Crafty Studio in Australia
I feel in the mood for a little interior inspiration, how about you? Today I want you to come along with me to visit the red and aqua blue home-based craft studio of mixed-media artist and mom Karen Andersen in Hervey Bay located on the southeast coast of Queensland, Australia.
Karen sews, quilts, embroiders, and creates jewelery, “I just cannot have idle hands — I am always making something!”, which is one reason why she just launched her new etsy shop to sell some of her wares – to satisfy her need to create. Currently, she has glass tile pendants but in the early part of 2010 she will expand her selection to include some of her original art, prints, beaded jewelery, totes and pouches, paper goods and more. Here are some things that she has made an a glimpse into her studio space.
How did I find Karen? On Flickr! I was looking at her inspiration journal set and then noticed that she had photos of her studio and I had to contact her to ask if I could show a glimpse of it here. I also asked Karen which artists inspire her, which she has so nicely answered below (thanks, Karen!).
Karen is inspired by many things, one being, “Independent artists/makers who are living their dreams of creating for a living”, like Elsie Flannigan, Rachel Denbow, Kelly Rae Roberts, Mati McDonough and Lisa Congdon. Also Australian artist Ken Doneis her all-time favorite. Thank you Karen for sharing a corner of your world with us!
(images: karen andersen)
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December 16th, 2009 at 1:59pm
Aqua has just become my new favorite. I love all the bright colors against the neutral walls.
.-= My Owl Barn´s last blog ..Scarf+Chocolate =-.
December 16th, 2009 at 2:49pm
wow! this workplace is presh!!!!! the colors really sing to me = )
.-= Nuit´s last blog ..Holiday Chic =-.
December 16th, 2009 at 3:03pm
My studio at the moment consists of a footstool that has a box inside. Yup, that’s it. But, hubby just got me a sewing machine for xmas and I found a vintage desk on the New York streets that will become the very beginning of my studio.
I feel inspired by these women who create meaningful spaces of their own! It’s a process; I’m loving it!
.-= Lydia, Clueless Crafter´s last blog ..Don’t Be Tardy for the Party =-.
December 16th, 2009 at 3:13pm
I love that inspiration board! I’ve been on a search to find the perfect one. And that just might be it.
Actually, I love everything about this workspace.
.-= Brandi´s last blog ..East Coast Sadness =-.
December 16th, 2009 at 3:40pm
Love this workspace. The colors are so vibrant and fun!
Thanks for sharing,
{ Lindsey }
greatfullday.blogspot.com
.-= lindsey´s last blog ..Folk in Frames =-.
December 16th, 2009 at 3:43pm
Love the mood the aqua color evokes. Great looking room to create things in and nice crafty details here and there.
.-= Lisa @celebrate CREATIVITY´s last blog ..The Pleasure of Poinsettias =-.
December 16th, 2009 at 3:55pm
what a fun, colorful studio. Thanks for sharing.
xo,
cristin
.-= cristin @ simplified bee´s last blog ..DIY – Inexpensive, Handmade Gift Wrap Ideas =-.
December 16th, 2009 at 4:02pm
Oh, I love the sewing machine cover. So pretty.
December 16th, 2009 at 4:23pm
Hey there!
Congratulations for making into the Times Online – best pick of design blogs!
http://property.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/property/interiors/article6953167.ece?token=null&offset=36&page=4
Yay!
December 16th, 2009 at 4:39pm
Thanks for taking us off the beaten path and into Karen’s studio. It’s a real delight! Looks like such a lovely place to work.
December 16th, 2009 at 4:59pm
The cone garland is just gorgeous. I love the homespun quality of her craft space from the fire engine red chair to the crochet blanket.
.-= Camilla @ Hygge Nook´s last blog ..Christmas tree skirts =-.
December 16th, 2009 at 5:14pm
this is my kind of post ~~ bright and beautiful!!
.-= laura trevey´s last blog ..Joy, Original Watercolor, 5 by 7, Colorful Home Decor =-.
December 16th, 2009 at 5:22pm
oh la la! want for inspiration archive: now how to save one image without saving the whole bunch???
December 16th, 2009 at 5:32pm
Hi Holly – just spotted that you are number 6 in the 50 best interior blogs (timesonline.co.uk) – CONGRATULATIONS!
December 16th, 2009 at 5:36pm
how can she NOT be creative in a space like that? I literally feel inspired to go create now that I’ve looked at these photos. Thanks for the inspiration – from both of you!
.-= Courtney @ nesting instincts´s last blog ..more is more…and a merry Christmas :-) =-.
December 16th, 2009 at 5:42pm
Hi,
I really love this blue desk on the fifth picture !
Love the contrast with the red elements and the christmas garland is a very good and smart idea !
Hope to see her next creations on etsy very soon !
December 16th, 2009 at 7:00pm
Hey Decor8!! CONGRATS on making into the Top 10 of the Top 50 Design Blogs on TIMESONLINE UK(http://property.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/property/interiors/article6953167.ece?token=null&offset=24&page=3) !!!!
I’m a newbie (just started in November) and you will be my inspiration!! although… I do recall seeing you post on my spaces on RateMySpace (??) Beautiful Blog!!
Mine is: ::: FOCAL POINT ::: at http://nyclq-focalpoint.blogspot.com/
Come by and say hi!!
:D Lynda
.-= NYCLQ ´s last blog ..Form Meets Function =-.
December 16th, 2009 at 7:35pm
so cute. congrats on being in the top 50 design blogs too – so well deserved! =)
December 16th, 2009 at 8:21pm
I loved this story… all that wonderful colour! How could those images not inspire happiness!
Hope you have a lovely day,
Angela
.-= Angela Furlong´s last blog ..Desks & Stuff =-.
December 16th, 2009 at 8:23pm
I absolutely love the bulletin/clip board! Such a cute studio!
December 16th, 2009 at 9:27pm
Love this space…basic white with lots of colours! I would be so happy creating in a room like this!
.-= Yvonne´s last blog ..Peace =-.
December 16th, 2009 at 10:44pm
Such a cozy gorgeous work space! Loving the colors you use and how she display her spools of gorgeous threads. Have a lovely merry happy day and love to you!
.-= jacqueline´s last blog ..Bias toward the Pretty =-.
December 16th, 2009 at 10:56pm
oh my gosh… I’d love a space like this… Amazing!! wow!! wow!!
.-= Patricia Torres´s last blog ..Random red & gold =-.
December 16th, 2009 at 11:10pm
thanks for the mention, Karen! i love your studio!!!
December 16th, 2009 at 11:12pm
That is my kind of crafty room! Bursting with fun and color and polks dots, oh snap! :)
December 17th, 2009 at 4:24am
I really like the mood of the aqua color (my favorite color), just like Lisa above… but most of all it is your selection of photos and how it is nicely all put together. You are so talented!!
.-= Etincelle´s last blog ..FREE SHIPPING – READY TO SHIP – UNIQUE linen dress with sequins and vintage lace – Size 9-12 months ONLY =-.
December 17th, 2009 at 5:13am
You studio is totally amazing!
December 17th, 2009 at 11:54am
I love the concept of the Inspiration Journal. That appeals to me on such a deep level. It combines two my favorite things: notebooks and pretty photos.
.-= Meredith from Penelope Loves Lists´s last blog ..Martha Does Christmas Cookies: and, Why I like Martha Better Post-Prison =-.
December 17th, 2009 at 8:38pm
This is my favorite color combo. I made a Flickr gallery dedicated to it. It is also dominating my living room. This post makes me feel so happy. Off to Flickr I go!
.-= Jessica´s last blog ..Artist Profile: Rachel Austin =-.
December 18th, 2009 at 12:36am
Lovely! Would love to know where she got that spool stand (Im in Australia too).
December 18th, 2009 at 1:05am
Karen! So happy to see her on here. She’s a doll and DOES have a great space. And it made my day to see she mentioned me. BLUSHING.
.-= rachel denbow´s last blog ..May I Recommend… =-.
December 18th, 2009 at 8:34am
Oooooh YAY!!! I am so beyond excited to see my humble little studio on Decor8 Holly! Your post is AMAZING and I can’t stop looking at it. Thank you so much for featuring it/me :D
Thank you to everyone here for your beautiful comments – I am thrilled that you love my space and that it inspires you!
Linda, the spool stand is actually 2 spool stands stacked on top of each other. I bought them from BIG W, would you believe…cost me all of about $3 each. I NEED to have my threads out for me to see, and it stops them from getting tangled up, too. Glad you like it! Now, go to BIG W and buy one (or 2 ) for yourself :)
That’s okay Elsie and Rachel – and I mean what I say too!
Thanks again Holly!
Karen xx
.-= Karen M. Andersen´s last blog ..Glass tile pendants/necklaces =-.
December 18th, 2009 at 12:20pm
Karen- Your space is so lively and fun! What a cool workspace…gives me something to aspire to in my own creative space!
.-= Eliza´s last blog ..Leaves and Feathers: A Winter Giveaway =-.
December 18th, 2009 at 11:17pm
Big W?! Madness! Im off there asap! Thanks for the tip!
.-= LindaS´s last blog ..Second Birthday =-.
December 19th, 2009 at 1:32am
Oh my – how lovely! That is where I want to create!
December 20th, 2009 at 6:47am
Thanks Eliza and Zemphira! And that’s okay Linda – hope you find a couple of those thread stands for yourself too :)
Karen xx
.-= Karen M. Andersen´s last blog ..Glass tile pendants/necklaces =-.
December 20th, 2009 at 11:15am
Absolutely charming.
Just as simple as that.
December 20th, 2009 at 11:56am
Oh, this is beyond delightful. Thanks so much for sharing!
It makes me want to stop sewing and decorate my sewing nook.
.-= Robin´s last blog ..Daniel’s shirt is finished (yay!) =-.
December 20th, 2009 at 2:11pm
Did you make the sewing machine cover yourself? I’d love to buy one! I don’t see any on your etsy page.
December 20th, 2009 at 3:08pm
i would like the same “atelier “(don’t know the word in english) for sewing too! Beautifull!!!!!!!!!
December 20th, 2009 at 3:09pm
and the sewing maching cover is so pretty!!!!!
.-= cassandra´s last blog ..Zara Home invité de La redoute =-.
January 13th, 2010 at 9:41am
What a cheerful studio! Love all the colorful details. :)
.-= Farmgirl Susan´s last blog ..Tuesday Dose of Cute:You Shouldn’t Take Chances with the Food Supply =-.
January 27th, 2011 at 2:27am
Olá adorei o seu blog. Curto crafter, muito. Abraços.