THREE mums are putting their talents to the test with the launch of their first exhibition of their home-made arts and crafts.

The mums, who have six boys between them, are nervous about displaying their paintings, ceramics and textile work but are also looking forward to the public scrutiny.

Elizabeth Oliver, of Winterbourne, Sarah Farwell, of Kingswood (Wotton), and Hannah Hornig, of Wotton-under-Edge, met at toddler groups and quickly became friends.

Although they are busy looking after their children, all aged under nine, the mums have found time to develop their creative talents.

Mrs Oliver makes bags and uses a variety of fabrics and textiles. She puts her passion into practice late at night after putting her children to bed.

She said: "It is a matter of fitting things in with our family commitments but that is why we are pleased with ourselves for getting things together.

"I did not know I could use textiles - it is only something I have discovered I could do in the last six months."

"It is much nicer to do it this way than everybody doing things by themselves."

The women - who have dubbed themselves Collaboration - are holding an exhibition at The Chipping Club Room, Wotton, on Saturday, February 26 (9am-4pm) when people will be able to view and buy all the different creations on display.

Children will also be able to make their very own Mother's Day cards. Mrs Farwell will be displaying her watercolour and pastel paintings, which have been exhibited in Bath, Yate and Frampton Cotterell.

Mrs Hornig completed a teaching degree in Cheltenham specialising in ceramics. She creates colourful clay beads which she makes into jewellery and watch straps.

Mrs Oliver, who has had her work displayed by the Bath Guild of Embroiderers, added: "We are hoping that people will be interested to see what we have been doing and may want to buy things, but we don't know and have panicked a bit.

"We have to take the bull by the horns though and hope some people come."

Wotton-under-Edge artist Jill Davies will be holding an exhibition of her work during the same weekend, for Under the Edge Arts - this takes place at the Civic Centre, due to building works at the town's arts centre.

Jill will also be running an art and craft family workshop on the Sunday afternoon (February 27) - for details, contact 01453 844296.