Bits and pieces, odds and ends, scraps and ephemera that are barely connected or closely intertwined come together to tell a story in a collage.  This artform is an invention of the Modernist movement and is associated with Cubists such as Picasso and Braque.  Combining a variety of contrasting elements to create something new is upcycling at its finest!

After embroidering the same tiny hoop for weeks, I wanted to make a project with almost instant results and gratification. 

To make your own collage, grab an assortment of notions, papers, and stickers and get gluing!  I highly recommend Modge Podge Matte, a water-based sealer, glue, and finish, for holding your project together.

If you need to add more pretty papers and collageable goodies to your archives, these brands will help you expand your stash:

• Modge Podge paper adds visual interest to projects.
• Flow magazine includes beautiful paper.
• Each issue of Mollie Makes has pages of beautiful images.

​There’s nothing like scanning or color copying vintage images for collaging.  Here’s a collage I made with scans of Victorian valentines.

​Reduce, reuse, upcycle, rejoice!

Nothing in life continually sparks joy in us.  Having this expectation is unrealistic.  We can have orderly, minimalistic homes filled with beautiful things, but happiness and a sense of meaning still might evade us.  Instead of disposing of items the second we tire of them and futilely pursuing perfection, what we really need to do is transform our attitudes.

Remember why you purchased something in the first place.  What filled you with joy once can inspire you again.  We have the power to renew our lives and think positively and sustainably.  The reason I love embroidery is because of its transformative power.

This little hoop holds a snapshot of spring on a day when the trees and lilacs are blooming.  Piercing rays of light split into rainbows between my eyelashes.  The daylight is stronger today than it was yesterday.  I’ll carry this memory with me all year and revisit it in the winter months. 

​I’ve tried to capture this moment with satin stitch, chain stitch, and French knots.  The background is an upcycled denim top.  

​The world is full of beautiful, imperfect things and people.  Let’s make sure we appreciate and enjoy them.  Beauty is in imperfection!  I hope you’re having an enjoyable, creative spring.