Hi Everyone!
Well, If you've read the title, I'm sure you've already got the general idea of what this post is about!
Its going to be a difficult post to write, and a LONG one to read, so be warned!!
on the upside, there are nice additions along the way, including NOT TO BE MISSED offers... FREEBIEs, and some NEW RELEASES!
So... buckle up... the ride is about to start...
As you may, or may not know.... Pollycraft started its life on ebay... around 6 years ago!
(I know... THAT long!)
back then I was selling printable decoupage sheets (digis weren't even around then!)
I remember a customer emailing me asking me if they could have one of the designs in different colours...
Then I got to thinking...wouldn't it be better if people could choose colours themselves...
So I had the idea of creating uncoloured designs...
at the time, I was calling them 'Stamped effect images'... or something like that...lol!
they were really rubbish quality and were very much like sketches, rather than clean line drawings...
Still, at the time, I popped a few on ebay, and they sold like hot cakes!!
Soon I was earning enough to leave my part time job at sainsburys!! and decided to set up my own website...
A customer advised me to start a blog to get more interest in my work...and then the fun began!
A well known blogger ;) bought some 'stamped effect images' and said could I 'clean them up' a bit so they looked like other digital stamps...
I didnt even know digital stamps existed!!! lol...
so I did a bit of research and found a couple of other online shops selling a similar thing...
so mine became digital stamps too...
as a regular blogger, I made some new crafty friends...
we set up a challenge blog, and Pollycraft gradually became what it is today!!
So here we are 6 years later, and its been a BLAST!! I'm made some fabulous friends, I've LOVED seeing my designs popping up all over blog land... and I've lived what for so many people is a dream come true!
I've succesfully run my own craft business!!
As the old saying goes though... all good things must come to an end... and sadly I feel its THAT time for Pollycraft :(
As you know, my home circumstances are due to change dramatically! with bubs due to arrive in only 12 weeks time!
The last year or so has also been a year of ups and downs, and real life sometimes just makes you take a BIG step back and look at everything in a new light...
Crafting and blogging has changed so much in the last couple of years, and I don't think I love it the way I used to... Crafting became a chore when it became part of work... and blogging soon felt the same!
I found that I was stressing myself out too much over it all, and this was having a negative effect on my health, and in turn my family...
Now I feel like I've been offered a second chance and a new start, and want to do whats best for my family, and somehow pollycraft doesn't fit in with my plan.....
Its been such a difficult decision as I'm sure you'll understand, but as a family we have decided that at least for the foreseeable future Pollycraft will be closing...
Its been an upsetting few weeks, since the decision was made... and I've been holding off making any announcements... a, because I was so upset about it.., and b, because I was sure I'd end up changing my mind!
it feels right now though... and I know I'm doing the right thing.
The shop will close on the 8th June
So.... sad announcements out of the way, and as parting gifts of sorts....
lets have some bargains, freebies and new stuff shall we?....
The current build a bundle deal is still running, BUT with BIG reductions!!
Thats £1.00 off the original prices!
so in other words... 10 digis for just under 25p each!!
and 20 digis for just under 20p each!!!
if you don't have the time to add 20 individual images to your basket, and don't have too many digis already...
Try the new Latest and Greatest bundle!!
this is a new MEGA bundle deal containing over 100 digis!!
it contains all the Pollycraft best sellers... and the most recent additions....
including the 3 newest releases!!
But the best thing?.....
its just £9.50!!
making them less than 10p each!!!
Here are the 3 new releases, which are included in the 100 Mega bundle, but are also available separately...
Biscuit - Fishy Friends
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Card by Jane
Luna Bitterfrost - Steampunk rocks
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Card by Mary J
Sapphire Bloom - Toadstool
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Card by Arabella
Aren't my DT the best!?!?! I'm so going to miss seeing what they create with my little digis!
:(
So, I suppose this is a goodbye of sorts...
I'll still be updating my blog over the coming weeks, so its not really goodbye yet...
(and of course I'll be letting you all know when my little fella makes an appearance! ;))
For now though I'd like to thank all my loyal customers, all my blogging friends and followers, and all my WONDERFUL, AMAZING DT girls, past and present...
I'm still amazed every day that such talented designers are willing to create with my digis... I LOVE seeing what you all do with them, and from the bottom of my heart I thank you for EVERYTHING!!!
anyway, thats me for now... (blubbering has started!)
as an extra parting gift...
Heres a couple of FREEBIEs for you...
This is Hugo... just click on him to download....
And this is Monster Pants...
Hope you have fun with them!
well.... I suppose theres nothing more to say just yet...
I'll be back when I get a sec...
Paula
xxxxxx
Hi Paula totally understand and will be sad to see the site close never know one day you may be back when little one is much older. Sending hugs and your families gain and our loss. xxx
ReplyDeleteps thanks for the freebies
So sad and your DT are just fabulous but totally understand. Looking forward to seeing pics of your little man on his arrival, take care. Jane x
ReplyDeleteok now i really am crying ... i will miss your creations so much but family must come first!!!
ReplyDeletejen xxxx
Good for you! 6 years is such a long time in this kind of 'industry' and you have been so successful and I've had so much fun with your images and on your blog. But as you said ... stress ... family comes first ... and even though you have made a difficult decision you will be grateful in the end.
ReplyDeleteAnd its not to say that it is 'the end' ... you can always come back in a few years ... you know we love you ... and we will come back to you.
So chin up ... embrace the change and love life.
Big big hugs .....
and now I'm off to do some shopping :)
xoxox Carly
So sorry to hear you feel you have to make this decision but perfectly understandable. I shall miss your lovely images but wish you all the best for the future and whatever that may bring. Enjoy your new family member when he arrives.
ReplyDeleteAll the best
Denise xx
I can't deny it, I'm gutted. I've only found you recently but have loved using your images. I recently bought a bundle of 20. I totally understand where you're coming from though, your family must always come first. I wish you all the happiness in the world and look forward to news of your new arrival. Good luck and take care xxx
ReplyDeleteGood Luck on your new journey :)
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear you're closing! Family comes first and I wish you the best in your new adventure.
ReplyDeleteJen
Ohh I am so sad to see Pollycraft closing down but I can totally understand with all the changes your life is going to have in 12 weeks :)
ReplyDeletewishing you all the best Paula and maybe who knows you open up the store again in a couple of years when the toddler goes to kindergarten and you have time left ;) LOL
hugssss Ria
Hi Paula, this must have been a very difficult decision but you have to look at it as the beginning of something new an exciting in your life. I want to thank you for all the wonderful images you have given us, they have been amazing fun to work with and will continue to be so! Good luck with everything. Pami x
ReplyDeleteOh Paula ... can't begin to imagine how difficult this decision must've been but with the impending new arrival you have to prioritise - it's a no-brainer that family must come first. Only time will tell whether you're making the right decision for you, but there's always the option of reviving Pollycrafts if you find you're missing it too much :) Take care of yourself xxx
ReplyDeleteLuv'n'Stuff
Max
xx
Max's Craft Creations
Don't know what to say....I will surely miss your shop (I love your images!), your inspiration and all other stuff.
ReplyDeleteBut I can also understand why you had to make this decision.
So, I wish you all the luck you can have and I thank you for everything you've made and shown us. Have a good life!!!
groetjes, Ellen
I'm so sad to read this! I love your amazing Digis, they have always been so unique. This must have been such a difficult decision for you, and I can totally understand why you are doing this. You have new and exciting time in your life beginning now, and this must be your priority x
ReplyDeleteWishing you and your family all the best x
Wendy x
I admire you for being able to decipher what really does come first.
ReplyDeleteThis is in your blood, and will not be forgotten - and we thank you for taking time out over the years.
Best wishes on the new addition when he arrives.
Will be very sad to see Pollycraft go! I only discovered them a few months ago and I just adore them, but of course, family must come first.
ReplyDeleteGood luck for the future.
Kerry Louise
x
I am so, so sad to see you go - I love Pollycraft images and always love it when you have new releases so I must admit I'm gutted that you've decided to close the store. BUT....I fully understand that's it's a time of new beginnings for you and with the impending birth of your bubba, you must put your family first. I'll just live in hope that one day, you'll decide you need to start whipping up some new images again and in the meantime, keep creating with all the ones I've already got!!! Lots of hugs and best wishes for the future, Marie xx
ReplyDeleteAww! Paula, I'm so going to miss your gorgeous digi's and blogs hun but I totally get your decision, you and your lovely family must come first and when the baby arrives you will be so busy. Can't wait to see pics. :O) HUGE CONGRATULATIONS on the last 6 years too hun, what an amazing achievement.
ReplyDeleteDonna xxx
Lots of wishes for all the BEST for you and your family. You are putting the proper priorities first. Not that you won't be missed. I for one will. However, all the best for YOU!!!
ReplyDeletefamily always always comes first... that is a given. I know I am not alone when I say that Pollycraft will be truly missed. these freebies are just as cute as can be - thank you! sending hugs your way! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to see you leave. I wish you all the best.
ReplyDeleteMarie-Anne
Oh! I am so sad for you. I haven't known about you for very long but I have enjoyed the little journey that I have had. I wish you all the very best for the future with your family. And Thankyou for the freebies and your great digital images. Take care. Lynne from OZ x0
ReplyDeletehiya sweetie
ReplyDeletefamily come's firstt sweetie
and you need your rest voor the next 12 weeks, tank you so much for the lovely freebie's and gorgeous digi's sweetie
i hope you will start again in the future ;), take good care of your self sweetie
hugs angelique
I had the same predicament years ago and of course I chose family over career. I really love your images and have a collection of them but was not able to join the challenges due to lack of time. I used them mostly to make tags for my nieces and nephews during birthdays, Christmas and other occasions. They truly love the cards and tags I made for them. I will surely miss those cute doodles of yours. I made a purchase of the 100 bundle sale but was not successful. I sent you an email about the problem. I hope I could make the purchase. Thanks and I wish you the best of everything. :)
ReplyDeleteFamily first...so you're making the right decision. We'll all miss your wonderful artwork.
ReplyDelete:) Best wishes as you await that special delivery!!
All great things must come to an end - better to stop now than it becoming a really nasty chore.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the little one and thank you for sharing your wonderful talent
Hugs
Debbie xx
Obviously sorry to see you go but certainly understand your reasons. Good luck and I hope we'll see you back in the future. Thanks. Kim x
ReplyDeleteHi Paula, understand totally..what a joy it must have been all those years ago, to see pollycraft grow etc but circumstances change all the time, you've made a perfect decision for your loved ones, wishing you true happiness and wonderful joy when your little one arrives. As always, many thanks for these freebies too! Ruby x
ReplyDeletePaula - you will obviously be missed by us all but wishing you every success in this new chapter/adventure in your life. Adore the freebies - thank you so much. Your DT are AMAZING - love everything they create and want to give them a shout out coz they deserve it!
ReplyDeleteHugs to you, Deirdre
Oh Paula, wha a difficult post to write and difficult to read now. You've made me cry. I absolutely LOVE your images and the challenge and. Am really really going to miss them and you. You make the most amazing cards and I hope in time you will be making them and blogging again once home life has settled down. Thanks for these two fab freebies which I shall download when on my laptop. Good luck in all that you do and I look forward to baby pics. Huge hugs xxxxx
ReplyDeleteHi Paula can I just say I think you are wonderful, you have made such a huge decision & you are putting you & your family first. The thing with crafting is it should be enjoyable & something you really want to do, when the enjoyment goes then its time to step back & think why. Also the thing with crafting is you can never say NEVER, not truly as you know you can come back at any given time if you get that bug back, that little light inside that says you need to craft again. When home life settles & you find time again you may feel like it.
ReplyDeleteSo may be thhis isn't goodbye but more au revoir......
I wish you all the luck in the world sweetie, you & your family & while we will miss you incredibly we know you are doing whats right & you will be better for it shug.
Lotsa hugs Vicky xxx
Sorry to droan on lol.
Family comes first!! I understand how your life will change and you need to do what is in your heart. May the Lord bless you in this new season of your life :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for the freebies. Good luck with your "new job". I'm sure the wee fella will keep you really busy and that you will get alot of pleasure from him. Best wishes, Suze
ReplyDeleteHi Paula. You will be missed but I am sure this is the right decision for you. Family has to be first. I wish you happiness for the future.
ReplyDeleteTine :)
♥Hugs
ReplyDeleteoh Paula...it is so sad to hear your news however only you know whats best for you and your family and as you say...they come first.
ReplyDeleteI wish you well in the future and hope your dreams come true again soon.
fi
x
Dear Paula, I know exactly how you feel, and the sense of when one's craft (hobby) becomes a business, it does become drudgery. Deadlines are never good for the creative process, and it's so hard to have your mojo when your heart just isn't in it. Who could blame you, with Bubs on the way and some major life upheavals. I'll truly miss Pollycraft and its excellent digis. I've enjoyed using them! Of course I snapped up the MEGA bundle, not knowing if I ever could again after the store's closed. Thank you for the oppotunity to buy these (whether I use them or not, who could pass up such a deal?!) ...
ReplyDeleteBest wishes in your new adventure in life.
Fondly,
Ellen ♥ CardMonkey
http://cardmonkey-business.blogspot.com
e-mail: cardmonkey@comcast.net
Hi Paula,
ReplyDeletewow, what an emotional post! Brought a lump to my throat and a heavy feeling in my chest. Everything changes with the arrival of a new baby, and your priorities are one of the biggest things that change...a really tough decision for you, but of course its the right one...Pollycraft will always be there for you to do with what you will, but you only get one chance to be mum, so cherish every moment and be proud of what you achieved with Pollycraft. I remember (and still have saved on my hard drive) those decoupage sheets from ebay and those early 'digis'...you sure have come a long way since then!
I am really excited for you embarking on your new adventure, and look forward to hearing of the safe arrival of your little one.
Take care and be happy!
Hugs, Ali x
Well, I'm sorry to see you go...but you MUST do what's best for your health #1 and your family is #1 also! So I understand. I spend a LOT of time on the net and I know how much time it takes up. Blessings to you in all your endeavors. TY for all you've done for us! :)
ReplyDeleteSo sad to hear of you're closing, but I can totally understand needing the re-evaluate and put your family first.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the cute freebies.
I'm so sad that you are closing down- Pollycraft have been my favourite digi images over the last 2 years- I use them time and again and always look forward to your new releases. I will no doubt buy some more in the remaining weeks. Although I will miss the shop and the blog terribly, I totally understand your decision. I hope in the years to come that when your new child is older that maybe you will return to making the odd card and will enjoy the experience without the pressure and it not being a chore.
ReplyDeleteTake care and all the very best for the future. Thanks for the freebies along the way too. xxx
You will be missed very much. God bless you and your family. Pat K.
ReplyDeleteSo sad but family comes first, we will miss you and Pollycraft so much , Cherry was my first ever digi, take care K xx
ReplyDeleteI'm very sorry to see you go. You are one talented lady! I don't blame you at all though. Crafting isn't fun when it becomes work. Best of luck with your future! I will miss your posts.
ReplyDeleteHi Paula!
ReplyDeleteIt´s really sad that you have to close pollycraft. But family comes first.
All good wishes for you an your family.
Christine
Congratulations on 6 wonderful years of images. Sorry to see you closing, but so happy to see that you've got a new addition on the way. Enjoy your family and thanks for all the lovely images.
ReplyDeleteAll the best
Suzi
xxx
I know this must have been a very hard decision for you but I'm sure that it's the right one at the moment. I hope that you'll feel able to re-start at some point in the future. I'll miss all your lovely images but when little ones come they have to be the top priority. Wishing you lots of love and happiness with your new arrival xxx
ReplyDeleteWell Paula, don't know what I can say that everyone else hasn't already said! I'm sure it's been a really difficult decision for you...it's never easy letting go of something we've created, especially when it's been so successful, but no point if your heart's not in it anymore...and your heart is going to be elsewhere for quite some time with that little man that's coming...and all the excitement he'll create in the family :)
ReplyDeleteWhat an exciting journey you are about to embark on! All the best for the coming weeks. Looking forward to seeing pics of your little guy when he arrives.
lots of love & hugs xxx
PS I have so many of your images already but I'm going shopping to buy some more. You know how much I love your art, I'm going to miss it a LOT!!
Thank you and blessings in whatever you decide to do!
ReplyDeleteWishing you nothing but the best - thanks for all you've done! :)
ReplyDeleteSad but totally understandable news! Best wishes!
ReplyDeleteWish you the best, Paula! Thanks for the beautiful images!
ReplyDeleteYou have to do what's right for you - you're going out with a bang and we'll be waiting for you if you ever decide it's not a chore again.....
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the arrival of the new bumb.
Thank you so much for your lovely digis and the best of luck to you in the future.
ReplyDeleteHi Paula, sending you cyber hugs, hun. What a difficult decision you've had.
ReplyDeleteI will really miss your fab images and inspiration.
You have another exciting chapter to open now - so, good luck with your new arrival.
Take care
Caroline xxx
Oh how sad I was after reading this post! But I wish you all good and I will continue using some of your gorgeous digistamps in the future.
ReplyDeleteLove Annika
Paula, I am sure it was a very difficult decision but I hope you find some comfort in knowing that it must be the right one for you and your family or you would'nt have decided on it. We will miss your wonderful images but family always come first and pretty soon you will be enjoy your new addition. I wish you love, peace and happiness to come your way, Hugz, Kim
ReplyDeleteI'm really sad that as I'm discovering the blog world you are retirering... but totally understand what would make you decide that. I thank you for the amazing deal. I just bought your 100 digi deal! ;) Congratulations on the baby and enjoy. They grow way too fast.
ReplyDeletethanks for the digis and all the best to you in your new adventures!
ReplyDeleteWishing you all the best with your new arrival ...!!!
ReplyDeleteIt will be sad to see you go but I understand how you feel...!!!
I love the Swings & Slides as you know & sooo many others your talents will be sorely missed...!!!
Huggz Fliss
So sorry to hear you are giving this up but I wish you good luck in your future, I have two little ones and there isn't much spare time but make the most of the time you have with your family cos it goes so quick. Hugs Fiona xx
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your good news. Sad to see you go, but we'll be here waiting for you when the time is right for you and your family :)
ReplyDeleteI got the big bundle, it should hold me for a while, thanks so much for the freebies :)
Oh wow I was so sad to hear that Pollycraft will be closing down, I remember Pollycraft from the early days. You decision is obviously the right one for you, but I will miss seeing your lovely designs. All the best, Shelly x
ReplyDeletethank you for all your hard work in digiland and good luck for the future
ReplyDeleteThnak you for the lovely freebies...best wishes for the future xx
ReplyDeleteHi Paula. I don't think our paths have crossed in "blogland" but I've only just stumbled across your blog and store. Having had a quick peek in the store, I'm gutted I hadn't found you sooner ... but I understand that your health and your family must come first.
ReplyDeleteI'm just heading off to get the mega-bundle before it goes! It's a fab deal, even I don't use many of the digis. Thank you for these really cute images which will cover so many events.
Good luck with your family and hope to see you around "blogland" sometime.
Helen x
It's so sad, but sometimes you just have to bite the bullet! We understand! Please keep us updated on your New Arrival - he is so much more important than anything else!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for all your lovely creations over the past years. If you ever decide to start again there'll be lots of us fighting to be first in the queue to buy them lol!
Take care!
much love, Mags B xx
Aahhh, I now understand why you've made this decision to shut it down and although sad, I am glad that you're putting family first and finding the JOY in life again. I understand from running 3 challenge blogs myself what a chore it can become. Since finding your digis and downloading the Mega Deal (and I got my crafting sister to do the same) I'm considering opening our sister challenges blog again just to have FUN again and create not for a DT but just for fun with these super cute images. I might even have to let one or two of the others go. I'm so delighted to have found your store and blogs and THANK YOU for leaving the blog here for inspiration. Your DT is amazing!! May God bless your new li'l one and your whole family. I wish you much happiness and health... you know you'll always have friends here in blogland when you're having a bad day... just come visit here and you'll read the love poured out. *Ü* Hugs to you!
ReplyDeletekris