About Me and My Blog

I was born and raised in Southwest Michigan and always had a love for animals and the outdoors. Growing up I spent most of my summers fishing on the local lakes and camping. After graduating high school, I packed up my bags and headed out west to attend farrier school and learn how to pack mules in the Sierras. What was supposed to only be a 12 week learning experience turned into almost 4 years of traveling the country as an outfitter, ranch hand and all around cowgirl.

After having my son, Cahl, I revisited my passion in Fiber Arts, processing, carding, dyeing and spinning wool and opening CJ Kopec Creations, an online eBay shop in 2004 and I later joined Etsy as they took the handmade revolution to the next level in 2007.

I'm an over user of the comma, tea sipper, queen of run on sentences, Pride & Prejudice fan, nap lover and maker of all things crafty. The idea of creating something from scratch has always put a sparkle in my eyes. Who doesn't like a nice homemade gift???

My love and passion for the outdoors was set aside while life threw difficult times at me and my family. But recently, I have decided to take time out and enjoy my need for woodland trails and bare feet.

Chasing Heartwood was founded with the intention of sharing my story with others and sharing the lifestyle that I, as an outdoor lover, crave. 

You can read more about the founding of Chasing Heartwood in my very first blog post now featured on the Home Page.