My boyfriend used to have an apartment at Kelham Island. It was a cool place to live as there was always so much going off. Lots of relaxed coffee bars, places to grab food. The famous Fat Cat pub and The Chimney House. We’ll not mention the parking [ it’s a nightmare]

I’ve spent many an evening [as I made my way to my boyfriends] with my face pressed sneakily against the windows of The Chimney House trying to get a glimpse inside. Looking out over the River Don it is nestled between the apartments and Kelham Island Museum. I’ve caught little snippets [through the window] and it looks fabulous.

Imagine my delight then when I got an invite to the Viking Craft Day which was to be held at The Chimney House!

I’d only get to bloody venture inside!

That day was yesterday and let me tell you shes even better in the flesh than I had envisaged. She’s a beauty al’reight!

We walked into a beautifully laid out room. Candles and a variety of different flowers adjourned the tables, creating a beautiful ambience.

Take a look for yourself … seriously I’m hankering after moving in.

*Photo above Elouisa Georgiou Photography

*Photo above Elouisa Georgiou Photography

It made a grand setting for a day spent getting our ‘craft on‘.

All materials used on the day where supplied by Viking. Viking is part of Office Depot. Established in 1960 it is one of the largest suppliers of stationery in the world.

We were split into 3 groups – red, yellow and blue and we took it in turns to do one of the following – calligraphy , origami and paper cutting.

Calligraphy with ‘Artsynibs‘…

Calligraphy is a visual art related to writing. It is the design and execution of lettering with a broad tip instrument, brush, or other writing instruments.

I really enjoyed this session but it’s not as easy as it might look. It takes a lot of practise and concentration. Luckily I love writing and making things look pretty. The one thing I found weird was that I don’t use joined up writing in everyday life. It felt strange extending my letters so that they touched each other as they do in calligraphy.

Joyce started by talking us through a range of exercises to practise our strokes … before letting us loose on a piece of our very own.

I was rather pleased with my efforts.

One by Joyce below ‘Girl Boss‘ … she makes it look so effortless !

After the first session we broke off to grab a spot of lunch. A selection of sandwiches salads, coffee and puddings were readily available .

The food was delicious but I especially enjoyed the Key Lime pies [ below]

So much for the Malaga diet !

*Photo above Elouisa Georgiou Photography

*Photo above Elouisa Georgiou Photography

Origami – with ‘Tea and Crafting‘

Origami is the art of paper folding, which is often associated with Japanese culture. In modern usage, the word “origami” is used as an inclusive term for all folding practices, regardless of their culture of origin.

Who knew my vocation in life was to make paper flowers?

I found the origami session so very therapeutic and relaxing . It was definitely my favourite of the 3 and is something I’m definitely going to pursue. The paper flowers we made were simple yet effective. I have ideas! * watch this space *

And lastly paper cutting with ‘Tea & Crafting’ …

Paper cutting is the art of paper designs. The art has evolved uniquely all over the world to adapt to different cultural styles.

I’ve used a scalpel before when I was training to be a Graphic Designer; my hands are covered in tiny scars to prove it. What can I say I’m a clumsy klutz !

It felt good to be back using one again and I soon got back into the swing of things. I still found it tricky cutting around the small intricate shapes but I managed to stay clear of cutting myself … despite my concentration span lapsing slightly as the day went on! [ I’m 47 what can I say I missed my nana nap ]

It was a fun day, spent in the company of lots of lovely blogging ladies . A few familiar faces and a few new ones. Hello ! Can I just say it was so nice to have an event in Sheffield too. Please do more.

It felt good to use my brain which has felt pretty dormant lately, to learn a new craft, to do something a little different to the norm on a Saturday afternoon . I think it’s actually reignited my arty side and I can’t wait to get creative.

With Prue and Natalie [ above ]

We all left armed with a goodie-bag full of bits and pieces from Viking to enable us to carry on being crafty at home.

Thankyou for a great day !

Tracey x

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• Thank-you to Jennie for organising and the guys at Viking for inviting me along. All words and opinions as always are strictly my own.