About me
Hello, I'm Jo, the maker and artist behind Lovely Little Sparrow.
Although creativity has always been part of who I am, my journey into becoming a full-time artist wasn't a traditional one. At 34, I fulfilled a lifelong ambition by studying Fine Art at Staffordshire University, having first completed a Higher National Diploma in Fine Art at Newcastle-under-Lyme College.
As a child, whenever I was asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, my answer was always the same: "An artist and a mum." I feel incredibly fortunate that life has allowed me to become both.
Like many parents, my family has always come first. Over the years I wore many different hats to fit around raising my son and supporting my family. I spent 25 years working in retail and developed a wonderfully varied set of skills along the way, including jewellery making, hat making, wedding photography, and, most recently, working as an early morning school cleaner so I could dedicate more time to building my own creative business.
Looking back, every one of those experiences shaped the artist and maker I am today. They taught me how to create, photograph and sell my work, connect with customers, and embrace those early morning market starts with a smile.
My work has always been centred around the idea of transformation. During my Fine Art studies, I explored the concept of destruction as a form of creation. I dismantled broken household appliances such as washing machines and tumble dryers, transforming discarded metal parts into sculptures. I was fascinated by the idea that something broken could become something entirely new.
That philosophy continues to guide everything I make today.
I carefully rescue broken ceramics and give them a second life as handcrafted jewellery. The remaining fragments are transformed into mosaics, meaning very little goes to waste. I also repurpose vintage cutlery and forgotten household items into beautiful keepsakes that can be treasured, worn or gifted. Sustainability is at the heart of my work, and I believe every object deserves the opportunity to tell a new story.
Creating beauty from what others might discard isn't just what I do—it's my purpose.
People often ask about the name Lovely Little Sparrow. It carries a deeply personal meaning. The business is named in memory of mine and my husband Matt's first baby, a little girl we would have called Esme. We have experienced the heartbreak of losing two babies, and this business is my quiet tribute to them. It allows me to carry their memory with me every day in a way that celebrates love, hope and creativity rather than loss.
Throughout my life, I've learned to find light in difficult moments. Turning something broken into something beautiful has become more than my artistic process—it's become my way of seeing the world. Every piece I create is made with care, intention and the positive energy I strive to bring into everything I do.
Thank you for taking the time to learn a little about my story. I truly hope that when you choose a piece from Lovely Little Sparrow, you feel the love, craftsmanship and meaning behind every creation.
Always,
Jo x
Contact
I'm always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect.