Latest journal entry

My First Market: Notes, Lessons & A Very Popular Bunny
On Sunday 23 November, I attended the Beckenham Arts Association Christmas Market at St George’s Church Hall. It was my very first in-person market as Josephine’s Creative Journal. I went in with equal parts curiosity and mild panic, armed with far too many products, far too few bags, and absolutely no idea what to expect. Turns out, it was a surprisingly fascinating marketing experiment… and a very wholesome day. Who Came By (and Who Bought What) Based on the footfall and the very scientific method of “glancing up while crocheting... Read more...
Crochet for Him: 10+ Crochet Patterns for Men This Fall & Winter
The fiber arts community, like many creative spaces, tends to have more women than men. As a result, you can easily find thousands of beautiful, feminine patterns, but it’s a little harder to find designs that feel more masculine, neutral, or unisex.Thankfully, our approach to clothing is becoming more open and genderfluid. Patterns that are made to measure or designed with simplicity and versatility in mind help fill that gap.One of my favourite things about crochet is the ability to make something meaningful : thoughtful, handmade, and full of time... Read more...
My Favourite Fall Nail Polishes: Cosy, Witchy Shades for Autumn 2025
Autumn is, without a doubt, one of my favourite seasons, and not just for the crisp air and endless cups of tea. It’s my favourite colour palette: rich ochres, deep reds, and velvety greens that make everything feel warm, nostalgic, and a little bit enchanted.As I have mentioned in other posts, I love doing my own nails. It’s such a relaxing ritual, that small pocket of quiet time where I slow down, focus, and emerge feeling instantly more put-together. And in fall, it always feels just a bit more witchy... Read more...
From ‘OMG You Should Sell It!’ to My First Christmas Market
OMG, You Should Sell It! If you have any sort of creative, crafty skill, you’ve probably been told this before. I know I have. For the longest time, I never really took it seriously. The same way I would never have started this blog if it weren’t for the gentle (and persistent) encouragement of my partner. What we make is often personal, so we share it only with those closest to us. For me, compliments felt like tokens of affection rather than genuine interest. And like many creatives, I have... Read more...
Introducing Josephine’s Creative Journal's Etsy Shop!
Somewhere between sketching in Portuguese cafés, taking photos on my travels, reconnecting with my love of watercolours, and slowly working on small handmade projects, I realised I wanted a home for all these pieces of daily creativity. That home is Josephine’s Creative Journal, now also an Etsy shop. It’s a project shaped by my love of aesthetic joy in everyday life: the play of light on stone, the quiet pace of handmade craft, the small rituals that make life feel soulful. What you will find right now: Art prints &... Read more...
Best Products for Fine Wavy Hair: My Tried-and-Tested Routine
My hair is fine and wavy. It is pretty low maintenance but prone to frizz and dryness, which it experiences regularly. Over the years, I tried a lot of products and only remember the ones I liked enough to repurchase or that had something memorable. Henna deserves its own article, so I won't touch on it here. Washing I like a variety of shampoos, both solid and liquid. Here are my favorites, in order of preference and by brand: Lush Godiva, which is so moisturising it does not need a... Read more...
On Idleness and Quiet Moments
I don’t think I have been truly idle often, and the idea itself intrigues me.To be idle… Is it an inability to act, or simply the absence of any desire to do something “productive”? What if true rest is not emptiness, but the mind unburdened, free from anxiety or the relentless pressure to optimise every waking moment? From childhood, we are taught to avoid idleness at all costs. We equate it with laziness, even depression. So when we feel unproductive, guilt follows closely: yet another reminder that we’re not doing... Read more...
Crochet Summer Capsule Wardrobe [PART 2]: Final results and Lookbook
As I write this, I’m about nine months into my crochet journey… long enough to grow a baby! This project kind of is my baby: hours upon hours of choosing patterns, curating a colour palette, and building the skills I needed to bring my dream summer capsule to life. I have made so many pieces in the process, and it’s been such a satisfying challenge: creatively, technically, and emotionally. Let’s get into it. The Plan (spoiler: I went a little overboard…) Originally, I set out to make two dresses, a... Read more...
What’s in My Travel Art Kit: Compact Watercolour Supplies for Sketching on the Go
I’m super excited for my upcoming trips this summer. I have a feeling I’ll come across lots of inspiring places, colours, and textures, which of course means... art supplies are coming with me! But let’s be honest, space is always the issue. I remember the days when a carry-on came with your flight ticket (sigh), but now I avoid paying for one unless I absolutely have to. This means everything I bring has to be compact, efficient, and worth it. My go-to colouring technique is watercolour, but lately I have... Read more...
10 Summer Essentials I Cannot Travel Without (From a Summer Baby)
London has not been this hot in years! And I’m here for it. I love summer (I'm a summer baby, so I might be biased). It always brings back good memories and the excitement of making new ones. I almost always travel during this season, which means I’m rarely home for my birthday. Over the years, I have fine-tuned a list of must-haves that keep me feeling my best wherever I go. Here are my top 10 summer essentials: 1. Monoi Oil My skin is always dry, whether it’s from... Read more...
Why a Silk Scarf Belongs in Every Summer Wardrobe : A Capsule Wardrobe Essential
As I am finalising my summer crochet capsule, I have started thinking seriously about travel packing. I’ll be away for almost a month, and the goal is to pack minimally but not boringly (I need to shoot that lookbook!). I think of a great packing list and capsule the same way I think of a good meal: a balance of textures, colours, and flavour. Crochet brings the texture. Silk scarves bring the colour. I have always loved scarves. I get goosebumps anytime it’s under 25°C, so I like something around... Read more...
Top Nail Polishes for Spring & Summer 2025: Reds, Nudes, and Holiday Favourites
I really enjoy doing my own nails, it's oddly therapeutic. Letting someone else do them? Absolutely not. That’s a chalkboard-screeching experience for me. Unsurprisingly, I wear mostly variations of red and nude or sheer shades (see my piece on red lipstick for proof). But when the sun comes out, so do some of my more playful favourites. Regardless of colour choices, having a little something on my nails always makes me feel, well... polished. We’re in the middle of one of the UK’s hottest summers (finally!), so I have rounded... Read more...