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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

Birkheads Secret Gardens in spring

12 March 2015 |

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1426092243686{padding-bottom: 30px !important;}”]We went to Birkheads Secret Gardens for the first time last summer, and bought a season ticket so that we could go again. The gardens opened again a couple of weeks ago, and last weekend we went to have a potter around. The weather forecast had been great all week, but typically…

Roasted butternut squash risotto

09 March 2015 |

This recipe is adapted from another recipe that I have already posted, but we wanted to make a veggie version of it.  This roasted butternut squash risotto is so delicious (if I say so myself) – it’s really comfort food. Great for a mid-week meal or for entertaining as it’s so easy to make –…

What we learnt from our kitchen renovation

05 March 2015 |

Our kitchen renovation is undoubtedly the biggest project we have ever undertaken, but it is one of the best things that we have ever done! We learnt such a lot during the process and I want to share some of the tips and tricks we’ve picked up along the way for any of you who are…

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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