In 2018, amidst the quiet moments of waiting for her daughter to drift into slumber, Karina embarked on a journey into the world of design. What began as a nightly ritual of drawing and reading by her daughter's bedroom door blossomed into a passion for creating repeat patterns. It was then that PicketAndVine was born on Instagram, marking the inception of Karina's artistic exploration.
As she delved deeper into the creative realm, Karina found solace and fulfilment in the vibrant collage-style florals that became synonymous with her brand, Karina+Kind. Motivated by the therapeutic nature of art, particularly during her recent pregnancy, she resolved to combat post-natal depression through her craft. This commitment propelled her to establish and nurture her art fabric shop - Karina+Kind, serving as a beacon of positivity amidst life's challenges.
Despite lacking formal education in arts or design, Karina's innate creativity, nurtured since her teenage years, paved the path for her artistic endeavours. From writing poems to experimenting with various art forms, her journey culminated in the captivating world of paper collage and digital pattern design. With each stroke on her iPad, she found endless possibilities for expression and experimentation.
Balancing her passion with her part-time role as a property valuer, Karina draws inspiration from her upbringing in the serene landscapes of rural Australia and the enchanting vistas of Norway. Nature, florals, and the intricate details of paper crafting fuel her imagination, infusing her designs with a unique charm and whimsy.
I asked Karina about her designs and which print is her favourite. Here’s what she said.
“My most favourite is a hard one, I love ‘Rainbow Harvest’ which was actually named by my followers on Instagram so that’s a special one and I also love ‘Luma Forever’ because it was made for International Women’s Day! The ladies of all different colours and shapes really felt special and loveable and I used the word ‘Luma’ meaning ‘light’ and Forever to portray the meaning that women are the world’s ‘light forever’.
‘Over Under Up’ feels purely Australian to me! It is one of my most iconic collage prints and was one of the very first I ever did for Karina+Kind. Bold, happy, playful and a bit beachy in a way! A real eye catching fun one!"
Looking ahead, Karina aspires to maintain her personal happiness through consistent creativity, even amidst the demands of motherhood. With Karina+Kind, she aims to carve a niche as a trusted source of vibrant fabrics, fostering a community of makers with accessible pricing and unwavering dedication.
In essence, Karina's journey exemplifies the transformative power of art, illuminating the path to joy, resilience, and self-discovery. Through Karina+Kind, she not only weaves fabrics but also threads together stories of hope and inspiration, one design at a time.