HAVING a steady hand and an eye for detail has helped former nurse Marlene Hobson launch a unique business that specialises in cutting paper.

The 44-year-old, from Stobo, set up ‘Oh Lizzy’ with help from Business Gateway Scottish Borders after demand for the paper art she produced as a hobby rocketed.

Initially surprised by the popularity of her intricate works of art Marlene is now looking to add an e-commerce facility to her website to capitalise on her initial success which will allow her to sell her art throughout the UK.

As well as producing a Scottish range, the mother-of-two also specialises in hand cutting personalised family trees and unique, one-off wall hangings to commemorate births, weddings, anniversaries and other special occasions.

She said: “The idea for the business came about after demand for the art I was producing using tartan paper and Scottish phrases grew. I’d only stumbled upon papercutting when out looking for a wedding present.

“I came across a lovely vase by visual artist Rob Ryan, the UK’s most famous papercutter, which I thought was stunning and I did some research into the art form, bought myself a start pack and spent hours practising. The immediate popularity of my Scottish range made me realise I could make a living from my hobby and Oh Lizzy was born.” She added: “I got in touch with Business Gateway initially to help with the development of my website as I really didn’t have the first clue and was very unconfident and shy.

“The initial meeting had a bit of a floodgate effect and once I’d been to one workshop I was really eager to do more. My adviser was as excited and as positive about my business as I was and went out of her way to help me.

“If she hadn’t guided me along and pointed me in the right direction I’d still be feeling my way in the dark.

“With her help I’m now looking to add a buying facility to my website so that customers can buy ‘off the shelf’ designs if they see a particular cut that they like.” The art form, which appeals to all ages from nursery rhymes for youngsters to five generation family trees for great grandmothers, requires patience and accuracy meaning different cuts can take varying times to produce - a basic four name family tree takes a minimum of two hours before framing.

Wilma Norris, an Adviser at Business Gateway, said: “Marlene came to us with a very unique business which produces unique works of art that will be loved for generations.

“As well as one to one advice, and help getting her website up and running, she attended a number of workshops that gave her the knowledge she needed to get started. Her business has great potential and the e-commerce facilities that will soon be added will help Marlene capture a whole new market.” To find out more about Oh Lizzy visit www.ohlizzy.co.uk Find out how Business Gateway can help you by visiting www.bgateway.com