Welcome to Wild Thorn Collective
Hello and welcome! I’m so glad you’ve found Wild Thorn Collective, my creative corner of the world where artistry meets craftsmanship. This first blog post is my chance to introduce myself, share the story behind Wild Thorn Collective, and give you a glimpse into the inspiration and vision that drive my work.
Meet the Maker
I’m a former finance executive turned artist, woodworker, and creative entrepreneur. After years of working in higher education finance, including senior leadership roles at UNC and Duke, I decided to take a leap last June and explore something completely new. While my career in finance taught me discipline and organization, it left little room for creative expression. So, I left the spreadsheets behind to follow my passion for creating beautiful, functional, and meaningful pieces of art.
But let’s rewind a bit. I’m a proud military brat who spent my childhood moving around the world, from Germany to Texas and many places in between. After earning my history degree from the University of Virginia (go Hoos!), I planted roots in Chapel Hill/Durham while attending grad school at UNC (go Heels!). Over two decades later, this vibrant community has become the longest I’ve ever lived anywhere.
When I’m not creating, I’m likely wrangling my two dogs, Finn and Peanut. Finn is a rescue who has never walked a day in his life—he trots everywhere with endless enthusiasm. Peanut, on the other hand, is my escape artist, always sniffing out the nearest open door for his next great adventure. If I wasn’t so afraid he’d get hit by a car, I’d love to put a GPS tracker on him and see what he would do if he was able to roam free. They keep me on my toes and add so much joy to my days.
I also begrudgingly get on my Peloton bike for Power Zone classes with Matt Wilpers and Christine D’Ercole. It’s a love-hate relationship: I never want to start, but I’m always glad I’ve done it. (Christine’s inspirational speeches don’t hurt, either!)
A Creative Journey
I’ve always had a deep appreciation for art and craftsmanship, but it wasn’t until I started taking woodworking classes and playing with digital art in Procreate and Canva that I realized how much I love creating. I come from a family of creatives, and art has always been a part of my life, although I never thought I was capable of creating (I have that left-brain finance mind). My goal is to create art and home decor that sparks joy, whether it’s a hand-painted wooden star, a colorful digital print, or a one-of-a-kind gift. I love bold, vibrant colors.
What You’ll Find at Wild Thorn Collective
Wild Thorn Collective is a reflection of my artistic journey and my love for thoughtful, creative gifts. I aim to be your go-to destination for:
Artistic wood items: Handcrafted and hand-painted wooden pieces that bring a touch of charm to your home (coming soon!).
Wall art - Vibrant, imaginative prints that brighten any space.
Other home decor and gifts: Unique items that make perfect presents for friends, family, or yourself.
Each piece is made with care, creativity, and an eye for detail. Whether you’re shopping for a statement piece for your home or a personalized gift, I hope you’ll find something that speaks to you.
Looking Ahead
Thank you for being here and supporting my dream. If you’d like to stay updated on new products, upcoming projects, and behind-the-scenes stories, be sure to subscribe to my newsletter (available on my Contact page) and follow me on social media.
Here’s to art, adventure, and discovering the beauty in every day.
With gratitude,
Katie Thornsvard
Founder of Wild Thorn Collective
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