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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

Orange and almond Victoria sponge cake

24 May 2016 |

It has been a little while since I managed to do any baking – I did do a bit in the last couple of weeks of my pregnancy as I had a thing about flapjack (recipe here) and wanted to have cake in the freezer (so I made this honey, banana and almond cake).

Creativity takes courage

22 May 2016 |

Sometimes, I think too much. I’ve had one of those days today and my mind has been wandering a bit – some of it good, some of it not so good! But then I remembered something that one of my friends posted on Facebook this week and it reminded me of the quote ‘creativity takes courage’.

Hello, little girl!

18 May 2016 |

Well hello there, friends! It has been a long long time since I wrote a post on my blog…for those of you who are new here, I was expecting my first child in April. I’m pleased to say that she arrived safely and we are loving getting to know her.

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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