It’s that time of year again. The 100 Day Project is here, and I am doing the thing.

I’m excited to invite you behind the scenes for the first time. Not just to peek at the finished pieces but to see the messy middle, the struggles, the aha moments, and everything in between. Because let’s be real—100 days is a long time, and I’ve learned a thing or two over the past eight years (yes, eight years) of doing this challenge.

So, what’s the plan? How do I prepare? And how do I make it to day 100 without losing steam? Let’s dive in.

Eight Years, 800 Pieces, and One Big Realization

This is my ninth year doing The 100 Day Project, which means I’ve survived 800 days of making things. That’s 800 individual pieces of art, which a friend recently pointed out means I’ve built a body of work. I laughed. Me? A body of work? I mean, it’s not exactly a museum exhibit—but it is proof that small, consistent steps add up to something bigger than you realize.

Breaking it down, that’s:

☀️ 800 days of making
🗓️ Roughly 2.19 years of creating
⏰ 12,000 minutes of art
🎉 Over 200 hours of practice

And if you do anything for 200+ hours, you’re bound to get better at it.

So how do I make it through 100 days without hitting a creative wall? Let’s talk about my prep process.

How I Prep for 100 Days of Making

Here’s my secret: I don’t wing it. This project is a marathon, not a sprint, and I’ve learned that having a game plan makes all the difference.

I prepare—because 100 days is a commitment, and I like to set myself up for success (and minimal frustration).

1. Setting My Theme & Goals

Every year, I choose a focus. This year, my project is called "100 Days of EmbellishBits"—not embellishments (too formal), but embellishbits. Small, intricate details that can be layered, stitched, and combined in unexpected ways.

My goal? To produce. Not just to play or practice (though those are great, too and add to the enjoyment), but to actually make 100 tangible pieces.

Some questions I ask myself before starting:

⏺What do I want to explore? (Fabric, old photos, negatives, garment tags—basically, anything I can glue down or stitch into submission.)

⏺How will I document my progress? (With my trusty workbook and tracker, because my memory is unreliable at best.)

⏺Will I post every day? (Ha! Maybe. Maybe not. Flexibility is key.)

2. Gathering My Supplies

The best part of prepping? Going through my stash and justifying why I’ve kept every tiny scrap of paper and fabric for this exact moment. Here’s what I’ll be using this year:

✔ Fabric – because I can’t resist a good scrap pile
✔ Photo negatives – mysterious and cool (also, I just really like them)
✔ Vintage photos – old memories, new art
✔ Garment tags – yes, the ones from clothes. Yes, I’ve been collecting them. Yes, this is their moment.
✔ Canvas scraps – old paintings, new possibilities

Organizing my materials now means I won’t waste time mid-project looking for that one perfect scrap or other assorted items. (Can you relate to the frustration of an epic supply hunt derailing an art session?)

3. Build in a Buffer Because, Well, Life

Here’s a secret: I start early. I know, I know—technically, it’s a 100 Day Project, not a 100-ish Day Project, but hear me out.

Inevitably, something will happen. Maybe I’ll get sick. Maybe I’ll be traveling. Maybe I’ll have one of those days where my brain refuses to function creatively. Having a little head start gives me breathing room, so I don’t completely derail the first time life throws a curveball.

And if I do miss days, I don’t stress. My project, my way.

What I’ve Learned After 8 Years of the 100 Day Project

✨Keep it simple. My first year, I picked something too complex and almost drowned in my own ambition. Now, I leave wiggle room to adapt.

🎨Batch work is your friend. I don’t necessarily finish one piece a day. Some days are for prep, some for assembling, some for finishing touches. It all adds up!

📝Reflect and adjust. Every week, I check in with myself: Am I still enjoying this? What’s working? What’s not? One year, I realized halfway through that I did not enjoy making big paintings. That was an important lesson.

🥳Keep it fun. If your project feels like a chore by day 20, something needs to change.

Let’s Do This!

The next 100 days aren’t about perfection. They’re about showing up, experimenting, and trusting the process. Are you joining the challenge? Let me know in the comments what you’ll be creating!

Alright, deep breath—100 days, here we go! 🚀

FOLLOW THE JOURNEY