To celebrate the near end of the summer, and my 5 years of creating templates, we are having a WONDEROUS release of 10 templates all releasing August 1st!
With that being said, as we await the release, it is with a very heavy heart that I inform you all that August will be our last “official-scheduled” monthly release.
The store will NOT be closing down. It will still be up and running, and when I get the time or inspiration I’ll load something new.
I will get back to crafting for the same reason I started it…For the LOVE of doing it, and the JOY it has brought to so many in my life.
Never did I think my beginning words to the grand opening of my own business would also end up also being my ending words.
This entire venture started with a simple goal: Sharing what I love with the world!!
I began papercrafting in 2004, while pregnant with my third child. I needed something for “me”. Once I inked up that first stamp I fell in LOVE! It has gone from a hobby to a passion. I never would have thought after purchasing my ONE stamp, that it would lead me to where I am today! I felt like I found my niche in the world. I enjoyed being able to create my own cards to match my gifts, or the occasion I was giving them for. Better yet, everyone really enjoyed receiving them! I found a papercrafting community online, and began sharing my creations there. What a thrill to inspire and be inspired by others in the world who shared my passion. I introduced myself to the papercrafting community as “my time”. That is exactly what papercrafting was to me! Something that was all MINE! I wasn’t just a wife, a mom, a nurse, the maid, a cook, taxi driver….or any of the other “hats” I wore daily. It was something I did solely for myself. My sanity. In return, others did benefit, knowing I took the time to create something just for them. It also helped me get through tough days. An outlet of sorts.
I quickly dove into trying my hand at creating gift boxes and bags to match my cards, and present my gifts in. I realized I could dress up the most inexpensive gifts with fancy packaging! A great resource for a one income family! If you think about it, it is the trick of the trade for the marketing industry when selling you their own products!
Through sharing my passion I was fortunate to work for numerous, amazing stamp companies, where I would create cards and gift items using their images. I was in heaven. As time passed I continued sharing what I love with everyone online. One day my love for creating gift packaging was recognized by Papertrey Ink. This was a company I was creating for at the time. In October 2008 I was able to produce a line of printable templates through their company called My Timeless Templates ©.
This was a true dream come true for me. Now all the boxes and items I created could be recreated, easily by others!
Over time, my dreams expanded and it was time move on, so I could pursue my ultimate dream! That dream was having my own store for all my template creations, with coordinating stamps and papers! I wanted to continue my passion for sharing what I love with the world, and make it easy and affordable, and you know what? I DID!! My Time Made Easy ™ LLC was opened, and started with great success.
Just as I came to a crossroads then, I am at yet another today. My love for paper crafting turned business has been an amazing adventure, but it is far more involved than anyone could ever image. I no longer have the time to blog, craft for “fun” or do much of anything that doesn’t pertain to the business. Unlike many companies I run much of if myself with the help of my web designer, and the occasional stamp/paper designer.
It is an amazing accomplishment to turn an opportunity into a full business, but that doesn’t come without a “cost”. The largest cost is time with family and the ability to truly get a day “off”. Then there are people in the industry continuously feeding off your innovations, people stealing your ideas, and undercutting you at every turn. While I would try to work harder, it just isn’t worth the sacrifices.
Something I have loved and enjoyed for so long has turned into something I HAD to do. It has become a source of anxiety and stress. It has become heart breaking and upsetting, more than rewarding.
I’m sure this won’t be shocking news. The last few months especially have been quite difficult for me. I am at a point where I have NO CHOICE but to let this go, even though I never really wanted to.
While the decision of WHEN to end MTME monthly releases came suddenly, the actuality of it has not been that sudden. It has been something I have struggled with for some time. Talk about dream crushing. I love what I do and I believe in it, but there comes a time when you have to realize the dream is bigger than the reality, or no longer worth the scarifices.
I really cannot tell you how much I have appreciated each of you through my years in business. Many of you have been with me so long in my journey. You are all amazingly talented, and wonderful people! Many of whom I never met, but have become “friends” with, and you’ve supported me along this journey.
The journey isn’t ending, it is just turning down another path.
I wouldn’t have had the joy of seeing such amazing works or art made with my templates/designs had I not taken this journey. I have gained and learned so much through the last 5 years, and done things I never thought I could do. I have gained knowledge, experience, and confidence. Most of all I have had interactions with amazing people I never would have otherwise. You’ve all touched my life in your own way and will be cherished by me for many years to come.
There are no real words to describe everything I feel at a time like this but I hope you know how thankful I am to have had these opportunities, and to each of you for the time and talents you’ve shared with me while using my designs.
I’m sure I am missing saying something, but I truly type this through tears as the reality of my situation comes to light. I wish I knew what to say, and how to end such a post. At the end of the day, as the saying goes “you have to know when to hold em’ and know when to fold em”. Sadly the time has come for me to fold em.
All my thanks to all of my customers, whom I truly value your continued support. Your projects you share is what has driven me this far.
A HUGE thank you to EVERYONE who has ever been part of the My Time Made Easy team! From the past to the present, and everyone in between.
Thank you again to all whom allowed me to share my vision, and dream with the world!
As I embark yet again on more life changes, difficult decisions, and attempting to make the right choices for all of it-these quotes speak to me today, and how I need to proceed with life and how it evolves…
“I wanted a perfect ending. Now I’ve learned, the hard way, that some poems don’t rhyme, and some stories don’t have a clear beginning, middle, and end. Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what’s going to happen next.
Delicious Ambiguity.”
― Gilda Radner
“I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be.”
― Douglas Adams, The Long Dark Tea-Time of the Soul
“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.”
― Dr. Seuss
“It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live.”
― J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
“After all, tomorrow is another day.” Vivien Leigh as Scarlett O’Hara Butler.
So, with all that being said I hope you will please stay tuned for our August 1st Release.
33 Responses for "IMPORTANT My Time Made Easy ™ LLC Update"
So eloquent, so heartfelt, so touching … so YOU! Thank you, Lauren, for all the past, present and future inspiration to spark our creativity 🙂 BIG hugs, my friend! xoxox
You are the BEST Lauren & I loved buying & making some of your designs & will continue to do so. You have taught me so much & gave me a passion to craft that I never thought I had. I Love creating cards, coloring with copics & making projects & for that I thank you. I know you are not going away & I for one will still be here whenever you post & create. Good luck to you, I know you will be fine.
Hugs
Rita
Hi Lauren…. I have followed you and all your incredible talent forever. I have had the privilege to work with you and your team on MTME and very sad that this will be your last release… but completely understand where you are coming from. I have always called you my paper queen and whenever I need some inspiration I knew exactly where to go… I wish you luck with your future endevers. Big Hugs
Lauren I know you’ve labored over this and came to a decision that was right for you and your family. It hurts now, but the hurt will subside when you continue on with “your time”! It was a pleasure to work with you and I can’t wait to see you having fun again with this craft! I’ll be keeping in touch and can’t wait to see those 10 new templates! 🙂
Well done! Keep up the good work!
Hi, Lauren, I have been your follower from Papertrey , and I have seen all your hard work. Now its th time for you and your lovely family, you deserve it . Good luck and congratulations on a wonderful job! Hugs, Frances.
Hello Lauren,
Thank you for blessing so many, with your gift.
I try “Not” to say good-bye, however I do say……
By for now…….
Hugs & Blessings, Janice
Lauren, I can’t believe it’s been 5 years. I have followed your blog since before you decided to do the business. I remember how excited you were and I’ve watched over the years as you’ve built the business. I, for one, will be thrilled to see you go back to enjoying crafting and maybe posting some videos on your blog again. Running a business is hard, but you don’t want to miss these years with your kids. Good luck and I will keep following you to see what comes next.
Traci
Lauren,
I am so sad it has to end, but very glad your templates will remain for purchase. I had the pleasure of meeting you a long time ago at a class at Paper Tree in Manchester. I found you to be a wonderful, warm, caring and talented person. I will miss all your wonderful ideas, but truly respect your decision, family is everything! I will miss hearing about your family. Thank you for sharing your brilliant creative ideas. Take care and enjoy your “me” time with your family.
I am a new follower and I am sad to read of your decision but I understand the why of it perfectly. I am thankful that your existing products will still be available now that I have discovered your amazing templates. I look forward to your August release and hope you will occasionally bless us with something new. However, the most important thing is you and your family. God bless you!
I have loved your templates since I first saw them and while I may not have had a need for all of the different ones you have on created yours is the first site I go to when I am looking for a new project or to find the perfect template for my needs. Thank you for all that you have put into this business and for the joy you have shared with us.
Oh, Lauren. Your ideas are fabulous and unfortunately there are people who have no scruples and the internet is full of those that don’t think twice about who they hurt. One can tell that you have worked hard to build your business. Your ideas may be copied but never duplicated. You truly have a talent. Thank you for all that you have shared. Your devotion to family is commendable and no one can blame you for that.
Take care of yourself and take a much needed break!
As one who has been following your blog for so long and seen your creativity and passion turn into such a successful business, I am so sorry to hear this – but I am really looking forward to seeing you blog more and share with us all the things you create for the pure joy of it all! You are and have been such an inspiration.
Lauren, my heart goes out to you! First, thank you for sharing your amazing and wonderful creativity with the papercrafting community. The first template I ever bought was your first creation from Papertrey Ink. I was able to purchase your very first image, SVG file, and paper designs (Flutter-By) with your launch of My Time Made Easy. Second, I haven’t been able to access your web store for some time now as my computer program gives me an error message every time I try to enter that web page. Hopefully, I’ll be able to continue to buy your awesome creations. Third and lastly, I wish you every success in all you undertake. Please continue to update us on your life and your family. I’ve so enjoyed reading about what’s happening with you and your family. Love and Hugs, Judy
Big deep breath in, hold it, now exhale. Relax. You so deserve it Lauren. I have only been following you for about a year now and you and your templates have enriched my life. I’ve been able to create some amazing gifts for my family and have had the pleasure of seeing the delight on their faces. Thank you. Thank you for sharing your gift with us. Now off you go, go enjoy your family, your time, and get back to what you love because you want to, not because you have to. Looking forward to seeing the new releases.
PS-Ever thought about publishing a book with your templates? 🙂 I’d gladly be first in line.
Lauren, I have enjoyed seeing all the amazing things you’ve created over the years and I’m glad to know you aren’t stopping your creating entirely. It’s good you’ll be spending more time with your family, as there will be plenty of time for you to do what you want when they are grown. And that will come very quickly! Thank you so much for all you’ve shared!
I have been following for the last five years and have really enjoyed creating your projects. I will miss the excitement each month as we await your new creations.
We can all see from your posts how much your family means to you and in the big picture they must come first. I will continue to be inspired by what you create when you get the time. Huge hugs from New Zealand.
Lauren, what a legacy you have! I’m sure there are probably a hundred people who have read this but didn’t comment, so along with those who commented, you have alot of folks who’ve come to appreciate you a great deal. I can’t even imagine what you must be feeling about this rather bittersweet decision, but it was SO great reading that you’re not closing the store. That would break my heart completely. But your design instinct won’t let you stop creating, so for that I’m grateful. Thanks for everything, and if you ever need anything from all your supporters and fans, please let us know!!
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Some of the same type of blog, I feel this blog article is very meaningful, is so different, are very positive.
Dear Lauren,
You have touched so many lives — I don’t think you will ever fully know how your creativity and paper craft talents have improved the lives and level of happiness for so many people! I hope this quote below will give you comfort as you experience new adventures that await you!
A good deed is like a pebble thrown into a pool of water. The ripples spread far beyond the point of impact.
Hugs and a BIG thank you for sharing your expertise,
KT San Jose, CA
I have been on your blog since the very beginning and kinda followed your journey in my own life/work as well in this crazy business, can’t believe its been so long..now I feel old ahahaha. And boy-o I felt like you took the words right outta my own head LOL. And I “feel” you…its hard to give up something you’ve worked so hard on and put your heart & soul into…I’m going thru that right now. But after a lot of thought, crying, more hard thinking I have decided that FAMILY is #1 for me, then my health, then me-time and then work stuff period. So I wish you ALL the best and knowing the decisions are hard hope you have some peace with what will be and that you get to enjoy everything you want no matter what it may be. So big hugs to you…and damn being a grown up is HARD work huh? UGH 🙂
hugz,
Suzanne
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Lauren,
To be honest, it has been quite a while since I read your blog and ordered templates. I had been thinking about you and just happened to check your blog tonite, and was blown away by your announcement. I want you to know that you were very inspirational to me when I first started paper crafting. I did order some of your templates, in fact, my mother still has one of them!! I never really caught on to digital even though I wanted to learn, it was hard for me to learn. I am a hands on have to have someone right there with me learner!! Anyway just wanted to wish you the best in your future endeavors and to please enjoy spending TIME with your family. Your children will grow up and be gone before you know it, as mine have. You can’t get these years back. You are a beautiful person inside and out!! Thank you for all you have done for this industry.
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