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Take time out to be creative!

Welcome to Hello! Hooray! - a blog about the things I love to make and do. My name is Clare Albans, and I am a mama, maker and author living in Newcastle upon Tyne. I am passionate about living a creative life, and hope that through my website you will find lots of ideas of how to bring creativity into your own life too.

IMPORTANT POSTAL INFO

All items are dispatched 2nd class from Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. Postage upgrade for 1st class delivery and signed for is available.

Current dispatch time is 3-5 business days.

Please note that from April 2025 I will no longer be posting outside the UK - sorry!

(Updated 10th May 2025.)

Buy my new book!

The Modern Embroidery Handbook features step-by-step instructions for over 70 hand embroidery stitches plus 20 modern projects.

Treat yourself or a pal and order your copy today.

You'll also find my first book, Colourful Fun Embroidery, in my shop too!

Shop now!

Latest blog posts

Moroccan lamb tagine with lemon and pomegranate couscous

16 September 2013 |

We bought a gorgeous Le Creuset heart-shaped casserole dish with some vouchers that we were kindly given for our wedding, and I decided to try out a new recipe for its first outing. I found this Rachel Allen recipe on the BBC food website, which is originally meant to serve 12-14 people and would be…

Tutorial: How to make your own bunting cards

15 September 2013 |

Before our wedding, I had hoped to make these lovely little bunting cards to use as our thank you cards – but by the time we got back we were back at work in a flash and I didn’t have the time. But they would have made excellent thank you cards! In fact, they’re great…

Dark chocolate and ginger cookies

14 September 2013 |

I absolutely love The Great British Bake Off, and am already hooked on the new series! I’ve just got the books of two previous winners, and this recipe come from John Whaite Bakes (John won the third series). It’s one of those books where you want to make everything in it! I love the photography…

I am proud to be a supporter of the Just a Card campaign.

The team work tirelessly to promote the work of indie makers, small businesses, artists and designers. Please support them by liking posts and helping to spread the word!

Hello! Hooray! nominated for another Amara blog award!

I was delighted to be nominated for an Amara blog award for the second year running in 2019. Thank you to whoever nominated me in the 'Best Creative & Skill' category.

Have you ever wanted to learn hand embroidery?

Then you've come to the right place! Start with my book and sign up my free course #TheHappyStitchProject!

#colourfulfunembroidery

You'll find everything you need to stitch your own #colourfulfunembroidery in my online haberdashery!

Follow me on Instagram

Follow me @hellohoorayblog on Instagram for behind the scenes photos and more!

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