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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 You don’t need more on your plate—you need better systems and clearer priorities. If you're ready to let go of the Pinterest-perfect holiday pressure and focus on what really matters, you’re going to love this conversation. Tune in, take a deep breath, and let’s reclaim the joy this season is meant to bring. Mentioned in this episode: Where to find Corinne: Website Corinne's free gift: Stop wondering "What's For Dinner?"

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: WebsiteFree 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 InstagramMonika's free gift: A Beginner's Guide to Pattern DraftingSign 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 timeWhat 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 elseWhy 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 viralWant 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 FacebookLynette's free workshop: Spark Your Abstract VoiceHobbyScool's newsletter: https://newsletter.hobbyscool.com/profilePodcast 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, FacebookPodcast 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 TutorialWhere to find Caroline & Emma: Website, Instagram, YouTube, FacebookJoin 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 groupThe Cotswold Gardening School WebsiteDrone video of their 9-acre historic English garden, designed by CarolinePodcast 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, YouTubeConsie's free gift: 3 Simple Ways to Start a Daily-ish Creative Practice mini classPodcast Shownotes: https://www.hobbyscool.com/podcast/dailyish-creativity

Ever feel like you're drowning in household chaos, despite your best efforts to keep everything organized? You're not alone! In this week's episode, we're tackling the real challenges of home organization with refreshing honesty and practical solutions that actually work. Our guest expert (and mom of five!) shares a game-changing perspective: you don't need to be naturally organized to have a well-run home. She reveals simple systems that have transformed her own home from chaos to calm, including a brilliant color-coding strategy that eliminates daily frustrations and a meal planning approach that makes dinner decisions practically automatic. What you'll discover in this episode: A 5-minute trick that makes overwhelming tasks manageableHow to pair tasks you hate with habits you love (it really works!)A clever way to get the whole family involved in keeping the house organizedThe meal planning secret that eliminates decision fatigueSimple systems that work even if you're not naturally organizedWhether you're tired of asking "whose water bottle is this?" for the hundredth time or just want to simplify your daily routines, this episode is packed with practical tips you can start using today. No complex systems or Pinterest-perfect solutions required – just real strategies that work for real families. Mentioned in this episode: Where to find Corrine:Website andInstagram Free Home Management Planning Pages

Ever wondered how to turn your creative skills into a thriving business? This week's episode features Kira McCoy, who did exactly that – transforming her passion for art into a multi-million dollar creative empire, selling products that average just $10 each. Kira shares her fascinating journey from teaching art in high school to building a business that spans digital courses, physical products, and subscription boxes. She's refreshingly honest about her path, including the various side hustles she tackled along the way (like piercing ears!) before finding her sweet spot in the creative business world. You'll learn: Why starting with your audience is crucial before launching any product How to test and validate your creative ideas before going all-in The smart way to build multiple income streams without burning out Simple strategies for getting meaningful feedback from your community Tips for growing your creative business one step at a time This episode is perfect for artists, crafters, and creative entrepreneurs who want to build a sustainable business without losing the joy in their creative work. Kira's practical advice and encouraging approach will leave you feeling inspired and equipped with actionable steps to move forward. Got a friend who's building a creative business? Share this episode with them – they'll thank you for it! Mentioned in this episode: Where to find Kira: https://createalong.com⁠ Podcast show notes: https://www.hobbyscool.com/podcast/creative-entrepreneur Key Takeaways: [00:00:40] Kira's journey from crafting with her mother to becoming an art teacher and eventually a creative entrepreneur [05:09] The pivotal moment when Kira's first online course generated six figures in a month [09:27] Understanding why "audience is king and monetizing that audience is the queen" of your business [14:11] How Kira transformed her digital course success into a thriving physical product line [18:19] Practical tips for using "this or that" posts to gather valuable audience feedback

Have you been pouring time into social media but not seeing the results you hoped for? This week's episode might just change the way you think about growing your business. I sat down with email marketing expert Melissa Seideman, CEO of Not Another VA, who shared something surprising: she built not one, but TWO successful businesses using email marketing before she even touched social media. And now she's revealing exactly how she did it. In this value-packed episode, you'll discover: - Why email marketing could be the game-changer your business needs (and why starting sooner rather than later matters) - The essential first steps to setting up your email marketing system the right way - How to grow your list even if you're starting from zero - Simple strategies that work even when you only have a handful of subscribers - Common mistakes to avoid (including one that could be costing you customers right now) The best part? Melissa breaks everything down into practical, doable steps that won't overwhelm you. She even shares how she succeeded with just five subscribers - proof that you don't need a massive list to start seeing results. Whether you're just starting your business journey or looking to strengthen your existing marketing strategy, this episode delivers insights you can implement right away. Plus, Melissa shares a special offer for listeners who want to take their email marketing to the next level. Ready to learn the smart way to grow your business? Listen in today! Mentioned in this episode: Where to find Melissa: www.notanotherva.com/everything and https://www.instagram.com/notanotherva/ Melissa's free gift: https://bit.ly/NAVAemail Key Takeaways: [00:03:00] Why email marketing beats social media: You own your list and can reach customers directly without dealing with algorithms [00:05:00] Getting started: Essential steps including setting up a paid business email address and choosing an email service provider [00:08:00] The importance of consistency: Send regular emails even with a small list - quality relationships matter more than quantity [00:09:00] Growing your list: Strategic tips for finding and attracting your ideal customers through various channels [00:10:00] Common mistakes to avoid: Including the crucial step of testing emails on mobile devices

Have you been carrying around a story idea for years? Maybe it's tucked away in a drawer, saved as a draft on your computer, or still swirling in your imagination. If publishing a book is on your bucket list, this week's episode of the HobbyScool podcast is especially for you. I sat down with Aaron Schafer from selfpublishing.com to break down exactly how to turn your writing dreams into reality. And guess what? It's more achievable than you might think. Aaron shares some surprising insights about why self-publishing has become the preferred choice even for established authors, and walks us through practical steps to get started – no intimidating publishing house required! In this episode, you'll discover: Why you don't need to wait for a traditional publisher to share your story with the world How to organize your ideas before you start writing (this is a game-changer!) Practical tips for fitting writing into your busy life The most important thing to do before you launch your book (hint: it's not what most new authors think) Whether you're dreaming of writing the next great novel or sharing your expertise through a non-fiction book, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to move forward. Mentioned in this episode: Free training (affiliate link): How To Write And Publish Your Book (Even If You Haven't Started Writing Yet) Key moments from the episode: [00:04:00] Why successful authors are increasingly choosing self-publishing over traditional publishing routes [00:08:00] How to get started with your self-publishing journey and the importance of clarity in your book idea [00:12:00] Essential organizational strategies before you start writing your book [00:14:00] Understanding your personal creative process and setting realistic writing goals [00:17:00] The critical importance of having a marketing plan before launching your book

Feeling overwhelmed by social media marketing for your side business? This week's episode might be exactly what you need. We're talking with Pinterest expert Laura Rike about why Pinterest could be the perfect platform for growing your business – especially if you're just starting out or running your business alongside other commitments. What makes this episode special is Laura's practical, start-where-you-are approach. Instead of suggesting you need to create 50 pins a day (who has time for that?), she shows you how to begin with just one daily pin while still getting results. You'll learn why Pinterest users are different from social media followers (in a good way!), and how to attract people who are already searching for products like yours. Whether you're selling handmade items, digital products, or building an online presence for your business, Laura shares strategies you can implement right away. She breaks down: Why Pinterest might be better suited for your business than Instagram How to set up your profile to attract the right customers Simple ways to promote your products (beyond just posting product photos) A clear framework for organizing your Pinterest strategy How to start small and scale up as you grow Plus, Laura's offering a free guide to help you optimize your Pinterest boards, and she shares details about her upcoming beginner-friendly coaching program starting in January. Ready to discover how Pinterest could transform your business growth? This episode is perfect for creative entrepreneurs who want to work smarter, not harder. Tune in to learn how you can start building your Pinterest presence today, one pin at a time. Mentioned In This Episode Where to find Laura: https://simplypintastic.com/ and https://laurarike.com  Laura's free gift: https://simplypintastic.com/funnel/pinterest-board-titles/pinterest-board-titles/ Key points from the episode: [00:04:00] Why Pinterest users have different intent than Instagram users – they're actively searching for solutions [00:08:00] How to structure your pinning strategy across awareness, consideration, and purchase content [00:13:00] The importance of keyword-optimizing your Pinterest profile before you start pinning [00:16:00] Creative ways to promote products beyond just product photos [00:19:00] Free resources and coaching opportunities to help you get started with Pinterest