Handmade Happiness: Finding Meaning in the Art of Making

Thomas and Jessica Clark
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Handmade Happiness invites you to slow down and reconnect with the traditional skills that nourish the body, mind, and soul. Each episode offers practical tips and heartfelt stories to inspire you to live more intentionally and embrace the art of doing things by hand. Whether you’re a seasoned homesteader or just beginning your journey towards a simpler, more intentional life, Handmade Happiness is your guide to cultivating a deeper connection with your food, your home, and the world around you.

  1. 4d ago

    33 One Year Later... Was It Worth It?

    One year ago, our family packed up our lives, left Texas, and moved to a small property in Missouri with a dream of building a slower, more intentional life. In this episode of Handmade Happiness, Jessica and Thomas reflect on their first year in Missouri—the challenges, surprises, lessons learned, and the many blessings that came from starting over in a new place. From expanding our garden and raising animals to building community, homeschooling, growing The Lark Life, and creating a home that reflects our values, we're sharing an honest look at what this first year has really been like. In this episode, we discuss: • Why we decided to move to Missouri  • The reality of starting over in a new state  • Building a homestead from the ground up  • Our biggest lessons from the first year  • Garden successes, animal projects, and property improvements  • Homeschooling and family life after the move  • Finding community and making new friends  • Growing The Lark Life and pursuing new opportunities  • Things that surprised us most about Missouri  • What we're looking forward to in year two Whether you're dreaming of a homestead, considering a big life change, or simply enjoy hearing real stories about building a meaningful life, we hope this conversation encourages you. Foundations in Quilting Course for Homeschoolers (save 20% with code LAUNCH20)  www.TheLarkLife.com/foundations-in-quilting Find more resources, courses, recipes, gardening inspiration, and handmade living at The Lark Life. Subscribe for more conversations about homesteading, gardening, handmade skills, homeschooling, and intentional living. #MissouriHomestead  #HomesteadLife  #IntentionalLiving  #SlowLiving  #FamilyHomestead ✨ Thanks for tuning in to Handmade Happiness! ✨ If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe so you don’t miss future conversations about slowing down, creating with your hands, and living more intentionally. 💌 Stay connected: Visit me at TheLarkLife.comFollow along on Instagram: @The_Lark_LifeClick to join my email list for updates, resources, and encouragement🧵 Share the love:  If this episode encouraged you, would you take a moment to leave a review or share it with a friend? It truly helps others discover the show. You can also support the show by making a donation at www.thelarklife.com/podcast Until next time, may you find joy in the simple things and beauty in the work of your hands.

    45 min

  2. May 24

    32 What’s Actually Saving Us Money Right Now: Simple Ways We’re Spending Less & Living More Intentionally

    What’s actually helping us save money right now — in real everyday life? In this episode of Handmade Happiness, Jessica and Thomas share the simple changes and practical habits that are genuinely helping their family spend less while building a slower, more intentional lifestyle at home. From cooking from scratch and growing more of their own food to canceling subscriptions, hanging laundry outside, and finding free summer activities for the kids, this conversation is full of realistic ideas for lowering expenses without feeling deprived. In this episode, we talk about: This episode is not about extreme frugality or perfection; it’s about small changes that add up and help create a more sustainable way of life. Registration is now open for the Foundations in Quilting Course at The Lark Life. Use promo code launch20 for 20% off tuition plus instant access to Sewing Machine Basics 101 and Beginner Quilt Lab bonuses. Learn more and register at thelarklife.com/foundations-in-quilting ✨ Thanks for tuning in to Handmade Happiness! ✨ If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe so you don’t miss future conversations about slowing down, creating with your hands, and living more intentionally. 💌 Stay connected: Visit me at TheLarkLife.comFollow along on Instagram: @The_Lark_LifeClick to join my email list for updates, resources, and encouragement🧵 Share the love:  If this episode encouraged you, would you take a moment to leave a review or share it with a friend? It truly helps others discover the show. You can also support the show by making a donation at www.thelarklife.com/podcast Until next time, may you find joy in the simple things and beauty in the work of your hands.

    38 min

  3. May 17

    31 What’s Growing in Our Garden Right Now: Spring Homestead Garden Update

    What’s happening in our garden right now? In this episode of Handmade Happiness, Jessica and Thomas share an early spring garden update from the homestead, including what they planted in early April, what’s going into the ground now, and the projects they’re working on as they expand their biggest garden yet. From cool weather crops and perennials to warm season vegetables and weed suppression strategies, this is a real-life look at what spring gardening actually looks like during a busy planting season. In this episode, we talk about: • Planting peas, brassicas, onions, shallots, garlic, and root crops in early spring • Perennial crops like asparagus and strawberries returning for the season • Planting summer squash, winter squash, corn, okra, and watermelons • Transplanting tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants after Mother’s Day • Expanding and establishing new in-ground garden beds • Using weed fabric and free mulch from a local tree service to suppress weeds and grass • Our favorite garden tools • Gardening as a family and learning as we grow Whether you’re planting your first garden or expanding your homestead growing space, this episode is full of encouragement, practical gardening conversation, and seasonal inspiration. Find more gardening, homesteading, quilting, and from-scratch living resources at The Lark Life. Subscribe for more conversations about intentional living, gardening, handmade skills, and raising capable kids. #SpringGardening #GardenUpdate #HomesteadLife #GrowYourOwnFood #VegetableGarden Foundations in Quilting Course https://thelarklife.com/foundations-in-quilting Link to Spring Garden Tour Video https://youtu.be/kGkE8Zrhp8Q ✨ Thanks for tuning in to Handmade Happiness! ✨ If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe so you don’t miss future conversations about slowing down, creating with your hands, and living more intentionally. 💌 Stay connected: Visit me at TheLarkLife.comFollow along on Instagram: @The_Lark_LifeClick to join my email list for updates, resources, and encouragement🧵 Share the love:  If this episode encouraged you, would you take a moment to leave a review or share it with a friend? It truly helps others discover the show. You can also support the show by making a donation at www.thelarklife.com/podcast Until next time, may you find joy in the simple things and beauty in the work of your hands.

    53 min

  4. May 10

    30 Find What Makes You Happy | Handmade Skills, Community & Trying New Things Without Fear

    What happens when you stop worrying and start pursuing the things that genuinely make you happy? In this episode of Handmade Happiness, Jessica and Thomas share a relaxed and encouraging conversation about handmade skills, hobbies, creativity, community, and why it’s worth trying new things, even when they feel intimidating or unconventional. From quilting and sourdough to fountain pens, woodworking, pottery, gardening, and sewing, this episode is all about embracing the things that bring joy and learning as you go.  They also share stories from recent farmers markets and the Baker Creek spring planting festival, conversations with local makers and artisans, and the importance of finding people who share your passions and are willing to teach and encourage others.  In this episode, we talk about: • Why handmade skills and hobbies matter  • Finding joy in simple everyday things  • Building community through shared interests  • Learning new skills without fear of failure  • Sourdough, quilting, woodworking, pottery, gardening, and creative hobbies  • Encouraging kids to explore their interests and passions  • Why people often avoid trying things they’d actually love  • Creating a life filled with meaningful work and creativity  • New quilting and sewing classes from The Lark Life Whether you’re interested in homesteading, sewing, cooking from scratch, gardening, or simply building a more intentional life, this conversation is a reminder to pursue the things that make you come alive. Find courses, resources, and more at The Lark Life. Find more information about the Foundations in Quilting Homeschool Course and use promo code LAUNCH20 for 20% off  https://thelarklife.com/foundations-in-quilting If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe for more conversations about handmade skills, slow living, homesteading, creativity, and raising capable kids. #HandmadeSkills  #SlowLiving  #CreativeLiving  #Homesteading  #IntentionalLiving ✨ Thanks for tuning in to Handmade Happiness! ✨ If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe so you don’t miss future conversations about slowing down, creating with your hands, and living more intentionally. 💌 Stay connected: Visit me at TheLarkLife.comFollow along on Instagram: @The_Lark_LifeClick to join my email list for updates, resources, and encouragement🧵 Share the love:  If this episode encouraged you, would you take a moment to leave a review or share it with a friend? It truly helps others discover the show. You can also support the show by making a donation at www.thelarklife.com/podcast Until next time, may you find joy in the simple things and beauty in the work of your hands.

    33 min

  5. May 3

    29 What Homeschooling Really Looks Like | What We Prioritize, What We’ve Learned

    What does homeschooling actually look like in real life? In this episode of Handmade Happiness, Jessica and Thomas Clark from The Lark Life share an honest, behind-the-scenes look at their homeschool rhythms, what’s working, what they’ve changed, and what matters most to them as they teach and learn alongside their kids. This conversation goes beyond curriculum and schedules to focus on the bigger picture: raising capable kids, building life skills, and creating a home environment where learning happens naturally. Whether you’re currently homeschooling, considering it, or simply interested in creating a more intentional learning environment at home, this episode offers encouragement, perspective, and practical insight. Find more resources, courses, and encouragement at The Lark Life Subscribe for more conversations about homesteading, homemaking, family life, and raising kids with intention. ✨ Thanks for tuning in to Handmade Happiness! ✨ If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe so you don’t miss future conversations about slowing down, creating with your hands, and living more intentionally. 💌 Stay connected: Visit me at TheLarkLife.comFollow along on Instagram: @The_Lark_LifeClick to join my email list for updates, resources, and encouragement🧵 Share the love:  If this episode encouraged you, would you take a moment to leave a review or share it with a friend? It truly helps others discover the show. You can also support the show by making a donation at www.thelarklife.com/podcast Until next time, may you find joy in the simple things and beauty in the work of your hands.

    53 min

  6. Apr 26

    28 Working With What You Have: Stewarding the Land, the Time, and the Life You’ve Been Given

    What does it really mean to use what you’ve been given well? In this episode of Handmade Happiness, Jessica and Thomas reflect on the idea of stewardship, working hard with what you already have instead of constantly feeling like you need more. From driving past acres of unused land to planting their largest garden yet, they share honest stories about the effort, satisfaction, and long-term mindset that comes with building a more intentional life at home. This conversation explores what it looks like to move from passive living to active stewardship, whether that’s growing food, learning new skills, or simply being more thoughtful with your time and resources. In this episode, we talk about: • What stewardship looks like in everyday life • Using the land and resources you already have • Expanding a garden and the reality of the work involved • The satisfaction and meaning that come from working with your hands • Why we often feel like we need more instead of using what we have • Planting perennials like fruit trees, berries, asparagus, and herbs that feed your family year after year • Thinking long-term and building a life that grows over time • Simple ways to start using your space, time, and skills more intentionally Whether you have a large property or a small backyard, this episode is an invitation to start where you are, use what you have, and build something meaningful over time. Find more resources, guides, and homestead life at www.TheLarkLife.com Subscribe for more conversations about homesteading, gardening, cooking from scratch, handmade skills, and living with intention. #Stewardship #IntentionalLiving #Homesteading #GrowYourOwnFood #SlowLiving ✨ Thanks for tuning in to Handmade Happiness! ✨ If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe so you don’t miss future conversations about slowing down, creating with your hands, and living more intentionally. 💌 Stay connected: Visit me at TheLarkLife.comFollow along on Instagram: @The_Lark_LifeClick to join my email list for updates, resources, and encouragement🧵 Share the love:  If this episode encouraged you, would you take a moment to leave a review or share it with a friend? It truly helps others discover the show. You can also support the show by making a donation at www.thelarklife.com/podcast Until next time, may you find joy in the simple things and beauty in the work of your hands.

    44 min

  7. Apr 20

    27 Raising Your Own Meat in Your Backyard | Rabbits, Ducks & Small-Scale Meat Production for Beginners

    Is it really possible to raise your own meat in a backyard—without a lot of land or a big investment? In this episode of Handmade Happiness, Jessica and Thomas Clark from The Lark Life share what it looks like to raise meat rabbits and ducks on a small homestead. Through real stories and everyday experiences, they talk about how raising your own meat can be simple, affordable, and deeply rewarding. This isn’t about building a large-scale farm. It’s about starting small, learning as you go, and becoming more connected to your food and the rhythms of your home. Find more resources, courses, and practical guides at TheLarkLife.com Subscribe for more conversations about homesteading, homemaking, handmade skills, and intentional living. Thanks for tuning in to Handmade Happiness! If this episode encouraged you, would you take a moment to leave a review or share it with a friend? It truly helps others discover the show. You can also support the show by making a donation at www.thelarklife.com/podcast Visit me at TheLarkLife.com Follow along on Instagram: @The_Lark_Life Join my email list for updates, resources, and encouragement by clicking the link at thelarklife.com/bio Until next time, may you find joy in the simple things and beauty in the work of your hands. ✨ Thanks for tuning in to Handmade Happiness! ✨ If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe so you don’t miss future conversations about slowing down, creating with your hands, and living more intentionally. 💌 Stay connected: Visit me at TheLarkLife.comFollow along on Instagram: @The_Lark_LifeClick to join my email list for updates, resources, and encouragement🧵 Share the love:  If this episode encouraged you, would you take a moment to leave a review or share it with a friend? It truly helps others discover the show. You can also support the show by making a donation at www.thelarklife.com/podcast Until next time, may you find joy in the simple things and beauty in the work of your hands.

    29 min

  8. Apr 12

    26 What I Would Tell My Younger Self: Lessons I've Learned Along the Way

    If you could sit down with your younger self, what would you say? In this episode of Handmade Happiness, Thomas and Jessica Clark from The Lark Life reflect on some lessons learned along the way through family life, homesteading, homemaking, and building a more intentional life. These aren’t lessons learned all at once, but slowly, over time, through experience, mistakes, growth, and choosing to do the right thing even when it is really hard. Whether you’re in a season of starting fresh or simply reflecting on where you’ve been, this episode is an invitation to move forward with more clarity, grace, and intention. Find more resources, courses, and practical guides at TheLarkLife.com Subscribe for more conversations about homesteading, homemaking, handmade skills, and intentional living. Thanks for tuning in to Handmade Happiness! If this episode encouraged you, would you take a moment to leave a review or share it with a friend? It truly helps others discover the show. You can also support the show by making a donation at www.thelarklife.com/podcast Visit me at TheLarkLife.com Follow along on Instagram: @The_Lark_Life Join my email list for updates, resources, and encouragement by clicking the link at thelarklife.com/bio Until next time, may you find joy in the simple things and beauty in the work of your hands. ✨ Thanks for tuning in to Handmade Happiness! ✨ If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe so you don’t miss future conversations about slowing down, creating with your hands, and living more intentionally. 💌 Stay connected: Visit me at TheLarkLife.comFollow along on Instagram: @The_Lark_LifeClick to join my email list for updates, resources, and encouragement🧵 Share the love:  If this episode encouraged you, would you take a moment to leave a review or share it with a friend? It truly helps others discover the show. You can also support the show by making a donation at www.thelarklife.com/podcast Until next time, may you find joy in the simple things and beauty in the work of your hands.

    26 min
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Handmade Happiness invites you to slow down and reconnect with the traditional skills that nourish the body, mind, and soul. Each episode offers practical tips and heartfelt stories to inspire you to live more intentionally and embrace the art of doing things by hand. Whether you’re a seasoned homesteader or just beginning your journey towards a simpler, more intentional life, Handmade Happiness is your guide to cultivating a deeper connection with your food, your home, and the world around you.

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