Less than four months after dreaming up the idea, two Bungay crafters have opened up their own shop selling handmade jewellery and ceramics.

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Dorcas Franklyn-Bray and Didy Ward who have opened their new shop MOTH Crafts.Dorcas Franklyn-Bray and Didy Ward who have opened their new shop MOTH Crafts. (Image: Archant)

MOTH Crafts, which stands for Moving On To Handmade, has been set up by Didy Ward and Dorcas Franklyn-Bray who came up with the idea at this year’s Bungay Means Business event during the Bungay Festival.

The women found themselves next to each other with their jewellery and ceramics stalls, and decided to form a partnership.

Ms Ward said: “The ethos behind the shop is to provide a place where local artists and crafters can sell their handamde items on a permanent basis - not just at craft fairs. We have over 20 local makers including artists, wood carvers, wood turners, sculptors, ceramicists, jewellers, knitters, sewers, soap makers, glass workers and fudge, jam and chocolate makers, renting shelf and wall space who are all very excited to be part of it.

“We think we are tapping into a new trend for shoppers who are less encouraged by mass produced things and are looking for things with a more personal touch. And also a trend towards support for the independent shops that are keeping our town centres alive.”

The pair have begged, borrowed and bought for a steal the fittings and furnishings for the shop, with help from the Emmaus charity at Ditchingham, and local furniture restorer Robert Remblance who helped with the painting.

The shop opened on Monday at 16 Upper Olland Street, formerly occupied by Rosedale Funeral Home, which has now moved to bigger premises next to Nurseys.

A preview day was held at the shop last Thursday, before opening this week. The shop will be open from 10am to 5pm Monday to Saturday, as well as opening up for each of Bungay’s Sunday street fairs.

Ms Franklyn-Bray said: “We were careful to choose crafts that would appeal to a broad spectrum of people. Everything in the shop is beautifully handmade and very affordable. We even offer a layaway scheme so if anyone wants to spread the cost of more expensive items they can.”

And from January, the women and their makers also plan to run workshops and classes for children and adults to hone their own craft skills.