Big ideas for “Little Things”
These monthly challenges have been stretching me in the best ways.
For years, my creative energy was mostly poured into small business ideas rather than handmade projects. I’d still dabble, upcycling a piece of furniture here, recreating a brand project I couldn’t afford there, but the effortless creative flow I had in my 20s felt out of reach.
Lately, something’s shifted. Maybe it’s the endless materials at my fingertips. Maybe it’s the inspiration I soak up from this community. But I think it’s the challenges—giving me not just an excuse to create, but a purpose. And with that purpose, my creativity is flowing again.
This past weekend, I made two projects for our “The Little Things” challenge: a whimsical creature magnet that made me grin the moment I added paper clip wings:
And a found-object mandala inspired by Susan Lenz’s stunning work. Both reminded me how joyful it is to just make something—no plan, no rules, just joy.
If you haven’t joined in yet, now’s the time. Post your Little Things project, get inspired by others, and you might just win some creative reuse supplies. No jury, no judgment—just a random drawing. Share yours here →
Let’s get into it.
🧵 August Challenge: Tiny Treasures, Big Inspiration
For August, we’re celebrating the art of making magic from the smallest bits—those scraps, trinkets, and forgotten odds and ends you’ve been holding onto “just in case.” Here are three fresh ways to bring The Little Things theme to life.
Mixed Media Embroidery
Think embroidery, but without the rules. Start with fabric and thread, then layer in anything that catches your eye—buttons, beads, charms, ribbon scraps, wire, even bits of old jewelry. The goal is to make it pop off the hoop in 3D, turning your stitches into a textured, tactile landscape. Every odd and end you add tells part of the story, making the finished piece as fascinating to explore as it is to create.
Custom Planters with Personality
Why settle for plain pots when you can give your plants a little extra charm? Gather a few quirky, leftover objects and turn them into one-of-a-kind planters with faces. Paint, glue, or collage on features, or let the object’s natural “expression” guide you. Bonus points if you source every part—from pot to plant—secondhand or from your own stash.
Mixed Media Cottage-Core Lampshade
Channel your inner cottage witch and give a plain lampshade a layered, storybook makeover. Take a cue from Idilkin’s Etsy creation and combine bits of lace, fuzzy trim, ribbons, and tiny found treasures for a soft, whimsical look that glows when lit. Whether you stitch, glue, or pin your materials in place, this is a perfect way to use up your “too pretty to toss” scraps while creating something cozy and totally unique.
🛍 Six Remnants Finds, All on Sale
We’ve pulled together six gems from the Remnants shop that are currently marked down, perfect for stocking up on creative reuse goodies without breaking the bank.vStop by our Sale section to snag them before they’re gone.
Peo Vee Events
New Date! Our Virtual Craft Meetup has Moved
We’re moving our virtual meetup back one week to make space for another event! Details below. Join our virtual get-together on August 31st. We’ll hop on screen and share a bit of crafting and conversation.
✨ RSVP →
August 24th: Circular Flea Market!
This will be the first time we’ve brought Remnants goods to an in-person event. We’ll have vintage and antique lace, buttons and ribbon, vintage fabric remnants, and vintage and new supplies for upcycling your apparel. Join us!
Caught our 👀
✂️ A cute collage that makes us want to start collaging.
💡 A reminder that we need to stop using plastic.
👀 A fascinating look at how one artist went from water to pigment.
👠 A delightful fast fashion parody.
📝 New in the Blog
Button Collecting: Tips, Types, and a Vintage Estate Auction Find
It started with an online estate auction.
Most of the listings were practical... furniture, kitchenware, the occasional quilt. But then I spotted them: several cardboard boxes, simply labeled and with only a few scattered photos. Not much to go on.
That’s a wrap for this week! I hope these ideas spark something small-but-mighty in your creative brain. Remember—our “Little Things” challenge is open until the end of the month, and every project you share is an entry for the August drawing. Happy making, and see you in the community!
💛 Molly + the Peo Vee crew
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.
