AN UNEXPECTED series of events saw Lyn Atwell take voluntary redundancy last year.

She put her 15-year career at Ipswich Hospital behind her and used the time to set up her own online business Petals and Polka Dots which specialises in unique hand-crafted baby gifts.

She creates nappy cakes and baby gift bouquets by intricately folding items of babywear to look like flower buds.

Mrs Atwell said: “I came across this idea quite by accident when out with my daughter Amanda one day. We saw a little posy of baby clothes and thought how pretty and what a lovely unusual gift.

“Amanda made a bouquet for a friend and from there the idea grew.”

Mrs Atwell and her husband Neal work together from their Rushmere St Andrew home and said the experience has been a huge learning curve from setting up a website and business legalities to marketing and finding suppliers.

“I thoroughly enjoy being my own boss and working alongside my husband,” she added. “We make a good team and it’s fantastic that I have the support of my family and friends.”

Mrs Atwell is offering Star readers a 10 per cent discount code, IPST10, online at www.petals-and-polkadots.co.uk which will be valid on all products from September 1 to December 31.