photo by Steve VanGunda

Judy Day displays some of her homemade Christmas trees built from recycled material.

Woman turns recyclables into decorations

By Adam Koob (Contact) | The Natchez Democrat

Published Monday, November 10, 2008

NATCHEZ — When The Dart landed near the Natchez Convention Center on Saturday, those with a love for arts and crafts, and a high tolerance for Christmas music, gathered to get a jump on the holiday season.

Among the craftiest of the craftsmen at Saturday’s show was Judy Day, of Natchez.

Day has been making Christmas crafts for more than 20 years.

But to say Day likes Christmas, and the crafts that go with it, is an understatement.

“Oh, I just love it,” Day said looking over a table of sparkly Christmas trees. “Look at all the glitz, all the glitter. I love all things Christmas.”

And while Christmas is still more than a month a way Day’s already planning for Christmas 2009.

Though craftsmen are certainly not unique at a craft show, Day’s art and professional background do stand out.

Up until six years ago Day was a prison Guard at Angola. A stroke compromised her sight and she was forced to retire.

While Day has been making Christmas crafts since her 20s, now in her 50s, she said it was not until she stopped working that she gave more of her time to her art.

And with all that time off, Day looks no further than her house and everyday surroundings for inspiration.

All of the crafts Day makes are made from recycled materials and at one time had nothing at all to with Christmas.

Day’s Thanksgiving turkey decorations are made from a chestnut glued on top of a walnut with little eyes and faux feathers.

Her ornaments are also recycled.

Some are made from old CDs she’s painted with the face of Santa Claus, and others are made from old puzzle pieces she fashioned into a wreath.

“It’s all stuff that’s already around the house,” she said. “I recycle everything.”

Her space balls, like a giant, shining orb, are made from nearly 50 clear plastic cups that have been glued together and glow with Christmas lights.

Her kids call them Judy Balls.

But one of her hottest sellers came from the mess in her closet.

“I’m like Mommy Dearest, I hate wire hangers,” she said.

So, instead of tossing out all the hangers in her closet she twisted them into a frame that later became a miniature Christmas tree.

At her booth at the show she had rows of the little trees decked out with tiny ornaments.

And while many shoppers aren’t even thinking of Christmas yet, Day is already trying to figure out how to make bigger hanger trees for next year’s Christmas season

“I’m already looking forward to it,” she said.