The gentle rustle of leaves whispers stories in the breeze, bringing memories of sun-drenched afternoons spent weaving crowns of wildflowers. Each bloom feels like a reminder of my vibrant childhood on the ranch, where the vast sky felt like a canvas and the laughter of animals was the melody of my youth.
Nature was my playground, alive with the curious calls of birds diving and swirling above, the delicate rustle of rabbits softly tiptoeing through the grass, and the wild spirit of coyotes that would serenade the twilight. I thrived in that symphony, learning to listen deeply, to see beyond the surface.
Those lessons of observation crafted a love story between me and the earth—a partnership built on respect and awe. Even now, amidst the same sprawling pastures, I find solace in the moments of stillness, soaking up the rhythm of life that ebbs and flows.
The charm of my small town continues to inspire my creations at Karen Long Studios. With every handmade piece of jewelry or art, I pour that playful spirit of nature into my work. Each swirl of design reflects the joy I discovered as a child in those wild spaces, inviting others to celebrate the beauty that surrounds us all. Let's wander together and find magic in our small corners of the world!
Over 25 years ago, I started painting. The first big thing I painted was a mural in my daughters room. That lead me to a wonderful career of faux finishing in homes. I painted and plastered more walls and ceilings than I can remember.
Later, I started my business Artful Wanderlust. The name came while dreaming of being able to travel in our RV and make and sell art and jewelry. Little did I realized that after Hurricane Harvey in 2017, that reality would be here faster than imagined.
In 2018, after just completing repairs on our home, we loaded up the RV and set off for the wild west of Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. We had seasonal work within the park and continued returning for 4 seasons. Living inside the nations largest intact ecosystem gives you an entirely different perspective.
Now, as I enter another chapter of my life, I am excited to open up Karen Long Studios. As a mixed media artist, I have been blessed with many different creative skills. My work is inspired by nature, a strong desire to be earth friendly, sustainable, and made with my hands and heart