It's time.....

I've been teetering on the brink for a while now, but my recent emergency hospitalisation for one of two ongoing, chronic conditions, coupled with all of PP's health trials and tribulations over the past 16 months have finally made up my mind and Tower House Dolls will be permanently closing its doors on 5th April 2023.

I set up my fledgling small business in 1987... almost 36 years ago, and it has been one of the very best things I've ever done.  Through it I've met some amazing people, some of whom have become firm friends.  I've travelled far and wide throughout the UK to exhibit at specialist miniatures fairs, and have developed and taught workshops and classes to hundreds of enthusiastic students over the years.  

I've grown and developed as a miniature dollmaker.... I even fulfilled my ambition to write and publish a book.   All in all I've thoroughly enjoyed it...even the stressful times when deadlines have loomed and I've been tearing my hair out!

However, the past three years have been very difficult.... Brexit has decimated my EU customer base,  the Covid pandemic caused major supply issues and also hit sales, then PP's cancer diagnosis completely pulled the rug out from under us and our lives have had to be put on hold throughout her treatment, surgery and ongoing recovery.

I still intend to indulge my creative impulses but no longer want the constant merry-go-round of running a business with all that entails.

So, for the next three months I will be concluding my epic downsizing exercise with a vengeance, aiming to completely clear my workroom so that supplies for my creative endeavours will ALL fit into my lovely, upcycled bureau cabinet.  All being well I will be able to dispense with an entire wall of storage cupboards and shelving and my room will hopefully subsequently look less chaotic and more like a proper room, albeit with a rather gorgeous cabinet containing my remaining dolls, fabrics, trimmings etc.   

Having made up my mind to make this leap of faith I definitely feel a sense of calm.  It's time to do the things I really want to do, rather than the things I feel I have to do.... not a bucket list exactly but not far off. 

So.....in January, I will be preparing my final sale list.  

And literally..... Everything. Must. Go.

Here's hoping that 2023 will be a much better year all round, with new adventures, and a renewed optimistic outlook on life.*

*what could possibly go wrong....?