End of an Era?
Hi there.
Many of you who do Facebook will have seen all the posts yesterday, from presenters and staff at Create & Craft, that they went into administration at midnight. A blow indeed. I held back on saying anything publicly, because it was important for the staff there to receive and digest the news that they have lost their jobs.
Many of these people are my friends, and I love them dearly. There are still so many unanswered questions, and I do hold out hope that somebody will rescue the channel.
Also to our customers. I know you how enjoyed the TV channel, and I understand that some of you have outstanding orders with other companies – but NOT WITH CLARITY. We honoured and fulfilled every single order that was placed for our products through Create & Craft – even after the Channel stopped airing. We took the hit on that. There are no outstanding Clarity orders through C&C.
As a wholly independent company, we are not governed by the conduct of others. We have always strived to be honourable in business.
So many suppliers – ourselves included – are owed substantial amounts of money, and now we must pedal extra hard to stay in business.
As Charles Darwin, or one of his clever mates, said:
It is not the strongest nor the most intelligent of the species that will survive, but the one most adaptable to change.
Is it the end of an era? I think more will be revealed. Maybe the start of a new one.
At 10am this morning and at 2pm in the afternoon, I shall be showcasing a brand new and beautiful collection of stamps and loveliness, LIVE from Clarity Towers. You can find us on Facebook CLARITY PAGE, LINK IS HERE , and on Claritycrafts Youtube. LINK IS HERE
Fabulous A4 Sampler, with a FREE brand new set of Baby Embedders. xxx Don’t forget to tune in – I’ve had a good idea!
Chin up. Keep calm and carry on. This too shall pass.
Love always,
Barb x x x
82 thoughts on “End of an Era?”
That’s sad news. Feel sorry for all the people that lost their jobs. Hope someone will step in and come to the rescue. 🥲
Me too x
I have only just read Leonie’s post. So sad for everyone concerned and it is devastating for those who have lost money and their livelihood. Thinking of everyone this morning xx
Maybe something will turn up. Or someone.x
Hello Barb, that is really horrible news, that so many people have lost their jobs, and so many companies like Clarity are owed money. I do hope that somehow, there will be rescue bid. In the meantime, I will do my best to support you and the amazing Clarity family. Order already placed. My strict instructions to myself about not spending more on craft stuff before the end of the year, was totally ignored, as obviously I needed the new sampler set, and of course the A5 set and the abstract die and papers, because otherwise my collections would incomplete right :-). Looking forward to the shows today. Take care and hugs to everyone. Bx
Let‘s keep the faith x
So sorry to hear this sad news .Thinking of Janice,Leonie and all the other presenters who sadly have lost their jobs.However we stand behind and with our Clarity friends and will support the company as best we can.
Thank you! Xx
This is very sad news for the Create and Craft presenters, staff, suppliers and viewers.
When one door closes another will open, though.
Big hugs xx
I think so too xxx
So sorry to hear this sad news and feel for the employees, suppliers and customers who are ultimately going to pay the price.
I’ve not parched for a long while, life and arrival of twin grandchildren got in the way, but I’ve met you at a couple of events with my daughter and always follow your blogs. You and your Company are honorable, conscientious and hardworking an ethic which sadly some larger entities are lacking.
Good luck fir the ongoing journey and I truly hope that everyone receives some/if not all of what they are owed.
Me too x Thanks for the support xxx
I prefer you demoing from Clarity as I can watch.
I do feel for staff but more for companies and customers who have lost money.
I want to say more but won’t!!
well done Clarity for supporting your customers, best ever customer service in my opinion. xx
I hear ya!
Thank you for taking the time to explain what’s happened and for being honourable in business. I’m very sad that the channel has Several occasions so something should’ve been learnt from the previous closures. Someone needs to get a background and support in business management to be able to go forward. I must admit a lot of the craft things on the channel became too expensive to buy. I loved them and sometimes some of the packaging where they paired things together that you would not normally buy yourself made things difficult individual items were very expensive I have no idea of the true cost of anything but I love the craft program and especially loved watching them demonstrate even when you cannot do it yourself it’s very cathartic and it was wonderful seeing the beautiful techniques. They certainly were teaching us lots of things which I thoroughly enjoyed. I spent a great deal of my money on the craft things but had a massive theft of thousands of pounds worth of my things I collected over the years , subscriptions to the named products and my heart is broken. It’s hard to replace these things. They will never be able to be replaced and the The thief got in because someone opened my door and left them open someone who should’ve been protecting us. There is no proof so there’s nothing I can do to get my things back but much as I’d love to buy things I no longer have the funds I used to have I wish you the very best for the future. Definitely have some of your things. I don’t know if they were among the things stolen. I won’t go through all the things anymore because I was too upset to do so, thank you for speaking to us. Good luck.
For all future endeavours, I hope to catch up with you again soon. I wanted to come to the show that’s upcoming this weekend but unfortunately due to family commitments, I’m not able to come.
Oh dear Barbara, I am so sorry to hear this!
I didn’t know anything about this – I hadn’t seen anything on Facebook.
I am so sorry for all the people whose jobs are now so uncertain and will be praying for them all.
I personally enjoyed the programmes especially the ones with Dan Bancroft – he was great!
Hopefully something positive can come out of this for them all.xxxxxx
More will be revealed Katherine xxx
I’m sorry to hear the news about Create and Craft and am especially sorry for all those employed in front and behind the cameras: a real blow. You are such a good and forward thinking business woman, Barb that you will keep calm and carry on till you choose not to (which, selfishly, I hope won’t be any time soon).
Good luck with your own in house production later.
Thank you Lynn. Your words yesterday about the Gray Shark helped me greatly xxx
Not surprised at this news but feel so sorry for the staff, customers and suppliers who have lost so much. Hopefully some good things will follow for many.
Ready to watch today’s programmes, and loving the look of the new products. Will place an order later.
Stay positive, we will support you all the way.
Thanks Cherry. Look after yourself too xxx
Such terribly sad news and I feel for all those whose livelihoods have been affected. When a company like this goes into administration there are always far reaching consequences.
Looking forward to the shows today and I really like the look of these new stamps. Very arty, right up my street!
Thanks pat. it‘s a game!! I have your Artwork all safe and beautiful xxx
Well I turned on the computer late this morning, so have just seen Leonies post and now this one! It is saddening to hear that C&C has gone! All those people’s jobs gone, all those firms who are owed money and all those companies who relied on C&C for orders and maybe who haven’t got the wherewithal to set up their own tv programmes. It’s certainly a sad day but on the up side, ihall be watching Clarity this morning and seeing all the wonderful ways those stamps can be used and of course the embedders! They look marvellous.
Onwards and upwards! Xxx
With vigour Sally, with vigour xxx
Feeling really sad for the presenters and companies involved. Must admit I only buy Clarity now (except some tangling I do) and buy direct. I remember Leonie on QVC and how things evolved. No doubt something else will come along but, in the meantime, I hope those companies owed money and people waiting for their orders get sorted, I know some companies, like yourself, have honoured orders but I’m sure it would break some others. Thoughts with those who now have to find jobs. Good luck to all at Clarity Towers for the onwards and upwards spirit. X
Thanks Jackie. There‘s always more to a situation like this than meets the eye. x x x
Truly the end of an era. Thinking of all those involved and hope they can see a way forward.
I’ll catch up on your shows tomorrow as we’re having a day out today. Xx
Enjoy xxx
I too feel very sorry for the suppliers and staff and all those who are owed money. My love is with you all.
Take care (especially now).
Thanks Linda. Backatcha xxx
Such sad news. I feel for everyone affected. I went through this when BHS went down the pan, after working for them for nearly 30 years, I remember the numbness and sadness at loosing so many friends and structure in life. I didn’t think I would ever be able to find work again in my 50s but I went down a slightly different path and am very happily working with a great team in a new shop. Good things do sometimes come from bad. Keep the faith, we love you your team and your amazing products and will continue to support you.
Thanks for the positive message. Life goes on xxx
As has been said, it’s very sad news for all the employees as well as all the supplying companies and their employees. It’s a tough world out there in business to survive. The problem is if a new company comes along they have to build the confidence of the consumer and suppliers that they won’t be bitten again. I admire the fact that at Clarity you honour anything to do with your company; it’s a rarity in the cut throat world today. Looking forward to seeing the shows today.
p.s. I’m with your Mum on the hair front; if I’ve spent money having it done then no hat is going to spoil it 🤣
Our integrity is all we have x
Very sad news for all the staff, companies and presenters – I just read Leonie’s post. Heartbreaking for them all 💔
it’s tough xxx
I’m so sad for so many lovely people who are now having to reassess their lives through no fault of their own. it’s an awful position to be put in.
sending love to all the on-screen people we will miss, but also to the untold number of behind the scenes folk who we may never have seen, or heard talked of by name.
thank you all for your work. Best wishes for your futures.
Hundreds of them xxx
I’m very sad today crafting is great for people’s minds and bodies it’s helped me through depression, helped me meet new people and make new friends. I hope Create and Craft can come back eventually we as a nation need to craft it keeps you sane in these difficult times.
I wish all the staff well and thank you for all the great programmes over the years.
Stick close to the Clarity family Stef. We are circling the wagons xxx
such very difficult times for everyone concerned – I know lots of people will really miss C&C.
For Clarity, it’s never about the situation or events, but how you respond to it. You guys are one of the most ethical in the business and will always do the right thing. It is great watching on YouTube & having it available on catch-up whenever we want it. Caught the latter part of the 10am show today – love the new project sheets for download, such a brilliant idea!
All we can now do is keep on walking forwards – Clarity have always innovated and I know that won’t change.
Thanks for everything Deb. See you soon xxx
Very sad news for all those losing their jobs. It’s a bad time (never good) to be out of work. I never order through them but always from the Clarity website. I’m into colouring at the moment so not buying as much for card making but I’m sure Clarity can weather the storm. You’re such a brilliant company and have lots of followers. Take care don’t t worry to much. 😊
Keep tuning in to Clarity and enjoy your colouring xxx
It’s very sad and worrying for the staff and presenters at Creat and Craft, but I am sure Claritystamps will go from strength to strength airing on their own Clarity TV broadcasts.
Thank you xxx
This is just so, so sad & like many others I really feel for the staff & suppliers who are not only owed money but will now no longer have a showcase for their wares. Thank goodness you already had the cameras in place from lockdown Shac days to enable you to continue your fabulous demos. My thoughts are with you all xx
it’s tough on many. we are helping where we can xxx
This is just so, so sad & like many others I really feel for the staff & suppliers who are not only owed money but will now no longer have a showcase for their wares. Thank goodness you already had the cameras in place from lockdown Shac days to enable you to continue your fabulous demos. My thoughts are with you all xxx
Sad news indeed Barbara. I feel for those who have lost their jobs so close to Christmas and for the small companies who have been affected. My thoughts are with you all. I have just watched this mornings brilliant demos and will be watching at 2.00pm. You are such and inspiration to us all where would be be without you. xxx
Thanks Jane xxx
This is sad news indeed. I pray for all those affected by this news and hope people will soon find new work.
Clarity has a very loyal following and I know you appreciate that following so much. Onwards and upwards together!
Together Glynis !! That’s the operative word here!!!
So sad to hear people have lost their jobs and small businesses lost money. I don’t usually watch craft TV but I did in January where I discovered Clarity and since then I started buying Clarity products but always direct from Clarity. Well done for supplying all the orders, I’m not in the least surprised you did this your customer service is outstanding.
I am sure you will find a way to move forward and all your loyal customers will do their best to support you.
Thank you Sarah xxx
Very sad to hear the news about Create and craft and all who are connected with the company. A lot of people obviously affected . I don’t do face book so am unaware of everything going on there but wish these people who put dangerous and horrible comments on would just keep their thoughts to themselves . I now tend to buy direct from yourselves and think you are doing a great job as a company and hope you get what you are owed . I wish you all the best.
So do I Maureen xxx
So sad to hear the news about Create and Craft. Their employees who have lost their jobs and all the companies who are owed money. I used to have the channel on my tv in the kitchen, just to keep me company at different times throughout the day, so will miss it, although I have to say your Clarity TV broadcasts are brilliant. Have so enjoyed watching the 2pm show, will watch the earlier show on catch up, now off to place my order. Best wishes to you. xxx
Thanks Janine. xxx
My heart goes out to those who are affected with job loss and to many whose contact with the creative world and access is through TV sales and shows. I hope all will be ok with you and Clarity. You are a really honourable company. Hopefully as one door closes or seems to close, another opens for everyone.
More will be revealed eh xxx
Hi Barbara, Jan here previously from Crafters TV at Crafters Companion – I am so sorry to hear the news from Create & Craft, I hope you and the Clarity family are all okay. Sending good vibes and positive thoughts for a bright future for Clarity xx
One day at a time Jan!!
I just saw the message on Facebook and I am extremely extremely saddened by it. I will miss the presenters and all the laughs.
So I came over to read your blog Barbara to cheer me up. Your blog is now becoming part of my daily routine as you are so positive and up lifting. And I love reading what you are up to.
Your fans will follow you wherever you lead us.
Big hugs xx
Thanks Joanne! x x x
Such sad news. I do hope the people who lost heir jobs will soon be able to find new ones they love. I still miss Hochanda as it was at the start.
Me too xx
I see you at Clarity are honouring existing orders. I would expect nothing less of you. You have always been an excellent company with great customer service. Long may the good ship Clarity carry on sailing x
Indeed Janet xxx
A real shame indeed about C&C. 😢
I really feel for everyone involved, and sad for everything that people have lost because of it – Fingers crossed there will be new things on the horizon for those that have lost their jobs, the businesses that have been affected.
Hopefully there’ll be windows of opportunity in the future for all.
Keep the crafting faith everyone…..and keep up the positivity Barbara, yours & Dave’s business acumen is second to none! 💕
You have my continued support, always 💕😘💕
Thanks Carole. Dave and I are certainly on it like a car bonnet right now!! xxx
Indeed sad news for all concerned! I feel for those who have lost their jobs and for those owed money. I wish everyone good luck for the future!
Firstly HOCHANDA then C and C is where I first discovered Clarity. During a serious illness I’d rest and watch crafting and Barbara -your shows inspired me the most and I was hooked. In fact craft TV was always on in the background so it will be missed in my house for sure!
Clarity TV is a great solution and it’s fab to see so many tune in -but as you say you never know what’s round the corner. Meanwhile your loyal customers will follow wherever you go! Crafters will keep crafting ! We love Clarity products quality and your wonderful enthusiasm .
You really never know what’s round the corner Sonia. xxx
Really sad to hear, as this was the way I found Clarity. I enjoyed watching Paul on my first Groovi show and still do. But soon I also loved to watch you, Barbara. Thanks to all of you for what you are doing. It’s a pity you’re not on QVC Germany. I think many people of our creative community over here would love all things Clarity, too.
We did QVC Germany, but not any longer. We prefer to stay local now xxx
Sad news for all concerned. Clarity tv is great innovation and I’m sure will go from strength to strength with you, Dave,Paul and all the Clarity Team pulling out all the stops to “keep calm and carry on” Hopefully you and other suppliers as well as staff of C & C will get some answers as to what went wrong.
Thanks Maureen xxx
Can’t wait do see your demos of these stamps also the design teams samples everything is so inspirational. Just wish I had deeper pockets 😘
What a shame. It was lovely when it was Hochanda but I found myself turning to Clarity direct with such a wealth of products and knowledge. Seemed to have missed out on so much recently. Been in hospital 3 weeks.
Hi Barbara.
Just wanted to say, thank you for posting all the orders out CC Customers etc after CC closed down.
Keep posting and hoping to see you back on a craft channel on our screens, love the YouTube videos etc. Great Job!
JG
So sad for all at Create and Craft, suppliers and customers. I found them a few years ago and eventually found Clarity on the shows.
I too lost my good admin job after 24 years when my company closed down, I was in my early 50’s and thought I would sale into another job. 6 months later I found a secretarial position with a local family run electrical company, completly different.
I was there for 17 years and retired when they closed down 4 years ago when I was 72.
There is always a silver lining and I hope everyone at C&C find theirs. xx