Back from the kaleidoscope spiral—and I brought souvenirs.
It’s been a couple of weeks, but I’ve been deep in the swirl of this month’s theme, lost somewhere between color theory and glue stick residue. I finally emerged with some ideas to share, and some projects of my own at the very bottom of this email, if you make it that far 👀
We also gave the newsletter a little refresh: project ideas are now right up top where they belong.
And a reminder: sharing your Kaleidoscope-inspired creation (big, small, wild, or wobbly) enters you to win a $25 gift code to the Peo Vee collection on Remnants. No hoops to jump through, no judged contests, just post and you’re entered. Share it here »
Let’s get into it →
🌀 Kaleidoscope Project Inspiration
Yarn Mandalas
This quick video by The Craft Show is almost meditative. In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to weave your own yarn mandala—also known as an "Eye of God"—using just yarn and sticks. It’s simple, satisfying, and full of colorful potential. Learn how to make a beautiful, geometric addition to our kaleidoscope theme!
Chiffon Yo-Yo’s
I recently wrote about how I discovered fabric yo-yos and learned what the heck they are, and how to make them (yes, I’m just catching up on this technique🤦♀️)
As I searched on Pinterest for project ideas, I discovered these fabric yo-yos from sheer chiffon, which reminded me of a beautiful kaleidoscope effect. I’m seeing kaleidoscopes everywhere these days. Brb, gathering all my chiffon…
Kaleidoscope Dye Technique
Ready to take your tie-dye game to the next level? This mesmerizing technique video by Nancy Gamon uses folds, powdered dye, and a bit of ice to create vibrant, one-of-a-kind patterns that echo the burst and symmetry of a kaleidoscope. Perfect for fabric, clothing, or scarves—no two creations turn out the same, and that’s the magic of it.
🎁Don’t forget, post Kaleidoscope project and you could win!
One lucky participant will receive a $25 free goods code to spend on the Peo Vee collection on Remnants—our curated shop of creative reuse supplies! (Shipping not included.)
💬 What’s New in the Community This Week
🆕 Community Articles » Project Inspiration & Tutorials
We’ve freshened up the name of our Community Articles section, but it’s still your go-to space for sharing what you know. We see you making awesome stuff—and we’d love for you to write it down! Include a few basic instructions and write a post to share about how you’re doing your thang. Whether it’s a recipe for homemade cleaning supplies, a DIY improvement project, or a crafty idea, your guide can help others grow!
🚧Coming Soon: Teach Us Something Series
We’re launching a new video series where Lauren and I hand the mic (and the glue gun) to our community! In each episode, a fellow community member will teach us a creative reuse–centric skill—from upcycled crafts to clever repair tricks. We’ll fumble through it, ask the questions you’re probably wondering, and learn right alongside you. Videos will be posted right here in the community so you can follow along, too. Got a skill to share? Hit reply to this email and let us know—you might be our next teacher!
🌀Kaleidoscope Projects
This week, I took a drab tray to a colorful work of art »
And used a 90s coloring technique to upcycle a plain white concert tee into something more bold »
Lauren used ice dye to make some ‘molten lava’ loungewear »
Peo Vee Events
Our August Edition of our Virtual Craft Cafe
Join us as we come together each month to get crafty in a casual virtual setting. Share your upcycle projects, and meet other creatives who share your passions.
✨ RSVP →
🛍 New on Remnants
Our Christmas collection is growing, and so we thought why not celebrate with a little Christmas in July drop? Because who says you have to wait ‘til December?
Browse a collection filled with vintage Christmas goodies that are sure not to last the closer we get to the season.
✨ Shop the Christmas collection →
🆕 New Arrivals
Don’t worry, if you’re not yet in the holiday spirit we’ve got plenty of other new arrivals, too.
Caught our 👀
👔 What could be a really cool upcycle idea…
💊 When you’re an upcycler but you’re also practical.
👰♀️ A wedding dress no more.
🎮 Creative reuse level 3,275.
📝 New in the Blog
The Plastic Canvas Revival: Why This Retro Craft Is Trending Again
For a while, plastic canvas got tucked away into the category of “granny crafts,” (don't get us started on that ageist term). Sweet. Nostalgic. Slightly kitsch. Not exactly the stuff of modern Pinterest boards.
But like many once-dismissed materials, plastic canvas is having a moment, and we’re here for it.
That’s it for this week! Thanks for spiraling through the kaleidoscope with me. I’ll be watching for your project posts (and cheering you on!). Don’t forget to drop your submission before month’s end. Until next time, keep making, keep sharing, and keep seeing the world in color 💫
- Molly
We're mission-driven to gather a community of upcyclers dedicated to reducing waste, sharing resources, sparking ideas, and bringing reuse to the forefront of our daily lives. But we can’t do it alone.
