A CREATIVE mother from Basingstoke is relaunching her unique gift shop with an exciting new twist. 

Alison Clement, 58, has lived in the borough for 40 years and runs Alison's Wonderland, a shop selling a range of handmade cards and gifts at the Viables Craft Centre.

Alsion went to Padgate College from 1981 to 1983 and did a foundation course in art and various subjects including textiles. In 1983 she moved to Farnham and did a degree in printed textiles.

She soon took the plunge and opened a gift shop, since then she said it has turned into "a busy little shop".

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Her creative journey was interrupted in 2013 when she was diagnosed with cancer but this didn't stop her.

She went on to do a painting workshop at St Ives School of Painting where the mother of one rediscovered her love for art.

Around this time she began beachcombing with her partner Adam Silk around Croyde in Devon and St Ives. Beachcombing is defined as collecting objects such as seashells and driftwood along the seashore.  

Alison began making sea glass photos which she will sell alongside other pieces of art when the shop relaunches.

Speaking about the relaunch, she said: "The idea of the relaunch is to completely combine the idea of selling handmade gifts and art together.

"I think people will be most interested in the beachcombing art. I have always loved making art so it will just be really nice to combine the two things."

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Alison is currently working hard to get things ready, and a new sign has arrived which has already been put above the shop.

Shoppers have been taking to Facebook to share their excitement about the relaunch and Alison told the Gazette that she has "lots of loyal customers" who she hopes will really enjoy the new range of products.

The shop is still open while the relaunch is underway but the new stock will be sold in the shop from September 22.