From the cottage at Crows Chase

A warm welcome to you from Crows Chase Cottage. Autumn is now in full swing, with numerous fall festivals and craft fairs on the horizon. The season has also afforded me the opportunity to teach several journal based and mixed media art classes. These classes have been a joy to teach. The participants are extremely creative and excited to learn new techniques in crafting. I can definitely say our classes have been merry groups, exuberant actually. Even though many of us have never met, our love of art and creating made the atmosphere one of friendship.    I was beyond giddy at the excitement each person emanated during the learning process. To be honest, even though it is a completely different atmosphere than the history lecture hall, being able to teach again was rewarding. Being able to teach something which you yourself are so passionate about, is inspirational. When the participants are so pleased with their creations that they want to continue that artistic journey, you ...

  A warm welcome to you from Crows Chase Cottage. It has been an eventful week, filled with long drives, studio work, and getting to know other artists within our community. Needless to say, I definitely felt overwhelmed with the 'newness' of it all. Several of my mornings now consist of a lovely 45 minute drive along narrow back roads that lead to state route 127. Despite my dislike of driving on mountainous roads, the magnificent scenery is always a reward. It only takes a few minutes after driving down the mountain that the breadth of Sequatchie Valley comes into view. With cloud banks obscuring the upper edges of the valley wall and low hanging rain clouds swooping away to the left, nature's beauty has been on full display this week.    After making my way onto main street, everything moves at a slower pace. I park nearby and make my way to the specialty bakery/cafe next to The Grinning Possum. Their iced coffee is perfect for keeping cool during these humid post rain...