something you so clearly have loved. Now we wait with baited breath to hear what you are up to next. Bless your Mum and Dad for coming to the rescue. I'm sure that your new cabin will be a haven for you and Bella in the future. All good wishes for your next adventure. xxMargaretxx
Hi Christine
What a decision that must have been for you, but you will always have such find memories of your studio and what you achieved there. I really enjoyed my visits to you, although there weren't as many as I had hoped, but the next chapter of your crafting life sounds very exciting, and I look forward to seeing photos of your new crafting space. What a beautiful setting you have for it. I'm sure Mum & Dad will be pleased of your visits! 👍
Looking forward to your next piece of news too.
Janice x
Hi Christine, so sad that we will not have your wonderful shop and classes to go to. I just love coming to your little shop, it is such a calming place.
Best wishes for your new step, I wait with baited breathe to hear what it is!!
Hopefully you will still be doing classes at other places and keeping your blog going.
Bella will be so pleased to have the "grandparents" at her beck and call more often.
Love Valerie
Morning Christine, Im sure now that this big decision is made you can move forward and enjoy more proper crafting time, good to hear you are still going to keep your online shop. Sending you a big hug and wishing you all the best for the future. Emma
Ooh, Christine, a sad decision to make, but I can see your point, especially after having had such an exhausting year trying to get Elliott well again.
My, a whole cabin to play in will be incredible, especially if you can fit it out right from the beginning, with the most useful storage you can find.
Good luck to you and your new enterprise. I have never heard of a loyalty card? I've bought several things from you. If you are going to extend your website, please could you include the ability to buy from outside the UK? Each time I want to buy from you, I have to email and request a Pay Pal invoice.
Hi Christine
Such a lot of changes to cope with but also an exciting future. Good luck with your new craft room and I am sure the lovely views will prove inspirational.
x
Hi Christina
What a sad decision to have had to make. Although with the year you have had with Elliot, it must have taken its toll. A major illness always does even if you think it hasn't. Will you still be keeping your blog?. I know you will be keeping your online website, but I do hope your blog stays even if it's once a week, so we can follow you on your exciting new journey. Look forward to hearing your special news. What lovely parents you have building you a log cBin in their garden for you to craft in. I do hope that Bella keeps you all in order while you are working. One door closes and another one opens so to speak. I bet your parents are glad that you won't be rushing around so much, and perhaps can now take a little me time.
Can't wait to hear your news. Take care.
Wow, some big decisions there Christine, it must have been hard, but, as you say 'you cannot be in two places at one. I wish you well. xxxxx
Hello Christine I am so sorry you are closing your lovely shop, I did enjoy visiting you on your last Knit and Natter day but I can understand your difficulties having been in the same position some years ago. It's good that you are keeping the web site and I really envy your log cabin. Lots of luck to you for the changes you are making.
Love Maggie J (York)
All the best of luck and very brave of you to make this decision, and wise. I too have a log cabin style shed in my garden to craft in, I was going to recommend you do this too, but you are!!!! So exciting. Peace and harmony to you, Bella, and your wonderful, supportive family x
Hi Christine, exciting news. I bet you deliberated long and hard about this decision though. It sounds like a perfect plan all round so in my book that is a win/win situation and certain to be the right one. I wish you so much luck in the new direction your lift is going.
Elizabeth x
Dear Christine, It must have been so hard to make this decision but I think you are right to put your health and your family first. The trouble is life is too short and we try to pack everything in and loose sight of the really important things. Wishing you lots of good luck in everything you do, Love Carol xxx
My Dear Friend,
What a decision to have to make, it must have been agonising! As hard as it is, it is for the best and rather that than make yourself ill stressing about trying to be in three places at once, having to pay a landlord each month on top of all the other bills that come with renting a shop.
I think that anyone else would have given in a long time ago Christine, but you never put yourself first, you would gave thought of everyone else including shop customers before thinking of what's best for you.
As long as you continue to want us around we will follow you in whatever direction you take, it will be as exciting watching your new craft cabin develop as it was watching your amazing design skills transform the former cake shop into an idyllic craft haven.
I am so thankful that you have an amazingly close, caring family Christine.
Sending you the biggest virtual hug ever,
Sandra xxxx
Oh Christine, what a sad day. I can't believe you are closing the shop. I can understand your reasons though. Hope you will continue in everything else and be successful. All the best Janice xxxx
Booo Hooo (cries into hanky), where am I going to do my courses now? I am so pleased that you will carry on with the web site though Christine. Maybe I will see you around town and if you ever need any help packing all of those orders that will be flooding in, you know where I am.
So sad that you have had to make this decision. You dreamed of opening your shop for so long and poured all that love into it. I do feel for you and cannot imagine how devastating it must have been on the realisation that something 'had to give'.
Onward and upward as they say - who wouldn't want a log cabin to craft in? Close to home with a doggie-flap too! Your family is amazing and we your blog friends will enjoy all the pictures you post on the progress toward your craft heaven. I'm glad you'll be keeping the online shop and I look forward to hearing your other news soon. All the very best.
HI Christine, I'm so sorry you have had to make this decision, I remember being here with you and your other blog followers in the journey you made whilst decorating it and starting your classes....all at the same time you were coping with Elliott's treatment It must have been such a hard decision and I would have loved to get to visit! But your life and family must come first..you will love your garden room, I have one for my art stuff and love being out there with the chooks...I call it my craft barn, but it's just a little summerhouse! Looking forward to your spellbinders news, hugs Carole Z X
Hello Christine
What ever you do as long as the family comes first thats what counts!
You have wonderful supportive parents and that is all you can hope for.... in the last while you have to cope with more than most people, and you're still standing.
take care
Best wishes
Love Marg
Hi Christine, what a tough decision to make, you must have been pulling your hair out! As you say one door closes another one opens and you have good news you are keeping quiet about but how great of your Mom & Dad to offer you space in their garden for your craft room, not just any craft room either, a log cabin wow! I will look forward to seeing pictures of that when you post them.
At least you now may have time to spend with your family, i would have loved to be able to visit your shop as it looked so quaint and pretty but never mind, I ll come and visit your craft cabin instead lol! Don't worry, only joking. Take care and good luck with everything.
I look forward to future post from you on tour blog.
Love & Hugs
Jacquie J xxx
http://jewelscardcraft.blogspot.co.uk/
Hi Christine - I should imagine that whilst this would have been a really difficult (but brave) decision to make I also think that you are now feeling as if a weight has been lifted from your shoulders. I am sending you a virtual cuddle - I wish I could be there on 4 Oct but am unable to travel that far. Take care of yourself, the boys and the furbies! Love the pics of Bella by the way - oooh she is soooo gorgeous.
Big hugs to you Sue Pxxx
sad news to hear the shop will close but here is to all the good wishes that can be sent going your way ,good luck to you in the future .Laura O
Sorry to hear about the shop Christine, but you know the old saying One door closes and a new one opens. Look forward to seeing your log cabin. Good Luck for the Future. Hugs Rita xxx
It's never an easy decision to make, to close a piece of a business, but you can only do so much without exhausting yourself. Many never realise the hard work that has to go into any business, which often swamps the fun parts.
Don't look back, it's just another chapter of your life.
Take care, and enjoy the next chapter
Love
Janice W
Hi Christine,I am very sad for you that you have to close your shop ,but I am not Suprised ,I worried that you were going to burn yourself out,with all that was going on.
You can not be ever place.
You put so much ,love and decorations ,and hard work into that shop,and then the flooding,you can look back and say "well I tryed it ,and now have to move on.
You have 2 wonderfull boys,and fantastic parents, and this is the important part of your life.
Looking forward to your news,and all about, your new log Cabin.
Ita.
Hi Christine, That decision must have been one of the worst decisions you have had to make, my heart goes out to you, but you must always do what feels right for you and your family.
A log cabin sounds divine, and Bella will absolutely love being able to come and go as she pleases, I absolutely love this piccie of her on her back, showing her teeth, she looks gorgeous.
I hope everything goes well on Saturday at your shop.
Take care, you always in my thoughts and prayers.
Lots of love from Patricia xx
Evening Christine
WOW that is pne big decision - but also one less worry and.you do have a lot on your plate. As you say where is the elusive magic wand. Looking forward to the next stage of your journey.
Crafty hugs
Amanda x
Hi Christine
I would love to live nearer. I think I take over your shop. It must have been such a difficult decision to close it after all the hard work that went into it. The log cabin sounds amazing. Your parents are so generous letting you have it in their garden. Can't wait for more news. Take Care
Sarah x
I can really feel for your closing the shop, I know that if it were closer to me I would certainly miss it! Unfortunately, there's nowhere like your shop near me. Good luck in your new log cabin! I had to look long and hard before I spotted Bella in the first photo! Looking forward to seeing more of your lovely crafts from your new workspace :)
Clare x
Hi Christine. I am so sorry to hear that you have decided the close the shop after spending so much time and effort in setting it up. However, I am sure you have made the right decision and can now channel your energies into producing great creations from your new cabin. Anne x
Hi Christine,
Sorry to hear you are closing the shop I did enjoy going to the classes there but understand your decision. Wishing you good luck in your future venture
So sorry about the shop but a log cabin sounds great ! Wish you well & sorry i ne er got to the shop in person but i love my internet orders so happy you are still doing this as where else would i get my foam pads lol.all the best xxx
Christine, I will miss my little ferry trips with my friend to pop over to see you. We loved coming to your little shop and buying all our card and other bits and bobs. A log cabin sounds wonderful. Wishing you all the best.
Love Sharon x
What wonderful parents you have, sorry to hear the shop is closing but yes you need to get a good family work balance xx hazel
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