Hello Hooray blog, Ladgate Lane, Middlesbrough (2026)

01/04/2026

Five years ago today, I picked up the keys to my first studio and shop 💖 It felt like I was making an April Fool’s joke when I announced it, but after years of working towards having my own space everything came together. I absolutely loved that studio, especially the workshop room, and it was a dream come true. This is me just after I’d got the keys, and I was so happy!

But as many of you know, it was a dream that didn’t work out 💔 In fact, it turned out to be a complete nightmare in the end! But to cut a long story short, I found the amazing Tina from Totally Polished who sublet the space, and it was such a huge relief after a period of working on many different projects to be able to cover the rent for the studio. It has been amazing over the past couple of years seeing Tina’s business thriving, and I’m still just so grateful to her for taking it on ❤️

So today, five years later, my lease is up. IT IS DONE! 🥳 It has felt like I’ve been waiting for this for so long, and we are finally here and I can’t quite believe it. (Technically, I think there are a few more days left because it took the solicitors a few more days to sort the paperwork - but for me it was 1st April when I got the keys.) It has felt like it has been hanging over me over the last few years until the end, but it’s done and I am so relieved! I wouldn’t sign a commercial lease ever again, so hats off to anyone who does because it isn’t for me 😂

When I signed the lease, I wondered where I’d be five years from 1st April 2021 - I definitely didn’t think I’d have wrapped things up and gone back to working full time 🤣 but life throws you massive curveballs sometimes, and that’s okay. I love my job and everything I learnt running my business definitely helps when it comes to being a PA! I remember moving out and wondering if I would ever feel proud of what I’d achieved here, and now I definitely do. Everything I’ve learned through this process has got me to where I am now, and I wouldn’t change that for anything. I’m so grateful to my amazing friends and family who got me through it - I honestly couldn’t have done it without you, thank you so so much 🥰

So here’s to chasing dreams, making mistakes, and realising that you are more resilient than you think. And a big shout out to all the brilliant small business owners who are keeping on during this really difficult time - you are amazing 🤩

23/02/2026

For the last 4 years I’ve had the absolute pleasure of curating the wonderful Makers Marketplace at Make & Mend Festival with 😍 What a joy it has been! We’ve had all the weathers: a heatwave, named storms, flooded fields, ridiculous winds and beautiful sunshine 😂 I’ve met so many incredible makers and artists, as well the wonderful people attending the event and supporting small businesses 💖 Thank you to you all!

As lots of you may already know, I took the decision to go back to working full time last spring. I LOVE my new job, but working full time means that I can’t keep all of the plates juggling. So it’s time for me to pass on the Makers Marketplace baton…

My fabulous friend Ames from is going to be taking it on, and I’m so excited! Not only does she have a background in events, she’s a super creative person who has also run her own small business for many years, and she’s a blooming lovely human 💖 It couldn’t be in better hands! So please follow Ames and for more information about applications, which will be opening soon - and wish her well on this latest adventure!

I’ll still be working with the amazing Make & Mend Co team behind the scenes on socials and marketing, so I’m not disappearing completely 🥰 and I’ll be actually coming to do some workshops this year so I’m thrilled about that (not running them, joining as a participant - yay!). So I’ll see you there?! Sunday 28th June at 🤩 Get your tickets via the link in the bio now!

📸 Most pics by the wonderful (except the last selfie!)

01/01/2026

Hello…it’s been a while since I’ve posted and I have some news! 🥹 This time last year, I remember coming into the new year feeling extremely nervous about what 2025 would hold. I think I knew deep down at that point that being a full-time hand embroidery artist was not really going to be financially viable for much longer, but I didn’t want to say it out loud.

Fast forward to March 2025, and the decision pretty much made itself. When we made the decision, I spent a whole day crying, trying to get my head around the fact that I’ve worked my socks off for well over a decade (almost 14 years!) on this and it needed to come to an end. But luckily, things fell into place super quickly and I got a job as a PA in a secondary school. I absolutely love my job, which is amazing considering I didn’t think anyone would even employ me in the first place 🤣 I work with some amazing people and it feels like I’m where I’m meant to be right now.

Although you could say that things have failed, I’m choosing to look at it differently. Yes, it didn’t work out as long-term as I’d planned, but I’ve had the privilege of working with some incredible creatives, I’ve had a shop, run my own successful business and written two books! I also missed off this series of photos that I’ve had the pleasure of writing for magazines too, and the joy of seeing people stitch my designs and holding my work in print never gets old 💖

I’ve not been able to spend as much time as I’d hoped at my beautiful studio since starting my new job, and it made sense to move out and let someone else appreciate this space 🥹 I’ve been moving out over the holidays and my brain is a bit frazzled 😂 but I’m having a last chance sale over on my website! So if there’s something you’ve ever had your eyes on, this is the last ever chance to get it. I’ll be closing up my shop as soon as it’s sold out, or by the end of January (whichever comes first 😂). Kits and books are in the sale, and I’ll pop some links in stories...(continued in comments)

06/07/2025

We cannot wait to welcome our amazing makers to the Makers Marketplace at Make & Mend Festival - there’s just one week to go 🤩 Everyone is super busy behind the scenes getting everything ready for the big weekend!

Join us on Saturday 12th July at for the Open Day, with free entry to the house and grounds (including the Makers Marketplace!). On Sunday 13th it will run as part of Make & Mend Festival, which is a ticketed event (tickets still available so come along and have a wonderful, creative day!).

Here are some of the makers who will be joining us:

(Saturday only - Amy is running a drop in at the festival on Sunday!)

glass.studio of.foliage

Come and shop small and shop local - and tell all your friends too! ❤️

28/06/2025

Our Makers Marketplace is just TWO weeks away! We cannot wait to welcome our amazing makers 🤩

Join us on Saturday 12th July at for the Open Day, with free entry to the house and grounds (including the Makers Marketplace!). On Sunday 13th it will run as part of Make & Mend Festival, which is a ticketed event (tickets still available so come along and have a wonderful, creative day!).

Here are some of the makers who will be joining us: lo.designs

(Sunday only)

(Sunday only)

Come and shop small and shop local - and tell all your friends too! ❤️

19/06/2025

Our Makers Marketplace is just a few weeks away now, we are busy behind the scenes getting everything ready for the big weekend - yay! 🤩

Join us on Saturday 12th July at for the Open Day, with free entry to the house and grounds (including the Makers Marketplace!). On Sunday 13th it will run as part of Make & Mend Festival, which is a ticketed event (tickets still available so come along and have a wonderful, creative day!).

Here are some of the makers who will be joining us:
(Sunday only)
(Saturday only)
(Saturday only)
to.bean (Sunday only)
(Sunday only)

Come and shop small and shop local - and tell all your friends too! ❤️

14/06/2025

The Makers Marketplace is just around the corner, and we are so thrilled to bring you some of the best artists and makers from the North East and beyond! 😍

Join us on Saturday 12th July at for the Open Day, with free entry to the house and grounds (including the Makers Marketplace!). On Sunday 13th it will run as part of Make & Mend Festival, which is a ticketed event (tickets still available so come along and have a wonderful, creative day!).

Here are some of the makers who will be joining us:

(Sunday only)

Come and shop small and shop local - and tell all your friends too! ❤️

01/06/2025

It’s 3 years since I created this beautiful project for Workshop Week - not sure how that happened?! 🤣

Anyway, Workshop Week starts TOMORROW and you can register for free to get 40+ art workshops - it’s honestly so much fun! 🎨

And did you know, that if you missed out on my JOY hoop, you can purchase the Vault from 2022?! Early bird pricing finishes today, so don’t miss out!

👉🏻 Find out more here: http://bit.ly/4kojOu3

31/05/2025

There are just 6 weeks until our fabulous Makers Marketplace, and we are so excited to bring you some of the best artists and makers from the North East and beyond! 😍

Join us on Saturday 12th July at for the Open Day, with free entry to the house and grounds (including the Makers Marketplace!). On Sunday 13th it will run as part of Make & Mend Festival, which is a ticketed event (tickets still available so come along and have a wonderful, creative day!).

Here are some of the makers who will be joining us:

(Sunday only)
and.beetles

Come and shop small and shop local - and tell all your friends too! ❤️

25/05/2025

Have you heard that the Great Northern Contemporary Craft & Art Fair is coming to Newcastle next month?! 🤩

It’s the first time that this fantastic event is taking place here, and it’s organised by who are the team behind GNCCF in Manchester. Over 100 makers and creatives from the North East will be taking part from 20th - 22nd June at Sport Central Northumbria University, and you won’t want to miss it!

One of the things I love about GNCCF is that it’s not only a place for some of our favourite makers that we treasure, it’s also an event which supports up and coming graduate artists and makers too. You’ll have the opportunity to chat to exhibitors and find out more about their craft.

So if you love contemporary craft and art, ceramics, interior and fashion textiles, furniture, glass, wood, jewellery, silver, print and fine art, this is the place for you! Tickets are available to book now.

Various ticket options are available including:
🎟️ Private View Ticket with comp glass of wine - Friday Evening 20 June, 6pm: £11.88 (incl fees)
🎟️ Daily entry: £6.48-£7.56 (incl fees)
🎟️ Multi-visit - come and go as many times as you wish: £16.20 (incl fees)

Don’t miss out - book your tickets now at greatnorthernevents.co.uk ❤️

11/05/2025

The Makers Marketplace is returning for 2025, and we are so excited to bring you some of the best artists and makers from the North East and beyond! 😍

Join us on Saturday 12th July at for the Open Day, with free entry to the house and grounds (including the Makers Marketplace!). On Sunday 13th it will run as part of Make & Mend Festival, which is a ticketed event (tickets still available so come along and have a wonderful, creative day!).

Here are some of the amazing makers who will be joining us:
(Sat only)

(Sat only, but teaching watercolours at the Festival on Sunday!)

Come and shop small and shop local - your favourite indie businesses need your support now more than ever! ❤️

Hello Hooray blog

01/04/2026

23/02/2026

01/01/2026

06/07/2025

28/06/2025

19/06/2025

14/06/2025

01/06/2025

31/05/2025

25/05/2025

11/05/2025

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