Crafts

Crafts

“As a member of the senior editorial staff of Canadian Living magazine, I worked with Jo for more than 25 years. Service journalism, which requires condensing complicated ideas into easy-to-follow instructions, is a specialized field — one where Jo shines. She combines exceptional writing and editing skills with practical know-how in lifestyle areas such as handcrafts, gardening and food.”

— Anna Hobbs, writer and editor

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A textile graduate of the School of Crafts and Design at Sheridan College — and someone who has loved to marry her mind with her hands from childhood on — I’m always experimenting, designing and making all kinds of crafts ranging from knitting, sewing and quilting, to assembling stained glass, woodworking and carving. This hands-on knowledge of materials and techniques — plus my experience leading workshops and keeping an eye on current trends — helps me develop appealing, accessible projects.

When I’m designing and writing any how-to piece — or assigning and editing one by another designer — I ensure that the listed materials are economical, available, appropriate and complete, and that the method is the least-complicated but best way to achieve a successful and satisfying result for the maker. I also build in reader takeaway — such as good books and online resources — plus tips on how readers can exercise their own creativity to customize each project to suit themselves. space

To see Crafts story samples, click on pdf samples or — for a quick look — click on the thumbnails, lower right.