Friday 4 July 2014

Some News!

It is with mixed emotions that I write this blog post ....

As many of you will know I  have been involved in the craft retail industry for around 7 years, initially working in a Bricks and Mortar shop, which I then took over as owner to starting and running S J Crafts for the last 3 years!

Sometimes in life our priorities change.....

In those seven years my priorities have changed a few times ... at first it was to gain my dream job in a craft shop and then to start my own business .... to be able to work from home so that I could do the school run and "be there" for my young daughter .... to get my work published in a scrapbooking magazine .... to establish and then buildup my on line shop in the craft world.

More recently, my priorities have changed again and, together with my family we have made a lifestyle choice. A choice which I'm very excited about!

It is therefore with some sadness that I tell you that the S J Crafts on line shop is closing!

As you may know there is currently a Summer Sale in the shop. There will be a Closing Down sale with further reductions all across the store, although please do bear with me whilst I get that up and running.

At the moment it is my intention to continue with the monthly challenges (with examples from the Design Team) here on the blog and to regularly post my craft projects to share with you. I would love it if lots of you will continue to follow the blog and play along with the challenges.

I have been lucky to work with six very talented ladies - Louise, Lisa-Jane, Jennifer, Jenny, Annie and Jemma, some of whom have been on the S J Crafts Design Team since the early days. 
These ladies have all been wonderful to work with and I continue to be in awe of their crafting talents - thank you to all of them! I'm happy to say that most of them have agreed to stay on to design samples for the monthly challenges.
I will post separately very soon to thank each of them properly and provide you links to their blogs should you wish to continue to follow their crafting journeys.

Thank you to each and everyone of you who has shopped with us, come along to a class or a crop, joined in the challenges, chatted on facebook, visited the blog, commented on a post .... I have become friends with many of you (albeit some online) and sincerely hope to stay in touch either through blogging, facebook or the crops.

Thank you and please do get ready to shop in the Closing Down Sale so that I can reclaim by craft room/dining room soon!!

Sarah xx








15 comments :

Jimjams said...

Wishing you and your family all the very best for the forthcoming months Sarah - a new door opens xxx

JO SOWERBY said...

Aww sad but also happy it's a pleasure shopping with you and I am sure the next phase of family life will be exciting. Jo cxx

Sandie said...

Sorry to hear this Sarah, but as you say, life has new priorities and opportunities. We should always look forward not back. Planning to keep in touch!! :)
My own priorities have also changed and I've also started a new adventure so we are together in this. High five!!

Lou said...

You know that I'll miss shopping with you. wishing you all the best for the future x x

scrappyjacky said...

Sorry to hear this,Sarah....but it sounds like you have exciting times ahead.....best of luck with your future plans.

Jennifer Grace said...

This makes me so sad because SJ Crafts has been such a big part of my life the last few years and I've had such fun getting to know you Sarah! But I know we'll keep in touch and I'm happy for you and looking forward to seeing where life takes you next! Plus of course I'll help you clear out your room by buying up some stock! Love, Jennifer x

kjjc said...

so sorry to hear this especially after my recent correspondence with you. Best of luck to you

Lesley G said...

:( Good luck with your lifestyle choices :)

Laura said...

Sad news but you have to do what's best for you and your family. All the best x

MiniOwner said...

Aww Sarah, what sad news. Wishing you all the best.
Sue x

Giorgia Rossini said...

I wish you all the best! I'm happy that the blog challenges will continue because I love it, I loved playing with you and all the post from DT

Sandra said...

I am so very very sorry to hear this, but I truly understand. Closing Gotta Craft broke my heart but I knew the time was right, and although I still have moments of sadness, I have a different life now and I love it. I know your future path holds great things. I wish you and your family all good things. Oh and yes, I'll still be following you :) x

Annie Claxton said...

Here's to the end of an era and to new beginnings - all the best Sarah and let's hope we all continue to keep in touch and continue the happy, friendly community you've built up :o)

Annie Claxton said...

ps and as yo uknow, I'm always ready to shop!!! :o)

Carole Wright said...

HI Sarah, sorry to hear your news but wish you great success with whatever you pursue next. God bless for your future plans. xx