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CLAIREABELLEMAKES
As non-essential shops continue to reopen around the UK, I had the opportunity to visit The Cambridge Satchel Company this week to take a look at their new collections and range of leather notebooks.. Made in the UK, the Cambridge Satchel Company notebooks are 100% leather with lined pages, available in a number of different colours. The new Bluebell Matte A5 notebook (which was CONTACT - CLAIREABELLEMAKES From October 2020, the Claireabellemakes blog is no longer being updated with new content. If you need to get in touch for any reason, please use the contact form below. HOW TO STORE SPRAY PAINT Today I’ve teamed up with Rustoleum to bring you a painting project and an idea for how to store spray paint. As my studio is being decluttered and cleared out, I’m thinking about how I can store all my supplies! A while back my Grandad was having a clear HOW TO MAKE MULTIPLE POM POMS This week I’ve been playing with a pom pom maker that makes multiple pom poms at once! I first saw this nifty tool at the Handmade Fair last year and it was on my list of things to try. It makes up to 20pom poms at once!
CROCHET PLANTS WITH A DIFFERENCE Around a year ago, my WI group started a really interesting project to create a crochet plant exhibition for the Cambridge’s Festival of Ideas. I blogged about our progress back in May. This DIY FABRIC WASTE PAPER BIN Hello lovelies! Today I am sharing an easy tutorial for this DIY Fabric Waste Paper Bin. Last week was pretty miserable with mega migraines causing insomnia, so the majority of this craft project was completed at 4.30am on Sunday morning! DIY WOODEN PEG PHOTO FRAME Today’s DIY is a simple one I promise! I’m showing you how to create this wooden peg photo frame which can be used in a craft space or office, or indeed anywhere in your home. GUEST POST: DIY SIMPLE CROCHET COASTERS Happy Monday all! 2012 was the year I learnt to crochet. There was a particular blogger who inspired me whom I have invited to guest post today. The lovely Emma from LuluLoves has written a FISHERMAN’S RIB KNITTED SCARF PATTERN I’ve decided that I like chunky knitting as it grows fast (impatient crafter here). When Debenhams asked me to join in their knitting challenge to celebrate their men’s knitwear range, I decided it was a good opportunity to make a handmade Christmas gift for my Grandad.I made a scarf using the Fisherman’s Rib Knitting pattern which I will share my version of below. THRIFTING: CHARITY SHOPS VS. CAR BOOTS Today I have invited fellow blogger Fran to share her thoughts on thrifting – one of my favourite things to do! Enjoy! Hi – I’m Fran from Skulls and Ponies.I’m very honoured to be here blogging for Claire – I adore her blog (don’t we all?) so was very excitedwhen she
CLAIREABELLEMAKES
As non-essential shops continue to reopen around the UK, I had the opportunity to visit The Cambridge Satchel Company this week to take a look at their new collections and range of leather notebooks.. Made in the UK, the Cambridge Satchel Company notebooks are 100% leather with lined pages, available in a number of different colours. The new Bluebell Matte A5 notebook (which was CONTACT - CLAIREABELLEMAKES From October 2020, the Claireabellemakes blog is no longer being updated with new content. If you need to get in touch for any reason, please use the contact form below. HOW TO STORE SPRAY PAINT Today I’ve teamed up with Rustoleum to bring you a painting project and an idea for how to store spray paint. As my studio is being decluttered and cleared out, I’m thinking about how I can store all my supplies! A while back my Grandad was having a clear HOW TO MAKE MULTIPLE POM POMS This week I’ve been playing with a pom pom maker that makes multiple pom poms at once! I first saw this nifty tool at the Handmade Fair last year and it was on my list of things to try. It makes up to 20pom poms at once!
CROCHET PLANTS WITH A DIFFERENCE Around a year ago, my WI group started a really interesting project to create a crochet plant exhibition for the Cambridge’s Festival of Ideas. I blogged about our progress back in May. This DIY FABRIC WASTE PAPER BIN Hello lovelies! Today I am sharing an easy tutorial for this DIY Fabric Waste Paper Bin. Last week was pretty miserable with mega migraines causing insomnia, so the majority of this craft project was completed at 4.30am on Sunday morning! DIY WOODEN PEG PHOTO FRAME Today’s DIY is a simple one I promise! I’m showing you how to create this wooden peg photo frame which can be used in a craft space or office, or indeed anywhere in your home. GUEST POST: DIY SIMPLE CROCHET COASTERS Happy Monday all! 2012 was the year I learnt to crochet. There was a particular blogger who inspired me whom I have invited to guest post today. The lovely Emma from LuluLoves has written a FISHERMAN’S RIB KNITTED SCARF PATTERN I’ve decided that I like chunky knitting as it grows fast (impatient crafter here). When Debenhams asked me to join in their knitting challenge to celebrate their men’s knitwear range, I decided it was a good opportunity to make a handmade Christmas gift for my Grandad.I made a scarf using the Fisherman’s Rib Knitting pattern which I will share my version of below. THRIFTING: CHARITY SHOPS VS. CAR BOOTS Today I have invited fellow blogger Fran to share her thoughts on thrifting – one of my favourite things to do! Enjoy! Hi – I’m Fran from Skulls and Ponies.I’m very honoured to be here blogging for Claire – I adore her blog (don’t we all?) so was very excitedwhen she
CONTACT - CLAIREABELLEMAKES From October 2020, the Claireabellemakes blog is no longer being updated with new content. If you need to get in touch for any reason, please use the contact form below. EASY CROCHET BABY BLANKET PATTERNS The weather has turned here in the UK and the urge to stay indoors under a blanket has been strong. With a few friends welcoming new arrivals in lockdown, I’ve been busy working on some easy crochet baby blanket patterns to keep the little ones warm. CROCHET PLANTS WITH A DIFFERENCE Around a year ago, my WI group started a really interesting project to create a crochet plant exhibition for the Cambridge’s Festival of Ideas. I blogged about our progress back in May. This DIY SPIRAL FRIENDSHIP BRACELET This is the second DIY post in my friendship bracelet series. I hadn’t anticipated my DIY Chevron Pastel Friendship Bracelet post would be so popular, but it seems you all love a bit of nostalgic crafting! Once again I chose pretty pastel colours and added a darkpink.
DIY FABRIC COVERED CLIPBOARDS I adore this! Thanks so much Caroline – practical and pretty, that’s my kind of DIY. Be sure to check out Caroline’s blog for loads more craft and style inspiration. I was lucky enough to bump into to her a couple of weeks back in Cambridge – meeting bloggers in real life is a weirdly exciting thing.WOOL AND THE GANG
The cooler weather definitely signals knitting and crochet time for me. After purchasing some Wool And The Gang yarn at the Handmade Fair last month, I grabbed some more in their sale online and got the chunky knitting needles out.. I also purchased the Nelson Collar pattern which is a chunky infinity scarf knitted in a half twisted ribpattern.
DIY FELT SUCCULENT WREATH This week’s DIY is for this Felt Succulent Wreath, perfect for the holiday season. I made this to enter the Direct Blinds Deck Your Door wreath competition, so I hope you enjoy it and please cross your fingers for me to win!. This is a great craft project for beginners DIY CROCHET PUFF STITCH FLOWER Good Morning Claire, When I was a teenager (many years ago) it was really popular to make and wear crocheted ponchos. I made a couple of these and I really loved them. SPIKE STITCH CROCHET HANDWARMERS PATTERN Ooh an extra Thursday post this week! Today I am sharing this spike stitch crochet handwarmer pattern. This is a perfect crochet project for beginners and you can use any colours you like! I SIMPLE QUILTED POT HOLDER TUTORIAL Today I am sharing a tutorial for this Simple Quilted Pot Holder Tutorial on Art of Crafts.. Do take a look around the Art of Crafts blog, it’s full of interviews, guest posts, crafty tips and thingsto try.
CLAIREABELLEMAKES
As non-essential shops continue to reopen around the UK, I had the opportunity to visit The Cambridge Satchel Company this week to take a look at their new collections and range of leather notebooks.. Made in the UK, the Cambridge Satchel Company notebooks are 100% leather with lined pages, available in a number of different colours. The new Bluebell Matte A5 notebook (which was ABOUT - CLAIREABELLEMAKES.COM This blog is no longer being updated with new content (October 2020) About Claireabellemakes Claireabellemakes is creative lifestyle brand originating from the Cambridge based home studio of Clair HOW TO STORE SPRAY PAINT Today I’ve teamed up with Rustoleum to bring you a painting project and an idea for how to store spray paint. As my studio is being decluttered and cleared out, I’m thinking about how I can store all my supplies! A while back my Grandad was having a clear CROCHET PLANTS WITH A DIFFERENCE Around a year ago, my WI group started a really interesting project to create a crochet plant exhibition for the Cambridge’s Festival of Ideas. I blogged about our progress back in May. This DIY SPIRAL FRIENDSHIP BRACELET This is the second DIY post in my friendship bracelet series. I hadn’t anticipated my DIY Chevron Pastel Friendship Bracelet post would be so popular, but it seems you all love a bit of nostalgic crafting! Once again I chose pretty pastel colours and added a darkpink.
SPIKE STITCH CROCHET HANDWARMERS PATTERN Ooh an extra Thursday post this week! Today I am sharing this spike stitch crochet handwarmer pattern. This is a perfect crochet project for beginners and you can use any colours you like! I FISHERMAN’S RIB KNITTED SCARF PATTERN I’ve decided that I like chunky knitting as it grows fast (impatient crafter here). When Debenhams asked me to join in their knitting challenge to celebrate their men’s knitwear range, I decided it was a good opportunity to make a handmade Christmas gift for my Grandad.I made a scarf using the Fisherman’s Rib Knitting pattern which I will share my version of below. GUEST POST: DIY SIMPLE CROCHET COASTERS Happy Monday all! 2012 was the year I learnt to crochet. There was a particular blogger who inspired me whom I have invited to guest post today. The lovely Emma from LuluLoves has written a THRIFTING: CHARITY SHOPS VS. CAR BOOTS Today I have invited fellow blogger Fran to share her thoughts on thrifting – one of my favourite things to do! Enjoy! Hi – I’m Fran from Skulls and Ponies.I’m very honoured to be here blogging for Claire – I adore her blog (don’t we all?) so was very excitedwhen she
SEARCH RESULTS FOR “MAIL SWAP” Recently, I signed up for a snail made trade organised by Vicky of Vivid Please.I was having the most awful migraine day and was home from work when the parcel arrived.CLAIREABELLEMAKES
As non-essential shops continue to reopen around the UK, I had the opportunity to visit The Cambridge Satchel Company this week to take a look at their new collections and range of leather notebooks.. Made in the UK, the Cambridge Satchel Company notebooks are 100% leather with lined pages, available in a number of different colours. The new Bluebell Matte A5 notebook (which was ABOUT - CLAIREABELLEMAKES.COM This blog is no longer being updated with new content (October 2020) About Claireabellemakes Claireabellemakes is creative lifestyle brand originating from the Cambridge based home studio of Clair HOW TO STORE SPRAY PAINT Today I’ve teamed up with Rustoleum to bring you a painting project and an idea for how to store spray paint. As my studio is being decluttered and cleared out, I’m thinking about how I can store all my supplies! A while back my Grandad was having a clear CROCHET PLANTS WITH A DIFFERENCE Around a year ago, my WI group started a really interesting project to create a crochet plant exhibition for the Cambridge’s Festival of Ideas. I blogged about our progress back in May. This DIY SPIRAL FRIENDSHIP BRACELET This is the second DIY post in my friendship bracelet series. I hadn’t anticipated my DIY Chevron Pastel Friendship Bracelet post would be so popular, but it seems you all love a bit of nostalgic crafting! Once again I chose pretty pastel colours and added a darkpink.
SPIKE STITCH CROCHET HANDWARMERS PATTERN Ooh an extra Thursday post this week! Today I am sharing this spike stitch crochet handwarmer pattern. This is a perfect crochet project for beginners and you can use any colours you like! I FISHERMAN’S RIB KNITTED SCARF PATTERN I’ve decided that I like chunky knitting as it grows fast (impatient crafter here). When Debenhams asked me to join in their knitting challenge to celebrate their men’s knitwear range, I decided it was a good opportunity to make a handmade Christmas gift for my Grandad.I made a scarf using the Fisherman’s Rib Knitting pattern which I will share my version of below. GUEST POST: DIY SIMPLE CROCHET COASTERS Happy Monday all! 2012 was the year I learnt to crochet. There was a particular blogger who inspired me whom I have invited to guest post today. The lovely Emma from LuluLoves has written a THRIFTING: CHARITY SHOPS VS. CAR BOOTS Today I have invited fellow blogger Fran to share her thoughts on thrifting – one of my favourite things to do! Enjoy! Hi – I’m Fran from Skulls and Ponies.I’m very honoured to be here blogging for Claire – I adore her blog (don’t we all?) so was very excitedwhen she
SEARCH RESULTS FOR “MAIL SWAP” Recently, I signed up for a snail made trade organised by Vicky of Vivid Please.I was having the most awful migraine day and was home from work when the parcel arrived. ABOUT - CLAIREABELLEMAKES.COM This blog is no longer being updated with new content (October 2020) About Claireabellemakes Claireabellemakes is creative lifestyle brand originating from the Cambridge based home studio of Clair BICYCLES - CLAIREABELLEMAKES.COM Today’s blog post is also known as “Wisteria hysteria and the day of bike spotting”. Spring in Cambridge is the perfect excuse for me to take a cycle around the city with my camera for another post in my Tourist In Cambridge series. The wisteria around Cambridge is abundant this year – it covers the pretty cottages and terraced houses, and even appears on some student accommodation. CROCHET PLANTS WITH A DIFFERENCE Around a year ago, my WI group started a really interesting project to create a crochet plant exhibition for the Cambridge’s Festival of Ideas. I blogged about our progress back in May. This 8 THINGS I LEARNED LIVING WITH 8 STRANGERS In 2018 basically everything in my life changed. A very long term relationship ended, I closed my small business, I changed my job and I moved into a house share with 8 strangers. You could say it HOW TO MAKE MULTIPLE POM POMS This week I’ve been playing with a pom pom maker that makes multiple pom poms at once! I first saw this nifty tool at the Handmade Fair last year and it was on my list of things to try. It makes up to 20pom poms at once!
A BICYCLE RIDE & AFTERNOON TEA Living in Cambridge gives me every excuse to travel by bicycle. In a city where there are more bikes than cars and the cycle lanes fill up the streets, you could look out of place without a bike. W DIY FABRIC WASTE PAPER BIN Hello lovelies! Today I am sharing an easy tutorial for this DIY Fabric Waste Paper Bin. Last week was pretty miserable with mega migraines causing insomnia, so the majority of this craft project was completed at 4.30am on Sunday morning! DIY CHEVRON PASTEL FRIENDSHIP BRACELET As a teen, I was obsessed with making Friendship Bracelets and I’m so pleased to see they have made a comeback recently! My favourite type is the easy Chevron Friendship Bracelet made with embroidery thread and a few knots. CRAFTY MAGAZINE ISSUE 8 UPDATE: Crafty Magazine is no longer in print. I know I’ve talked about craft magazines a lot lately, but I couldn’t miss sharing an inside peek of Crafty Magazine’s 8th issue with you guys. SEARCH RESULTS FOR “MAIL SWAP” Recently, I signed up for a snail made trade organised by Vicky of Vivid Please.I was having the most awful migraine day and was home from work when the parcel arrived.CLAIREABELLEMAKES
As non-essential shops continue to reopen around the UK, I had the opportunity to visit The Cambridge Satchel Company this week to take a look at their new collections and range of leather notebooks.. Made in the UK, the Cambridge Satchel Company notebooks are 100% leather with lined pages, available in a number of different colours. The new Bluebell Matte A5 notebook (which was ABOUT - CLAIREABELLEMAKES.COM About Claireabellemakes. Claireabellemakes is creative lifestyle brand originating from the Cambridge based home studio of Claire Wilson. The brand began back in 2012 as a creative outlet for Claire following her graduate studies in Arts Management and Marketing. Claireabellemakes includes a creative blog which strives to be a source of HOW TO STORE SPRAY PAINT Today I’ve teamed up with Rustoleum to bring you a painting project and an idea for how to store spray paint. As my studio is being decluttered and cleared out, I’m thinking about how I can store all my supplies! A while back my Grandad was having a clear CROCHET PLANTS WITH A DIFFERENCE Here it is next to the real plant. We created the four sided crochet plant by starting with a double crochet foundation chain and then made half treble stitches up and down the chain until it had four sides. It affectionately became known as ‘sausage plant’. The project was extended to all our WI members, who helped towards a lichen mat. DIY SPIRAL FRIENDSHIP BRACELET This is the second DIY post in my friendship bracelet series. I hadn’t anticipated my DIY Chevron Pastel Friendship Bracelet post would be so popular, but it seems you all love a bit of nostalgic crafting! Once again I chose pretty pastel colours and added a darkpink.
GUEST POST: DIY SIMPLE CROCHET COASTERS Guest Post: DIY Simple Crochet Coasters. January 7, 2013. July 24, 2014. - claireabellemakes. Happy Monday all! 2012 was the year I learnt to crochet. There was a particular blogger who inspired me whom I have invited to guest post today. The lovely Emma from LuluLoves has written a great tutorial for some very pretty crochet coasters. FISHERMAN’S RIB KNITTED SCARF PATTERN I’ve decided that I like chunky knitting as it grows fast (impatient crafter here). When Debenhams asked me to join in their knitting challenge to celebrate their men’s knitwear range, I decided it was a good opportunity to make a handmade Christmas gift for my Grandad.I made a scarf using the Fisherman’s Rib Knitting pattern which I will share my version of below. SPIKE STITCH CROCHET HANDWARMERS PATTERN Spike stitch: insert hook into 1 row below and work dc as normal. Row 1: 1 dc into second ch from hook and dc to end. Turn. Rows 2 & 3: ch1, 1dc into each st to end of row. Turn. At end of row 3, fasten off yarn A and join yarn B. Row 4: ch1, 1 dc into 1st st, *1 spike st into next st. 1 dc in next st, rep from * to end of row. Turn. THRIFTING: CHARITY SHOPS VS. CAR BOOTS Today I have invited fellow blogger Fran to share her thoughts on thrifting – one of my favourite things to do! Enjoy! Hi – I’m Fran from Skulls and Ponies.I’m very honoured to be here blogging for Claire – I adore her blog (don’t we all?) so was very excitedwhen she
SEARCH RESULTS FOR “MAIL SWAP” Recently, I signed up for a snail made trade organised by Vicky of Vivid Please.I was having the most awful migraine day and was home from work when the parcel arrived.CLAIREABELLEMAKES
As non-essential shops continue to reopen around the UK, I had the opportunity to visit The Cambridge Satchel Company this week to take a look at their new collections and range of leather notebooks.. Made in the UK, the Cambridge Satchel Company notebooks are 100% leather with lined pages, available in a number of different colours. The new Bluebell Matte A5 notebook (which was ABOUT - CLAIREABELLEMAKES.COM About Claireabellemakes. Claireabellemakes is creative lifestyle brand originating from the Cambridge based home studio of Claire Wilson. The brand began back in 2012 as a creative outlet for Claire following her graduate studies in Arts Management and Marketing. Claireabellemakes includes a creative blog which strives to be a source of HOW TO STORE SPRAY PAINT Today I’ve teamed up with Rustoleum to bring you a painting project and an idea for how to store spray paint. As my studio is being decluttered and cleared out, I’m thinking about how I can store all my supplies! A while back my Grandad was having a clear CROCHET PLANTS WITH A DIFFERENCE Here it is next to the real plant. We created the four sided crochet plant by starting with a double crochet foundation chain and then made half treble stitches up and down the chain until it had four sides. It affectionately became known as ‘sausage plant’. The project was extended to all our WI members, who helped towards a lichen mat. DIY SPIRAL FRIENDSHIP BRACELET This is the second DIY post in my friendship bracelet series. I hadn’t anticipated my DIY Chevron Pastel Friendship Bracelet post would be so popular, but it seems you all love a bit of nostalgic crafting! Once again I chose pretty pastel colours and added a darkpink.
GUEST POST: DIY SIMPLE CROCHET COASTERS Guest Post: DIY Simple Crochet Coasters. January 7, 2013. July 24, 2014. - claireabellemakes. Happy Monday all! 2012 was the year I learnt to crochet. There was a particular blogger who inspired me whom I have invited to guest post today. The lovely Emma from LuluLoves has written a great tutorial for some very pretty crochet coasters. FISHERMAN’S RIB KNITTED SCARF PATTERN I’ve decided that I like chunky knitting as it grows fast (impatient crafter here). When Debenhams asked me to join in their knitting challenge to celebrate their men’s knitwear range, I decided it was a good opportunity to make a handmade Christmas gift for my Grandad.I made a scarf using the Fisherman’s Rib Knitting pattern which I will share my version of below. SPIKE STITCH CROCHET HANDWARMERS PATTERN Spike stitch: insert hook into 1 row below and work dc as normal. Row 1: 1 dc into second ch from hook and dc to end. Turn. Rows 2 & 3: ch1, 1dc into each st to end of row. Turn. At end of row 3, fasten off yarn A and join yarn B. Row 4: ch1, 1 dc into 1st st, *1 spike st into next st. 1 dc in next st, rep from * to end of row. Turn. THRIFTING: CHARITY SHOPS VS. CAR BOOTS Today I have invited fellow blogger Fran to share her thoughts on thrifting – one of my favourite things to do! Enjoy! Hi – I’m Fran from Skulls and Ponies.I’m very honoured to be here blogging for Claire – I adore her blog (don’t we all?) so was very excitedwhen she
SEARCH RESULTS FOR “MAIL SWAP” Recently, I signed up for a snail made trade organised by Vicky of Vivid Please.I was having the most awful migraine day and was home from work when the parcel arrived. ABOUT - CLAIREABELLEMAKES.COM About Claireabellemakes. Claireabellemakes is creative lifestyle brand originating from the Cambridge based home studio of Claire Wilson. The brand began back in 2012 as a creative outlet for Claire following her graduate studies in Arts Management and Marketing. Claireabellemakes includes a creative blog which strives to be a source of CROCHET PLANTS WITH A DIFFERENCE Here it is next to the real plant. We created the four sided crochet plant by starting with a double crochet foundation chain and then made half treble stitches up and down the chain until it had four sides. It affectionately became known as ‘sausage plant’. The project was extended to all our WI members, who helped towards a lichen mat. BICYCLES - CLAIREABELLEMAKES.COM Today’s blog post is also known as “Wisteria hysteria and the day of bike spotting”. Spring in Cambridge is the perfect excuse for me to take a cycle around the city with my camera for another post in my Tourist In Cambridge series. The wisteria around Cambridge is abundant this year – it covers the pretty cottages and terraced houses, and even appears on some student accommodation. HANDMADE CHRISTMAS GIFTS Handmade Christmas Gifts. January 10, 2013 - claireabellemakes. Now the holiday season is officially over (come on, who still has their decorations up?!) I can finally share some of the gifts I made for Christmas presents. 2012 was the year I went crazy for crochet, so whilst in Canada I visited Michael’s and stocked up on yarn. HOW TO MAKE MULTIPLE POM POMS April 21, 2015. April 22, 2015. - claireabellemakes. This week I’ve been playing with a pom pom maker that makes multiple pom poms at once! I first saw this nifty tool at the Handmade Fair last year and it was on my list of things to try. It makes up to 20 pom poms at once! If you’re not sure how it works, take a look at my videotutorial
A BICYCLE RIDE & AFTERNOON TEA A Bicycle Ride & Afternoon Tea. June 24, 2012. October 15, 2014. - claireabellemakes. Living in Cambridge gives me every excuse to travel by bicycle. In a city where there are more bikes than cars and the cycle lanes fill up the streets, you could look out of place without abike.
DIY CHEVRON PASTEL FRIENDSHIP BRACELET Now make two knots with the left hand mint green thread to close the chevron shape in the middle. Start with the next rows in the chevron, working from the outside in, first with the left thread (pink) and then the right. Continue working each colour in turn. The CRAFTY MAGAZINE ISSUE 8 Crafty Magazine Issue 8. November 6, 2013. April 9, 2016. - claireabellemakes. UPDATE: Crafty Magazine is no longer in print. I know I’ve talked about craft magazines a lot lately, but I couldn’t miss sharing an inside peek of Crafty Magazine’s 8th issue with you guys. The cover is just adorable with these needle felted mice in bow ties! DIY FABRIC WASTE PAPER BIN Hello lovelies! Today I am sharing an easy tutorial for this DIY Fabric Waste Paper Bin. Last week was pretty miserable with mega migraines causing insomnia, so the majority of this craft project was completed at 4.30am on Sunday morning! SEARCH RESULTS FOR “MAIL SWAP” Recently, I signed up for a snail made trade organised by Vicky of Vivid Please.I was having the most awful migraine day and was home from work when the parcel arrived.CLAIREABELLEMAKES
As non-essential shops continue to reopen around the UK, I had the opportunity to visit The Cambridge Satchel Company this week to take a look at their new collections and range of leather notebooks.. Made in the UK, the Cambridge Satchel Company notebooks are 100% leather with lined pages, available in a number of different colours. The new Bluebell Matte A5 notebook (which was CONTACT - CLAIREABELLEMAKES From October 2020, the Claireabellemakes blog is no longer being updated with new content. If you need to get in touch for any reason, please use the contact form below. HOW TO STORE SPRAY PAINT Today I’ve teamed up with Rustoleum to bring you a painting project and an idea for how to store spray paint. As my studio is being decluttered and cleared out, I’m thinking about how I can store all my supplies! A while back my Grandad was having a clear CROCHET PLANTS WITH A DIFFERENCE Here it is next to the real plant. We created the four sided crochet plant by starting with a double crochet foundation chain and then made half treble stitches up and down the chain until it had four sides. It affectionately became known as ‘sausage plant’. The project was extended to all our WI members, who helped towards a lichen mat. HOW TO MAKE MULTIPLE POM POMS April 21, 2015. April 22, 2015. - claireabellemakes. This week I’ve been playing with a pom pom maker that makes multiple pom poms at once! I first saw this nifty tool at the Handmade Fair last year and it was on my list of things to try. It makes up to 20 pom poms at once! If you’re not sure how it works, take a look at my videotutorial
DIY WOODEN PEG PHOTO FRAME Fabric Scissors. Pencil. Step 1. Begin by removing the backing for the frame and the glass which you will not need. Lay the backing onto your fabric and draw around it. Cut your fabric out using fabric scissors and press. Step 2. Turn the frame backing over and edge with the double sided sticky tape. Once you have peeled the tape covering off DIY FABRIC WASTE PAPER BIN Hello lovelies! Today I am sharing an easy tutorial for this DIY Fabric Waste Paper Bin. Last week was pretty miserable with mega migraines causing insomnia, so the majority of this craft project was completed at 4.30am on Sunday morning! GUEST POST: DIY SIMPLE CROCHET COASTERS Guest Post: DIY Simple Crochet Coasters. January 7, 2013. July 24, 2014. - claireabellemakes. Happy Monday all! 2012 was the year I learnt to crochet. There was a particular blogger who inspired me whom I have invited to guest post today. The lovely Emma from LuluLoves has written a great tutorial for some very pretty crochet coasters. THRIFTING: CHARITY SHOPS VS. CAR BOOTS Today I have invited fellow blogger Fran to share her thoughts on thrifting – one of my favourite things to do! Enjoy! Hi – I’m Fran from Skulls and Ponies.I’m very honoured to be here blogging for Claire – I adore her blog (don’t we all?) so was very excitedwhen she
FISHERMAN’S RIB KNITTED SCARF PATTERN I’ve decided that I like chunky knitting as it grows fast (impatient crafter here). When Debenhams asked me to join in their knitting challenge to celebrate their men’s knitwear range, I decided it was a good opportunity to make a handmade Christmas gift for my Grandad.I made a scarf using the Fisherman’s Rib Knitting pattern which I will share my version of below.CLAIREABELLEMAKES
As non-essential shops continue to reopen around the UK, I had the opportunity to visit The Cambridge Satchel Company this week to take a look at their new collections and range of leather notebooks.. Made in the UK, the Cambridge Satchel Company notebooks are 100% leather with lined pages, available in a number of different colours. The new Bluebell Matte A5 notebook (which was CONTACT - CLAIREABELLEMAKES From October 2020, the Claireabellemakes blog is no longer being updated with new content. If you need to get in touch for any reason, please use the contact form below. HOW TO STORE SPRAY PAINT Today I’ve teamed up with Rustoleum to bring you a painting project and an idea for how to store spray paint. As my studio is being decluttered and cleared out, I’m thinking about how I can store all my supplies! A while back my Grandad was having a clear CROCHET PLANTS WITH A DIFFERENCE Here it is next to the real plant. We created the four sided crochet plant by starting with a double crochet foundation chain and then made half treble stitches up and down the chain until it had four sides. It affectionately became known as ‘sausage plant’. The project was extended to all our WI members, who helped towards a lichen mat. HOW TO MAKE MULTIPLE POM POMS April 21, 2015. April 22, 2015. - claireabellemakes. This week I’ve been playing with a pom pom maker that makes multiple pom poms at once! I first saw this nifty tool at the Handmade Fair last year and it was on my list of things to try. It makes up to 20 pom poms at once! If you’re not sure how it works, take a look at my videotutorial
DIY WOODEN PEG PHOTO FRAME Fabric Scissors. Pencil. Step 1. Begin by removing the backing for the frame and the glass which you will not need. Lay the backing onto your fabric and draw around it. Cut your fabric out using fabric scissors and press. Step 2. Turn the frame backing over and edge with the double sided sticky tape. Once you have peeled the tape covering off DIY FABRIC WASTE PAPER BIN Hello lovelies! Today I am sharing an easy tutorial for this DIY Fabric Waste Paper Bin. Last week was pretty miserable with mega migraines causing insomnia, so the majority of this craft project was completed at 4.30am on Sunday morning! GUEST POST: DIY SIMPLE CROCHET COASTERS Guest Post: DIY Simple Crochet Coasters. January 7, 2013. July 24, 2014. - claireabellemakes. Happy Monday all! 2012 was the year I learnt to crochet. There was a particular blogger who inspired me whom I have invited to guest post today. The lovely Emma from LuluLoves has written a great tutorial for some very pretty crochet coasters. THRIFTING: CHARITY SHOPS VS. CAR BOOTS Today I have invited fellow blogger Fran to share her thoughts on thrifting – one of my favourite things to do! Enjoy! Hi – I’m Fran from Skulls and Ponies.I’m very honoured to be here blogging for Claire – I adore her blog (don’t we all?) so was very excitedwhen she
FISHERMAN’S RIB KNITTED SCARF PATTERN I’ve decided that I like chunky knitting as it grows fast (impatient crafter here). When Debenhams asked me to join in their knitting challenge to celebrate their men’s knitwear range, I decided it was a good opportunity to make a handmade Christmas gift for my Grandad.I made a scarf using the Fisherman’s Rib Knitting pattern which I will share my version of below. CONTACT - CLAIREABELLEMAKES From October 2020, the Claireabellemakes blog is no longer being updated with new content. If you need to get in touch for any reason, please use the contact form below. CROCHET PLANTS WITH A DIFFERENCE Here it is next to the real plant. We created the four sided crochet plant by starting with a double crochet foundation chain and then made half treble stitches up and down the chain until it had four sides. It affectionately became known as ‘sausage plant’. The project was extended to all our WI members, who helped towards a lichen mat. DIY CROCHET PUFF STITCH FLOWER ch = chain stitch. puff st = puff stitch. dc = double crochet. Let’s get started with the DIY crochet flower! make a magic loop. 8 puff st into the loop with a ch after each puff st. pull the starting cord of the magic loop tight to close the circle. ss into the first ch to join. dc in each ch around the circle.FILOFAX INSPIRATION
Filofax inspiration #11: Kikki K Perforated Planner Review. July 27, 2015. July 27, 2015 - claireabellemakes. 9 Comments. It has been a while since my last Filofax Inspiration post, so today I’m sharing an unboxing and review of the new Kikki K Perforated Leather Planner in Ice Blue. If you’re not a planner person, Kikki K is anAustralian
HOW TO MAKE A TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS WREATH 2. Immerse the foam ring in water until completely soaked, then place on a protected work surface, ready to get started. 3. Using a pair of sharp scissors, cut off sprigs of spruce approximately 7 inches in length, then frame the wreath foam with the spruce, inserting each sprig at a slight angle. We recommend removing at least an inch ofpine
SIMPLE QUILTED POT HOLDER TUTORIAL Simple Quilted Pot Holder Tutorial. October 3, 2012 - claireabellemakes. Today I am sharing a tutorial for this Simple Quilted Pot Holder Tutorial on Art of Crafts. Do take a look around the Art of Crafts blog, it’s full of interviews, guest posts, crafty tips and things to try. A gem in the blogisphere! I’ve also sharedthis post at
DIY FELT SUCCULENT WREATH This week’s DIY is for this Felt Succulent Wreath, perfect for the holiday season. I made this to enter the Direct Blinds Deck Your Door wreath competition, so I hope you enjoy it and please cross your fingers for me to win!. This is a great craft project for beginners DIY SPIRAL FRIENDSHIP BRACELET This is the second DIY post in my friendship bracelet series. I hadn’t anticipated my DIY Chevron Pastel Friendship Bracelet post would be so popular, but it seems you all love a bit of nostalgic crafting! Once again I chose pretty pastel colours and added a darkpink.
CRAFTY MAGAZINE ISSUE 9 Crafty Magazine Issue 9. December 6, 2013. April 9, 2016. - claireabellemakes. UPDATE: Crafty Magazine is not longer in print. It’s that time of the month again when my sub issue of Crafty Magazine comes through the door! The team at Crafty have really pushed the boat out for issue 9 which is out now. Here’s what we have toget stuck into.
KNIT NATION
For Wool Week 2013 (14th – 20th October), The Campaign for Wool celebrates all things haberdashery with a week long series of Fashion Knitting Classes at John Lewis Oxford Street in London, hosted by the industries most contemporary knitters. There will also be LIVE knitting all week in the John Lewis Oxford Street window as knitters stitch their way around a plain white living room sceneCLAIREABELLEMAKES
As non-essential shops continue to reopen around the UK, I had the opportunity to visit The Cambridge Satchel Company this week to take a look at their new collections and range of leather notebooks.. Made in the UK, the Cambridge Satchel Company notebooks are 100% leather with lined pages, available in a number of different colours. The new Bluebell Matte A5 notebook (which was CONTACT - CLAIREABELLEMAKES From October 2020, the Claireabellemakes blog is no longer being updated with new content. If you need to get in touch for any reason, please use the contact form below. HOW TO STORE SPRAY PAINT Today I’ve teamed up with Rustoleum to bring you a painting project and an idea for how to store spray paint. As my studio is being decluttered and cleared out, I’m thinking about how I can store all my supplies! A while back my Grandad was having a clearFILOFAX INSPIRATION
Filofax inspiration #11: Kikki K Perforated Planner Review. July 27, 2015. July 27, 2015 - claireabellemakes. 9 Comments. It has been a while since my last Filofax Inspiration post, so today I’m sharing an unboxing and review of the new Kikki K Perforated Leather Planner in Ice Blue. If you’re not a planner person, Kikki K is anAustralian
HOW TO MAKE MULTIPLE POM POMS April 21, 2015. April 22, 2015. - claireabellemakes. This week I’ve been playing with a pom pom maker that makes multiple pom poms at once! I first saw this nifty tool at the Handmade Fair last year and it was on my list of things to try. It makes up to 20 pom poms at once! If you’re not sure how it works, take a look at my videotutorial
DIY FABRIC COVERED CLIPBOARDS Happy Valentines Day! I am so super excited to introduce my next guest blogger for Share The Love month, it’s only Caroline from the fab fashion, crafts and nail art blog Burkatron!. So I shall hand over to Caroline to show us how to make these pretty Fabric CoveredClipboards.
DIY FABRIC WASTE PAPER BIN Hello lovelies! Today I am sharing an easy tutorial for this DIY Fabric Waste Paper Bin. Last week was pretty miserable with mega migraines causing insomnia, so the majority of this craft project was completed at 4.30am on Sunday morning! GUEST POST: DIY SIMPLE CROCHET COASTERS Guest Post: DIY Simple Crochet Coasters. January 7, 2013. July 24, 2014. - claireabellemakes. Happy Monday all! 2012 was the year I learnt to crochet. There was a particular blogger who inspired me whom I have invited to guest post today. The lovely Emma from LuluLoves has written a great tutorial for some very pretty crochet coasters. CRAFTY MAGAZINE ISSUE 8 Crafty Magazine Issue 8. November 6, 2013. April 9, 2016. - claireabellemakes. UPDATE: Crafty Magazine is no longer in print. I know I’ve talked about craft magazines a lot lately, but I couldn’t miss sharing an inside peek of Crafty Magazine’s 8th issue with you guys. The cover is just adorable with these needle felted mice in bow ties! FISHERMAN’S RIB KNITTED SCARF PATTERNFISHERMAN RIB SCARF PATTERNFISHERMAN RIB STITCH SCARF PATTERNHAND KNITTED SCARF FREE PATTERNSFISHERMAN S RIB SCARF KNITTING PATTERNFISHERMAN S RIB SCARF PATTERNFISHERMAN RIB KNIT HAT PATTERN I’ve decided that I like chunky knitting as it grows fast (impatient crafter here). When Debenhams asked me to join in their knitting challenge to celebrate their men’s knitwear range, I decided it was a good opportunity to make a handmade Christmas gift for my Grandad.I made a scarf using the Fisherman’s Rib Knitting pattern which I will share my version of below.CLAIREABELLEMAKES
As non-essential shops continue to reopen around the UK, I had the opportunity to visit The Cambridge Satchel Company this week to take a look at their new collections and range of leather notebooks.. Made in the UK, the Cambridge Satchel Company notebooks are 100% leather with lined pages, available in a number of different colours. The new Bluebell Matte A5 notebook (which was CONTACT - CLAIREABELLEMAKES From October 2020, the Claireabellemakes blog is no longer being updated with new content. If you need to get in touch for any reason, please use the contact form below. HOW TO STORE SPRAY PAINT Today I’ve teamed up with Rustoleum to bring you a painting project and an idea for how to store spray paint. As my studio is being decluttered and cleared out, I’m thinking about how I can store all my supplies! A while back my Grandad was having a clearFILOFAX INSPIRATION
Filofax inspiration #11: Kikki K Perforated Planner Review. July 27, 2015. July 27, 2015 - claireabellemakes. 9 Comments. It has been a while since my last Filofax Inspiration post, so today I’m sharing an unboxing and review of the new Kikki K Perforated Leather Planner in Ice Blue. If you’re not a planner person, Kikki K is anAustralian
HOW TO MAKE MULTIPLE POM POMS April 21, 2015. April 22, 2015. - claireabellemakes. This week I’ve been playing with a pom pom maker that makes multiple pom poms at once! I first saw this nifty tool at the Handmade Fair last year and it was on my list of things to try. It makes up to 20 pom poms at once! If you’re not sure how it works, take a look at my videotutorial
DIY FABRIC COVERED CLIPBOARDS Happy Valentines Day! I am so super excited to introduce my next guest blogger for Share The Love month, it’s only Caroline from the fab fashion, crafts and nail art blog Burkatron!. So I shall hand over to Caroline to show us how to make these pretty Fabric CoveredClipboards.
DIY FABRIC WASTE PAPER BIN Hello lovelies! Today I am sharing an easy tutorial for this DIY Fabric Waste Paper Bin. Last week was pretty miserable with mega migraines causing insomnia, so the majority of this craft project was completed at 4.30am on Sunday morning! GUEST POST: DIY SIMPLE CROCHET COASTERS Guest Post: DIY Simple Crochet Coasters. January 7, 2013. July 24, 2014. - claireabellemakes. Happy Monday all! 2012 was the year I learnt to crochet. There was a particular blogger who inspired me whom I have invited to guest post today. The lovely Emma from LuluLoves has written a great tutorial for some very pretty crochet coasters. CRAFTY MAGAZINE ISSUE 8 Crafty Magazine Issue 8. November 6, 2013. April 9, 2016. - claireabellemakes. UPDATE: Crafty Magazine is no longer in print. I know I’ve talked about craft magazines a lot lately, but I couldn’t miss sharing an inside peek of Crafty Magazine’s 8th issue with you guys. The cover is just adorable with these needle felted mice in bow ties! FISHERMAN’S RIB KNITTED SCARF PATTERNFISHERMAN RIB SCARF PATTERNFISHERMAN RIB STITCH SCARF PATTERNHAND KNITTED SCARF FREE PATTERNSFISHERMAN S RIB SCARF KNITTING PATTERNFISHERMAN S RIB SCARF PATTERNFISHERMAN RIB KNIT HAT PATTERN I’ve decided that I like chunky knitting as it grows fast (impatient crafter here). When Debenhams asked me to join in their knitting challenge to celebrate their men’s knitwear range, I decided it was a good opportunity to make a handmade Christmas gift for my Grandad.I made a scarf using the Fisherman’s Rib Knitting pattern which I will share my version of below. ABOUT - CLAIREABELLEMAKES.COM About Claireabellemakes. Claireabellemakes is creative lifestyle brand originating from the Cambridge based home studio of Claire Wilson. The brand began back in 2012 as a creative outlet for Claire following her graduate studies in Arts Management and Marketing. Claireabellemakes includes a creative blog which strives to be a source of DISCLOSURE - CLAIREABELLEMAKES.COM I will only accept a product for review if it fits with my blog themes (craft, interiors, stationery, bikes etc). Most importantly, I will only accept a product if I think YOU the readers would like to know about it. In addition, I also receive products to use as part of DIYs and craft projects. Any item that is sent for review/project use willFILOFAX INSPIRATION
Filofax inspiration #11: Kikki K Perforated Planner Review. July 27, 2015. July 27, 2015 - claireabellemakes. 9 Comments. It has been a while since my last Filofax Inspiration post, so today I’m sharing an unboxing and review of the new Kikki K Perforated Leather Planner in Ice Blue. If you’re not a planner person, Kikki K is anAustralian
8 THINGS I LEARNED LIVING WITH 8 STRANGERS Annoyingly, one house mate refused to join the group chat as he didn’t use Whats App, but I think he was onto something. 6. Self awareness is a spectrum. Door slamming, stomping, shouting, some people just weren’t aware of the noises they made or how their behaviour affected others. DIY GOLD LEATHER LEAF KEYRING Using a cutting board and craft knife, carefully cut out your leaf shape. Paint your leaf with the gold acrylic paint. One coat was enough for me, but it depends what colour your leather is. Using a cocktail stick or skewer, make a hole in the stalk part of the leaf shape. Attach the jump ring and keyring attachment through the hole. DIY MILK CARTON GIFT BOX DIY Milk Carton Gift Box. July 12, 2015. July 11, 2015. - claireabellemakes. In the summer I really enjoy paper crafting more than yarn crafts. I’ve been working on my Project Life scrapbook and making gift boxes. This week I’ve made a milk carton gift box using Sizzix supplies. Follow the link below to see more pictures and theDIY!
DIY CROCHET PUFF STITCH FLOWER ch = chain stitch. puff st = puff stitch. dc = double crochet. Let’s get started with the DIY crochet flower! make a magic loop. 8 puff st into the loop with a ch after each puff st. pull the starting cord of the magic loop tight to close the circle. ss into the first ch to join. dc in each ch around the circle. DIY SPIRAL FRIENDSHIP BRACELET This is the second DIY post in my friendship bracelet series. I hadn’t anticipated my DIY Chevron Pastel Friendship Bracelet post would be so popular, but it seems you all love a bit of nostalgic crafting! Once again I chose pretty pastel colours and added a darkpink.
CRAFTY MAGAZINE ISSUE 8 Crafty Magazine Issue 8. November 6, 2013. April 9, 2016. - claireabellemakes. UPDATE: Crafty Magazine is no longer in print. I know I’ve talked about craft magazines a lot lately, but I couldn’t miss sharing an inside peek of Crafty Magazine’s 8th issue with you guys. The cover is just adorable with these needle felted mice in bow ties! LIFE LATELY #17: IT’S BEEN A WHILE As the title says, it’s been a while! Life has been hectic and ever changing this summer so I’m here with an update on what I’ve been up to. It’s been a sociable summer for Menu Skip to content* Home
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CARDS TO SEND IN LOCKDOWN: ETSY #STANDWITHSMALL April 17, 2020April 16, 2020- claireabellemakes
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_This post contains affiliate links to small businesses on Etsy. _ _Warning – post contains swears!_ Most of you will know I’m a big fan of snail mail. I’ve had the same penpal for 30 years now (Hi Michelle!) and writing letters and cards is something I’ll always cherish, especially when I miss people. Today I want to share some Etsy UK Stationery Finds with you today, as part of their #StandWithSmall campaign. We’ve been in lockdown for almost 4 weeks in the UK and I’m so grateful for all our posties and delivery drivers keeping the mail moving! I’ve received my prescription, indie food deliveries and cards from friends and family which have lifted my spirits so much. Here are a few of my favourite UK stationery designers on Etsy if you also want to support small businesses and find some cards to send inlockdown.
OH SQUIRREL stock all handmade cards using Katie’s beautiful handwriting, floral designs and fun typography. Most designs have an eco-friendly focus too (bonus!), the cards are made using biodegradable glitter, pressed flowers and recycled board. The floral handmade cards are also a great way to celebrate a spring lockdown birthday and bring nature to someone. Photography: Holly Booth Studio You are Bloody Brilliant Glitter Card Photography: Holly Booth Studio Pressed Flower Happy Birthday Card DAPHNE ROSA offers positive and playful home and paper goods with a newly launched collection of colour block cards. Kate has an amazing eye for colour combos and the hand lettered messages are just perfect for sending a pick me up during the tough days in lockdown. Photography: Holly Booth Studio Send Hope & Hugs Card Photography: Holly Booth Studio I Miss Your Face Card Next up, is the bright, playful and inclusive designs of cheerful Canadian ANGELA CHICK. Not only is Angela someone I seek out for chats and banter online, she’s a top notch greetings card designer for pretty much every occasion. I send her cards to pals on the regular and they never fail to make me smile. This Really Sucks Card When It's Raining Card CLARE GRAY is another eco-friendly stationery designer and she’s local to Cambridge too! Her cards are printed with vegetable based inks, all recyclable and no plastic packaging either. I recently tried out some of Clare’s gift wrap too and it was so luxurious.Virtual Hug Card
Calming Happy Vibes Card When you just want to get to the point, Jenna’s latest design for her shop PILFERED is absolutely perfect. I’ve already sent this to the bestie and the guy I’m dating just to get my point across that lockdown is hard without seeing them! Jenna is also out there working on the frontline in healthcare and is an absolute legend. I Really Fucking Miss You Card I hope you enjoyed that stationery round up today – all UK based designers, all women and all working hard to keep their businesses going during this difficult time. Each of them are combining their post box drops on a daily exercise outing, or working with couriers for collections if they are self-isolating. It’s amazing to hear how so many small businesses have rapidly adapted to this crazy situation and to ensure they are keeping themselves and others safe. Don’t forget to check out the #StandWithSmall tag on social media to see more Etsy finds and see the Etsy Editors Picks here.
Stay well x
Posted in Stationery- Tagged Etsy
LOCKDOWN DIARIES – CAMBRIDGE DURING COVID-19 March 30, 2020March 29, 2020 - claireabellemakes 1Comment
It’s hard to know where to begin. The world is experiencing a global crisis and somehow writing a blog seems insignificant and a bit odd. However, this space has evolved into a personal journal for me and despite a few months of neglect, I feel compelled to document and toshare again.
Wherever you are in the world, Corona virus is having an impact. Sometimes, it is hard to comprehend just how much of an in impact because it feels so surreal. But as the situation progresses, I have found myself experiencing the reality and consequences in so many different ways. Loved ones have lost jobs, friends are in isolation and family members are struggling to get basic supplies. Like many, I am experiencing anxiety and have realised I need to check on the news just once a day in order to protect my mental health. I have felt anger when I hear of others selfishly living life as if they were before this awful disease took over everything. I feel sadness when I see the death toll and the strain on our health system. It is a massive rollercoaster of emotions. The lockdown in the UK has been a wake up call and has highlighted so many things I took for granted in life. I am hugely grateful we are still able to go our for solitary exercise each day, but living in a city, I have found it difficult to avoid people at times. On Friday 27 March I took my lunch break from working at home at 2pm and decided to cycle through the city centre for daily exercise. In the 14 years I have lived in Cambridge, I have never experienced itlike this.
No bikes, no cars, no people. All shops and restaurants closed. Kings Parade is usually the busiest tourist hotspot. Not in lockdown. The Corpus Clock with no one infront of it. The Mill Pond without any punts or people. So strange to see. I took a couple of videos whilst cycling the empty streets. As the situation takes hold, like many, I am trying to find a new normal and take each day as it comes. I am feeling very grateful to be able to work from home and for video calls with family and friends who are distancing or in isolation. My flatmate and I are taking moments to appreciate our home and spending time together after work to try and separate home and work life. Dating at a distance in a lockdown has been another challenge to get my head (and heart) around. But I know that it is a minor adjustment in comparison to others who are struggling with so much more. If you are isolating during this tough time, I am open to finding light together on the difficult days. My flatmate Emily reminded me that literally the whole world is in this together and I feel there is strength and comfort in that thought alone. Stay safe and well x Posted in Uncategorized YEAR OF CLAIRE – DECEMBER AND THE YEAR END January 1, 2020January 1, 2020- claireabellemakes
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I can’t quite believe my Year of Claire project has come to an end. One whole year of focusing on myself and prioritising personal growth. There were highs and lows, lots of laughs and plenty of change. Before I reflect on the entire year, here’s a little round up of what happened in December! My work schedule was incredibly hectic for the entire month (more on this later), but I managed a couple of quick catch ups with friends. I visited the Mill Road Winter Fair (that tartiflette was amazing), crocheted a baby blanket for friends and walked Leo for Hannah andIan.
My job as a Facilities Coordinator was very busy in December! The tech firm I work for were moving to a new office and it was our Department who managed it all and worked on the fit out. As a Department of only 4 people it was a lot of work (250 staff to move!), but a great project to be part of. We worked long long hours and weekends too, but it was worth it! My boss and I are really proud of the new space. My favourite part of the project was working with a plant contractor and picking furniture for the Library space. Despite the exhaustion and hard graft (we cleared the old office too so I am a pro at chucking stuff in a skip and moving crates now!), I’m grateful to have had the chance to throw myself into work this year. The day we started to move offices was also our work Christmas do. We decided to pop by for the meal for a couple of hours break, so I got ready in 15 minutes and rushed off to our NYC themed bash. My work colleagues are so much fun, so I was glad to make it for a while. Jo and I decided to throw a more low key Christmas do for the Cambridge Creatives group this year. We met for drinks and delicious vegetarian meze at Thirsty and Hungry . We got very tiddly on a school night, but it was great to celebrate everyone’s achievements and let our hair down a bit. Even though I’m no longer running my shop. I’m happy I still get to hang out with my creativepals in the city!
Even though I had limited time to get festive this year, Em and I managed to get a tree and I had Christmas Day and Boxing Day off work to spend with family. I watched TV with the pets, saw my Grandad, played games with my cousins and read festive books with my youngestniece.
December was definitely the most hectic month of the entire year. The Year of Claire project was one where I continued to embrace change and positivity and it felt good. I had a couple of weekends away to Amsterdam and Brighton. I upped my fitness regime and got stronger. I worked on my anxiety through therapy. I moved out of a houseshare into a wonderful flat with Em. I did so much flat pack. I fell in love and had my heart broken. I went on dates and met some great people who opened my mind and heart again. I closed the door on my business and threw myself into work. I got creative for fun again. I spent a lot of time with friends and family making memories. I rode my bike. I went paddleboarding. I flew in a vintage plane over my city. I drank coffee and went for solo brunches. I read books. I ate a lot of ice cream. I’m hoping 2020 will allow me more time to blog, make, date, and work. I haven’t set any goals yet, but I’ll be taking January to reflect and plan in my new journal. Wishing you all a very Happy New Year! Posted in Uncategorized YEAR OF CLAIRE – OCTOBER & NOVEMBER UPDATE December 9, 2019December 8, 2019- claireabellemakes
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Time for another life recap for the Year of Claire! October and November were busy months with big changes and a hectic work schedule. Here’s a round up of what I got up to… In early October I attended the opening launch of the new Miller Harris fragrance store in Cambridge. An absolute visual merchandising dream – colourful interiors and dreamy scents, I completely fell in love with the brand! All the scents are unisex and I was kindly gifted their best seller Scherzo to try. I think it is the best scent I have ever tried, they are all so unique and beautifully packaged. October was a month for a few treats by the way of pretty flowers and chocolate treats from the famous George’s Bakery. I also visited my
favourite colourful wall in Cambridge which is home of the delicious burgers from indie food legends Steak and Honour . Lastly, I got a daith piercing to see if it would help the migraines. Soon after I had a 3 week vertigo attack and a terrible migraine weekend, but since then things have been much better! My hearing has also been a bit of a struggle lately, but I’m learning to tell people and try not to visit super noisy places as often these days. Autumn arrived in Cambridge with plenty of blue skies, pretty leaves and frosty mornings. I planned to take a little photowalk around the city to shoot some red ivy on the beautiful buildings, but life got in the way and I just managed these snaps on the way back from the gym or on my cycles to work. Halloween at my office is a big deal and this year my team and I dressed up as scary clowns! We had a lot of fun and even had a power cut at work that day. Work has been really great in general and I’m thoroughly enjoying the day job. We’ve had a huge office fit out project to work on with builders and designers, so coordinating lots of different elements for that has been busy and fun. The design elements have been really interesting, especially the flooring, mosswalls and plants.
At the beginning of November, I finally left my house share of 9 behind and moved into a new flat with one person. Em and I are delighted with our new pad! I’ve been enjoying the bath lots and I did a lot of flat pack with gin when I moved in. I promise it isn’t too wonky! We love making the new place our own and I’m so grateful to have left the traffic noise and the main road behind. Even though it has been a busy couple of months, I did a few crafts when I could find time. A blanket I made my niece 3 years ago needed a little repair and I started a denim skirt at the Sew Cam social sewingday.
I also spent a weekend with family for a 70th afternoon tea party and took some time to see my Grandad in his new care home. He has Dementia and Parkinsons, so it is not always easy to visit him, but the care home is lovely and I am lucky to still have a grandparent at my age! Talking of age, I celebrated my 36th birthday with friends, cake, cider and greek gyros for dinner at my favourite bar Thirsty. It was a nice evening to reflect and despite all the difficult times I’ve had, I felt so much happier this birthday in comparison to last year! The last weekend of November was spent in Brighton enjoying the winter sunshine, the upside down house, the beach and plenty of good food. Despite losing my watch and having a few panic attacks whilst I was there, it was a nice weekend and felt good to escape Cambridge for acouple of days.
I also visited the Brighton Etsy Made Local market and the Cambridge Made Fair in the same weekend. Although I felt a little sad not to be selling this year, it was super to catch up with creative pals and to start my Christmas shopping. Work has been so manic this year that Iam waaaaay behind!
So, a very busy couple of months for work and life but fun all the same! I can’t believe in just 1 month the Year of Claire will be over and we will be entering a new decade….Posted in Personal
8 THINGS I LEARNED LIVING WITH 8 STRANGERS November 20, 2019November 20, 2019 - claireabellemakes 1Comment
In 2018 basically everything in my life changed. A very long term relationship ended, I closed my small business, I changed my job and I moved into a house share with 8 strangers. You could say it was a lot to handle, but with my positive mindset I pushed heartbreak aside and threw myself into the new adventures. I’m not going to lie, moving into a house share in my mid-30s did kind of feel like taking a backwards step in life. I had lived with a partner for almost 15 years and built a nice home together in a rental. It look me a while to rid my anxieties about ‘life stages’ and social expectations for someone my age. Financially it was pretty much the only option I had if I wanted to stay in the city centre. Cambridge is basically London prices for housing, eating out and drinking now. I’ve paid £10 for a gin & tonic and almost £7 a pintbefore!
Some expensive Cambridge houses that are not myhome
I digress. In the summer of 2018 I packed up a 3 bed house, shoved a ton of stuff in storage, and agreed to rent an overpriced en-suite room in a converted B&B on a main road. It had been newly renovated and everyone was moving in at the same time. Advertised to professionals only (the Spaced reference there pleased me!) I thought it would be a good call. I felt I needed lots of company at that moment in time and saw having 8 new people around me as a positive to keep me going through heartbreak. It was a surprising 18 months with a lot of laughter, frustration, stress and ridiculousness. There are people I will keep in touch with and people I won’t. In the last 6 months the turnover was pretty high with the letting agent relaxing his professionals only rule. It was more like a student house with lots of temporary 3 month lets and it became exhausting to keep welcoming new housemates only to have them leave again and be replaced. Here’s what I learned along theway…..
* _JUST BECAUSE SOMEONE IS AN ADULT, DOESN’T MEAN THEY KNOW HOW TOADULT._
I lived with 8 people between the ages of 22-35. In some cases, the younger people were the ones who had more life skills and knowledge for taking care of themselves. We had one lovely Romanian girl who was the most awesome cook and her mother would send HUGE care packages full of cookies, wine, cheese and home made pastries for us all. There were younger lads who had their shit together and had impressive careers for their age. With housemates from all over the world, we learned that in Greece and Hong Kong it is common for people to live with their parents well into their 30s, being cared for in every way. Because of this, some were more independent than others. I showed people how to use a washing machine and some helped others turn on the oven. There was a big stretch of life skills. We also learned that some people are just incredibly lazy! We had a group chat with the letting agent to report issues and get news of new housemates. In this group one male housemate asked for a robotic vacuum. When I replied to tell him there was a Henry on the first floor he said “but that isn’t robotic”. He added that he wanted a robotic hoover because he was lazy. And that it was better if someone else paid for it…..he also asked us if we wanted to “pay a lady to do our ironing” because apparently that’s a woman’s job.*sigh*
Even the contractors employed to do repairs were incredibly lazy and incompetent. We nicknamed them the cowboy builders as so many incidents happened and so many things malfunctioned. Too many to list and so many hilarious conversations with the letting agent. Who mostly replied with eye roll emojis and grumbles! The concept of putting the bins out and retrieving them was lost on most of the household and don’t get me started on people ordering takeaways and then not answering the door. Weird. If I’ve got a Deliveroo on the way I’m stalking the driver on the map as soon asit is on the way.
_2. CLEANLINESS IS NOT IMPORTANT TO A LOT OF PEOPLE._ Even though we had a cleaner once a week you can imagine what a kitchen looked like at times with 9 residents. We were lucky enough to have a huge island to prepare food on, but this often became one guy’s cooking experiment area where he would bake bread and explode the flour, cook elaborate dishes and guarantee to burn everything every time. He caught the oven gloves on fire, melted a spatula by leaving it on the hob and once burned batches of sesame seeds.5.times.in.a.row.
We had incidents of noodles and food left in the sink for days, meat blood dripped on the floor and sink (GROSS), unflushed communal toilets and daily paper napkins left on the dining table after being wiped on mouths. Luckily I had my room as a sanctuary and cleaned the kitchen as much as I could to prepare my meals. At one point there was a ‘mystery smell’ which no one could identify, even after I cleaned all the fridges out and searched high and low for the source. Our breakfast bar had a small area where we would leave some treats to share with each other. If someone traveled they added chocolates or sometimes nice things they had baked. At first it was great and people respected the area. Eventually it became a dumping ground with rotten apples, weird items people didn’t want to eat and generally justgrossness.
You could suggest that I cleaned up after these people, but I lost my patience in the end and checked out! After all I was not there to look after them. In the end I chose meals that were minimal to prepare so that I could spend as little time in the kitchen as possible. _3. COMMON SENSE IS A COMPLETELY MISLABELED PHRASE. IT ISN’TCOMMON._
Funnily enough there are too many incidents to illustrate the lack of common sense, but I was baffled by some situations. One housemate admitted they never cycled with lights on and one would park his car across the main road onto the pavement in front of the house in a diagonal fashion. No surprises when he received parking tickets for obstructing the bus lane! The amount of times our front door was left open overnight was utterly ridiculous. It didn’t even stop when there was an armed drug raid a few doors down or when there were incidents outside on a weekly basis (it wasn’t a great street to be on). I was baffled how many people struggled to close a door properly. A Cambridgeshire home I wishwas mine
_4. SOME PEOPLE WILL LITERALLY CONSUME ANYTHING._ 3 day old chicken hearts, octopus from a tin, fish that has been cooked and then recooked for days, questionable meat that other housemates advise is off, mouldy vegetables, burnt food and I once found a pint of open milk (in a fridge I didn’t use) that was 3MONTHS OUT OF DATE.
One housemate would use the oven as storage for whole cooked chickens. Then proceed to reheat day after day in a vat of oil. Sometimes you could smell the oil on the 3rd floor of the house at 11pm. Yes people cooked at 11pm. Goodness knows why. Oh and throughout the 1.5 years and many housemates, we were always living with at least 2 Huel dickheads at any one time. It is a common diet for Cambridge tech guys – I see it at work all the time! One of them even made Huel pancakes and tried to share them…..we passed! _5. GROUP WHATS APP CHATS ARE WORTH MUTING FOR YOUR MENTAL HEALTH._ I think we probably all have that Whats App group chat that makes us feel a bit stressed. Mute it and only check it when you want to. It honestly helped me get through the last 6 months of living there. Annoyingly, one house mate refused to join the group chat as he didn’t use Whats App, but I think he was onto something. _6. SELF AWARENESS IS A SPECTRUM._ Door slamming, stomping, shouting, some people just weren’t aware of the noises they made or how their behaviour affected others. Some were considerate and checked in to make sure their activities weren’t disturbing others, super nice! I did hear things I would rather not have heard and one person liked to iron in the corridors at midnight every week, slamming the iron down in between pressing. I know I’m not perfect and there were times I could have been more self aware, but I think I naively assumed most people would be considerate towards others.My joyful bedroom
_7. THERE WILL BE SOME GOOD TIMES. _ Some of the original housemates that were there for the first year were a lot of fun. We had nights out, nights in, shared dating stories, cooked group dinners, watched movies, went on holiday together and laughed a lot at some of the things we experienced – a Home Alone drinking game at Christmas was a highlight and watching the house fall apart around us and the letting agent’s attempt to assist was entertaining if nothing else. I actually enjoyed living with guy mates again and also found a great friend in Emily who I now share a cosy 2 bed flat with. I made my room as homely as I could make it and it was so nice to have a space that was just mine. I think I hadn’t had that since my uni halls back in 2002, so it was a bit of a novelty that didn’t really wear off. No one to judge my houseplants or pink cushions or excessive toiletries and face creams in the bathroom! It was a good place to start singlelife again.
Dogs are better than boys _8. LIVING WITH STRANGERS WILL TEACH YOU A LOT ABOUT YOURSELF._ I discovered I’m really an extroverted introvert (Ambivert?!). I really valued my time alone every day and also some time to chat with others. Even though we were a household of 9, it often didn’t feel that way. I remember when Jack used to visit he would comment on how empty the communal spaces were on some days. People were coming andgoing a lot.
Living on a main road was challenging. My anxiety levels definitely got worse and the constant super loud traffic noise and house/street disturbances contributed to my insomnia. Which in turn contributed to my lack of patience toward others. The relief I felt when Em and I moved into the new flat was immeasurable. A new environment was just what we needed. I know that I need a quiet home where I have control over my surroundings and where I can retreat for some calm. I know that living in a clean and tidy home helps me feel better. I decluttered when I moved and purged a lot of belongings. It felt good. ‘Stuff’ just felt overwhelming and I have carried that tidy and more organised me into my new home with Em too. One of the guys that I lived with couldn’t believe my Marie Kondo folded t-shirt and sock drawers. A week after he moved out he texted me a picture of his neatly folded t-shirt drawer and it made me smile. So to end this long ranty blog post, I can summarise by saying the house share was AN EXPERIENCE. Living with just one friend now is way less stressful and I couldn’t be happier with our flat! We have a nice view of the local church, the river close by and a lovely colleague is our upstairs neighbour. Have you ever lived in a house share? I would love to hear yourstories.
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