Join me on the front porch each Sunday as I introduce you to one of my friends who I have met through a mutual love of quilting and needlework. I will have the pink lemonade and cookies waiting for you!
Today I would love to introduce you to Judy from Australia!
This is one more busy woman and lets no dust collect below her feet! She runs 3 blogs and stays busy making crafts every day!! I have trouble keeping up with 1 blog, let alone 3! Be sure and visit Judy at:
Judy's Fabrications,
Judy McCarthy's Drawings,
Judy's Fun Freebies, and her
Flickr photostream!
I sent Judy a request to tell us a little bit about herself and I would love to share that with you now!
Throughout her interview I will be inserting photos of some of Judy's awesome works! You will have to visit her blogs, scroll back through time and continue to be amazed at her work! I had a really hard time deciding which photos to use! Her work is definitely amazing!!
This is what Judy would like for you to know about herself:
I have been a Junior Primary teacher for almost 30 years. I was a mature-age student
(went to college when I was 27 - graduated when 30). Worked in offices as a clerk before that for 9 years. Went back and did a Bachelor of Education in 1986 (graduated then).
I went to Art School part time in 92/93. Did drawing and Art History.
My father was very good at drawing and my cousins on dad’s side drew, painted, carved etc. Mum did woodwork, great sewer, furniture restoring, cake decorating.She was always doing something creative. Everything she did , she did well!!!
I did my first doll making workshop in Adelaide with Patti Medaris Culea. Had hardly ever done any sewing. So nervous!!! I was hopeless at sewing in school. In grade 7 it took me from grade 6-7 to finish one pair of shorty pj’s!!! I was bad!!! After the doll workshop, I just liked the idea of doing dolls. Just kept going, and did a few more workshops, but realized I don’t do well in workshops so have worked on my own since then.
Found I loved drawing faces. Have had 3 art exhibitions. First one in 1993, I think. Almost sold out!! I did large charcoal drawings. Didn’t sell much at other 2.
I have done a small amount of teaching to adults. I taught a group for a year in Cloth Doll making. Think I prefer teaching children- much more FUN!! I tutored privately in my home for 9 years. Love teaching these kids, as they try SO hard! Started tutoring while working full time( I had energy back then!!).
I have eclectic tastes - possibly because I have had to keep an open mind re: children - they come in all shapes, sizes, backgrounds, and have used many teaching methods. No one method is right for all children. I take from here, there, and everywhere. The only style of art I can’t take to is Prim and the really ugly so-called Art Dolls which don’t seem all that well made (I am a bit of a Perfectionist!!).
Hey, I am “warming to this”. You will have to shoot me to stop me soon!! he,he. Hmmm….I have an active mind, and like to challenge myself. I love rich textures, and colour!! I love clowns, Jesters…theatre. I used puppets a lot in schools. I did relief teaching for 3 years, and used them greatly. They helped engage the students right from the start, and I made the kids laugh. I loved that. Children’s laughter is MUSIC to my ears!!
At the moment, I am loving the Zentangle type of drawing. I have always wanted to improve my drawing, but never kept it up for long. Now I draw practically every night, and feel I really am improving at last. My drawings are becoming more delicate.
I have studied Women’s Studies too. As I went on with my education later in life, I value education very highly. I used to work hard trying to motivate the kids, and often worked in “poor” schools.
I love gardening. I love a challenge - a bit stubborn. If someone says I can’t do something, I want to prove to myself that I can - even if I haven’t much natural ability in something(like sewing).
I once was a Governess on a Cattle Station in Outback Australia. Very isolated, and I taught a 7 year old. He only knew 5 letters when I came to the station, and did year 3 exams, and passed well by the time I left.This was when I was a kid of 18. I had no training in teaching - just thought I could do it!!
Not sure what comes next- I always planned everything until this year(Retired). I have no plans now. Just live each day. I play mostly all the time. Rush through house cleaning and I am fairly organized, so I don’t waste time. I have met fabulous people on-line, and I write to several, and swap lots of parcels with women in the USA and Canada. The American women have been FANTASTICALLY supportive!!! I can’t believe how much. I feel I don’t really deserve such praise, but it is nice all the same!! I want to improve my sewing skills - I always feel apprehensive when starting something unfamiliar, but I live with that! I have learned loads of things on-line!! Mostly American women doing the tutorials!!
I have no children - had 100’s in schools. No energy for any at home. Teaching WAS my whole life really!!
My husband is going to retire soon. Want to travel within Australia. I will be calling in to see people I have met on-line, and hope to do some workshops in small groups with people I have heard of on-line.
WOW!! Thank you so much Judy for such an interesting read!! You are one more talented lady and I wish I lived closer to you! I know your home is bursting with the lovelies you have made over the years!
And I wish to take this time to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the wonderful things I won in your giveaway! The package came in yesterdays mail but I was waiting to post them with your story! I love it all and the 2 doll pins will be on display with my other art dolls given to me by friends. I will be using the fibers in my crazy quilting and the Christmas card will be on display throughout the holiday season! Thank you ever so much!
Please, if you ever come to the U.S., let me know! I would love to have you as a guest in our home! Maybe you might do a doll workshop for me and my friends while you were here! :)
FYI: Judy gives due credit to all designers on her blog from whose patterns she may use in her creations. When you visit her blogs you will see these credits under each photo. :)
