HobbyScool

HobbyScool

Welcome to the HobbyScool podcast! This is the perfect place to discover new adventures. We will bring you exciting new episodes that explore all sorts of hobbies and interests. From painting and woodworking to hiking and gardening, we cover it all! Whether you're a seasoned hobbyist or just getting started, HobbyScool is the perfect place to learn something new. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride!

  1. 9月9日

    78: Start Here: The Easiest Bag for First-Time Makers

    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/

    22 分钟
  2. 6月17日

    77: What Happens If Instagram Disappears Tomorrow?

    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

    19 分钟
  3. 5月22日

    76: The Lie That's Keeping You from Making Art

    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

    13 分钟
  4. 5月7日

    75: See More by Sitting Still—The Art of Travel Sketching

    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

    16 分钟
  5. 4月30日

    74: Reclaiming the Artist You Were at Age Five

    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

    17 分钟
  6. 4月22日

    73: The Magic of Daily-ish Creativity

    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

    16 分钟
  7. 2月13日

    72: Transform Your Home From Chaos to Calm With Simple Systems

    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

    23 分钟
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关于

Welcome to the HobbyScool podcast! This is the perfect place to discover new adventures. We will bring you exciting new episodes that explore all sorts of hobbies and interests. From painting and woodworking to hiking and gardening, we cover it all! Whether you're a seasoned hobbyist or just getting started, HobbyScool is the perfect place to learn something new. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride!

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