What is Visible Mending and why should we celebrate it?
What is visible mending?
Visible mending is a practice of repairing an “item-in-need”, in a way that adds charm and character! When doing visible mending, as opposed to invisible mending, the mender’s stitch work or patchwork is intentionally obvious, and sometimes even “over-the-top!”.
It is an act of love toward our belongings when we recognize their worth and use our resources to keep them as functional as possible, for as long as possible; it’s an even greater act of love when we outwardly celebrate our mends by way of “showing off” the stitches.
I have personally mended plenty of items in my home, from my favorite overalls to my son’s little chair, but I am not blogging today to teach you how to mend clothes or quilts. There are some amazing artists who have dedicated their time to writing entire books on that topic: Katrina Rodabaugh & Arounna Khounnoraj to name a few.
What is visible mending?
Visible mending is a practice of repairing an “item-in-need”, in a way that adds charm and character! When doing visible mending, as opposed to invisible mending, the mender’s stitch work or patchwork is intentionally obvious, and sometimes even “over-the-top!”.
It is an act of love toward our belongings when we recognize their worth and use our resources to keep them as functional as possible, for as long as possible; it’s an even greater act of love when we outwardly celebrate our mends by way of “showing off” the stitches.
I have personally mended plenty of items in my home, from my favorite overalls to my son’s little chair, but I am not blogging today to teach you how to mend clothes or quilts. There are some amazing artists who have dedicated their time to writing entire books on that topic: Katrina Rodabaugh & Arounna Khounnoraj to name a few.
Photo by @katrinarodabaugh, author of Mending Matters and Make Mend Thrift.
Photo by @Bookhou, author of Visible Mending.
This is the little chair I patched.
Why should we “celebrate” or focus our attention on such a simple concept?
Because an act as simple as mending a shirt sleeve can make a big, positive impact.
The more we are able to see mending as something beautiful and honorable, the more motivated we will feel to REPAIR instead of REPLACE.
If beauty isn’t a high ranking value for you, how about scrappiness? Or responsibility? Mending our damaged belongings reduces waste and decreases our carbon footprints. Every little action we take for the betterment of our planet counts! We don’t have to be perfect to contribute!
Some common barriers you might be up against:
Inconvenience. Yes, it’s often easier to replace than repair but it’s less satisfying, especially when the item is irreplaceable (like your favorite pair of jeans or maybe an heirloom quilt). Often times we are lazy (guilty) or the replacement is an Amazon Prime shipment and $17.99 away (guilty again). We don’t have to replace everything, we won’t be able to replace everything, but when we can, we should try!
Lacking skill. It can be way too expensive to take most items to local repair shops (if you can even find them), and what if you don’t know how to fix the thing yourself? I encourage you to try. Accomplishing something you didn’t know you could do feels amazing and typically the skill you need is one YouTube search or book away. Consider ordering one of the books written by one of the above mentioned authors to your library. Read through some of the tutorials, borrow some supplies from a crafty friend and see what you can do. Plus, visible mending requires less technical skill than invisible mending in most cases so the barrier to entry is much lower!
If mending your damaged belongings doesn’t feel like something you want to do or are able to do there are some other fun ways you can support the “visible mending” movement.
Other creative ways to support the “Visible Mending” movement:
Learn more about the history of the concept, visible mending traces back to Japan; search “Sashiko” and “visible mending”. Knowledge and conversation are powerful. Tell your friends what you are learning, maybe they will want to try!
Shop in second-hand stores, look for items which have been mended and give them a new home! Mended quilts or jackets are so fun to buy second-hand because the person who owned the item before you loved them enough to repair them; all of that love, sewn into the fibers, enters your environment when you welcome these special items into your space!
Check out some art inspired by this movement. I have made a few pieces myself, hand-embroidered with thrifted fabric. The mending is intentionally front and center, proof that broken doesn’t mean ugly, wrong, bad, or dead.
“Mended Megan” Acrylic Gouache & Embroidered Fabric on Canvas.
Mended Panels 1-4. Acrylic Gouache & Embroidered Fabric on Canvas.
In an upcoming collaboration, I will be creating yet another piece inspired by this practice. Make sure are on my email list to stay in the loop.
Print Shop!
It’s been YEARS in the making… my very own print shop!
You asked for it, an accessible way to add some color, whimsy, and warmth to your home…
I have been spending months ordering samples, chatting with other artists, and getting some listings ready so I could offer you the most beautiful product possible!
They are finally here!
Sizes 8x10 all the way up to 18x24 (eventually even a few in 24x36)!
I am so thrilled that works which have been previously out of reach will now be more available than ever to all of the people who have supported me and my art over the last 10 years.
Gatekeeping is for Losers
I have a lot of artists in my life, all at various stages of their journeys. Some are just starting out in new media, some are building a consistent creative practice for the first time, and some have put in more time and effort than I have—thriving and inspiring me daily. Others are marching alongside me at a similar pace but on their own unique paths.
It is one of the greatest joys of my life to connect with other artists. Being “in the arena” with creatives who are giving it their all forms a bond like no other. A world with more people expressing themselves is a better world, which is why we have to protect and support beginners.
Here are a few ways I’ve been trying to do just that—things that helped me as I grew out of the acute, cringe-heavy beginner stage.
I have a lot of artists in my life, all at various stages of their journeys. Some are just starting out in new media, some are building a consistent creative practice for the first time, and some have put in more time and effort than I have—thriving and inspiring me daily. Others are marching alongside me at a similar pace but on their own unique paths.
It is one of the greatest joys of my life to connect with other artists. Being “in the arena” with creatives who are giving it their all forms a bond like no other. A world with more people expressing themselves is a better world, which is why we have to protect and support beginners.
Here are a few ways I’ve been trying to do just that—things that helped me as I grew out of the acute, cringe-heavy beginner stage.
Gatekeeping Is for Losers—Share What You Know
There’s no place for gatekeeping in the creative world. Share your processes, resources, supplies, techniques, and opinions freely. Beginners don’t need you to be a master—they need you to be generous and accessible.
Keep it simple and clear—no need for jargon, it’s not helpful.
Recommend affordable supplies or entry-level tools that worked for you, be specific!
Share books, podcasts, links, and posts!
Offer Encouragement with Specificity
Beginner artists often have taste but lack the skill to execute their vision. That gap can feel frustrating, so your encouragement matters. Be specific about what they’re doing well and where you see growth.
Instead of vague praise like, “That looks nice,” offer detailed feedback:
“The way you made the face more rounded and the eyes bigger makes it clear the person you drew is a child. That’s really effective!”
Share your own experiences. If they feel their painting looks “flat”, you could say:
“I used to fill shapes with solid color too, but it sometimes lacked depth. When I started layering colors and textures, it gave my work more dimension. Check out so-and-so’s work, you will be so inspired!”
Be sincere but kind. Don’t overpraise or be too harsh—it’s a vulnerable stage.
Remind them that they’ll feel more satisfied with their work the more they practice.
Accept their gifts. If they make you something, this is a special act of love. Feel the love!
Introduce Them to Your Friends and Collaborate
Feeling welcomed into the creative community builds confidence. It takes time to comfortably call yourself an artist, but being included in events, projects, or casual collaborations validates a beginner’s voice. Standing by your friend shows them you believe in them!
Invite them to group shows or local art events.
Introduce them to your creative circle—it helps normalize the identity of being an artist.
Collaborate on a small project. It creates shared experiences and helps them feel part of the creative world.
Be Honest About the Realities
One of the most valuable gifts you can offer is transparency. Share the unglamorous side of being an artist—the rejected applications, the failed pieces, the long hours. It’s reassuring for beginners to know that even more skilled artists have messy, imperfect stages.
Share the real stats: “In the beginning, I had to make 100 paintings to get 17 I was proud of. I still make lots of bad work”
Let them know the two least sexy secrets of growth:
Practice is the only way to get better.
Just don’t quit. Growth is inevitable with patience and consistency.
Supporting beginner artists doesn’t require formal mentorship—it’s about being kind, generous, and transparent. By sharing what you’ve learned, offering specific encouragement, and welcoming them into the community, you help create a creative world where everyone can grow!
Speaking of being vulnerable, I thought I would share some of my beginner art as an act of solidarity!! Hope it encourages you to keep going if you are a beginner!! I believe in you!
Quilted (Coming Soon)
New collection loading…
A celebration of imperfection, “Quilted” is the most aligned work I have ever made. Quilts are typically so measured and exact, two things I tend to resist. I wanted to play with maintaining the nostalgic warmth and traditional patterns while pushing the boundaries of sharp shape and symmetry.
Taking it a step further, painting the quilts with the natural folds they form through use felt like an added opportunity to capture the organic essence of an object we so often associate with comfort and grace.
In many of the works, I am using authentic feed sack fabrics, to bring even more tradition and charm to the collection. These works are layered with texture and color, each making their own bold statement.
“The Green One” (first image and last image above) has recently been sold and shipped to it’s new home but “The Blue One”, “The Pink One”, “The Red One” and a few more will be available soon!
The best way to stay in the loop regarding their availability is to jump on my email list. Thanks for your interest!
My Favorite Part of Rejection: Telling My Kids
You might think the best parts of being an artist are the big wins—the moments your work is accepted, celebrated, and displayed under perfect gallery lighting, those special connections with your customers, not to mention all the joy found in the creative process. And you would be right, these are the BEST parts. But wins are only part of the whole story. I actually appreciate having the opportunity to tell my kids “I didn’t get in”, here and there. Why? Continue reading...
You might think the best parts of being an artist are the big wins—the moments your work is accepted, celebrated, and displayed under perfect gallery lighting, those special connections with your customers, not to mention all the joy found in the creative process. And you would be right, these are the BEST parts. But wins are only part of the whole story. I actually appreciate having the opportunity to tell my kids “I didn’t get in”, here and there.
Here’s why.
1. Applying Takes Courage
When I tell my kids I got rejected, the first thing they know is that I tried. Submitting your work—whether it’s a painting, a poem, or a job application—takes guts. It means you’re putting yourself out there with no guarantee of acceptance. I want them to see that courage isn’t about being fearless. It’s about being brave despite the fear of falling flat. I want them to have the courage to apply for things too—things that stretch them, scare them, and invite the possibility of rejection.
My daughter recently submitted her own artwork to a Yearbook Cover contest. It is beautiful, she pushed herself, and had the courage to submit it, so I'm super proud of her. But I also know there’s a chance she won’t win. If that happens, I hope that watching me handle my own losses will prepare her. She’ll know that not winning doesn’t mean you’re not good enough—it just means that this thing wasn’t for you. We keep going and get ready for the things that will inevitably come our way.
2. You Don’t Die from Disappointment
I love giving my kids the play-by-play of how I handle rejection. I might say:
“Yeah, I’m bummed. It stings.”
“I kind of disagree about who got in but it’s not my show.”
“I feel a little embarrassed. Normal.”
“Their choice makes sense to me, my art isn’t what they are looking for, it’s not personal.”
Then, they watch me not spiral. I don’t blame the judges, attack myself, or sink into a self-pity marathon. They see me processing the feelings—naming them, tossing them around in conversations with trusted friends, and eventually letting them pass. They see me reflect on what I could do differently next time while still staying true to myself. And they see me keep painting and keep applying. Because the only way to guarantee failure is to stop trying.
3. Jealousy, FOMO, and Anger Are Inevitable—and Survivable
Rejection isn’t just about not getting what you want. It’s also about watching other people get what you want. That pang of envy? The feeling of being left out? Yep, par for the course. I tell my kids that those feelings will always be part of the deal, no matter how much you grow. The goal isn’t to avoid them—it’s to recognize them, try to find a way to be happy for others, and let the feelings soften over time.
4. The Long Game is the Only Game
My kids know that when I get a rejection email, I let myself feel it—but I also get back to work. It’s about building the resilience to keep going.
A chance to show them what it really looks like to chase a dream—with courage, grace, and a whole lot of persistence is just as important as sharing the achievements. And whether my daughter wins her art contest or not, I hope she knows that the real victory is in having the guts to put her work in front of her peers in the first place!
I planned on bringing these beautiful pieces to the summer event that just gave me the boot so I will have to find a home for them some other way! They will be replacing some work at the Shoppes of the Asbury in Ocean City, NJ in June if they don’t find a home before then! Reach out with any questions. Shipping is included in the prices so if you are local, we can arrange a discount for pick-up/drop off.
Duck, Duck, Goose
This summer marked a significant milestone as my daughter turned 11. Our conversations began to evolve, touching on important subjects like body autonomy, sexuality, puberty, and consent. These topics, which are so central to growing up and navigating the world, also connect deeply with the values I care about, especially in a time of crucial political change.
Through my art, I’ve been reflecting on these conversations, using birds and flowers as symbols of natural development, personal freedom, and community. The color palettes and compositions of each piece in this collection are inspired by my hope for peace, courage, and equity for our future generations.
In a world where political noise can often feel overwhelming and make us feel voiceless, I believe that expressing our values—whether through art or discussion—matters. Our daughters are watching, learning from how we use our voices.
"Duck, Duck, Goose," launching on Election Day, November 5, is my act of manifestation—an extra vote to the universe for a leader with integrity.
This summer marked a significant milestone as my daughter turned 11. Our conversations began to evolve, touching on important subjects like body autonomy, sexuality, puberty, and consent. These topics, which are so central to growing up and navigating the world, also connect deeply with the values I care about, especially in a time of crucial political change.
Through my art, I’ve been reflecting on these conversations, using birds and flowers as symbols of natural development, personal freedom, and community. The color palettes and compositions of each piece in this collection are inspired by my hope for peace, courage, and equity for our future generations.
In a world where political noise can often feel overwhelming and make us feel voiceless, I believe that expressing our values—whether through art or discussion—matters. Our daughters are watching, learning from how we use our voices.
"Duck, Duck, Goose," launching on Election Day, November 5, is my act of manifestation—an extra vote to the universe for a leader with integrity.
Shells & Shadows
It likely wasn’t as romantic as I remember, but I grew up in a 100-ish-year-old house, a half block from the beach; dusty pink siding & red geraniums hung on the porch. At night, we kept the old windows open to let the salt air blow through.
Seashells, whole and broken, could be found in piles on the concrete by the outside shower, emptied from bathing suit pockets or beach chair cup-holders. French fries with warm ketchup in big paper cups, the sand-caked Velcro band on the end of my boogie board strap dragging down the street, and the squawking sounds of the seagulls are sun-burned into my memory forever. I fell in love with the beach over those 10 years and while the moments were as transient as the shadows, the memories will never fade.
My new summer collection, Shells & Shadows is a celebration of both ephemeral & everlasting beauty, inspired by the dreamiest summer days and evenings by the beach.
