Hi Reader,
Every family has its secrets.
Those half-whispered stories, long-lost names, or legends that get passed down without proof. I know mine does.
When I started exploring my own family’s history, I discovered that one of my husband’s ancestors actually came to America on the ship right after the Mayflower.
😲 It reminded me how many incredible stories are waiting to be uncovered if we take the time to look.
That’s why this week, we're all about genealogy and family roots.
(And of course, I’ll also share details about our next big event, the Art of Handmade Summit — happening in September!)
🎧 NEW EPISODE
Ever wondered if those family legends are actually true — or what stories are hiding in your family tree?
I sat down with genealogy expert Lisa Lisson (founder of Are You My Cousin?) to explore how you can turn simple curiosity about your ancestors into a rewarding new hobby.
Lisa shares the surprising first step (hint: it doesn’t involve a DNA kit or fancy tools — just a cup of coffee and a conversation). She also walks us through:
- Free & paid resources worth your time
- Common beginner mistakes to avoid
- What to do when you hit a research roadblock
- How DNA fits into the picture (and when to skip it)
She even shares one jaw-dropping family discovery that sounds straight out of a historical novel.
If you’ve ever thought about exploring your family’s past, or you just love a real-life mystery, this episode is packed with tips to get you started.
🎙️ Listen in here: Website, Apple Podcasts, Spotify. or YouTube.
📅 UPCOMING WORKSHOPS & EVENTS
It’s here!
Registration is officially open for the Art of Handmade Summit — one of HobbyScool’s most anticipated creative event of the year.
Over 4 inspiring days, you’ll learn from 30+ expert makers in 36 workshops covering every corner of the handmade world, from fabric arts and jewelry to clay, weaving, and more.
Here’s a sneak peek of what’s waiting for you:
- Jacqueline Vance — Miniature Art Quilts: Telling Stories in Fabric
- Angela Palmer — Modern Clay Jewelry That Pops
- Katherine Soucie — Transforming Textile Scraps into Wearable Art
- Susan Kumor — Natural Dyeing with Plants for Stunning Textiles
- Ellie Beck — Hand-Stitching as a Mindful Creative Practice
- Debbie Jenkins — Painting on Fabric: Turning Everyday Textiles into Art
- Tanya Ferry — Macrame Designs for Your Modern Home
- Jessica Swift — Pattern Play: From Sketch to Fabric Design
- Jennifer Chamberlin — Mixed Media Collage with a Handmade Twist
- Amy Ulen — Creating Journals with Handcrafted Bindings
And that’s just the beginning! With 36 workshops total, you’ll walk away with fresh ideas, new projects, and the inspiration to keep creating long after the summit ends.
🎟️ Registration is FREE!
👉 Save your free ticket for the Art of Handmade Summit »
(Psst… Want lifetime access to all 36 workshops plus over $1,000+ in exclusive speaker bonuses? Upgrade to the VIP Pass when you register!)
