As you enter Judy and Rich Escallier’s home, your eyes are drawn to a painting of poppies that captures the strength of these stunning flowers.
Who is the artist?
Rich said, “Judy painted that. She is very talented. She does woodworking, knitting, gardening. She designed the landscaping for our home.”
Judy’s painting of the flowers is an extension of her love for gardening.
“I am a member of the Garden Club here in Sun City. I enjoy the club. I enjoy planning the programs and the social aspect of the club. Before we moved to Sun City, I volunteered as a Master Gardener for the Park District. It was a program offered by the University of Illinois.”
Master Gardeners learn how to improve home landscapes, grow their food, care for household plants, and manage pests. It is a nine-week training program offered by the University of Illinois. Upon completion of the Master Gardener training, graduates selected become Interns and need to complete 60 volunteer service hours in the next two years to become an active Master Gardener.
Also adorning the walls is a colorful quilted wall hanging. Judy said, “I liked the colorful and bright colors of fabric. I created the piece using paper piecing patterns. This is a fun size to use as a wall hanging. I have joined the Sew N Sew Club and the Gazebo Quilting Club.”
On the shelves are small wood birds carved by Judy.
Judy said, “I joined a group for wood carvers at the Woodshop. If you have never carved before, the friendly members help get you started. We haven’t been able to meet throughout the year because of the pandemic. We have classes such as beginning carving, bird and animal carving, and wood-burning, and there are books for project ideas.”
Judy picks up a small piece that is in the shape of a bird, but very smooth.
“It’s a worry piece. Worry wood is a very simple way to get rid of negative emotions or stress. It’s very smooth, it feels good when you touch it. You can just hold it or rub the surface.”
On top of the shelves are hand decorated gourds. For centuries, people have dried gourds for utensils, ornamental purposes, and more.
Judy said, “I used pine needles from Mexico to weave on the top of gourd. The needles are much longer from the pine trees there. I use colored pencils to add dimension to the gourd. I used the seeds from this gourd to make a shingle roof on this gourd home.”
Judy has her workspace in the basement. There, her craft areas are well organized. She has a canvas upon an easel where she is painting another flower painting.
Judy said, “I used acrylic paint making it appear to be a soft watercolor effect. It’s a technique I learned from the Pencil and Palette Club.”
Another area is set up with the tools for wood burning. She has a few sewing machines set up and has a collection of antique toy sewing machines.
Is there anything Judy can’t do? Her list of talents goes on.
“I do knit. I joined a knitting group 10 years ago. I just jumped into it and worked at it. I had to concentrate on some of the pieces but I did it.”
What is Judy’s motivation?
“You have to just begin. Eighty percent of your time is devoted to learning,” she said.
