HobbyScool

Let’s simplify the holidays—without sacrificing the magic.

If you’re feeling the holiday pressure creeping in already—shopping lists, school events, and trying to make everything magical—this episode is the warm hug and strategy session you didn’t know you needed.

I sat down with Corinne, the founder of Wondermom Wannabe, who helps busy moms create calmer, more connected homes through simple systems and joyful traditions. We talked about how to slow down during the holidays, focus on connection instead of perfection, and build family memories that don’t rely on stress, spending, or schedules.

What started as a conversation about simplifying the holidays turned into a heartfelt reminder of what actually matters: presence over pressure.

What You’ll Learn:

• How Corinne shifted from “doing it all” to creating a holiday season full of calm and connection

• The surprising answers her kids gave when asked about their favorite holiday memories

• Why focusing on “how you want your family to feel” changes everything

• Her secret weapon for planning family time without adding stress: the Countdown to Christmas

• How to make magical memories without spending money (or baking the perfect cookie)

• • What to do when things don’t go as planned (because they won’t—and that’s okay)
  • Why planning your “yeses and nos” ahead of time makes everything easier

Ever thought it’s too late to pick up an instrument or learn to sing? Think again.

In this episode, I sat down with Tara Brueske—professional musician, voice and piano coach, and all-around creative powerhouse—to explore how music can bring joy, healing, and a powerful sense of self-expression at any stage of life. Whether you're curious about dusting off that childhood piano skill or you’ve always dreamed of singing with confidence, Tara shares how approachable (and affordable!) it really is to get started.

We dive deep into her journey as a lifelong musician, her 30+ years of teaching, and the simple steps anyone can take to reintroduce music into their life—even if it’s been decades. From affordable keyboards to community choirs, Tara offers practical, encouraging advice for making music part of your everyday joy.

🎧 What You’ll Learn:

• Why it’s never too late to start learning music

• Creative ways to get started without breaking the bank

• How community choirs and local programs can help you test the waters

• What to look for in online vs. in-person lessons

• How music impacts your mental and emotional well-being

• Tips for beginners who don’t read music

• The surprising benefits of adult voice and instrument lessons

🎶 Whether you’re looking for a new hobby, a way to reduce stress, or a confidence boost, music might be exactly what your soul needs. I hope this episode encourages you to take that first step—your creative spark is worth it. Tune in and be inspired!

Mentioned in this episode:

Where to find Tara: ⁠Website⁠

Tara’s free gift: ⁠The Singer’s Hub

Never miss a HobbyScool event. Join our free newsletter and be the first to know when the next online learning virtual summit launches. ⁠See the full schedule here.

If you’ve ever wanted to start painting but felt intimidated by where to begin—this episode will give you the creative nudge you need.

In this episode of the HobbyScool Podcast, I’m chatting with Jackie Partridge, a mom, artist, art educator, and creative entrepreneur based in Ontario, Canada. Jackie is passionate about helping beginner painters feel confident with acrylics, and she shares some super accessible advice on how anyone can dive into painting—even with minimal supplies.

Jackie also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at her adorable "Crowned in Fall" floral cow painting workshop she created for our Craft and Create Club. From using just three brushes to customizing your own cow with seasonal flair, Jackie walks us through the freedom and joy of making art that’s playful, personal, and pressure-free.

🎧 What You’ll Learn:

• The one thing Jackie recommends all beginner painters do first

• How to start painting without fancy supplies or a canvas

• Jackie’s go-to brushes for 99% of her artwork

• Simple ways to customize any tutorial and make it your own

• Creative inspiration behind her fall-themed cow painting

• Ideas for adapting seasonal artwork to fit your personal style

• Where to find Jackie’s free guide for beginner painters

If you’ve been looking for a relaxing, creative outlet—or a fun way to bring some art into your daily life—Jackie’s encouragement and easy tips are exactly what you need.

Give yourself permission to play, make mistakes, and enjoy the process. Hit play on this episode and let’s get painting together!

Mentioned in this episode:

Where to find Jackie: Website, YouTube

Jackie's free gift: Free acrylic painting guide for beginners

Never miss a HobbyScool event. Join our free newsletter and be the first to know when the next online learning virtual summit launches. See the full schedule here.

Feel the pull to create—but not sure where to begin?

In this episode of the HobbyScool Podcast, I sat down with Jacquelynne Steves, the founder and creative director behind The Art of Home. She shares her passion for “grandma crafts” like quilting, hand embroidery, and appliqué—and shows us why these timeless traditions are making a modern comeback.

Whether you're looking for a creative outlet or a way to slow down and reconnect, Jacquelynne’s advice is the gentle nudge you need to just start.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why hand embroidery is a relaxing, portable, and affordable entry point for beginners

• Creative ways to use and display your embroidery around your home

• What makes quilting so addictive—and how to ease into it with confidence

• The mental health benefits of hands-on creative work

• Why Jacquelynne’s “Songbirds Garden” block-of-the-month quilt is perfect for learning

• How her membership makes quilting feel like play, not pressure

• Tips for getting started with minimal supplies and maximum joy

This is your permission slip to stop scrolling and start stitching.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Where to find Jacquelynne: Website
• Free Gift: Very Versatile Quilt Pattern, with hand embroidery patterns for every season: https://jacquelynnesteves.com/very-versatile-quilt-art-of-handmade/
• Never miss a HobbyScool event! Sign up here.

If you’ve ever wanted to make your own bag but felt overwhelmed by zippers, hardware, or pattern instructions that feel like a foreign language—this episode is your sign to start simple.

I sat down with Monika Potaszynska of All Sew Petite, a designer who teaches makers how to go from following patterns to confidently creating their own.

And it all starts with one beginner-friendly project.

Monika shares how she got into bag-making (spoiler: it began with a favor for a friend), why your sewing background might actually trip you up when making bags, and what it really takes to design your own custom, functional pieces from scratch.

Whether you’re just getting started or dreaming up your own designs, this conversation is packed with encouragement and practical insight.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why a zipper pouch is the best first project for new bag makers

• How sewing bags differs from garment sewing (and why it’s often easier)

• The biggest mistakes beginners make (and how to avoid them)

• What to consider before drafting your own bag patterns

• How Monika finds inspiration and plans her designs from idea to prototype

• A behind-the-scenes look at the Bag Maker Community

• Why “just start” is the advice every maker needs to hear

Whether you're staring at that fabric stash or itching to make something completely your own, this episode will help you take that first step—with confidence and joy. 🎧 Listen in and get inspired.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Where to find Monika: Website and Instagram
• Monika's free gift: A Beginner's Guide to Pattern Drafting
• Sign up for HobbyScool's free online learning summits: https://programs.hobbyscool.com/hobbyscool-event-schedule-sign-up/

Are you building your business on platforms you don’t control?

So many creators and entrepreneurs rely on social media to grow their audience, but what happens when the algorithm changes or your account disappears overnight?

In this episode, I talk with Abby Heheman, Global Marketing Director at GetResponse, our sponsor, about a simple but powerful shift: moving from building your business on borrowed platforms to growing it on channels you actually own, like your website and email list.

We break down what that really means in everyday terms, why it matters, and how you can start taking small steps to protect your business and connect more directly with your audience.

Abby shares practical tips, relatable examples, and easy ways to get started, no tech background required.

What You’ll Learn:

• What it really means to build your business on borrowed platforms

• The simple shift that gives you more control over your audience and income

• How to turn social media followers into email subscribers

• Easy lead magnet ideas that work for beginners

• Why sending a weekly email can be a game-changer

• Real-life stories from creators who made the switch

• Tools and tricks to help automate your email list growth (without overwhelm)

If you’ve been feeling frustrated with low reach or worried about relying too much on social platforms, this episode will help you take back control step by step. Press play and start building something that truly belongs to you.

🔗 Listen now and download Abby’s free guide: Own vs. Rented, full of easy strategies and real examples to get you started: https://marketing-getresponse.com/owned-vs-rented-land-dc

Have you ever started a creative project and then stopped because you thought, "What's the point if no one will see it?" Or maybe you've wondered if your art even matters without the likes and shares.

If that sounds familiar, this week's episode is going to hit differently.

I sat down with artist and creative empowerment coach Lynette Melnyk to talk about the dangerous belief that's silently sabotaging so many of us: the idea that if our creativity isn't visible, it doesn't have value.

Spoiler alert—that's complete nonsense.

Here's what we dive into:

• Why "visibility equals value" is the biggest creative myth of our time
• What happens during those quiet "art cave seasons" when nobody's watching (hint: it's where the magic happens)
• How art heals the maker first, before it ever touches anyone else
• Why you're absolutely allowed to create just for you

Lynette shared something that gave me chills: "Every act of art is a quiet revolution." When you choose to create—whether it's a painting, a poem, or even a beautifully plated dinner—you're pushing back against a world that tells us everything has to be performed for others.

This episode is for you if you:

• Have ever abandoned a creative project because "no one would see it anyway"
• Feel guilty about spending time on hobbies that don't make money or go viral
• Want to reconnect with what actually lights you up from the inside

By the end, you'll understand why your creativity isn't a luxury, it's a lifeline. Ready to start your own quiet revolution?

Mentioned in this episode:

• Where to find Lynette: Website, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook
• Lynette's free workshop: Spark Your Abstract Voice
• HobbyScool's newsletter: https://newsletter.hobbyscool.com/profile
• Podcast show notes: http://hobbyscool.com/podcast/artist-visibility

Key Topics Covered:

• [02:30] The Lie of Visibility Equals Value - Why the belief that unseen art doesn't matter is keeping creators stuck and how to push back against performance culture
• [05:00] Art Cave Seasons Explained - Understanding those quiet, experimental periods where nobody sees your work but real growth is happening underground
• [07:30] Why Art Heals the Maker First - How creativity becomes a way of processing life and accessing emotions that have no words
• [09:30] Expanding Your Definition of Art - From watercolor paintings to poetry to baking—creativity shows up in countless forms in our daily lives
• [10:30] Permission to Create Imperfectly - The one message every creative needs to hear about starting now, not waiting for the perfect moment

Ever returned from vacation with hundreds of photos but feel like you somehow missed the experience? This week's episode might just change how you travel forever!

In our latest HobbyScool podcast episode, we're exploring the transformative practice of travel sketching with watercolors.

Our guest shares how a simple sketchbook and a few supplies that fit in a ziplock bag can help you create deeper connections with the places you visit.

You'll discover how sitting still for just 20 minutes with a sketchbook can actually help you see and remember more than hours of sightseeing with your camera.

Whether you've never picked up a paintbrush or you're a seasoned artist, this conversation offers practical tips for starting your own travel sketching practice.

Learn how to create a compact sketching kit, find time to draw even on busy family vacations, and transform ordinary tourist experiences into personal artistic treasures.

The best part? You don't need any artistic "talent" to begin. As our guest explains, it's like learning cursive—you start simple and build from there.

These sketches become more than just art; they become time capsules of moments that touched your heart.

Listen now and discover how slowing down might be the key to seeing more on your next adventure!

Mentioned in this episode:

• Where to find Cindy: Website (sign up for her free gift), Instagram, YouTube, Facebook
• Podcast shownotes: http://hobbyscool.com/blog/travel-sketching

Episode Highlights:

• [00:02:00] Cindy addresses the common concern "I'm not creative" and suggests starting with a simple sketchbook approach

• [00:04:00] How painting on location changes the way you experience travel and creates lasting memories
• [00:07:00] A beautiful example of sketching at an abbey in Provence surrounded by lavender fields
• [00:08:00] Simple supplies for creating your own travel sketching kit that fits in a small bag
• [00:11:00] Tips for finding time to sketch even on family vacations and busy travel days

Remember when you confidently grabbed those crayons, finger paints, or pipe cleaners without a moment's hesitation? When you proudly displayed your artwork and never once worried if it was "good enough"?

In "Reclaiming the Artist You Were at Age Five," I chat with the inspiring mother-daughter duo behind Caroline Tatham Art, who teach from their stunning historic garden in the UK.

They share how studies show nearly all five-year-olds confidently raise their hands when asked if they're good at art, but by age ten, that number drops dramatically to just 20%. What happens to that creative confidence, and how can we get it back?

Whether you've been told you "aren't creative" or simply feel stuck in your creative practice, this conversation offers practical wisdom for reconnecting with your innate artistic abilities.

You'll learn their three essential tips for unlocking creativity, discover how to find inspiration in nature (even without a garden), and understand the power of community in your creative journey.

Don't miss this heartfelt discussion about trusting your inner child, embracing guided play, and finding that "fizzy feeling" of creative excitement again.

Your five-year-old self would want you to listen!

Mentioned in this episode:

• Free gift: Watercolour Techniques Video Tutorial
• Where to find Caroline & Emma: Website, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook
• Join the free Facebook group to post your work and receive encouragement, gain access to weekly art prompt sheets and take part in challenges for a chance to WIN, like the upcoming Chelsea Challenge this May, celebrating the start of The Chelsea Flower Show: Creative Space Facebook group

• The Cotswold Gardening School Website
• Drone video of their 9-acre historic English garden, designed by Caroline
• Podcast Shownotes: https://hobbyscool.com/podcast/inner-child-artist

Episode Highlights:

• [00:01:54] Caroline and Emma introduce their historic 9-acre garden that inspires their art and teaching
• [00:03:54] Top three tips for expressing creativity: believe in yourself, trust your inner child, and practice regularly
• [00:06:54] Their approach to teaching watercolor through guided play and creative exploration
• [00:09:45] How to find inspiration in nature even without access to a large garden
• [00:13:19] The importance of community in your creative journey and their weekly inspirational resources

This week on the HobbyScool podcast, I had the joy of speaking with mixed media artist and teacher, Consie Sindet, who brings over 20 years of experience teaching creativity to our conversation about developing a playful art practice.

If you've ever felt intimidated by art or believed you're "not creative enough," this episode is especially for you!

You'll learn her simple "three S's" method for starting a creative practice (using supplies you probably already have around your home), discover the liberating concept of "daily-ish" creativity, and understand why perfectionism has no place in your artistic journey.

What I love most about Consie's approach is how she removes all the barriers that typically hold people back.

No expensive supplies needed. No massive time commitment required. No special talent necessary. Just a willingness to play and explore with the curiosity of a child.

Whether you're looking to reignite a dormant creative spark or start your very first artistic practice, this conversation offers the perfect blend of inspiration and practical steps to help you begin today—even if that just means drawing circles on a Post-it note while your coffee brews!

Tune in now to discover how five minutes of creative play could transform not just your artistic life, but how you see the world around you.

Your creative journey is waiting!

Timestamps:

• [00:02:00] Consie shares her earliest art memory of asking her parents to draw hearts for her to color

• [00:03:00] The philosophy behind a playful art practice and approaching creativity with childlike wonder
• [00:06:00] How to start a creative practice with simple supplies, small surfaces, and short time commitments
• [00:08:00] An overview of Consie's Creative Playground membership and its approach to mixed media exploration
• [00:11:00] Using art journaling as a low-pressure way to experiment and develop your creative intuition

Mentioned in this episode:

• Where to find Consie: Website, Instagram, YouTube
• Consie's free gift: 3 Simple Ways to Start a Daily-ish Creative Practice mini class
• Podcast Shownotes: https://www.hobbyscool.com/podcast/dailyish-creativity