Devon Masters of Sew Very Vintage boutique in Wallingford.

MANY of our customers and friends at Sew Very Vintage know that I have a pain disability.

And, until I opened the shop with the other partners, this condition seemed to consume my life somewhat.

It was always going to be a risk, me taking on such a challenge, especially as I was pretty housebound for some years.

However, I needn't have worried: the distraction of making and selling my wares in the shop has been so fulfilling, I've had practically no time to dwell much on pain issues.

My journey began with me unable to sleep at night and then researching on the internet how to make jewellery, to fill the hours when sleep alluded me.

I taught myself many skills but originally started off making button bracelets, necklaces and earrings.

My passion for buttons was grown from my love of my grandmother's huge tin of them; my inspiration was developed from those days.

Very soon after making my first few pieces, commissions started to roll in from friends and family.

One determined friend, Vikki Phillpott from Vikki's Yoga, firmly encouraged and helped me to do my first craft stall which was held at Busy Baskets nursery in Wallingford in 2011.

Before long The Button Room was launched and I attended craft fairs and the Wallingford Christmas market.

I then taught myself how to make button, flower and bead weddings bouquets, hair accessories and necklaces, showcasing in the bridal shop in Wallingford.

Photo shoots took place of my work in lovely locations such as Eynsham House in West Oxfordshire, which was a fun experience, with the added benefit of good commissions from it.

I was then invited to join the Saturday Wallingford local producers market, held in the Regal Centre or town square, and became a regular seller, alongside some other wonderful stall holders selling meat, fruit and vegetables, plants, bread, cheeses, wines, beers, cakes, ready prepared food, chocolates, jams, preserves, crafts including wood, knitting, jewellery, cosmetics, pottery, photography and painting.

From this I expanded my business, due to the loyalty of a regular customer base, and this enabled my work to become more intricate.

In my next article I will write about my passion for upcycling, reworking broken jewellery from all ages and the approach to opening a shop.

See some examples on our website at sewveryvintage.co.uk