Karen Dailey has been chosen to be the 2012 Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Artisan of the Year.

While Karen has always been involved in the arts she has recently pursued the art of wire work, wrapping, recycling and re-working beautiful stones, beads, and buttons into her contemporary jewelry designs. After collecting sacks of “grandma’s jewelry” from her friends, Karen “mined” these beautiful stones from the old pieces and now incorporates them into her jewelry creations-giving these stones a second life while creating beautiful, one-of-a-kind rings, pendants, necklaces and brooches.

Karen’s first love is painting, which she has been doing for 40 years, mostly self-taught. For the past ten years she has been working in water colors. Her first watercolor painting was from a veranda in Bellagio, Lake Como, Italy, where she painted a series of buildings. These pictures and others showing local scenes have been turned into popular note cards.

Using a photograph of one’s garden or house Karen will create a framed watercolor and set of personal note cards. Another favorite gift is Karen’s hand painted designs on glassware and wineglasses, which make beautiful unique presents. In addition, Karen is involved in show organization, publicity and recruitment of volunteers.