A Darwen crafter has turned her passion into a thriving business, going from creating in her one-bedroom flat for fun to generating more than £100,000 a year.

Rebecca Milla, 38, studied fashion at college and was determined to get into the creative industry but found it incredibly difficult to secure a job in the sector.

For the next 10 years, she worked in retail, feeling her creative skills were being wasted.

After falling pregnant in 2018, Rebecca began redecorating her home with handmade wall hangings and dream catchers, with a friend suggesting she should try selling her creations on the craft e-market Etsy.

Her creations quickly gained worldwide attention, with items selling out quickly, which gave the entrepreneur the idea to commit to it full-time.

She now has a turnover of more than £100,000 a year, with customers across the globe loving her creations.

Rebecca said: “I was on the dole for three months, then I got a job in retail and that went on for 10 years.

"I didn’t use any of the creative skills I learnt in college or any of the things I was good at for 10 years.

“The reason why I thought that would be a good place to start is because I had no hope to do anything like this.

“This was not achievable at all, and I never chased the artistic side and went into retail, and I had no confidence.”

Selling her unique creations, like crystal sunlight DIY kits, through her website Vanir Creations, Rebecca has seen high demand for her products.

In addition to her popular kits, she offers a repurposing service where she transforms disused items, such as lampshades, into stylish home décor pieces.

Now with clients in Japan, Colombia and Australia, Rebecca shares her talents with her 300,000 followers on Instagram and runs workshops through East Lancashire.

Rebecca added: “The point I want to make is everyone can do it.

"You can start little by little and anyone can do this - you just need to put the work in and go and find the information.

“I learnt from watching YouTube and other people and I thought I was going to do the same thing and share my experience, and I did and it has just blown up.”

Her latest event will take place at Beeston Manor in Quaker Brook Lane on December 1, which encourages creatives to get together and make some amazing artwork.

All the materials will be provided alongside a buffet and live music.

For more information or to sign up, visit the Vanir Creations website.