ARTISTS' studios across Hampshire will be opening their doors this month to encourage people to meet local creatives.

From August 18 to the 27, artists across the county will be opening their workplaces to the public as part of Hampshire Open Studios

Andover based creator, Ruth Facey, organised a gathering of some of the craftspeople involved this year at The Malthouse in Weyhill Road, to help showcase the variety of creativity that will be on display.

Ruth, who makes jewellery and mixed media artwork, has been involved in the open studios for about 20 years.

She said: “It's a wonderful way of the public finding the things being made locally.

“It celebrates the individuals and encourages people to find out what's going on in little sheds and down gravel paths.

“You get a great buzz from having a visitor, so we encourage visitors to come and visit us and have a great time."

There will also be the opportunity for visitors to forge new creative skills at the Make and Take Part workshops organised.

Painting masterclasses, silver pendant making, and stained glass artwork are some of the workshops being run by Hampshire artisans.

Visitors to the studios will also be able to purchase locally bespoke made crafts straight from the makers.

Ruth added: "It's not quite like shopping, and its much more fun than Amazon.

“Basically it's just a chance to come and find your local artist, we look forward to meeting you.”

For more information or to book onto one of the workshops you can visit, hampshireopenstudios.org.uk.