SISTERS Janice Ashworth and Lee Dymond have always shared a passion for handmade crafts, but six months ago they decided to turn their hobby into a business – and haven’t looked back since.

The pair opened Purple Buttercup, on Church Road, Urmston, in December last year, which sells pattern and deco-patch items, as well as ‘up-cycled’ of furniture and vintage pieces.

And in a short space of time, the sisters have grown their business to the stage where they now host children’s parties and demonstrations of specialist crafts, such as barge painting.

Former chiropodist, Janice, said their independent business offers a unique service which the high street giants can’t provide.

“We offer a more personal service, we will always go that extra mile and offer a customer a coffee if they need one,” said Janice, who will turn 48 on Saturday.

“People come in asking us to do things that we don’t even advertise and we’ll always do our best to get them what they want.”

Coinciding with Messenger’s Independents Day launch this weekend, Purple Buttercup is holiding an open day this Saturday, which is also Janice’s birthday.

All the store’s contributors will be holding workshops and an expert in the latest playground craze ‘loom bands’, will be giving lessons to children.

Call 0161 747 1070 for more information or visit facebook/purplebuttercup.