A NEW pop-up shop called All Our Own Crafts has opened in Basingstoke’s Festival Place.

The venture has been inspired by All Our Own Work art gallery that has been operating at various vacant shop units in the shopping centre during the summer.

The latest project was set up by local ‘crafters’ Tracy Braybrook and Kate Donohoe, who aim to give local people an opportunity to sell their crafts in the popular shopping centre.

Thanks to Festival Place, the pair have been given use of an empty shop unit opposite TK Maxx for three months, covering the Christmas and New Year season, where the work of 20 crafters will be on display.

Tracy said: “We’ve been very surprised with all the good feedback we’ve had. Sales have been good, with people saying: ‘I know where to buy my Christmas presents’.

“We're very grateful to both Festival Place and All Our Own Work for giving us the opportunity to work in collaboration with them.

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the amount of support we have received whilst setting up this project. There's an inspiring amount of crafts-people working locally, and we are delighted to be able to offer a wide selection of products, from crochet to candles, children's clothes to silver jewellery, all of which are hand-made by Basingstoke crafters.”

The shop has an area set aside for demonstrations and workshops, where customers can also get to make their own Christmas presents.

Kate said: “I've been helping my artist husband in the All Our Own Work gallery, and realised that a crafts version of the shop would be amazing.

“When Tracy contacted me with the same idea, I knew we were on to something special. I’m delighted how quickly we were able to collectively turn our vision into a reality.

“I'm really excited and proud that we are able to showcase the incredible talent in the local area and to be part of providing a new and unique shopping experience in our town.”