A DETERMINED Westcott woman hopes to use her unusual combination of skills to break the shackles of unemployment and regain custody of her children.
Nine years ago, Helen Chandler was happy to give up a flourishing career as a joiner, painter and decorator to raise her two children.
But after seeing her marriage end, her mental health deteriorate and her children taken in to care, she found herself unable to get a job.
Now, after a successful course of therapy and a year of failed job applications, Mrs Chandler, 42, has launched two ventures capitalising on her creative abilities with saw, hammer, paintbrush – and needle and thread.
"I thought it would be good to use the skills I have," said Mrs Chandler, who has set up Busy Bee Sewing and Alterations and Mzzz Sawdust.
"I started sewing when I was 13. As a teenager I used to make soft toys for everyone, but when I was 14 I discovered wood and, instead of becoming a dressmaker, I decided to be a joiner."
At first Mrs Chandler, of The Burrell, topped up her apprentice's wages sewing for friends and family.
Later, she developed her skills further making costumes for her son which were much admired by other mothers.
"No one could believe that I had designed and made these outfits so quickly," she said. "They were saying I should go into business. That was where the idea came from.
"This is to try and get me back into society and to build a network of friends as well. I've been trying to get myself together and get moving forward."
Through Busy Bee, New Zealand-born Mrs Chandler will offer a visiting repair and alteration service which she can fit around childcare arrangements if she regains custody of her children.
She will also design and make clothes as well as cupboards and desks.
"My main focus is the sewing but I am quite happy to keep doing joinery in case anyone wants to use my years of woodworking," she said.
"It is a bit weird to have a woman who is so madly in love with timber yet at the same time loves sewing. It's a bit strange, but I've never been one for sticking to the norm."
Contact Mrs Chandler on 07504 705727 or busybeesewing@live.com
