Hello, I’m Julie Ashworth; ex-teacher, book lover, designer/maker.

I lived abroad for many years teaching English as a Foreign Language. This led to an exciting and successful career as a writer and illustrator of English Language Teaching materials which are used worldwide. Publications include the best selling language course Stepping Stones; the award winning Footsteps reading books and Jet magazine; the Longman Picture Dictionary and I-Spy language course for Oxford University Press.

I came back to the UK in 2001 and now live and work in West Yorkshire. The seeds for Yoojoo started with a silversmithing course and the creation of metal bookmarks for family and friends in the shape of their favourite animal. In order to present the finished pieces attractively I decided to place each animal within a scene - and so the prototype cards emerged.

Encouraged by the friends who had loved their cards and in search of a new challenge now that my family had flown the nest, I dragged myself (kicking and screaming) into the 21st century by learning computing skills and so Yoojoo came into being.

The range of products available has expanded and is created using a wide variety of techniques both old and new; from the ancient art of origami to digital artwork and printing. These are all combined to form unique cards and gifts; the unifying themes being books and upcycling.