Wednesday 14 August 2013

The stranger returns....

Good morning friends
Yes, the stranger has indeed returned from a long break, unconnected to all social media and just trying to reconnect with life up in the hills and dales of Yorkshire and the mountains and lakes of The Lake District. No, internet connection meant no outside world.
It was needed and I am so grateful for the time my wife and I had there. I could (and probably will, lol) bore you with a thousand photos but I'll try not to do that as this is a crafting blog after all... So let's start off with something that I'm sure many of you will know.........


Yep, Dyan Reavely has her shop in the town of Harrogate and it was on my to go to list being a curious kind of fellow. Susan, had a different reason for agreeing go; Bettys renowned tea rooms are there!

So packing off early one morning we went along to explore Harrogate, sample Bettys and discover Art From the Heart.

 Not having been before, I wasn't sure what to expect; I guess I had a mental image of a building as quirky as the lady herself. No, not really.
 The entrance passage did not disappoint, loads of canvasses and paintings to inspire.


Inside was a veritable cornucopia of crafting delights and I just started one side and worked my way round, feasting my eyes on all the samples and all the lovely goodies....
Loved this wall of tags, all so quirky and fun. One however caught my eye and I thought of someone immediately who may enjoy it....

So, this one's for you! (I'm thinking you'll know who you are)

I was extremely restrained in there. In fact I can scarcely believe that I didn't go into meltdown and fill my basket with EVERYTHING! Susan picked up one of the Stampington mags (They are fabulous and I could have added a few more) I however, could not resist the new Brett Whedale The Chemist stamp from Tim Holtz! I love it and was trilled that it was there already.

Then, we went out to explore the area more before heading over to Ayesgarth Falls for a decadent tea time treat courtesy of Bettys.
Enjoying these beauties

 Here..... the Upper Falls at Ayesgarth.

A fabulous way to end a great day!

Also, over at The Craft Barn Blog today I have a journal page so I'd love it if you pop on over to take a look. This week is all about Hexagons.....
Details HERE

Right, I need to get myself done and dusted for work so I'll toodle off, it is good to be back.
Take care.

9 comments:

Unknown said...

Gosh - so near Neil ! Dys shop is fab - I used to be a frequent visitor when she scrapbooked alot - although i love looking and appreciating art journal pages - I have found it not to suit me very well. Dys colours and style are so distinctive - just like the lady herself who was my first "teacher" and so led me on the path to where I am now. I very much appreciate her "art" even if its not a style I share anymore - the skills she taught me - and the love of all things Ranger have stayed.
Love the Bettys takeout - a picnic in style - a girl after my own heart your lady wife "waves frantically at Susan". Glad you had restful time Neil - we all need that time out sometimes xx

mark gould said...

Great pics mate. Looks like a much needed and deserved break from the daily grind ;-)
Good to see you or some crafting time too.

whyducks said...

What a fantastic time you have had. I am going to have to visit Harrogate one day, looks so exciting and different!Welcome back.

Paul B said...

It never occurred to me that you'd never been to Dy's shop before. Glad you found the time to go and take a visit. Looks very different to when I was last there. LOVE THE TAG!!!! haha. Hope Susan enjoyed Betty's tearoom. Never bothered with it myself. The queues were always far too long just to have a cup of tea and a cake. Hope your creative mojo is fully refreshed after your break. Pxx

Elizabeth said...

A very enjoyable post, Neil. I can't believe I was in Harrogate last year and didn't know about Dyan's place ... what planet was I on, I wonder. However, I did discover the joys of Betty's - the food is as delicious as the sweet treats are yummy. It's a few years ago now but we did hire a cottage near Aysgarth Falls so more happy memories revived with that photo. Glad you had a rest from technology and hope your returned with renewed enthusiasm. Elizabeth x

Karen said...

Goodness, it sounds like you and Susan have had a fabulous time. What bliss to have no internet or phone signal! Love the beard too x

Elaine said...

It's great to get away sometimes and not feel you have to craft and blog every day. We were at the Aysgarth Falls 2 weeks ago - a bench there was carved with 'Sit a while and listen to the water fall'....so peaceful!

Francesca said...

I have missed you, glad to see you are back and well rested. Dyan place looks fab! Await lotys of new crafty things. Love Francesca

Sandy said...

I am pea green with envy - no I take that back - I am pea green and purple with envy. I love every jot and tittle about England and would dearly love to go and stay for several months. I loved your pictures!!!!! Will go over to the Craft Barn now and take a peek!
sandy