Many years later, a friend who had taken a paper making class introduced Judy to the art, "first with a blender and an iron, later with a handmade Hollander and a 20,000 ton paper press."

"Making paper," she says, "is a rigidly structured process with certain inviolable rules. However, you can also make paper by throwing handfuls of pulp on the floor."

She is largely self-taught, but credits workshops taught by the Museum of New Mexico Print Shop and the University of New Mexico Continuing Education program for some of her skills and inspiration.

Born in Missouri, and educated at the University of New Mexico, Judy is a professional librarian who has worked with the Albuquerque Public Library system and the Albuquerque Public Schools. She has also taught at Albuquerque Academy.

She is also one of New Mexico's premier storytellers. She has performed on Albuquerque's KUNM (89.9 FM) radio and at musuems, schools and public libraries throughout the state. Her extensive repertoire includes folktales from cultures the world over.

Top left: Paper artist and storyteller Judy Hatfield (top).