NEWSLETTER
INSPIRATION
DIGITAL SCRAPBOOKINGa BIG blog announcement…
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Hello everyone :o) Shabby Princess here with you to share some big AND bittersweet news about our beloved BLOG here! I have gone back and forth so many times on just ‘how’ to share this news, as it truly is bittersweet for me – and I think in the end…it’s best to just be honest and open…so here goes :o)
It really is with a great sadness…AND, oddly…at the same time – a wonderful feeling of knowing I am making the right decision…that I tell you that the blog will be undergoing a huge change beginning February 1st. I have decided (after much thought and consideration and sleepless nights and even a few tears) that it’s time for the BLOG to slow down and go back to a place just for Shoppe/SP announcements and the occasional wordy, rambling SP post :o) I want to first make it clear that the Shoppe itself (as well as the ShabbyPrincess.com site) is not changing or going away in any way :o) This only affects the Blog and daily-ish posts. There are LOTS and LOTS of reasons for this…but foremost is simply scheduling and time…and the ‘wish’ for freedom from the constant need to plan for the next post, challenge, templates, etc. With the new year, there is always a lot of thought put into how to IMPROVE over the previous year…and one thing that has really JUMPED OUT at me…is the need and want to SIMPLIFY and slow down a bit! I am sure this is something that we can all understand and embrace :o) When I think back to my HAPPIEST and most PRODUCTIVE times as Shabby Princess – it’s always when I was just spending all of my available work time DESIGNING and CREATING…and I miss that – a lot :o) Knowing that I do not have a LOT of design time these days…the best decision was to cut back on all of the ‘extra’ stuff that takes away from design time…and the BLOG was the only real choice for me.
As I said…I KNOW that for me and my family and my schedule and my work…that this is the right decision and I feel a great peace with that (and to be quite honest – am excited at the prospect of getting back to the joy of just designing and being creative)! However…in making this decision – there were two very difficult components…ONE – the team…and TWO – all of our amazingly wonderful followers, readers and scrappers :o) Without a blog…there really is no need to have a ‘blog team’ in place…so saying ‘goodbye’ to the girls was not easy or fun (that’s an understatement)! However, they are an AMAZING group of women (in SO many ways)…talented beyond belief…and most just as busy (and busier) than I am…so thankfully – they understood (though, of course…there was a sadness for ALL of us). While I’ll miss seeing and reading the daily/weekly team emails and seeing all of their amazing inspiration…I have a feeling you’ll still be seeing some of their gorgeous layouts from time to time in upcoming newsletters and my own ‘shabby’ (lol) blog posts :o) I have to just say it again here…the SHABBY TEAM is truly the best in this industry and I feel blessed beyond belief to have had the opportunity to work with each and every one! I have really gotten to know some of these girls very well…and they are true friends in my life! On that note…I can’t move on without letting you guys know that our amazing and fearless blog/team leader KYLIE…will still be around (thank GOODNESS) :o) She has been the most amazing addition to the Shoppe…well…ever, lol – and I am so pleased to say that she will continue working with me, but in the capacity of product development (can you say CALENDARS and TEMPLATES and HYBRID and so on – YAY!!!) :o) Couldn’t be happier about that! YES…we are planning to bring calendars back this year…but that means getting started NOW :o) Anyway, no doubt you will still be inspired by Kylie throughout the year…and thankfully (and selfishly, lol) for ME – I get to be inspired by her almost daily! She is a true friend and a bright light for me (and everyone that has the opportunity to get to know her)!
Now…the second part of that decision – YOU GUYS…that’s even a bit more difficult – as I know without doubt that you will be sad about this decision…not only for the loss of inspiration – but for the loss of our challenges and desktops and so on (and I like to spread HAPPY…not SAD, lol – seriously)! :o( Trust me when I say that we went over and over and over it all, trying to decide the best way to ‘slow down’ the blog…and in the end – the unanimous decision was that if we are going to DO THIS…we need to just DO IT (or what is the point of it all? lol)! So, as a result – there will no longer be any scheduled template challenges, project SCRAP (YES, we are absolutely finishing out 2012…Kylie and I have been working on the covers – you will love them…I’ll share them towards the end of January), free desktops and so on :o( So, I know that that will feel like a ‘loss’ – and I am genuinely and truly sorry for that…and completely understand the feeling! However, at the same time, I sooooo hope that you guys will understand what we are trying to accomplish. And THAT, is to have more time to add fun stuff to the Shoppe and the SP sites…and get back into that creative, designing groove :o) With time spread so thin – it’s just impossible for me to do both all the time, know what I mean?! But, I feel a renewed spirit and creativity with this decision…and I think that will show in the Shoppe over the coming months and year!
With that said – we do still PLAN to share fun stuff with you guys both at the BLOG and the SP sites…but what we will not be doing anymore…is the SCHEDULED ‘stuff’ :o) It will be much more casual…without the prospect of ‘deadlines’ always in the back of the mind! I hope that made sense…but in essence – I would love to continue things like the occasional Fast & Fabulous speed scrap…an inspiration post here and there…some fun food stuff (always my favorite subject, lol)…and even free templates and so on. It will just be more sporadic and when we have time to enjoy the process and have fun with it :o)
I know this is a lot to read and take in…and probably even feels a bit sudden :o( Please know that this has been a much-considered and planned decision, that was never ever taken lightly. I really hope you will stick around for the next couple of weeks and show the girls some LOVE! We plan to share and inspire through the end of the month…and there are some GREAT posts coming your way! Of course, Kylie and I will be helping you guys wrap up project SCRAP 2012 and so on…so please enjoy these last wonderful weeks! I know you will miss these amazing girls (as will I)…and we’ll all miss YOU, TOO! For me and Kylie though…we’ll still be right here, working away and checking in from time-to-time! More than anything – we hope to continue seeing YOUR gorgeous pages in the gallery…because as always – we are inspired by YOU, just as much as you are by us :o)
THANK YOU ALL FOR UNDERSTANDING…and for all of the time you have spent with us! We’re not ‘going’ anywhere, lol – so this really isn’t GOODBYE…more of a casual…see ya soon, he he! In the meantime – HAPPY SCRAPPING :o)
XOXO — SP
Feb 08, 2013 @ 11:56:37
Thank you for all you have given in the past. I will truly miss the monthly desktops!!! Have you considered selling a set of desktops for the entire year? I would be willing to pay for them.
Thank you!!!!!
Feb 02, 2013 @ 11:37:21
Thank you soooo much to all SP team and especially SP herself for all the wonderful tips and templates you share with us ! You are my first inspiration in scrapbooking and I will continue to buy your gorgeous kits in the shop. Best wishes !!
Feb 01, 2013 @ 14:44:16
*sob* desktops…. :(
Jan 25, 2013 @ 09:41:08
I have an idea because so many people (me included!) will miss those wonderful desktops: what about posting a couple of general desktops that do not have a calendar so they could decorate our desktops indefinitely? Or even a desktop template where would add our own papers and elements? I would totally pay for that actually!!! I think I’m going to pick some of my favourite desktops from the last couple of years and erase the calendar so I can reuse them with recent photos. Thanks for keeping my desktop so beautiful for so long!!!
Jan 20, 2013 @ 21:54:38
So sad! But I must say I totally agree with putting family and self first! Thank you for all you’ve given to us all! You and the team are appreciated!
Jan 19, 2013 @ 20:42:00
So sad to hear your decision- but totally understand. SP is my favourite scrapbooking site. Your templates are the only reason I have been able to scrap our family photo albums these past few years. I am still finishing 2012 but know it will be complete soon thanks to your fabulous templates! I am excited to hear calendars will be back- your’s truly are the best out there. Can’t wait to see what amazing & inspiring designs you will show us in 2013. Thank you for all your inspiration!
Jan 19, 2013 @ 13:25:54
I totally understand your decision. I often wonder how people keep up with everything as I myself try to juggle my normal life along with time for myself to do what I want to do without other distractions. I have loved following your blog and purchasing some of your goodies. Thank you for the great tutorials and inspiration…….and freebies! I wish you only goodness and look forward to seeing your new designs!!!
Jan 19, 2013 @ 07:24:26
dear S.P., I am sure ALL your fans understand and we can’t wait to see the wonderful new stuff the shop will have. we love what you’ve done for us, but we’ll love what you’ll create more!
:)
peace, love and happiness from us all
Jan 18, 2013 @ 02:01:16
I completely understand. A blog is a major time commitment which can take over everything as it takes on a life of its own. Good for you, SP, for making a tough decision; it definitely sounds like exactly the right decision for you. Thank you for all of the great templates and desktops you have given us over the past few years. Your stuff is the best! I look forward to seeing more of it in the Shoppe in the months to come.
Jan 18, 2013 @ 01:23:23
I am just devastated by this news! I love the desktops and look forward to them each month. And I have loved your Project Scrap templates so much. I just completed an album and printed it before Christmas (though it was actually for 2009) using many of the templates and one of the cover templates. Those were some of my favourite pages in the whole book – they came together so beautifully. I will miss the desktops and templates so much! Thank you so much for your generosity!
Jan 17, 2013 @ 09:00:47
dear SP and team, not sure that I can add much more to what has been said (but of course I will, lol)! I certainly wanted to say THANK YOU for all of your amazing generosity & beautiful INSPIRATION! It goes without saying how much the regular posts will be missed, due to the motivation/encouragement to create & document they have provided. The incredible templates, recipe cards, etc, etc… that have been shared over the past few years have been such a blessing to so many… they (and you) are greatly appreciated. Just can’t say enough words of thanks for sharing all of your time & talents, and I support you completely in your decisions! Very best wishes to all going forward in the new year… can’t wait to see all the fab-YOU-lous new products in the shoppe (as I know you & Kylie will rock it out)! :o) XOXO
Jan 17, 2013 @ 06:48:20
While I will miss this blog very much (It’s the only digi scrap one I follow)…I completely understand. I will see you in the Shoppe!
P. S. Any chance you can keep making desktops? I know one site that offers them just for the current month in their shop. If not, again I totally understand. :)
Jan 17, 2013 @ 00:59:31
As a blogger myself I totally understand where you are coming from…it is hard to have due dates and really takes away from the fun of doing what you like to do. I just wanted to leave a comment thanking you for all that you have done here on this blog. I really have learned so much from posts that have been shared and appreciate all of the fun templates, desktops and other freebies that you have shared. I have purchased many of your kits too and enjoy those as well. Best of Luck to you and the team and thanks again.
Jan 16, 2013 @ 21:26:50
Thank you for all you’ve given us in the world of scrapping!! I just want to say how much I love your products (my favorites among many) and all the freebies you’ve created – I read the blog everyday. I scrap now only using your templates because I love them so much!! Can’t wait to see future kits and templates in the shoppe! Thanks and best wishes with a little extra time on your hands :)
Jan 16, 2013 @ 17:10:00
Bummer! But like everyone else, I totally understand… just not enough hours in the day to get it all done. Glad the shoppe is sticking around, I love your designs. And I will most definitely miss the desktops as the save ME so much time… hehehe… and they are always beautiful!
Jan 16, 2013 @ 02:28:53
Oh wow! I had to sit and read twice just to make sure I was reading this correctly. SP is literally the reason I began scrapping Project Life (what I call it now)… I literally have the blog on my Bookmark toolbar so it’s right there. I click it everyday just to see what’s new AND to re-read posts that inspire me.
That said, I certainly understand that SP has to make decisions that are best for you guys, but I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you how saddened I was by this.
I will continue to come to the site, but the blog will be seriously missed.
Warmest regards,
Candi
HAPPY NEW YEAR
Jan 15, 2013 @ 11:54:04
It’s acceptable to lost some free-stuff but got you..both of you in Happily Creatively design spirits..Go on I always be with you.
Jan 15, 2013 @ 10:35:54
I, like many others, have used your desktops from the very beginning and will truly miss them. I can say that I am DELIGHTED to know that the calendars will be returning! I, too, love all your graphics and wholeheartedly support your decisions. Looking forward to new items. Just a thought – maybe you could give us a tutorial on making our own desktops with your graphics. Best wishes, Barbara
Jan 14, 2013 @ 21:21:35
I am so so so bummed to hear this news…especially about the desktops. :( I totally understand about the need for slowing down and freeing up your time for family. But those desktops were sometimes the only “digiscrap” projects I got done. I happily looked forward to the end of the month/beginning of a new month to add a picture to the desktops! I would CERTAINLY pay for them! My desktop is going to look so bare! :(
Good luck to you and I do hope you are able to get back to doing what you love with a lot less on your plate! :)
Jan 14, 2013 @ 18:42:10
Nuts!!!
…but good luck with your future endeavors.
Jan 14, 2013 @ 18:09:03
SP, I am so happy that you will have more time for designing. The blog is a great source of inspiration and I am glad to hear that it will continue in some form, but you and your team gave us so many wonderful templates that I can scrap for years just from those. Rotate them, flip them, combine them, take away and add items and they always look different. You and your team gave me the motivation to begin digital scrapbooking with your templates. I will buy every set that you sell, plus all of your kits. You have many devoted fans but we realize how much time all of this takes and family is #1. Kylie is awesome and I am happy to hear that she will still be working with you. I’m sure we will all be blown away by your upcoming creations. I use your templates every time I make a layout, they are timeless. Have a wonderful New Year and thanks to you and your team for everything that you do.
Jan 14, 2013 @ 13:16:49
I’m very sad to hear that this blog is going to slow down. I’ve been following ProjectScrap and the layouts for a number of months, but being a paper scrapbooker did not dare to try. One of my hopes for the New year was to give it a try and create the year book) So sad to hear that the blog will slow down and the project will not continue into the New year. I guess I’ll have to find another similar project for inspiration and incentive. I totally understand that family and life come first though) Good luck!
Jan 14, 2013 @ 12:48:11
I agree with some of the other comments, I have LOVED the project scrap templates and would definitely pay for template bundles in future years! Just sayin.
Jan 14, 2013 @ 12:37:56
Awesome! I can groove with all of that.
Best Wishes in Simplifying 2013!
mwah to all
Jan 14, 2013 @ 12:02:23
I totally understand your need to slow down. It must have been frantic to meet all your deadlines and to organize and keep things organized. I will miss the daily blog but you don’t have to worry about your followers. I, for one, will continue to check in with you all the time. I have so many of your products and you have taught me so much about digital scrapbooking that I cannot stop now. Good luck to you all.
Jan 14, 2013 @ 11:51:50
I’m so incredibly sad. It’s a huge loss for me. My husband even looks forward to my monthly desktops. But the need to slow down is something I understand. Huge blessings to all of you. I’ll still be an incredibly loyal customer who continues to own everything you list for sale. :-)
Jan 14, 2013 @ 11:44:21
I am pretty sure it’s because I’m 9-months pregnant, but I’m crying! LOL! I am SO excited that the SP team will have more time for their families & designing—that’s amazing! And I’m also sad that my only digiscrap blog is slowing down:( You guys are AWESOME and I am SO grateful for all of the greatness you have contributed & inspired. Thank you & Good luck!!!!
Jan 14, 2013 @ 11:27:08
Like most of the posters above, I am disappointed for me, but I’m happy for you. There is nothing more important than family and family time. What is great fun for us isn’t worth stress and sleepless nights for you. Thank you and your team for all you have done and given in the past. May it come back to you tenfold. Blessings to you all…
Jan 14, 2013 @ 10:18:53
Glad to see you’re cutting back. It’s like putting things in perspective, as “more” isn’t always better.One question though, will you still be designing the free temps? I adore your temps and have a special folder all set up for them. You’re still my favorite site. Your site is my eye-candy!!
Barb
Jan 14, 2013 @ 10:18:41
I have to admit, I am sad to see these changes. Project Scrap was fantastic for me. It got me started digi-scrapping and kept me from getting overwhelmed by my annual book. And the inspiration from the team, as well as the blog has taught me so much about scrapping. So I will surely miss all that. But, I am glad to see that there will be more wonderful products in the store, and the occasional speed-scrap. Good luck with it all!
Jan 14, 2013 @ 07:50:11
I am super excited to think of you having more time to create!! It’s what you were made for, and I’ll miss the blog, but mostly I’ll be so happy having new SP goodies that I won’t mind!
Jan 14, 2013 @ 07:34:06
well I am sad for us (well,really for me!), but happy for you! Life is getting busier and busier, and a chance for you to be with your fmaily more, and to release yourself from stress sounds like a good idea! I hope you get the time you are hoping for! And I guess this means that when I do click onto the blog and find a new post, it will feel like a lovely surprise! :)
Jan 14, 2013 @ 04:36:02
What a big decision to make SP, but I completely understand. Looking forward to seeing more new release kits and designs from yourself and Kylie as time permits (and yes, what a gem Kylie really is!). I wish you all the very best in this change and would like to thank all the Shabby Artists (past and present) for their inspiration, friendship and wonderful blog posts here at the Shabby Shoppe. (And also for giving me the chance to be one of those artists – I had such a wonderful time here :)) Sending you my very best wishes for 2013 xo
Jan 14, 2013 @ 02:38:31
going to miss your desktops that adorn my wallpaper every month…all the best to you and yours!
Jan 14, 2013 @ 01:15:12
I’ve only just started srapbooking, and your Project Scrap templates have been amazing for me! I’ve downloaded all of 2012, and bought 2011. Will happily pay for a new bundle each year if you put them in the shop!
Jan 14, 2013 @ 00:47:39
I completely understand. I barely have free time now days to even scrapbook with work, school, family, home and my precious little boy. I have appreciated and enjoyed all of the inspiration on the blog with templates that made it fun for me to capture memories with in my free time when I have it. It has helped so much! The desktops have been so beautiful and project scrap I don’t know how I ever got by without it. It has helped me to keep up, but I look forward to all of the new creative stuff we have to look forward to. You never disappoint! Thank you so much for all you do and all of the creative hard work you put into everything you do! I am just so HAPPY you aren’t closing the shop! That would be devastating! Thank you again! :)
Jan 13, 2013 @ 22:48:42
So Sad!! Your desktops and template challenges are my favorite. I love your style and products. I hate change but wish you luck in slowing down, and I’m looking forward to what you bring to us next!
Jan 13, 2013 @ 17:46:30
Your products are the number ones I turn to again and again and it will be WONDERFUL to see some new ones come out. I LOVE your style and the designs you create much more than the blog. Yea for us!!! (oh, and you and your family too).
Jan 13, 2013 @ 16:05:55
I am also quite sad, although I totally understand. I am happy that it will mean more stuff in the shop though, I do think it suffered since the blog became more of a focus. I also miss those wonderfully beautiful newsletters that used to come fairly often and I hope they still will. I have an idea though. Instead of releasing desktops each month, why don’t you write a .pdf of how we could make them ourselves. Then we could use all our wonderful Shabby stuff to keep making them on our own. I think many would be more than happy to pay for a little class in how to make them. Just an idea.
I have followed you for almost as long as you have been on the internet, so I am truly glad that you are not going away. I love your stuff, and always will I am sure. Thanks for all your hard work.
Jan 13, 2013 @ 15:35:50
Not gonna lie, I’m totally bummed. The templates were a favourite part of my stop here. Project scrap 2011 and 2012 was an absolute blessing. I will never be able to scrap without the inspiration. I’m not that creative and I like seeing the shabby artists inspiration. Best of luck in the future. Hope to see lots of new products in the shoppe soon.
Jan 13, 2013 @ 15:01:40
Will you be leaving the old desktop downloads available so we can reuse the old ones? I don’t know what I would do without a SP desktop!
Jan 13, 2013 @ 14:45:06
Kudos to you!!! You are at the forefront of a change that is coming for so many, as they realize that they just cannot keep up with the frantic pace of social media. I wish you simpler days ahead with more time for the things that truly bring you joy and fulfillment!
Jan 13, 2013 @ 13:33:46
I am sorry to see the blog end – it’s my first internet stop of the morning and evening, however I do understand the need for you to simplify and wish you all the best. I too will miss the new SP desktops however I’ve downloaded every one and I will re-use them over and over by using them as a starting point and then scrapping over the calendar and adding new dates (I’ve been doing this for quite some time). Thank goodness that you aren’t leaving us and that Kylie will still be with you (and us). Thank you for being such an inspiration to us all.
Jan 13, 2013 @ 12:39:18
I truly enjoyed reading the posts, viewing the inspiring layouts and the wonderful templates. I will miss it all. Wishing you all much success in all your future endeavors.
Jan 13, 2013 @ 11:28:29
Love your desktops and would happily pay for them in the shop!!! Love your work!
Jan 13, 2013 @ 11:16:58
I am with Carolyn – my desktops are going to me EMPTY :) I hope that this translates into lots of fun new products for us all.
Jan 13, 2013 @ 11:08:49
I am glad you get to make some changes that are best for you–always a good thing!! I have to say, I will TRULY miss the desktops. I have had a SP desktop on my computer every month for YEARS and it will be so strange to have that change! But I am thankful that the shop will continue with amazing products, and especially excited to have calendars back this year. :) I love your work and support your decisions!