After a great deal of thought, I have decided to close The Frog in the Craft.
My current plan is for the website to remain open until 31 October 2026, while I work through the remaining stock and bring the public-facing part of the business to a close.
Below you will find the latest information about the closing-down sale and what will happen over the coming weeks. I have also included my original video announcement at the end of this post for anyone who would like to hear the news from me personally.
A difficult decision
The Frog in the Craft has given me opportunities to develop specialist button-making kits and tools, teach heritage crafts and show how well they can support mindful making.
I have worked with community organisations, taught people who had never tried these crafts before and connected with makers across the UK and beyond. I have also met some exceptionally talented people along the way, and some of the relationships that began through the business have grown into genuine friendships, particularly through our WhatsApp community.
What began in 2018 as a small side hustle with a tiny craft stall has grown into an award-winning business reaching makers far beyond my local area. I am incredibly proud of what it has become. I have learnt so much along the way and grown with it.
However, growth brings greater demands. After looking honestly at what the business now requires compared with what I can sustainably manage with my health and wellbeing, I know that closing is the right decision.
Even so, that does not make it an easy one.
It is difficult to close something that is growing, that means so much to me and that has created so many connections. At the same time, I know I need to make this decision now, rather than continue until I no longer have the capacity to close the business properly or, worse, reach the point of burnout.
What happens now?
The website will remain open until 31 October 2026, unless the remaining stock sells sooner.
I am currently working my way through the shop to:
- Check and update stock quantities
- Add products that have never previously made it onto the website
- Simplify some of the available choices
- Reduce prices as part of the closing-down sale
- Continue making up selected kits while I still have the necessary components
Much of the website is moving to 50% off, while stocks last.
This is a time-consuming process, so not everything will appear or be reduced at the same time. I will continue adding and updating products as I work through the remaining stock.
Most products will not be restocked once they have sold out.
Orders during the closing-down sale
I will continue preparing and packing orders with the same care my customers know me for.
The sale, stocktaking and addition of previously unlisted products are creating a particularly busy period. I will do my best to maintain my usual dispatch times, but there may occasionally be a slightly longer wait.
I will always keep you informed especially if there is likely to be a significant delay or a problem with an order.
Business and bulk-stock enquiries
I would be interested in hearing from established retailers, craft businesses or other suitable buyers who may wish to discuss purchasing remaining stock in quantity.
This may include craft kits, haberdashery, fabric, felt, threads, buttons, fasteners and specialist button-making supplies.
There may also be an opportunity for the right business to discuss the future of some of the specialist button-making products currently made for The Frog in the Craft. These have consistently been my bestsellers and have received excellent reviews from complete beginners and more experienced makers alike.
Genuine business and trade enquiries are welcome through my contact page.
Thank you
Thank you to everyone who has bought from the shop, attended a workshop, watched a tutorial, recommended the business, shared my work or supported The Frog in the Craft in any way.
I am also grateful to the suppliers, venues, community organisations and fellow small-business owners who have been part of its story.
The business would not have become what it is without the support of my customers and wider community. I am proud of what it has achieved, including being named Creative Business of the Year 2025–26, but I am particularly grateful for the connections that have grown around it.
Whether you made your first Dorset or Yorkshire button with me, discovered a new craft through one of my kits or simply followed my work from afar, thank you for being part of The Frog in the Craft.
For now, my focus is on closing the shop properly and finding good homes for as much of the remaining stock as possible.
Sandrine 🐸💚
Watch my personal announcement
In this video, I share the news in my own words and talk more personally about the decision to close The Frog in the Craft.
Please note that the written information above contains the latest practical details about the sale and closure.
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