It is with a heavy heart that I announce that I have made the very difficult decision to close Smudgepot.

Many of you know (although many of you don't) that my daughter was born last June with a rare hereditary blood disorder. She has very regular hospital visits, and she requires blood transfusions to survive (she has had 7 so far) Taking care of a new baby can be tough on anyone, and in our case, the workload is a bit greater. I simply have not had the time or energy to dedicate to Smudgepot as I have had in the past. Also, since becoming a mother, I really feel as though my focus in life has changed. I am discovering a passion for volunteering and non-profit work that I never really knew was in me. I am involved with the Canadian Blood Services Speakers Bureau, and I have been speaking to people about blood donation, and trying to raise awareness.

I have experienced things over these past 15 months that have made my work with Smudgepot seem trivial, superficial, and unimportant to me - I would be doing myself and all of you a great disservice if I were to continue working on something my heart simply isn't in.

I want to thank every single person who has ever supported me over these past 5 years - every review written, every kind word, every time you told a friend about Smudgepot - it has all meant so much to me. A special thank you to my wonderful husband - your love, support, encouragement, dedication, creativity, and hard work has meant the world to me. Smudgepot would never have been what it was without everything you put into it - thank you.

I am very much looking forward to starting this new chapter in my life, and I know in my heart this was the right decision to make.

I thank you all so very much for your continued love, encouragement, and support!

xo
Michelle

FYI: Smudgepot products will be available while quantities last at Heart On Your Sleeve