A Fond Farewell

The last 8 months have been quite a journey...We had no idea that our little technique blog would attract so many wonderfully talented artists. We are still amazed at the incredible response! Thank you very much for your sweet comments, support and kindnesses. We have truly enjoyed getting to know you and seeing how our tutorials have influenced and inspired your art. It is an honor that you would devote your precious freetime to reading our blog and to playing along with our challenges. You are all so amazing.

A new year is all about change and after a great deal of thought, a little flip-flopping, and a lot of time discussing, we've decided to discountinue The Next Step. Running a blog takes a lot of work and dedication and unfortunately, our busy schedules do not permit us to devote the time that we feel is necessary. We've enjoyed every minute creating together, but Lucy, Gayle and I know that it is time to shut the TNS door and open new ones in our artistic lives.

Probably the hardest part of this decision is the fact that we might lose touch with you. So please, come visit our personal blogs for continued tutorials and inspiration. We hope to see you there.

Here's what each of us will be doing...

Tricia Peever

Tricia's theme for 2010 will be balance and focus in all areas of her life because she considers this to be her greatest weakness. As far as scrapbooking goes, she will continue her DT position on ScrapMuse and is hoping to do some Etsy stuff. She will also be collaborating with a potter friend and hoping to do some really cool stuff there. She has sincerely loved this blog as a reader and as part of the DT. You can visit Tricia on her personal blog.

Jamie Dougherty

Jamie will continue to design gorgeous projects for Tattered Angels, These Are a Few of My Favorite Things, and ScrapGal You can visit her on her personal blog.

Gayle Martin

Gayle can be found designing for Shimmerz, Urban Swank and publishing her gorgeousness in Somerset Memories, Somerset Home and Sew Somerset. You can visit her on her personal blog.

Lucy Edson

Lucy will be creating beautiful work for the Shimmerz Education team and Webster's Pages. She will also continue publishing in Somerset Memories, Scrapbook Trends, Sew Somerset and Somerset Holidays & Celebrations. You can visit her on her personal blog.

Bethany Kartchner

Bethany designs for the Shimmerz Education team, My Little Shoebox and The Scrap Review. She will continue publishing in Somerset Memories, Scrapbook Trends and others. You can visit her on her personal blog where she will be posting video tutorials and other fun creative tidbits.

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Thank you again for following us on this wonderful journey in our lives. I hope that we can continue to inspire and promote a love of experimenting with new techniques in your creative spirits.

Happy Creating!

xoxo

Lucy and Bethany