Hi, I'm Karen.

I'll be honest—writing about myself is not exactly my comfort zone. I'm much more at home behind a laser cutter, a camera, or a sewing machine than in the spotlight. But if you're trusting me to create something for your home, your family, or a special gift, you deserve to know a little about who's making it.

Before Thistlewood Creations, I spent nearly 30 years as a registered nurse working in cardiac and neuro ICUs, recovery rooms, and operating rooms. Nursing taught me that details matter, precision matters, and most importantly, people matter. That approach follows me into every project I create today.

Creativity has always been part of who I am. Over the years I've explored photography, sewing, woodworking, painting, and more crafts than I can count. I spent several years as a professional photographer specializing in high school senior portraits, and I've always loved creating things that become part of someone's story.

When I first used a laser at a local makers group years ago, I was immediately hooked. Life got busy, and owning one wasn't in the cards at the time, but I never stopped thinking about it. In October 2025, I finally took the leap and purchased my own laser. What started as a creative hobby quickly became something much bigger.

Today, my husband and I are both retired, and I spend my days creating personalized gifts, custom door signs, laser engraved keepsakes, seasonal home décor, nursery décor, ornaments, and one-of-a-kind pieces designed to celebrate life's special moments. Whether it's a gift for a new baby, a welcome sign for your front door, or a custom piece for your home, I love bringing ideas to life.

I also started Thistlewood Creations because I believe creativity should be shared. In addition to creating custom products, I offer DIY sign workshops and craft parties in the Toledo, Ohio area. My goal is to give people a chance to slow down, spend time with friends, and discover that creative spark we all have inside us. There's something special about watching someone leave with a project they made themselves and a little more confidence than when they arrived.

My favorite part of this business isn't the equipment, the materials, or even the finished project. It's the smile when someone sees a personalized gift made just for them. It's hearing that a custom sign found the perfect spot in their home. It's knowing that something I created became part of a memory worth keeping.

Thank you for stopping by. Whether you're looking for custom home décor, a personalized gift, laser engraving services, or a fun DIY workshop in Northwest Ohio, I'm grateful you're here and would love the opportunity to create something special for you.

Laser Crafting • Personalized Gifts • Custom Home Décor • DIY Workshops

Maumee, Ohio • Serving Toledo & Northwest Ohio • Retired RN • Lifelong Maker