Hello! I’m Kristy — The Mad Cow Behind One Mad Cow! 🐮
Part cowgirl. Part artist. Part crafty chaos. 100% One Mad Cow!
I grew up in Central Queensland, my parents working in both the mining and farming/station worlds.
I have spent most of my married life traveling and co-managing with my husband John, large cattle stations in Northern Australia, in Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia.
I am the mother of 2 boys, whom I’m very proud of the young men they have grown into. A beautiful daughter in-law and the most gorgeous little granddaughter.
I love the amazing life I get to live. My life has been filled with family and wonderful friends and the opportunities to live and work in a lot of different industries and amazing landscapes across Australia. We’ve worked in so many different industries, from shipping freight companies, cattle stations, mining, live export, helicopter mustering and fixed wing charter companies, trucking companies, banking, construction and other odd & sod jobs throughout our lives. We’ve not only caught cattle but we’ve done buffalo catching and croc catching and the stories we tell of the life we have lived, the people we have met and worked with, I’m sure most people don’t always believe them!
I love spending time with my husband, kids and family, traveling, cooking, reading, diving, coffeeing with friends, scrolling instagram, sewing, gardening, fishing and of course art! My mind is constantly on the go with new ideas, and I hope you enjoy following along on my crazy life!
Welcome to my colourful little corner of the world, where cows have attitude, creativity has no rules, and life’s far too short for boring!
I’m Kristy — the hands, heart and slightly crazy imagination behind One Mad Cow.
By day, you’ll find me co-managing a cattle station in the spectacular Kimberley region of Western Australia. My world is full of red dirt, cattle, horses, dogs, big skies and the occasional bit of organised chaos.
It’s not your average nine-to-five, that’s for sure!
And when I’m not in the station office, chasing cattle, juggling station life or covered in red dust, there’s a pretty good chance I’m covered in paint, surrounded by fabric, cooking, playing with beads or dreaming up my next crazy creation.
Some women collect shoes. I collect art supplies, fabric, beads and unfinished projects!
A Little Bit Country, A Whole Lot of Colour!
Living in the Kimberley is a pretty amazing source of inspiration.
The colours, characters, wildlife and wide-open spaces have a way of sneaking into my creations.
But don’t go thinking everything I make is about cows and the outback!
One Mad Cow is a colourful collection of whatever takes my fancy.
One day I’m painting a cheeky cow with attitude, the next I’m making jewellery, sewing a funky clutch, experimenting with a new art technique or creating something I hadn’t even thought of yesterday.
If I can paint it, cook it, stitch it, bead it, glue it or turn it into something fabulous, chances are I’ll give it a crack!
I love bold colours, quirky designs, a touch of western flair and anything with a bit of personality.
Matching everything perfectly? Not really my thing.
Having fun and making something different? Now you’re talking!
Why One Mad Cow?
Well, let’s just say the name fits! 😂
I’ve always had a creative streak, a slightly cheeky sense of humour and a tendency to get carried away when an idea pops into my head.
One Mad Cow isn’t about following trends, sticking to one style or doing things the way they’re supposed to be done.
It’s about creating what I love, having a laugh along the way and refusing to be put into one neat little box.
Because quite frankly, I’m not a one-trick cow!
Some creations are colourful and crazy. Others are simple, rustic or a little bit elegant.
And sometimes they’re completely unexpected.
That’s the beauty of One Mad Cow. You never quite know what’s coming next.
To be fair, neither do I!
Handmade, Heartmade and Occasionally a Little Wonky!
There’s something pretty special about making things with your own two hands.
Whether it’s an original painting, a pair of earrings, a handmade clutch or one of my latest creative experiments, every piece starts with an idea and a whole lot of enthusiasm.
I love trying new techniques, playing with different materials and seeing where my imagination takes me.
Sometimes things turn out exactly as planned.
Sometimes they take a completely different direction.
And sometimes I stand back, scratch my head and wonder what on earth I was thinking!
But that’s all part of the adventure.
Life’s too short to be boring, and creativity is far too much fun to take seriously all the time.
Red Dirt, Big Dreams and a Creative Heart
I’m lucky enough to live and work in one of the most beautiful parts of Australia, surrounded by the rugged landscapes and everyday adventures of station life.
But I’ve also learnt that life shouldn’t be all work and no play.
One Mad Cow is my little creative escape, my happy place and a chance to build something that’s completely my own.
And the older I get, the more I believe that you should never stop trying new things, chasing ideas or doing whatever makes your heart happy.
You don’t have to be perfect.
You don’t have to follow the crowd.
And you certainly don’t have to act your age!
A little bit of madness keeps life interesting.
Come On In and Join the Herd!
Whether you’re here for a colourful painting, a funky pair of earrings, a handmade clutch or simply a good stickybeak, I’m glad you’ve found me!
Have a wander through my creations, see what catches your eye and don’t be surprised if there’s something completely different next time you visit.
Because One Mad Cow is always evolving, and there’s usually another crazy idea brewing somewhere in the background.
Thanks for supporting my creative adventures, from my dusty little corner of the Kimberley to wherever you call home.
And remember…
Be bold. Be colourful. Be a little bit different.
Because life’s too short to follow the herd!
Cheers,
Kristy 🐮
Chief Creator, Cow Wrangler & Professional Collector of Craft Supplies
ONE MAD COW
Handmade with heart, a splash of colour and just the right amount of crazy!