A local boxing club owner is branching out with an art and upcycled furniture shop.

Rachel Joyner stumbled across her new venture accidentally, after she started painting to help her wind down from running Red Kite School of Thai & Kickboxing.

She opened her shop, Rachel Joyner – Art & Upcycled Furniture, on Garstang Road in early March. Rachel is hoping it will become a hub for local creatives and people interested in art.

She said, “I’ll be painting or upcycling in the shop most days when I’m open. I want people to feel free to pop in and have a look at what’s going on. I’m hoping other artists will come in with a sketch book, and have a sketch and a natter.”

Read more: Old Docks House has new owners and could become creative hub

Rachel’s art is created in a variety of mediums but watercolour pencils and acrylics are her preferred choices. She uses chalk paints, original hand-painted bespoke art work and decoupage for her upcycling projects.

As well as Rachel’s own original art and upcycled furniture, the shop features work from local artists Rebecca Freear and Christine Wilson. Preston-based tattooist, Stu Nellas, will be the guest artist until the end of April.

The shop stocks smaller items including mugs and cushions. Rachel takes commissions and can create murals, pet portraits and wedding packages.

In addition, craft workshops for pre-school kids will be starting from Monday 26 March. During school holidays the sessions will be open to kids aged 7 and under. Adult art workshops for beginners and the “artistically challenged” will begin soon.

The shop, which is at 24 Garstang Road on the corner of Kenmure Place, is open as follows:

Monday 11am – 2pm
Tuesdays 12pm – 2pm
Wednesdays 12pm – 2pm
Thursday 11am – 2pm
Friday 12.30pm – 2pm
Saturday 11am – 2pm

Find out more on the RJ Arts website or Facebook.

Will you be visiting the shop? Let us know in the comments below.