World Book Day is a chance to introduce children to the joy and magic of the written word. Speaking from personal experience, it is also a chance for parents to learn some self restraint!

When I was studying fine art, I had a teacher who used to drive me insane by scrawling all over my lovingly executed drawings. Now I have to fight the urge not to become that very same tutor! When I was pregnant, this was not in the the vision I had of the future. In those naive daydreams I was always serenely creating (in a sunlit studio of course) with my child prodigy next to me banging out his latest masterpiece! 

So the temptation to stick my oar in and make my son's entire costume myself for World Book Day is overwhelming. Now, I don't want to come over as the pushy mum but there is a prize to be had here! 

We really do tread a very fine line with our costume making. I will never forget the cautionary tale of when my nephew had to dress as a chicken for the school play. There they were, all lined up on the stage. There stood Jacob in his homemade, yellow, cardboard beak and feet and his Granny's old fur coat. The other parents had obviously all nipped down to a branch of 'Costumes are Us' and fought grimly over the best feathered outfits for their little darlings.
When I asked my Sister In Law what he looked like she replied; 'He looked like the kid who's parents had forgotten about him until five to nine on a Monday morning'. 

Anyway, I think we have come to a happy compromise this year. My son has decided that he would like to go as 'The Slightly Annoying Elephant' by David Walliams. I have made the headdress. Well, I had to, I couldn't possibly endanger my son by letting him use the sewing machine, could I? He will be making the adoption certificate featured in the book. It will look brilliant because it will be done on the computer so the text will be as beautiful as a monk's  manuscript!

Pictures next week!

For as long as I can remember, making and creating has been my passion. Mum always used to say to people that I was never without a pencil in my hand. My sister was fourteen years older than me and she became a huge influence on my creativity. I was extremely lucky! I have a vivid memory from when I was just three years old of her leading me out of the world of stick men and showing me how to draw real people with bodies and legs. I can still remember the little picture she drew with a Biro of a girl in a calf length coat and lace up boots! Isn't it funny how these things stick with you?

This week, has been a rollercoaster ride of emotions at Crafty Jo Designs headquarters. There have been whoops of excitement and tears of despair. But what, I hear you cry, what could be the cause of this heady mix of anguish and joy? Well, grab yourself a cuppa, settle down and I will tell you the exciting tale.

I am frequently amazed by the amount of customers who follow their enquiries about my designs with phrases such as "sorry to bother you", "I hope it's not too much trouble" or "sorry to be a pain". Maybe it's because we live in an era of supermarket giants and fast food, we no longer expect customer service. 

When selling items that are supposed to look beautiful and creative it is so important that your photography is as visually stimulating as possible. Sometimes though, the lengths I go to can be extreme!

At the start of 2013 I never imagined that I would be working for myself full time. It had always been my dream to be self employed but I never quite had the courage, until now!

Last Saturday, I decided to set up stall and give it a go at our local annual event, Bevfest (so called because it is held in Bevendean, Brighton and it's a festival). Anyway, you would think nothing could be easier. All I had to do was take a two minute stroll down the hill and set up. Just goes to show how wrong you can be! 

Hello all, Blimey, the clock is ticking and the moment of truth is nearly here! I have just a few days left until I take the plunge and become totally self employed. On the 31st July 2013, Crafty Jo Designs will become my full time occupation. I have to admit, it's a little bit scary but exciting too.  

Hello all, Well I have just about come down off cloud 9 after my time at the Glastonbury Festival. 

Well, I may seem very relaxed in this picture but looks can be deceiving! The past few weeks have been madly busy. In between altering wedding dresses, finishing commissions, working a job and looking after my son, I have been putting together my website! I hope you like the look of it as this is just for starters. Soon my pages will be even more stuffed to the gills with gorgeous handmade accessories, gifts and home ware. 

Small and perfectly formed
If you want something a little bit different to your average high street fayre, you have come to the right place. I believe that unique, handmade designs can not be beaten by mass produced goods. Handcrafted items shine with the care and attention they have been given. Each one is a small personal statement from the designer. I will be keeping in touch with regular updates on this little blogspot. Do feel free to comment and if you have any enquiries, please do get in touch via the contact page. Ta ta for now my discerning readers and customers.