Repurposing Old Art for New Mixed Media – Weeks 8 & 9 Recap

Weeks 8 and 9 of my 100 Days of Making brought a little bit of everything: celebration, sunshine, and creative renewal. I had the joy of traveling to Mexico for my virtual assistant’s wedding (yes—another beach trip, and no, I’m definitely not mad about it 😉).

The ocean, the pause, and the change of pace were just what I needed. And when I returned to my studio, I felt pulled toward a small stash of older artwork I had tucked away—pieces from a past 100 Day Project that still had something to say.

So I cut them up. Lovingly, of course. I stitched, layered, and gave them new life as this year’s EmbellishBits—a gentle reminder that nothing we make is ever wasted. It all adds up to something meaningful, sometimes in ways we don’t see until much later.

What Weeks 8 & 9 Looked Like

This stretch has been part studio reset, part creative renewal.

I’ve been:
•Sorting through supplies and editing what no longer fits
•Finding inspiration in old work and turning it into something new
•Prepping and creating EmbellishBits that feel meaningful, not rushed

It’s been slower, more thoughtful—and honestly, that’s just what I needed.

Whether you’re mid-project, catching up, or still just thinking about starting, it’s okay to let your rhythm shift. That’s part of the creative practice too.

FOLLOW THE JOURNEY

Week Eight

Torn Layers And Film Strip With “Makes Them Smile” Text

Blue And Pink Abstract Collage With “When You Look To The Sky”

Earthy Fabric Collage With “Wish” And Red Stitching

Neutral Toned Tag With “Be Patient” And Fabric Textures

Bright Floral Collage With “This Practice Of Seeing”

Soft Textured Tag With “Kindness” And Film Strip

Bright Vertical Collage With “The Little Things”

Ways to Use Your Embellish Bits

This week, I want to spotlight a few ways to take your Bits beyond the studio—especially now that I’ve had a chance to test a few while traveling. ✈️

Here are some favorite Travel & On-the-Go uses:

•Stitch While You Wait
A needle, thread, and a handful of scraps = perfect airplane or downtime stitching.

•Create a Portable Art Kit
Pack a few EmbellishBits, scissors, thread, and ephemera in a pouch. It doesn’t take much to keep the momentum going from anywhere. Check out my organizer pouch idea HERE.

•Use Bits as Journal Starters
Glue one into your travel journal and build your spread around it. Let it spark color choices, layout, or mood.

•Leave Bits Behind
Tuck one into a postcard or leave it behind as a thank-you note or a handmade memento for someone to find or for that server who took good care of you.

•Flip Tags or Tiny Inspiration Decks
Bring 3–5 Bits on a binder ring to flip through as mini prompts while you’re away.

Week Nine

Textured Collage With “Make A Wish” And Pink Highlights

Floral Collage With “Laugh Loudly” And Stitched Grid

Yellow Rose Collage With “Moment To Breathe”

Abstract Blue Brushstroke With “Perspectives” Label

Colorful Floral Stitch Collage With Raw Edges

Layered Collage With “In Between And All Around.”

Green And Pink Watercolor With “D Is For Dance”

Creative Check-In

This trip reminded me (again!) that beaches are basically my creative happy place. And while I didn't pack a full art kit this time, I came back ready to cut, stitch, and reimagine—starting with a stack of old art just waiting for a second life.

Whether you’re in full flow or finding your footing again, know that each piece you make adds up to something bigger—even if you can’t see it yet.

Have you ever brought old art back to life in a new project? Or packed your creativity into a carry-on? I’d love to hear how you keep making—even when life shifts.

Until next time—keep following your curiosity, one little bit at a time. 💛