Okay, okay. I know it’s been like 6 months since we last sat a spell with a good cup of coffee, but I don’t have time to explain where I’ve been and why I took a brief sabbatical in this post. We will chat about it later because it’s a really important issue affecting many, many people. *pinky promise I won’t forget* *setting a reminder in my phone right now* Now, go grab a good cup of coffee and sit a spell as we chat about a darling shop and makers space in the Historic Town of Jonesborough (which Hallmark really should just move its headquarters here).
There’s a lot of stories in the building where The Corner Cup and Mill Spring Makers Market are located-which isn’t surprising considering it’s located in Tennessee’s oldest town. If you ask Melinda Copp, the owner of Mill Spring Makers Market, she will cheerfully tell you about the history of the building, and you can also take a guided Historic Walking Tour of Jonesborough to discover even more. Believe me. We could chat all day long about “if these walls could talk”-but I’d rather focus on the here and now and how much fun there is to be had.
Mill Spring Makers Market had me at “Drop-in Terrarium Class.” Let me give a little backstory about why I love terrariums and why I just had to go to this particular class. When I was little (perhaps 5 or 6), my parents helped me make a terrarium using moss gathered from underneath the two giant oak trees in our front yard. I had it for many years until it finally gave up on me. Thinking back, I became too busy for my terrarium garden, and it wasn’t as cool as Strawberry Shortcake. Even though I lost interest in my little moss jungle, I never forgot about it. So, when I saw Melinda was hosting a drop-in terrarium class, I had to go and take my daughter with me because I wanted her to experience making one like I did decades ago.

Christy Shivell, co-owner of Shy Valley Native Plant Nursery, and her daughter did an awesome job teaching the drop-in terrarium class.

We braved the crazy rainy weather to create our terrariums, and it was totally worth it! Thanks, Mill Spring Makers Market for hosting this class! It brought back such sweet memories and helped make new ones *big hug*
Great news! You can create your very own terrarium at Mill Spring Makers Market on Monday, September 17, 11:00-4:00. The creating starts at the beginning of each hour. I’ll probably be there at 1:00 because my little moss jungle needs a friend *wink*
As I stated earlier, Melinda’s makers market had me at terrarium. From there, I just kept making and shopping (from statement earrings to itty-bitty pottery). The inspiring ambience and smell of leather goods as you walk in the door invites you to explore. It’s a place filled with local and regional talent. Artisans who take great pride in their work, and Melinda’s space perfectly captures their fine craftsmanship.

During the Grand Opening celebration, I painted the themes for my upcoming drop-in classes in a mini journal handmade by Terry Alexander.

My journal I crafted at Terry Alexander’s journal making class. This class was fabulous, and I really hope Terry has another one soon because it was so much fun learning about junk journals and connecting with new people and hanging out with fellow artists!

During the journal making class at Mill Spring Makers Market in Jonesborough, I learned how to make “pockets” for my pages.

Don’t miss out on a thing! Like and follow Mill Spring Makers Market on Facebook and @MillSpringMakers on Instagram.
The best thing about the classes|workshops from Mill Spring Makers Market is learning and playing in a warm and encouraging environment with all the supplies you need right in front of you. No need to stand in line at Michaels. No need to watch hours of YouTube videos by yourself. No waiting on UPS to deliver your package of supplies you’ll have to hide from your kids, significant other, or the furbabies. All you have to do is schedule a little me-time and show up ready to have fun!

One of the marble papers I created at the Japanese Paper Marbling class by Christy Shivell. This was the coolest class!!! I’ve always wanted to do this, but I didn’t want to invest in all of the supplies. This class gave me the opportunity to learn and play without spending all of my coffee money *wink*
For the first time ever, I will be teaching my most popular micropainting themes at Mill Spring Makers Market. Join me every Thursday in September from 3:00-5:00 to learn how to illustrate and paint your very own micros *happy dance*
September 6:Â On Point Cacti
September 13:Â Cool Campers
September 20:Â Urban Jungle with various succulents + houseplants
September 27:Â Love of Coffee
Also, join me for TWO exclusive workshops:
Thursday, September 20, 6:00-8:00:Â Urban GardenÂ
Saturday, September 22, 2:00-4:00:Â Art on a String:Â Fall Favs
Thanks so much for sitting a spell with me today as we chatted about Mill Spring Makers Market in Jonesborough. Be sure to like and follow me on Facebook and @ChasidyHathorn on Instagram for more details and sneak peeks of my upcoming classes and workshops.