Little bits, bright ideas ✨
Recently, the curtain fell off the window in my studio in the middle of the night. It wasn’t even a blackout curtain, just a thin white one, but suddenly the room was brighter. In the days that followed, I realized I felt brighter too. More energized. Happier. While I’d thought I preferred blocking out my very-close neighbors, I think for now I’ll leave the window uncovered and let the extra light in.
It’s funny how small things, like a bit more sunlight, can make such a big difference. That’s what The Little Things project has reminded me this month: it’s not just about scraps and odds and ends, but also about noticing the tiny shifts that brighten our days.
As August comes to a close, I’ll be sad to see this project challenge wrap up, but I’m also looking forward to what’s next. This week, we’ll vote for September’s theme, share some last-minute inspiration for The Little Things, and highlight a few clever ways to use fabric scraps you may already have at home.
Let’s get into it →
🗳️ September Creative Challenge: Help Us Pick the Theme!
Our next upcycle project theme is almost ready—but we want your input! Which of these ideas sparks your creativity the most?
In Motion 💫 — Create something that feels alive, through movement, interaction, or implied motion.
Organic vs. Synthetic 🍃⚙️ — Play with contrasts: nature and machine, soft and hard, wild and designed.
Between the Folds 📜 — Think creases, layers, origami-style structures, or folded forms.
🗳️ Vote here →
🎨 Wrapping Up Our August Creative Challenge
There’s still time to use your Little Things to join in. And don’t forget—just posting any project gets you entered to win $25 in creative reuse materials! No jury, no pressure, your project can be big or small, finished or a work in progress.
For full details on how to enter, check out our guide here: About the Challenge
Our Final Bit of The Little Things Challenge Inspiration: Assemblage Altars & Shrines ✨
We’re diving deep into the world of assemblage altars and shrines—so many directions to explore, and what a rabbit hole it’s been!
Our first highlight: a mesmerizing piece by Mexico City artist Manuel Baumen available from curiositiesbazaar2 on Etsy.
Shrines can celebrate anything: your hobbies, interests, or tiny treasures. Don’t be too precious; pull in anything that sparks your imagination, and see where it takes you!
Mexico City artist Manuel Baumen
Next up, we’re exploring the imaginative worlds of Laurie Beth Zuckerman. Her work blends intricate detail, whimsical forms, and a deep love of texture. Perfect inspiration for creating your own assemblage altar or shrine.
Learn more about Laurie and her unique approach here.
Art by Laurie Beth Zuckerman
Next, we have a religious shrine by Mary Wenske. While your own shrines don’t need to be religious, there’s something undeniably captivating about this style… the layers of symbolism, the careful placement of each element, and the quiet, almost haunting atmosphere it evokes. It’s a reminder of how powerful tiny, curated details can be when telling a story or capturing a feeling.
Art by Mary Wenske
Last but not least, we have these whimsical vintage fortune teller shrines by Kim Collister. Each piece feels like stepping into an old circus booth; the colors, characters, and little vignettes tell their own stories, and as a collection, they create an even bigger narrative. It’s a fun reminder that shrines can be playful, theatrical, and full of personality.
Image of work by Kim Collister
🔥 Hot Picks: 6 Can’t-Miss Creative Finds
These six items are calling your name. From unique fabrics to quirky craft supplies, each is a steal and ready to spark your next upcycle project. Grab them before they’re gone. Your future masterpiece is waiting.
👉 Browse the entire collection on craftremnants.com.
💐One Very Special Remnant 💐
This week, I shared a unique 1976 apron or skirt kit that I’m dreaming about completing myself.
Peo Vee Events
This Sunday: Our Virtual Meetup Convenes!
Pop in and say hello. Bring a craft project, and socialize a bit with other crafters in our community. These are small, social, low-stakes hangouts that last an hour.
Caught our 👀
☀️ A homemade technique for sun printing.
🍽️ A wildly creative way to use plates that have lost their mates.
💐 A handmade floral tote for that farmers market haul.
🧥 A jacket upcycle technique that we’re dying to try.
📝 New in the Blog
6 Creative Uses for Fabric Scraps You’ll Actually Want to Try
If you’re a maker, you probably have a bag (or a bin… or a closet) full of fabric scraps. Too small for most sewing projects, too good to throw away. It’s a universal truth: scraps multiply, and we hold onto them “just in case.”
The good news? There are endless ways to turn those little pieces into something beautiful and useful. Here are six of my favorite ways to give fabric scraps a second life—some I’ve been doing for years, and some I’ve picked up recently thanks to our creative reuse community.
That’s all for this week! Hope you’re about to enjoy a look weekend of crafting, sharing, and finding the magic in the little things. 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.
