Karen finds inspiration in a surprising variety of places—fashion and popular magazines where a photograph will suggest a motif, beading magazines and books, and her circle of “beading” friends. She is also inspired by the natural world, reproducing animals, flowers and human faces in her work. Bead sellers who have new items to debut frequently ask her to design a piece using the new beads in prototypes to inspire other beaders. Her designs with instructions have been featured in “Step-by-Step Beads.” She has created “kits” for her classes that are available in a variety of colors.

Karen has taught classes in most of the techniques she has mastered. She founded a series of classes for Innovative Beads Expo in 2004. She not only taught classes at shows in the northeast, she managed the class schedule from top to bottom until 2007 when she felt a need to redirect her energies toward her own work and commissions. She’s taught at local bead stores, Bead Fest in Philadelphia from 2001 to 2007, and Berks Bead Bazaar in Reading.

Karen has quite a following and executes commissions for necklaces, bracelets, and matching earrings. Her work has brought her many fans and friends including one who lives in New Zealand, who saw her work in a gallery, and who now corresponds with Karen through e-mails and sends gifts for holidays. Karen enjoys working with clients on color and bead preferences. To see her work, make an appointment by e-mailing blewdress@gmail.com.