Another Sad day in crafting

Creative Living (formerly Pastimes) is a Mother Daughter business in Limpsfield which I had the pleasure in working in for some time as a tutor and demonstrator as well as a shopper there too. Well today I got a letter, that I am sure many of their customers did to say that they are closing their shop at the end of this month.

Although I hadnt done as much work there recently due, not I hasten to add because of any problems for me there but due to the fact that in the recent re style ect the stamping section was smaller and smaller and I felt unable to offer my love of stamping without the tools! So I cut back my classes and demos but still appeared there maybe once each class term. There will be a massive clear out sale starting this Saturday, every item in store will be 50% off, this includes fixtures, fittings and furniture too and this runs to the end of the month.

Although it seems in one light to be picking the bones when a sale like this is announced I am sure everything sold will be great news for them so please make a effort to say cherrio to the store and staff and thanks for a lovely couple of years.

Many years ago...

Probably about 14 I purchased Crafts Beautiful on it was a small "free" foam stamp, I say "free" like that as that one little star stamp has since cost my thousands! LOL They had an article about Stamping and I enjoyed that from this one little stamp I could create so many effects. It also had information about where you could learn more on stamping and it had a store called "The Craft Barn" in Lingfield listed as somewhere you could learn more. Little did I know this was going to start something so huge! Going from that one class I went onto work in the Mail Order, assistant to Maggie the then owner and then teach and demonstrate.

I owe the Craft Barn alot. Then Maggie decided she wanted to let the reigns go and sell up and thats where Linda and Nigel took over at the Barn. I still worked for Linda and Nigel as a freelance demonstrator whilst in my personal life I went onto have the boys ect... I havent worked there for some months but would have gladly had I been asked to come back.

All this goes onto say I am saddened that this is the end of an era as Linda and Nigel have decided not to renew their lease for the store. Thus the Craft Barn and the place I owe so much to is closing. I have some information below that is from the notice that they have given to their customers in store. Linda has given me her permission to publish to my blog. I didnt want it to be seen as gossip. I havent visted the barn for quiet a while but am planning to go in and say cherio to the staff and the place itself.
Sad News About The Craft Barn
We regret to advise you that we are closing The Craft Barn for business on Saturday 13th October 2007 as a result of our lease coming to an end.
We shall remain open on the remaining Saturdays in October and possibly November for stock clearance. Sunday 7th October will be our last Sunday opening from 11am - 3pm