A MOTHER of two is still in shock that her pictures were featured on the front cover of the world’s leading face painting magazine.

Kelly-Jane Erkin, 42, of Upwell, had to be persuaded by friends to send in examples of her work to Illusion magazine and did not think they would be displayed so prominently in the Summer 2013 edition.

She said: “Normally the artists featured on the front cover of the magazine are the superstars of the industry, who have their own distinctive styles.

“One of my friends kept on at me to send in examples of my work but I never thought I was good enough.

“I eventually agreed and a few weeks later got a call from the editor, who told me to look at my computer.

“When I saw the front cover I started crying so much my partner thought someone had died.

“I’m still struggling to take it in but I’m so proud. It is a complete honour to be given the front cover and I can’t describe how much confidence it has given me.”

Kelly-Jane gave up her job at George Clare Surgery, Chatteris, three years ago to start up KJ entertainments, an events company. with her balloon modeller partner Dan Catt.

They provide entertainment at weddings, birthday parties and a host of corporate events.

Kelly-Jane does not expect her life to change dramatically because of the front cover but she admits it has raised her profile in the industry and opened some doors.

She said: “I’m not going to be doing face painting for the queen but last week I was able to train with Jennie Saunders, one of my idols, at The London School of Face Painting.

“She was amazing with me and made me feel fantastic about my work.”

To find out more about Kelly-Jane’s work go to www.kjentertainments.co.uk