My
name is Katherine Ann Johnson Lees; nickname “KAT” – born in Highlands, a Jersey Shore gal. My dad was a lobster fish
man and my mother worked for International Flavors and Fragrances. I am married
to my best friend affectionately called “Macgyver” by my doll friends. We have
two grown children and two wonderful grandchildren now grown.
Ever
since I could hold a pencil I was drawing cartoons from the newspaper. My
ground is in retail, promotion and design. I have had a variety of wonderful
careers along the way.
Just
to name a few; Beeline Fashion with a fashion show held at the Stowaway Hotel
in Highlands and my models were all local ladies; Home Interiors Consultant,
Secretary at Bahrs Real Estate, Natural Bridge Wax Museum, Interior Design work
and painted murals, to name a few.
White
working at the Downtown Development Association We fought the Blue Law in
Virginia, went to the General Assembly in Richmond, lobbied and WON, very
exciting to say the least.
Last
but not least owned and operated Mountain View Bed and Breakfast for 6 years.
My
introduction into textiles began in 1979 when I could not get a cabbage patch
doll for my daughter Tara. So I thought if I can’t buy one I will make one and
took my first doll making class.
I
purchased a doll magazine and posted a note and to my amazement the famous doll
artist, Gloria ‘MIMI” Winer answered my post and invited me to her home for the
weekend to test her Universal Doll Pattern. She did not know at the time but
she changed my life forever.
I
have won ribbons and awards and have had my work published in Contemporary Doll
Magazine, Soft Dolls and Animals , Doll United and Dolls Bears and Collectibles
Magazine in Australia. I design my own patterns and teach classes online and in
person. I work in both fabric and clay
designing dolls in size from 5 inches to 6 foot life size people.
I
was lucky enough to be part of G-Street Fabrics doll club in Maryland. We
decided to create Historic Dolls for the White House. I create a Portrait doll
of Mrs. Laura Bush at the time and was one of six that went to the White House.
That was an experience I shall never forget.
Benartex
fabrics in New York asked me to design three dolls (using their fabrics) for
the Houston Quilt Show in Texas. I was co-owner of Cloth Doll Artistry online
club with my best friend Connie McBride Johnson and I ran for 9 years.
I
am a member of the Society of Decorative Artist Painter, Lake Miniature Guild
and Professional Doll Makers Art Guild. About
three years ago I discovered the fascinating world of Miniatures. I am
currently designing my own line of Miniature Dolls, patterns and E-Books.
We
have retired to sunny Florida where I was in the Stitch Sister Doll Club for 7
years in New Port Richie. I continue to take classes to expand my knowledge
base and perfect my doll art journey. I absolutely love the gift god bestowed
upon me and I am ever so grateful to him.
I
love creating and cannot exist and be happy unless I am designing, decorating
and painting it truly all is the windows to my soul. . I am grateful to god for
these gifts he has given me.
To
see my works of art go to;
1 comment:
Kat, I am so excited to have found your web-site. I've been looking for instructions for making Santos Cage Dolls and after much searching I found your web-site. I wonder how I can subscribe or get emails from you or do you have a blog? My email is: omi0423@gmail.com. I would so much like to hear from you.
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