December 1, 2013

A Fond Farewell



Yes, it's sad, but true. I'm closing The Craft's Meow at the end of this year. Believe me, this is one of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make. I love The Craft's Meow. I've put my heart and soul into this company for the past nearly three years, and it's been an awesome ride. However, things change, and huge changes are happening for me and my family.

For one, I'm resuming my career in corporate real estate management. I left in April of 2010, when I was afforded the opportunity to become a SAHM and focus on home and family for the first time in my marriage.This was a gift, and one I've treasured! However, some wonderful opportunities have come up for me to return to work. After weighing the situation from all sides, I've decided it's time to jump back in.

I've been working part time since July while still operating The Craft's Meow. When I increase my hours to full time, it will leave no time for TCM without me completely losing my mind and burning out. My family still needs me, and I need to have a life apart from work. So this is the only alternative. God is leading me, and I am trusting Him.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me. When you seek me with all your heart, I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile. Jeremiah 29:11-14

So, while one door closes, another opens. I am at peace.

I have so many people to thank for this wonderful journey I've been on with The Craft's Meow. I hate to start naming names, because I'm afraid of leaving someone out. However, I do want to acknowledge and thank Claire Brennan of Waltzingmouse Stamps, Taylor Van Bruggen of Taylored Expressions, and Korin Sutherland of Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps for their advice and encouragement. Clare even designed three of the first stamp sets I released! These are all ladies I admire and tried to emulate as a business owner. I'm so lucky to call them friends.

And what would The Craft's Meow be without its fabulous stamp illustrators? I've been so very fortunate to have worked with many talented designers, including Karen Baker, Mindy Baxter, Michelle Bertuzzi, Clare Buswell, Elizabeta Kushner, Kaitlyn Ord Long, Mabelle Ramirez-Ortiz, Angelica Suarez, Jenny Suchin, Maree Truelove, and Amy Wanford. Each has contributed her own special style and made TCM the place to go for a wide variety of stamp designs... something for everyone!

But the person who has contributed the most to TCM is the very talented and lovely Nina Brackett. I can honestly say that TCM would not have existed if it weren't for Nina. She's been with me from the beginning. The first stamp set she designed for TCM was Butterfly Kisses. I remember it took my breath away. Her designs have continued to take my breath away and delight me...and countless others...ever since. She has stood by my side through thick and thin, always ready with a listening ear, sage advice, support and prayers. I owe her so much. Thank you, Nina, from the bottom of my heart.

And what would The Craft's Meow be without designers, both past and present, to create with our stamps and showcase them in such spectacular ways? I am so very proud of my ladies, and I am humbled that each and every one of them agreed to be a part of the TCM team. This includes all the guest designers we've enjoyed over the years. I am so grateful and awed by their talent. They truly made TCM stamps come alive!

Many of our past designers and stamp illustrators have graciously agreed to join with our current design team help celebrate The Craft's Meow with a farewell blog hop. This is a hop that you won't want to miss! I hope you'll take the time to stop by each of their blogs and show them the love they so richly deserve.

But before you hop, I have a few announcements about the closing of the store. Starting today, EVERYTHING in the store is marked down from 25% to 75%! Stock is limited, especially for several of the stamp sets, so I recommend that you shop early for the best selection. Nothing will be restocked, so once it's gone, it's gone forever!

All US orders will ship for the flat rate of $3.00. All International orders will ship for the flat rate of $12.00. 

Every order of $25 or more will receive a free Little Frieda stamp set. There's nothing you need to do; we will automatically enclose a free Little Frieda stamp set with every qualifying order. If you want to choose between Little Frieda Mischief, Little Frieda's Flowers, and Little Frieda's Daisy, please leave a note with your order (you'll see a place to leave a note during the check-out process). I will do my best to fulfill your choice, but I may have to substitute for another set if one or more runs out. Edited to add: I've run out of Little Friedas, so I can no longer offer one as a gift with purchase.

If you have a gift certificate to spend, please do so now. They will expire once the doors close...there is no cash value to those which were given as prizes.

The Gallery will stay open until on or about March 6, 2014. Our Pinterest boards and Facebook page will stay up indefinitely, so be sure to refer to them whenever you need inspiration for your TCM stamp sets.

We'll be posting the store blog periodically with updates and cards for inspiration, so please stay tuned!

Finally, I want to thank each and every one of you who patronized The Craft's Meow over these past three years. I've said it before, but it bears repeating... we know you have lots of choices about where to spend your crafting dollars, and we are so very grateful and humbled that you chose to spend some of them with us. Thank you also for your kind words... each comment was read and appreciated by me, more than you know.

Now, for our gift to you... a blog hop celebrating The Craft's Meow! Each blog will link to the next, although we've included the entire link list just in case there's a break along the way. Enjoy!!!



Love and hugs to all,

39 comments:

Ted said...

Oh, Lisa...such bittersweet news! But when you feel God's influence, you're wise to follow it. :)

May He watch over you as you take this new path and may you and your family always be under His sovereign care.

Thanks for all the inspiration!
Ted

Iwona Palamountain (Chupa) said...

All the best in whatever future brings for you, my friend! It was lovely to meet you, work for you, share the perks and joys. I'm glad you decided on this surely uneasy change, with a peaceful heart! xx

Nancy said...

I know how hard this decision is for you, Lisa, but know it is the right one at this time in your life. Wonderful things in store for you! Hugs, Nancy

Ruth S, justsomestuffimade.com said...

Oh Lisa, sad and happy news at the same time. I shall miss TSM, but I wihs you all the best with your new adventure getting back into your career ;) Good luck with it! Rx

Sue Bridges said...

I was so sad to see that you will be closing, but it also know that when The Lord leads you, by faith you follow. I have been a huge fan for a very long time and have quite a collection of stamp sets. Thank you for your sharing, and God bless you as you move forward in life's new direction.

Korin said...

Love you lots, Lisa and wish you ALL THE BEST. God bless. <3

Anonymous said...

All the best to you Lisa! So glad you had three years to have your own stamp line! So nice to realize dreams. I know, a lot of hard work too! Take care!

jintyoo7 said...

You should be commended for making such a difficult decision with such grace :) I wish you lots of success as you settle back into your career!

Unknown said...

Surprised to see this because I know how much effort you put into this venture. Not surprised to see you following what you know will be best for your family. Many hugs to you and prayers for success on the new journey.

Jean Bullock said...

I will miss you. You and your designers were a big part of online life. I enjoyed every minute. Thank you.

Danni said...

I know this had to be so hard for you! Big hugs!!

Angi Barrs said...

Sending hugs your way Lisa! I know that God has a wonderful plan for your future! Enjoy your new journey! :)

~amy~ said...

Lisa, a big shout out to you...thanks for everything. TCM will always have a special place in my heart.

Thanks for including me on this wonderful blog hop!

Sue from Oregon said...

It was an honor to be on your team Lisa! My best to you now and in the future. I do hope you will continue to blog!

Jami said...

Lisa I know what an incredibly tough decision this must have been, but of course your path holds no surprises for our great God! He will lead you and keep you!

I've had several sets on my wish list for awhile (especially the two hymn sets) and just never placed the order. Now I see they are sold out. Best wishes to you as you wind down the store and gear up for a new chapter. We really need to plan a day to get together!

Deborah Frings said...

I can't imagine how hard this decision was - but I wish you every success in the future.

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry to hear your news (for myself!) But, going through changes in my own circumstances which mean big changes in my life, I wish you the absolute best and pray that you continue to know Goods blessings as you move forward in His will. Xx

Sarah Martina said...

Proud of you for ask the hard work and faith you've stood on since I've known you! Sending my love, prayers and hugs!

Jennifer said...

Wishing you nothing but the best for the future! Will miss all the inspiration you lovely ladies provide.

jen del muro said...

How bittersweet! I am so glad that I got to be a part of TCM, even if just for a short time. I wish you and your family all the best. Many hugs-Jen

Shaela said...

so sad to hear this!! but it sounds like other good opportunities are coming. :) I wish you all the best and hope to still see you occasionally at CHA!! take care and best of luck, friend!

Marlena M. said...

I'm sorry to see your store go Lisa~but I'm grateful for the lovely designs and encouraging hops/challenges you've hosted. God Bless You!

Aimes said...

Wishing you every success for the future, friend!
Words alone cannot express enough how thankful I am to you for letting me be a part of this adventure of yours. Thank you so much for taking a chance on me!
Keep in touch! :)
xx

quilt4fun2 said...

I am shocked at this news! So sad yet exciting about a new direction and career...Best Wishes to you in all that you do. I will miss the fun, beautiful and inspirational ideas you and your team have created with these great stamps. If I understood right I can still see posts from facebook :D Looking forward to this.
quilt 4 fun 2 at hot mail dot com

LindaS said...

Thanks for a wonderful time. I've enjoyed all the wonderful inspirations from your DT on the blog and playing with the stamps from your shop. Think that your shop has been a great oase in the Big ocean. I was looking for the vintage clock but it's already gone. Keep smiling.

maria f. said...

Best of luck back in the corporate world, Lisa.

Julia Aston said...

I know this must have been a heart wrenching decision for you Lisa - wishing you the very best! with love and hugs,,, Julia

Miriam Prantner said...

So sorry to hear this, but it sounds like it is done with much thought and prayer. TCM will be missed!

Lisa H said...

Good luck with your new path!

Sue D said...

I will miss TCM! Best luck on your future plans.

Susan F. said...

God bless your future sweetie!

Mona Pendleton said...

I'm sorry to read this news Lisa but I am so happy that you followed your dreams! I'm very happy for you that you also have found an opportunity in your other career! Wishing you the very best! Happy Holidays!

Emily H said...

This is heart breaking for me! :( So sad. I understand that life changes. I am glad you were able to make the best decision. Too bad all my favorite sets are already sold out. :(

MariLynn said...

Praying for you as you start this new leg of your life journey. You have blessed many people through The Craft's Meow. Praying that seeds you have sown will produce fruit in the lives of people you have touched. Praying for blessing for you in this coming new year. Love you.

Pam said...

The best of luck to you! Your designers did a wonderful job with TCM! Wish I could have found you sooner! Will check out your sale though!

Iris said...

Sorry TCM is closing but glad that another door is opening for you. Best wishes on your new journey.
isoscia at aol dot com

Michelle said...

Thank you for all the great TCM projects and products shared over the years. I will TCM.

Marybeth said...

I wish you all the best! Beautiful bible verse ..TFS .

Sheryl said...

Thank you for shipping my order so quickly! Don't know if it was a coincidence, but the Little Frieda & Lulu Mischief stamp was so perfect, going with the Tweet of You and Lovely Birds sets I ordered. Best wishes for many happy years to come.