About Kate's Crafty Cottage

"You don't have to be named after a Ninja Turtle to make something beautiful!" - Kate

My name is Katelyn Gerhard and I've grown up in East Moriches my whole life. Coming from such a small community, I noticed early on that there were not many options for extra-cariculars in our area.   

The summer before I entered 3rd grade, I began attending a wonderful camp, which I continued annually until I reached the age to become a counselor. I learned so much from those experiences: about myself, my passions, my values, friendships and what it means to be supportive, and eventually as a counselor, the great joy I received from guiding young people to discover all those wonderful things for themselves.   

I'd return to school each year with happy memories, but back to the same stifling school environment. I always looked forward to Art class, but I was a shy and quiet child, and never really received the attention needed to build confidence in myself as an artist or a creator. I would feel embarrassed when my work didn't look as realistic as other's, and eventually I just gave up.   

Looking back, my heart breaks for that little girl, brimming with creative energy and enthusiasm and desperate for just one person to help guide her. It wasn't until I was out of college that I decided to give it another go, and I began teaching myself, practicing, and taking up more creative hobbies than any one person should ever have!!!  

It's on that foundation that Kate's Crafty Cottage was formed. I believe that every child deserves an outlet, guidance and to feel pride in what ever it is they do. Creating something is such a personally rewarding experience,  but even more so when you have the support of those around you. Art and beauty are subjective, and children need to be taught that if they did their best, put their heart into it, and, most importantly, enjoyed the process, what they've created is a part of them, and therefore, extraordinary!