Butterflies, Bleach, and a Blanket Stitch Blunder
This week, I gave butterfly appliqué a try—and let’s just say, it was humbling. I challenged myself to learn a blanket stitch for the edges, totally fumbled it, and then swapped it out for something a bit more... achievable. But hey, it’s the effort that counts, right? The butterfly’s still flapping, and I’m calling it a win.
This week, I gave butterfly appliqué a try—and let’s just say, it was humbling. I challenged myself to learn a blanket stitch for the edges, totally fumbled it, and then swapped it out for something a bit more... achievable. But hey, it’s the effort that counts, right? The butterfly’s still flapping, and I’m calling it a win.
Read on for more fluttery inspiration, a roundup of patriotic picks for your Fourth of July projects, and a peek at what’s happening in the Peo Vee community—including a bleach butterfly that wowed us all.
Let’s get into it →
💬 What’s Happening in the Community
Check out what’s fluttering around the community this week:
🧵 Our Next Virtual Craft Meetup is Tuesday, June 24!
Join us for a free, low-key craft social with fellow upcyclers. Just bring a project, turn your camera on, and hang out with me and Lauren while we create and chat. It’s a cozy hour of show-and-tell, light conversation, and community connection. RSVP in the Events tab in the community space. We’ll be crafting from 5:30-6:30pm PT.
🦋 Mary’s Butterfly Wings Project
Mary shared a beautiful and experimental piece for our June theme. Inspired by a workshop from Jennifer Chamberlain’s Maker Bee group, her project layered collage over plastic (hello, document protector reuse!), and used black acrylic to build dramatic wing shapes. Bonus brilliance: she used old maps for the wing spots—turns out, those vein-like lines make for perfect butterfly details. Thanks for sharing Mary!
❓ Yesterday’s Poll: Would You Rather...
We dropped a playful poll in the feed yesterday, and we’d love your answer. Head over to weigh in and see how your pick compares to the rest of the community.
📆 Got an Upcycle Event? Add It to the Calendar
Hosting something local or virtual? Add it to our events calendar and let the community know! It’s a great way to connect and share resources. Just post it in the Events space and we’ll help spread the word. Just click New Event to add your own.
🦋 Project Inspiration: Butterflies
Lauren wowed us yesterday with a bleach butterfly project that’s striking, simple, and totally upcycled. Ok so maybe we aren’t all going to create these masterpieces but it’s still a directional inspiration, right?
Quick and Charming: Scrap Butterflies Tutorial 🦋
Looking for a fast, no-fuss way to get into the butterfly spirit? This simple cut-and-fold tutorial is perfect for using up your smallest scraps—whether they’re fabric, paper, or even packaging. Just a few snips and folds and you’ve got a whole flock of fluttery little beauties ready to perch on gifts, cards, collages, or whatever you’re working on.
Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your take in Project Show & Tell »!
Bookmark This One: Butterfly Origami Tutorial 📖🦋
This sweet little butterfly doubles as a corner bookmark—functional and adorable. With just a few folds, you can turn scrap paper or junk mail into a fluttery companion for your next read. It’s a great way to practice origami basics and upcycle at the same time.
Give it a go, and if you make one, snap a photo and share it with us.
Peo Vee Events
🧶 Virtual Craft Social – Tues, June 24 @ 5:30pm PT
Join us for our monthly craft social—an hour to make, mingle, and meet fellow upcyclers. Bring a project, turn your camera on, and enjoy some easy conversation while we create together. We’ll kick things off with a quick round of intros, then spend the rest of the hour crafting in good company.
🛍 New in the Marketplace
We’re always finding gems in the Remnants marketplace—and this week’s new arrivals are no exception. From vintage fabrics to unique craft supplies, here are a few of our current favorites worth a peek (or a project).
🎇Celebrate creatively with our Fourth of July-themed collection on Remnants
Featuring patriotic prints, festive fabrics, and red, white, and blue supplies perfect for your holiday projects. Spark some inspiration before the fireworks begin!
Caught our 👀
🌳 The cutest little way to use a stick for a greeting card.
🤔 Some perspective that might be the right thing at the right time.
🤯 A why didn’t we think of that moment.
📦 A lesson in creating from cardboard that we didn’t know we needed.
✍️ Call for Community Articles
We’d love to hear from you! Our community articles space is for sharing knowledge, creativity, and personal stories—and your voice belongs there.
Not sure where to start? Here are a few prompts to spark ideas:
Write a step-by-step tutorial for a craft you know well
Share your story about your interest in upcycling or sustainable practices
Dive into the history of something fascinating—like chenille bedspreads, blow molds, or the difference between vintage and modern lace
Got something to say? We’re all ears. Head to the blog space in the community and hit “New Post” to start writing.
Thanks for another inspiring week of ideas, shares, and stories. Keep tagging your butterfly-themed projects in the community, and don’t forget: our next virtual craft social is coming up soon. We'd love to see what you’re working on—unfinished or not.
Until next week,
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.
Keep reading
This week’s creative journey includes a butterfly appliqué attempt, new inspiration for your Fourth of July projects, and a roundup of exciting community happenings. Plus, check out the bleach butterfly that wowed everyone at Peo Vee!