Judy Judkins

182 Searsport Ave (Rt 1)

Belfast, ME 04915

(207) 338-0480

At Maine Differents, I offer a wild variety of handcrafted goods including wreaths and other floral arrangements, painted furniture, sculpture, and jewelry, as well as custom designs with special emphasis on recycled materials. I try to see what is uniquely beautiful about everyday things and then find a way to call attention to that beauty. People are often surprised at the unusual materials incorporated into my work! I recycle everything and offer a credit for "trade-ins" to my customers who are redecorating or just want something new. I also refresh my arrangements later for a small fee when the inevitable breakage occurs or flowers fade. I can even come to your home or business and design a decoration that will be perfect for your door!

Although I worked full time as a computer systems manager for nearly twenty years, my BA is in Art and I've been a free-lance artist for most of my adult life. My work is available at MainExpressions in Bangor, Frazees in Fairfield, on my Web page, and at my new studio in Belfast. I've been a regular exhibitor at juried shows including Colby College Craft Fair, The Gathering in Vassalboro, Kennebunkport's Prelude, and York's HarvestFest, and have recently expanded to writing for the craft publishing business.

Two of my designs have been purchased by Floral and Nature Crafts, (a Better Homes and Gardens special interest magazine). An original design was selected for display at ACCI, a national crafts trade show in Chicago, and I am now working on a book of original projects incorporating locally available natural and recycled materials.

My first adult ed class, "Five Incredible Things You Can Make from a Grocery Bag" was so well received that some people now call me the "Grocery Bag Lady". Using common brown paper bags and glue, my students have created the most extraordinary sculptures and decorations. I've offered many other papier mache classes via local adult ed programs, at Michaels Arts & Crafts stores, and also private and small group lessons from my studio and home.