Mend & Make Austin: Earth Month Upcycling Workshop

Join us in Austin to mend, remake, and give old materials new life this Earth Month! Mend & Make Austin: Earth Month Upcycling Workshop Celebrate Earth Month with Mend & Make, an intimate 20-person creative workshop where worn, forgotten, or outdated belongings get a second life. Guests are invited to bring a clothing item or small personal object they would like to refresh - think denim jackets, jeans, canvas totes, shirts, hats, patches, or other workshop-approved pieces. Local artists will guide participants through approachable upcycling techniques including: - Hand embroidery - Visible mending - Decorative stitching - Patch application - Fabric customization - Design planning - Instructor-operated laser personalization on approved materials - Finishing and styling techniques No sewing or design experience is required. Each participant begins by creating a simple Mend Plan, identifying what they want to repair, personalize, or completely reinvent. Guests then work alongside local makers to customize their pieces while learning practical techniques they can continue using at home. The laser personalization station will be operated by trained staff only. Guest-provided items must be approved before laser use based on material compatibility and safety. The workshop concludes with the Second Life Gallery, where finished creations are displayed for photos alongside short cards answering: “Why was this piece worth saving?” The gallery creates a visual celebration of creativity, individuality, and more sustainable consumption. Experience highlights include: - Small-group workshop limited to 20 participants - Local artist instruction - Hand embroidery materials - Visible mending supplies - Patches and decorative materials - Laser personalization on eligible materials - Sustainable design inspiration - Before-and-after photo area - Second Life Gallery showcase - Earth Month conversation cards - Light refreshments - Take-home repair guide - Sponsor sustainability display - Completed personalized item to take home Participants should bring one primary item they would like to transform. An optional second item may be brought if time permits. • 1:00 PM – Check-In & Meet the Makers Guest arrival, refreshments, project check-in, material review, and before photos. • 1:15 PM – The Mend Plan Artists introduce upcycling techniques and help guests choose a creative direction for their item. • 1:30 PM – Embroidery & Visible Mending Workshop Guided stitching, patching, decorative repair, and customization begin. • 2:15 PM – Personalization Lab Guests continue working while approved projects rotate through the instructor-operated laser personalization station. • 2:50 PM – Finishing Studio Final stitching, detailing, styling, and project cleanup. • 3:10 PM – Second Life Gallery Finished pieces are displayed for photos, creative sharing, and sustainability reflections. • 3:25 PM – Maker Takeaways Repair guide pickup, final photos, and closing remarks. • 3:30 PM – Event Ends