A CRAFT shop based in Weyhill celebrated its 11th birthday with a taster workshop for some of its regular customers.

Beaker Button Yard Shop at the Fairground Craft Centre held activity sessions as part of its birthday event.

The yarn shop first opened on November 3, 2011, at the end of a difficult economic period.

Jen Best, who runs the independent business, said her shop has weathered political upheaval, a pandemic and a personal tragedy, but it is still going strong 11 years on.

READ MORE: Michelin star chefs to cook at the Greyhound on the Test for charity

Over the last decade, thousands of people have learnt to craft from Beaker Button’s extensive workshop programmes.

Andover Advertiser: Beaker Button Yard Shop at the Fairground Craft Centre in Weyhill Beaker Button Yard Shop at the Fairground Craft Centre in Weyhill (Image: .)

Jen said: “We champion British wool, small independent business, fair trade yarns, and natural fibres.

“We are committed to bringing the joy and benefits of crafting to everyone we can, with local in-person classes, craft supplies, and help, and a thriving online craft community, workshops via zoom and the internet, and our own designed and produced kits, books and patterns.”

For the special birthday workshop, Jude Gilchrist from Loomin Marvellous led the training of shaft loom drafts. The participants then had a go using the small cardboard looms Jude provided.

Then they learnt to silk paint with Debbie Wheeler, a local textiles tutor connected to Whitchurch Silk Mill, and produced beautiful cards.

SEE ALSO: Residents invited to enjoy Christmas shows in Andover

The last session was with Carole Henry from Myosotis Jewellery, who taught the participants to braid.

Jen added: “We made fantastic bracelets and added Dorset buttons to finish them off. A perfect way to support a small business like mine, test class ideas for next year, and celebrate 11 years of Beaker Button.”