Paul Dumper Creations is a newly-opened studio and shop in Woolston, hosting workshops, classes and exhibitions. 

Repurposed items fashioned from sea glass, drift wood and shells found at Weston Shore are among the incredible work on display.

READ MORE: Five spring walks in Hampshire - each with a pub pitstop

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And it all came about following a chance encounter with a piece of art on a dog walk. 

"It's all my dog's fault," laughs Paul Dumper, the local resdient behind the studio in Woodley Road. 

Paul was on a lockdown walk with his pet Jack Russell Pippin when he discovered a painted stone decorated with the words 'you rock'.

"I just found it so exciting," adds Paul. "It was a whole community of people painting and hiding rocks. I just loved it and thought, I can make those. 

Paul later took on the organisation of the local makers market and decided to look for a studio space of his own.

"I've always been artistic, I've always dabbled in something or other that's creative. All my life I've drawn and painted, but my job has never been creative. I'd paint the back drops for amateur dramatics while working in an office. 

Paul couldn't work as a therapist during Covid and fancied a change in direction.

The studio, which opened at the end of February, offers a creative space to visit or hire, drop ins, activities, and has also hosted cream tea and craft workshops, hen parties and birthday parties for adults, all at affordable prices.

"This is where my heart lies, this is what I've always wanted to do. It's been a massive directional change in my life, purely through finding a stone in lockdown. It's all snowballed from there and I'm absolutely loving it. It's growing at a nice pace and I couldn't be happier.

I'm a good all rounder and, if I don't know how to do something, I can find someone who does

"Nothing is set in stone. I'm happy for people to just come in and have a cup of tea and see what we're all about.

"I want it to be a studio for all whether they want to paint a stone or make an intricate design. 

"People can come with friends or come and make friends, which seems to be happening. I'm always on hand if people want ideas or help."