A former air-hostess quit her job to have a family and to pursue her interest in arts and crafts.

Nicky Leaman, a mother-of-two from Buckland Avenue in Dover, said it was a move she doesn’t regret.

She was part of the Airtours cabin crew (which is now branded My Travel) for more than 10 years.

But she always had a passion for drawing and painting – and moving around every two years due to her husband Mike’s job with the RAF proved difficult for a tied down nine to five role.

It was 12 years ago that her artistic hobby became a reality.

Nicky began making cards and designs to go on them and her orders started to increase when she sold them on eBay.

She now works under her self-employed name Nicky’s Craft Den, making and selling her masterpieces.

She specialises in framed button gem and jewellery art.

All of her work is either framed, hanging or on a canvas.

She said: “I can’t imagine doing anything else and I am looking forward to my little business going from strength to strength.

'I can’t imagine doing anything else' - Nicky Leaman

“I can’t now see a button or anything sparkly and not imagine it on one of my creations.”

Nicky will be selling some of her work at a craft fair in the Landmark Centre, High Street, Deal, this Saturday, April 4.

It is in aid of Cancer Care and is from 10am to 4pm.

It is organised by Heather Morgan who works to promote the charity’s aims.

Stained glass, wood turning, jewellery and fabric work are a handful of the items residents can expect to see.

Reflexology taster sessions will also be available.

To read the full report see this week's Mercury, out now.