Judy Blasdell, a Chattanooga native, has turned her childhood hobby into her business by using her watercolor designs on many products such as bracelets, notecards and guest towels.
Hixson resident Judy Blasdell displays her handmade bracelets as well as quilts, towels, earrings and notecards featuring her handpainted watercolor designs, many of which have local themes."I have been drawing since I was 5 years old and started the watercolors in the 1970s," she said.
Her business, Judy's Miniature Watercolors, spurns from her love of design and color.
Blasdell's notecards, which feature miniature watercolor drawings of Chattanooga landmarks, wildlife and much more, have been popular in the area since 2000. She only started selling her jewelry this year.
"I introduced my jewelry at this year's Strawberry Festival at the Chattanooga Market," said Blasdell.
The bracelets were inspired when she was shopping during a trip to Sarasota, Fla.
"That's how it happens for me; I fall in love with an item and think 'I'm going to do those,'" she said.
The bracelets are stretchy and feature beads that are hand-painted by Blasdell. She describes the style of her jewelry as "delightfully fun."
"My target customers are carefree women who love colorful and unique jewelry," she said.
Blasdell has recently started printing her watercolor designs on fabric, specifically guest towels. This is a new way for her to showcase her creativity, she said.
Blasdell's merchandise is 100 percent original and she creates the products in her home.
For more information about Judy's Miniature Watercolors visit www.facebook.com/judyblasdell.patchworks.
Email Abby Hill at ahill@timesfreepress.com