I love to start a project. Finding the supplies, imagining my upcycle coming to life… it’s thrilling. But finishing? Well that’s another thing.

My projects tend to have a heartbeat. When I feel the spark of an idea, I come alive. But soon after I begin, my project heartbeat drops to it’s lowest point once I realize how much time and work is needed to execute my vision. This is when I’m at highest risk to abandon the project all together.

If I can find the tenacity to stick to it, I’m likely to fall in love with a project again sometime in the middle making it almost certain I’ll see it to the end—I find a technique is working, or I simply start to like what I’ve made.

A low point may return if I mess something up. Or am just eager to move on. But right at the end, my heartbeat rises again as I eye the finish line.

As I’ve become an upcycler, I’ve found it more important than ever to finish my projects. Somehow abandoning something midway feels even worse when I’m trying to waste less. Which means I’m constantly working to get past my project low points, and fall in love with them again so I can see them to the end.

This week, I’m focusing my creative energy on finishing a few projects in progress. Looking for ways to ignite the spark that’s likely to help me reach the finish line on.

🧠 Send tips, strategies, and success stories my way by replying to this email. I’ll share some of them in our next newsletter to spark the community, too.

Happy upcycling!

-Molly

January Project Theme: New Beginnings

This month’s project invites you to try something you’ve never upcycled before. But “new beginnings” doesn’t always mean starting from scratch—it can also mean revisiting unfinished projects with a fresh perspective.

Maybe it’s that half-finished chair reupholstery you abandoned when the fabric didn’t sit quite right, or the jewelry piece you set aside when the clasp wouldn’t cooperate.

Every project has its highs and lows, but pushing through those challenges can lead to something truly meaningful. This month, let’s embrace the opportunity to finish what we’ve started or take on an entirely new adventure.

🌟 Share your progress and stories with us in our Activity Feed—you might just inspire someone else!

💡New Beginnings Project Ideas for Trying Something New

Here are a few upcycle ‘beginnings’ we think you’ll love.

Vase Upcycles

Transform boring old glass vases into unique statement pieces. Paint them, wrap them in fabric or twine, or add texture with plaster or modeling paste—the possibilities are endless. Here’s a set of great ideas by Pillar Box Blue »

Upcycled Recipe Journals

Turn your favorite recipes into a creative keepsake by crafting an upcycled recipe journal! Use old notebooks, scraps of patterned paper, leftover fabric, or even packaging from your pantry to design a one-of-a-kind recipe book. Add pockets for handwritten cards, collage your favorite food magazine clippings, or decorate with stamps and washi tape for a personal touch.

Upcycled Bead Curtains

Bring a touch of whimsy and color to your space with an upcycled bead curtain! This project is perfect for using old jewelry, leftover beads, or other small treasures you’ve been saving. String them onto fishing line, thread, or wire, and transform forgotten items into a functional and eye-catching divider for doorways or windows. Bead curtains are back, baby!

🛍️What’s New on Remnants

Featured Seller: Puppy Paws Inc

This vibrant collection, new to Remnants this week is an absolute show-stopper. Bold colored millefiori, sweet silver beads with tiny enamel paws, and so much more. Click to shop the Puppy Paws Inc collection here »

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🤗New From the Community

Last week, our members shared so many inspiring projects:

Eastin started a group for Favorite Thrift Finds and we can’t wait to share our show-stoppers there, too.

⏰ THIS WEEK! Community Meetup

Our next virtual meetup is THIS SUNDAY! Hop on for our January Zoom Meetup on Jan 26th at 11am PT. Bring your coffee (or tea!) and a craft project to work on while we hang out—can’t wait to see you there!

RSVP in the comments here »

Stay safe out there,