FROM stitchers to painters and jewellery makers – thousands of crafters descended on the Bolton Arena.

The Great British Craft Festival returned to the arena for a second year after its successful 2014 show, which saw 4,000 people attend.

More than 60 exhibitors flogged their wares with attendees also getting the chance to attend sessions to learn new skills – from making cards to creating heart-shaped MDF frames.

Casting a little magic over her stall was the ‘Stitch Witch’ – aka Lynette Harris, from Hailsham, who designs and sells colourful panels, their patterns and kits to make them.

She said: “We do 32 shows a year across the UK, Ireland and in Holland – this is how we make our living.

“Nearly everything on this stall I have designed myself so it is completely unique and looks different.

“I have been designing panels for 18 years, and have been on the road travelling to shows for 10 years.”

One would-be jewellery maker who was drawn in by the bling was 11-year-old Becky Smith, from Bury.

The year six Guardian Angels Primary School pupil said: “I like making jewellery and also knit – I have knitted scarves and a teddy.”

Showcasing delicate floral paperwork on her Pink Frog Crafts and Cards stall was Gwen Leighton, from Chesterfield, who sells metal dies which cut out the shapes of individual flowers.

She said: “Summer is the best time for selling Christmas-related stock – you have to be at least six months ahead.”

A whole menagerie of fuzzy felt animals were on display at House of Zandra, owned by Sandra Bright who had travelled from Gainsborough to exhibit at the festival.

She said: “I had a paper craft stall for seven years but wanted to work with something that was not paper. I sell the toys themselves and the patterns for people to make them.”

Milly Harter found herself a new cuddly friend among Sandra’s offerings.

The nine-year-old had come from her home in Blackpool to visit the fair with mum Natalie Harter, who has a craft stall at Abingdon Street Market.