Context:

Judith Hope Blau, originally a painter, turned an unexpected venture into bagel art into a successful career as a children's book author and toy designer. Her journey started with creating bagel necklaces, which gained immense popularity, leading to her being dubbed the 'Bagel Lady'. Blau’s bagel art expanded into various products, including socks, bedding, and plush toys, while her storytelling led to the publication of 'The Bagel Baker of Mulliner Lane'. Beyond bagels, she designed toys for major companies like Hasbro, and her creations sold millions worldwide. Blau continued to innovate with educational programs and books, using her artistry to teach children about nature and life’s transitions until her passing at 87 due to congestive heart failure.

Dive Deeper:

• Judith Hope Blau's foray into bagel art began as a venture inspired by her husband to create necklaces from mini-bagels, which quickly became popular and turned into a family business, with her family helping in various capacities.

• Her bagel creations were not limited to necklaces; they also included napkin rings, wreaths, and candleholders. This unexpected success led to her being called the 'Bagel Lady', with media attention and even knockoffs emerging.

• Blau's artistic career took another turn when McGraw Hill invited her to author a children's book, resulting in 'The Bagel Baker of Mulliner Lane', which was inspired by her grandfather, a bagel baker known for entertaining children with humor and creativity.

• In addition to her bagel-themed products, she expanded into toy design, creating successful products such as Sweetie Pops and Baby All Gone for Hasbro, with millions of units sold globally.

• Her early life challenges, including being bedridden due to clubfoot and rheumatic fever, fostered a creative spirit. She engaged in various artistic activities to entertain herself, which laid the foundation for her later success in art and design.

• Blau’s commitment to education and the environment was evident in her creation of Treetures, characters designed to teach children about nature, and she authored books that explored themes of greetings and farewells in life.

• Judith Hope Blau’s legacy is marked by her innovative fusion of art and functionality, transforming mundane objects like bagels into whimsical art and impactful educational tools for children.