One of the reasons this blog has been fairly quiet lately is that during late March/early April I finally made a decision that had been playing on my mind for a while. Having made the decision, writing the announcement had then been hanging over me sapping my energy. So to say I have mixed feelings about this post is an understatement. There is sadness mixed with utter joy and tinged with apprehension. No wonder I haven’t really been in the mood to blog or create.
Read on for the full story!
What’s the big news?
I’m sure many of you have probably guessed by now, or at least may not be entirely surprised.
As of 31st May 2015 my online craft store Quixotic Paperie will be closing, just in time for the 6th anniversary.
It has been an incredible, interesting, challenging and utterly crazy six year period of my life. So much has happened both in my life generally and because of the store. I’m not sure that I would have spent so much time playing with markers if I hadn’t been on this adventure. I certainly do not regret my online retail journey, but it is time to move on to a new chapter. I’ve learnt many things in the past six years, one of which being that my heart doesn’t lie in running a retail store.
After the sad and draining events of recent years I realised it was time to stop treading water and follow my heart.
The clearance discounts over on the website have now been increased, and are now final. Once it’s gone, it’s gone, so be quick and grab whatever is on your wishlist. Many items are now up to 60% off. All sales are final, discounts apply to new orders only, everything ends on 31st May 2015.
What will I be doing from now on?
More creating, more writing, more of everything I’ve been wanting to do. I’ve got lots of things in mind for this blog, so watch this space. I am confident that this new chapter will involve bringing you lots more inspiration via this blog.
Uh oh, what about Make it Colour Blending Card?
I will still be selling one popular item – Make it Colour Blending Card. I know so many of my customers and readers are fans so don’t worry, if you love Make it Colour Blending Card you will still be able to purchase it after 31st May 2015 and I will publish the necessary details at that time.
That’s all folks!
A huge thank you to everyone who has supported Quixotic Paperie and me personally. Your custom and friendship have been hugely appreciated, and I very much hope you will continue to join me over here in the coming weeks, months, years.
Oh Elaine, exciting times ahead for you, I’m sure! I will always remember QP with very fond memories – I loved being on your DT! I’m looking forward to even more inspiration from you!
I feel so sad reading this but you are awesome and a wonderful friend so no matter what you do I am sure you will indeed succeed hugs to you sweetie and Thank You for the super fast service and friendship in all these years, hugs Pops x
I completely understand the hard decision of stopping something when your heart just isn’t in it. I am excited for you – to see what new adventures lie ahead!!!
Dear Elaine, you don’t know me but in the past few years you brought me so much joy and true happiness either through the wonderful stamp selection you had in your beautiful shop or through all amazing inspirational projects shared with us (your thousands virtual secret friends – it’s not too creepy, is it? :)). I am truely sad to hear that you decided to close down the QP. Nevertheless, I am sure it’s for the best, as I can see that it’s been no more another sparcle in your day but just something that “has to be done”. Thus, I wish you all the best in your future endeavours in this amazing colourful world.
Hugs, shMe :)xxx
On one hand, I’m sad to read this news. On the other hand, I’m happy for you that you’ve made the decision to follow your heart by stopping what’s no longer bringing you joy and making more time for those things that make you truly happy.
Good luck in all your new adventures.
It was your shop that introduced me to rubber stamping, your fault I spent hundreds of pounds on rubber stamps, your fault I spend thousands of hours colouring, and I just want to say a huge THANK YOU for this. Your colouring is awesome, I shall look forward to learning more from your blog entries and tutorials maybe, please! It must have been a tough decision for you to make, change is scary but exciting too. Wishing you all the very best for the future, you deserve it.
Elaine, as a customer, I would like to say thank you, and you will be missed. It was a pleasure shopping with you and you were always very kind to me, when I emailed with my various queries. I understand your decision (I wish I had half your courage to change my life) and I wish you well in everything you want to do. At least, we can still see your gorgeous creations when you feel able to create and colour again. Good luck with the future, I hope it holds all good things for you – please take care of yourself and I wish you the best of health and happiness. Best wishes from Karen Sinclair.
So sad to hear this Elaine. QP’ Challenge Blog was where I entered a card for the very first time and I still have that card. I will never throw it away. But, on the other hand, I am excited for you and can’t wait to read all about your new endeavours. Wishing you all the best. Thanks for the excellent service when I did buy from you. xx
Hi Elaine, it’s with sadness that I read your news. I always received such great service from QP, however, I’m so glad that you are at peace with your decision and you can move forward. I know there is great things to come for you. Wishing you all the best!
I know I haven’t been a very good customer, Elaine. I like to do my shopping in person as far as possible. And I haven’t been much of a blogger either but I’m sorry to hear that you are closing your on-line store and I wish you lots of happiness and every success in your creative pursuits hereafter! Warmest of wishes and hugs, Lesley
Hi Elaine, I was saddened to read your news about closing QP. Your online store is one of the many I have bought from over the years. I remember the joy I felt at being able to buy in the UK, SCACD and Stempelglede rubber stamps. Your customer service was exemplary. Completely understand needing to move on from something that does not allow your heart to sore. We all need to be who we are. Very best wishes for the future. x
I remember speaking to you on the phone when you first opened your store & then you followed my blog, which I really appreciated…
You have to follow your heart otherwise you’ll only regret it, so Good Luck & I wish you all the best for the future.
Joanne xx
You know how much of a fan I am of you and your store so I am sad you will be closing the doors but understand why you have to. The first stamps I fell in love with were stampin bella and I was so excited when I found someone in the UK that sold them and your awesome colouring of them has had me sucked in ever since!
May the new chapter bring you much joy.
Tara
x