About

Hi! I'm Karen M. Andersen.  I was born in and still live in Queensland, Australia. My childhood home was built by my Dad on a 2 acre bushland property and it was here that I grew up, surrounded by birds and possums and kangaroos, making art and playing with my much-loved Barbie dolls, exploring our bush neighbourhood friends and the nearby beach with my cousins, and being taught to sew and craft by my mother and grandmothers. Those years formed the mixed-media artist, sewist, quilter, crafter, and scrapbooker that I am today.

I am a thirty-something mum to 2 tweenage children and am engaged to the most wonderful man. We live in an airy, colour-laden 1960's home which we are currently renovating. Our part of the world on the south-east coast of Queensland is peaceful, picturesque and tropical, known for its historical buildings, and is nestled beside the largest sand island in the world. Our calm ocean waters are laden with majestic migrating humpback whales between July and November each year. It's a wonderful place to call home.

I have an unrelenting obsession with colour and pattern which weaves its way into every aspect of my life and an incessant need to be always making something. I spend my days planning life in my Simple Stories Carpe Diem planner, scrapbooking (Project Life), painting, drawing,  sewing, making new quilts, and renovating and redecorating our home. When I am away from the everyday, I love to get out and about, enjoying all that our beautiful region has to offer, exploring the plethora of nearby beaches, wilderness, and towns with my family. 

I love to share inspiration, my hopes and dreams for my artistic future, and my adventures through this handmade life here on my blog with you. Thank you so much for visiting me and for your support. Check back often for new happenings fresh from my little red and aqua studio.