Monday, September 21, 2009

Farewell

Dear Friends and Readers,

Hope you all had an amazing summer (winter for some)! I wanted to thank you for making Heart Handmade a part of your lives for the past two years. As most of you already know, this all began as part of my quest to become a part of the wonderful world of independent design. I never planned on being a blogger, I simply wanted to make things with my hands, but somehow this is where the wind took me. Thanks to a couple of wholesale orders and new partnership that is yet to be announced/launched I've had the opportunity to spend more time in front of my sewing machine and less in front of my laptop - and for that I'm super grateful for.


As much as I'd love to claim to be superwoman and do it all, unfortunately something's got to give. It's so hard to say goodbye and to let go of Heart Handmade, it seriously feels like I'm cutting off my right leg. It's given me so much - new friends, an identity that I lost the day I decided to quit my full-time corporate job, new opportunities with my wunderlust line... But trying to juggle both worlds has proven to be more difficult and I've been unable to dedicate enough time and energy to grow either of them. The guilt attached to letting go of this site is immense. I feel like I'm letting a bunch of you down.

In my 20s I had my whole life mapped out. Now in my 30s I finally realize that trying to predict the future or planning way too much is a complete waste of my time, coz honestly, you just never know. So perhaps this will only be a short break and not a permanent goodbye. What I do know for sure is that you can't give up on your dreams. With lots of hard work and a teeny tiny bit of luck anything and everything is possible!


Thank you so much for making this site a part of your lives. It's been so much fun sharing my ooohs and aahhhhs with all of you on a daily basis. If anyone is interested in keeping in touch, I keep a personal blog over at lifeflix.blogspot.com, I'm also on flickr, twitter and recently opened up a new shop with my friend Ez - NICE PACKAGE! I will surely miss you all!

Love,


PS. What a perfect wrap up (completely unplanned, I swear)... check out the first artist I featured.

Image: Ez Pudewa

85 comments:

Melissa de la Fuente said...

Aw....*sniff* You know, while it is sad that heart handmade will not be here anymore....it is incredibly exciting to think what you will be able to do with your amazingly talented hands now that they will have so much more time to create. I cannot wait to see and as always, will be 100% behind you. I also adore this photo of you.....and am wishing you the very best wishes for your next adventure my friend.
xoxox
Melis

Clementine said...

Oh, Marichelle!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What a difficult decision this must have been for you.
I'm SO going to miss HH, it's one of the first blogs I visit every morning. You've brought such beauty and joy to this space.
I can't wait to see what you do next.....
much love,
Cassie

Karen said...

:-( but excited for you! :-)

cupcake studio said...

Wishing you all the best in your new adventures! Will hop on over and follow your personal blog. I've always enjoyed this one! All the best!

anabela / fieldguided said...

I will miss this wonderful blog, but I wish you all the best of luck! I look forward to seeing your next steps. xoxo

tara - scoutie girl said...

fare thee well, marichelle!

i've loved reading heart handmade. it's been such an inspiration to my own career!

best of luck to you. change is good - and embracing your dreams is even better.

tara

b a i l e y d o e s n ' t b a r k said...

I am going to miss HH but I'm so excited about your future plans... HH was the first blog to interview BDB and I am very grateful for that.

modernemotive said...

Oh no!!! So sorry to see you go - well your blog I mean.

I totally understand where you are coming from and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

I'm sure wunderlust will be an amazing success.

Adele

Waxy said...

Awww - we're going to miss you! But looking forward to what you do next! You are super talented and will succeed in whatever you decide to put your mind to! Best of luck and can't wait to see what's next!!! :-)

yasmine said...

i will miss you marichelle!!! but gosh, super congrats on your venture! i'm rooting for you all the way!! i'd love to see where you take your venture! so happy for you.

Liane said...

Good Good Luck Marichelle!! I hope your dreams come true and I will be watching to see what you are up to next:) xoxox

modish said...

Holy Moly Marichelle! I am so excited for you that your shop is taking off and you'll get to be doing much more making. Of course I'm sad to see Heart Handmade take a breather, permanent or otherwise, but I COMPLETELY understand and am glad you made the tough decision to follow your passion, eventho that means letting go of something that means a lot to you. (I'm a similar crux at the moment too- yikes!)

HH was just your launching pad and the sky's the limit from here. I can't wait to see how wunderlust grows for you. Good luck with everything. I know you're gonna rock it, as usual!

<3 jena

Chroma Lab said...

We'll miss your blog but we're happy you're going in new, fulfilling directions. Go with the flow and best of luck to you!

Marisa said...

Oh, Marichelle! Congratulations on your new adventures to come, but I will deeply miss Heart Handmade and wanted to thank you for all the heart, thought and hard work you put into making each post delightfully special and new! Thanks for featuring Flufflife a while back, it meant so much and was such a treat and honor for me to be a part of the HH world!

Lovely and happy wishes to you today & always!
Best,
Marisa

sarah said...

best of luck marichelle. will miss visiting this blog but look forward to seeing what you're up to. (i personally think new leaps + challenges are fun + totally important)

Bess Callard said...

Excited to hear about your new adventures, but sad to see you go... I wish you all the best with whatever the future holds.
xo
bess

the rikrak studio said...

wishing you all things well, lovelyone!

you're such a star... may it be a wonderful time of new things, wellness and great new paths for you, nicey!

jules said...

We'll miss you and *Heart*! but best wishes with all your new secret projects, can't wait to hear about them!

Michelle Engel Bencsko said...

As one thing ends, another begins. Much happiness and success in your next venture!

N.E.E.T. Magazine said...

Marichelle! I must say that your blog will be sadly missed as I feel it brought something different to the handmade/independent table.

All the best,

Stephanie J
Editor, N.E.E.T. Magazine
www.neetmagazine.com
thefashionmagazine@gmail.com
www.neetmagazine.com/blog *NEW!*

Sarah said...

Thanks for being such a great daily read, and good luck on all of your future endeavors!

LOLAFALK said...

I'll really miss HH...but I'm so excited for the new opportunities that await you! Congratulations on the growing success of Wunderlust - you are (and continue to be) an inspiration in the world of handmade and indie design :).

~Lola

Chelsea said...

Loved the site. I totally understand.. and what you said about life in your 20's and then in our 30's really hits home for me. Best of luck!! Hopefully we will see back shortly!!!

xo Chelsea

What Possessed Me said...

Onward and upward! Can't wait to see what you come up with next. xox

Vana said...

Oh sweet friend! wishing you heaps of luck with what's to come! You've been an inspiration and a joy to know! I will be following you via your personal blog.
Take care!
XOXO

elizabethrosasjewelry said...

Congratulations Marichelle,
I know you will do wonderful things. There is nothing better than a new road to travel on. Have fun,
Elizabeth

mamutopia said...

Nooooo :( Your heart handmade blog was one of my favourites!

I wish you all the best with your other activities!

June Shin said...

I will miss HH, but happy for you and the next chapter in your life. Thank you for this blog!

Victoria Klein said...

Congrats on your new opportunities! You will surely be missed in the blog world. Here's hoping that you stop in every few weeks or a month to let us all know how you biz is doing and what is inspiring you. :)

Karen said...

Congratulations and good luck! I'll sorely miss the blog, though.

Jan said...

While your path may be uncertain, one thing is not: you are a very talented, creative artist and you will always have that to keep you company on your travels.

It's been so nice getting to know you and enjoying your beautiful posts. I'm happy to have featured *your* work on Scoutie Girl so long ago (I remember how excited you were!).

Having just been at this very crossroads myself recently, my heart goes out to you for making such a brave & tough decision. I still get sad that Scoutie Girl is not in my life, but the connections I made and growth I experienced made the exit a little less painful. All the very best to you Marichelle! Keep in touch!!

Melanie said...

Best of luck to you! I hope you'll bestow the "Other Half" series onto another blogger. It's my fave!

sweet fine day/Jenna said...

wait, what???? awww, I know how you feel, having just given up a blog I worked on for 5 years...but onward and on to new and wonderful things.

Janelle said...

good luck!

Janelle

Nicola said...

Will miss Heart Handmade, but all the best in your new journey x

MegPS said...

Thanks so much for the feature, back in the day...
Good luck with your new ventures.
x Megan.
Mr.PS

Zee said...

Aawww...can't believe it, but I know you had to do it! I know you are going to be a success in anything you do! Can't wait for all your new creations...Love ya lady! :) Z

Aimee said...

I just found this blog last week, and have already seen many many wonderful projects. I do wish you the best of luck in your future endeavours, but I was wondering if you will still keep this blog posted or will you be deleting it?

daniellexo said...

Will miss hearthandmade but I know I will see you (and be inspired by you) again soon!

XO
Danielle

perfectbound said...

So sorry to hear! We love us some Heart Handmade. But we get the balancing act and we're sure it'll all work out for the best in the end, even though it was a hard decision to make now. Wishing you all the best in everything you do. You can always count on our support ;)

Much love to you Marichelle,
Julie & Kath

renee anne said...

oh!! all the best my dear!! it will be a shame but it is important for you to ensure you don't burn out!!

thanks again for everything and even for the guest posting opportunities!!

xxxxx
Renee

Amanda Wang said...

Farewells are for new beginnings! I wish you only the best. I'm definitely in the same boat as you, choosing between this and that — and it sure isn't easy! so i'm glad that you've made your choice and are moving one. I'm sure that life will offer its surprises -- i'm hoping all good ones! all the best and all my love, mundy.

PS i know i owe you a shirt, it's coming!

Sarah Golden/craftyFOLK said...

onwards and upwards!

Sarah Golden/craftyFOLK said...

onwards and upwards!

Amy Olson Jewelry said...

oh my dear, I'm wishing you all the best and am thankful for all the beauty you have brought into the blogging worlds- you will be missed, Marichelle!

jennifer said...

Oh my gosh marichelle, how you'll be missed! But i can't wait to see what you have up your sleeve!

Havilah Savage said...

Congrats on your business success! I love hearing independent artists come into their own. Best wishes for amazing new adventures!

Katie Runnels said...

Marichelle...Thank you so much for sharing all that you did...i will always be grateful for your support of my work...and I was especially grateful for your "other half" series-thank you! Please stay in touch and let me know when/where you have something new to share! I can't wait! oxoxo

sj said...

Marichelle,

I just wanted to thank you for all that you do! Since first finding you {and HH} I have been inspired to create, live and love in new ways. HH has been one of the few blogs I really truly, and deeply enjoyed reading. You were also one of the fist blogs to feature my work! and I couldn't be more grateful.I wish you continued success and cannot wait to see what you do.

All the best,
Sarah

Crafter-holic said...

Awww no, this blog is one of my faves :-(
Good luck with your future endeavours! from Fern

Unknown said...

aw, marichelle! what a great goodbye post. i'll miss you here in blogland! good luck with your next adventure. i can't wait to see what your talent brings next!
xoxo, laurel

Leililaloo said...

I am still ajusting to what i just read :((

Today i received the envelope with a beautiful banner made by your obviously very talented hands and mind. Thank you!

I can't wait what your next adventure will be, i'll keep my eyes closely on yourt blog :))

Thank you so much Marichelle for your support of my work! I wish you nothing less than that all your dreams may come true!

Rachel Leonard said...

You are an inspiration to me (truly) and wish you all the best with everything new and exciting in your future!!!

lisa :: the red thread said...

Thank you for this beautiful blog and all you've put into it. No need for guilt... and good luck with everything.
Yay for you!!

jacqyeo said...

I'm soooo happy that you have decided to follow your heart and do what you have wanted to do! HH has been very close to my heart and i love all the artists that you have featured (and thank you for featuring my work too). You have been inspiring in so many ways and i wish you all the very best in wanderlust.... :) If HH is anything to go by, it will definately be a HUGE success!!! :)

Anonymous said...

I did not see this comming!! :((( Your blog was one of my favourtie places to go Marichelle!! I will certainly miss you!! *sniff*

Fey Handmade said...

Oh my goodness gracious Marichelle!! I am so happy for you but so sad I will no longer be able to look forward to your beautiful posts! You have been such an inspiration as I am starting my own business and I have loved advertising on your blog :) It has really put my little company on the map in so many handmade lovers hearts :)

Congratulations on all your success and I wish you so so sooo much more!! :)

xoxox
Christine

(p.s. - I secretly hoped that someday when my company takes over the world you'd write a Retail Therapy about me! hehe)

patricia zapata said...

Wow Marichelle! I look forward to seeing where your new venture leads you. Best wishes to you!

Lou Lou & Oscar said...

I am going to miss Heart Handmade but I am so thrilled that you are going to concentrate on making your beautiful treasures, I can't wait to see what happens next! You have so much talent and an amazing sensibility. you will fly far.
XXX

Arlene said...

Best wishes dear friend.
May all you dreams come true.

Lauren Haupt Estes said...

what?!?
I haven't checked any of my favorite blogs in awhile and yours is the first I popped by tonight.
you are a sweetheart, your presence through this blog will surely be missed but how excited for what lies ahead!
I'll have to just keep stopping by your personal blog to here the news.
congrats on a new life chapter!
xo
lauren

ckillin said...

marichelle, I wish you all the very best in your new endeavours and thanyou sincerely for featuring my work on your beautiful blog. I still don't understand how some designer/makers can produce amazing work and still write regular blogs .. i can't juggle the two at all, have to spend all my time making, so completely understand you having to leave behind what you love (to do something else you love).
As you say, it's just for now.

you've done extraordinary work here .. and will continue to do so in your next adventures.
all the very best,
carmel

jessica/miniature rhino said...

you've done so much for other artists you should be so proud that you are growing your own creative life now too! best wishes to you and i'm so looking forward to seeing the things you make!!!

michky said...

nooooooooooooooooo

i can't believe you are going just as i return.i'd had a self imposed hiatus from blog cruising and then thought i might try my own hand.
i'm so sad to see you leave.
i always enjoyed your posts and have long admired your style and eye for things.
thanks for all your great work and best wishes for your new projects.
i'm sure whatever you put your attention to will succeed just as this blog has

Anonymous said...

Marichelle, the way I see it, you are not stopping what you're doing, but continuing it. : )

This has been a creative space for you in so many ways--and it has inspired so many people. But I'm glad to see that your own work is about to take the spotlight.

Congratulations on taking a new step towards your dream. Love, Susy

kristina said...

wow - i haven't visited in a while so i wanted to stop by to get my HH fix - sad that you are saying good bye to heat handmade, i've always enjoyed reading up on the new artists you shared with us - but excited to hear that you will get more time to focus on wunderlust :)
wishing you all the best on your next chapter :)

Informative said...


Informative


marichelle! :) Good Good Luck

Your dreams wud gonna be fulfilled

Pink Olive said...

wow... i'm sad to hear this but i truly believe that when one door closes, another AMAZING thing opens up. so BEST of luck with your new endeavors and PLEASE keep in touch :)
grace

Bonbon Oiseau said...

wow. i had no idea...you have given me and so many other designers and artisans so much support and introduced us to such incredible talent. thank you. you are a gem marichelle and am so happy i met you through all of this. i love your decisions no matter what and am excited for the next phase for you.
xoxoxox, deb

Amanda said...

We're very sad, my dear, but we're so excited for you! Congratulations and best wishes! xo, A.

Virginia Kraljevic said...

Oh Marichelle! I both congratulate you on moving to your next exciting phase in life and of course mourn the loss of your beautiful site at the same time. Being featured on HH was one of the highlights of my year in crafting, so thank you again. :) And best to you in your new endeavors!

xo,
Virginia

blue moss said...

will so miss you...congrats on your growing business
take care
michelle

Unknown said...

Awwww thank YOU so much Marichelle, you have been such a wonderful help and support for so many of us. :)

layersofmeaning said...

I'm sure it was difficult decision to make but the right one! Good luck!

Puppy said...

Wow, I just found your blog and...well, yes! I can still read the old posts (they are amazing!)!!!
Before you leave, I wish you all the best!!! Wish I’d found your blog before…Hugs and kisses from Brazil!
Puppy

oh, hello friend. said...

Marichelle, you'll be truly missed.

but i am so excited to see what
you're going to create and all your adventures with wunderlust! you should do something that you love and that your heart is in.

thanks for all the hard work you put into bringing us daily inspiration the past 2 years.

xo. danni

Katy Cowan said...

Wow! That is a tough decision! Good luck with your new venture chuck!

nice-etc.com / caitlin said...

marichelle! you've created a fantastic blog full of inspiration..you really were a master at showcasing beautiful things and allowing your readers to explore the artist more so than most blogs. an extremely personal touch. i am so incredibly honored to have been featured on your site, and i am so thankful for all the "new-to-me" artists you introduced me to.
i am also sooooo incredibly excited for your new endeavor and i can't wait to hear more! congratulations and keep on following your heart! <3

bastos girls greetings said...

looking fwd to following your personal blogs.

Blogging Masterclass said...

It takes strength and courage to make a decision such as this one, and I admire it very, very much. I wish you much success on your new venture and all the luck and happiness in the world. I'm sure you will more joy than ever before!


When you live by your passion and stick to your dreams nothing can stop you from succeeding!

xo
Holly

thea said...

Oh MARICHELLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm excited about your new venture, that's fabulous, and also devastated you won't be blogging anymore (sorry, I don't seem to be making this easier do I, I bet it's been a huge decision) however I just wanted to say that yours has honestly been one of my MOST FAVOURITE blogs truly truly a stand-out inspiring, informative, intriguing and intelligently run.

I have LOVED & feel HONOURED to have read your words... even if they weren't from behind a sewing machine.
Truly the best of luck, and please please, I don't know how, (email perhaps? A comment on my blog? ) but PLEASE keep us informed of your venture so we can support you.

How desperately miserable for me and very happy for you :)

thea.
xx

(www.forthevisionaries.tumblr.com)

çiçek siparişi said...

Hi I can't wait to see what you do next.....
much love

Unknown said...

Oh i know how you feel. I've been going through some turmoil recently deciding what should stay and what needs to go.
Good luck with your future endeavours, i'm sure they will be fun and you will do brilliantly whatever they are!

Nikki.x

tulle said...

Michelle, this must have been the hardest decision to make. be strong

Bean Bags said...

Hi. I found your blog via http://allthingspaper-annmartin.blogspot.com and after reading your posts for the past 30 minutes it's a real shame you had to give this project up. Hopefully you'll find time in the future to resurrect it!