Left Overs
What do you do with what’s left behind?
Over the past couple of years, I’ve found joy in carrying a pocket notebook with me. I write, doodle, and take notes, and more recently, I’ve started collaging in it. When I pull it out of my pocket, people’s reactions are always mixed. Some poke fun: ‘Why don’t you use your phone instead?' _ My partner sometimes teases me, saying, ‘You can’t keep track of everything!’
Not long ago, a friend asked to look through it. I hesitated momentarily but handed it over, feeling as though I was offering them a glimpse into my mind. He turned the pages carefully, almost in awe, taking in the scribbles, doodles, and collages. At that moment, I felt something unexpected: pride in this little practice of mine.
That moment reminded me of how much joy this habit brings—and how it’s inspired other creative projects. Recently, G—my partner—and I started making small zines filled with collages. We rip pages from old magazines and books we find on the street or in charity shops. G is methodical and precise; I’m quick and abstract.
This January, I decided to start a new notebook dedicated entirely to collaging. No planning, no meaning—just cutting and sticking. I chose to ignore the voice of impostor syndrome whispering, “You’re not good enough!” Instead, I let my hands guide me, watching what they could create without overthinking.
For this project, I used scraps—leftovers from the collages G and I had already made. Fragments of something bigger, pieces that might have otherwise been forgotten. There’s something satisfying about taking what’s been left behind and giving it a new purpose.
January is a time for resolutions, for reflection, for taking stock. It’s a time to sift through what remains, to salvage what survives the chaos, and to find meaning in the aftermath. Leftovers aren’t just scraps—they’re opportunities. What remains might hold more meaning than what was planned.
It’s time to use the leftovers. It’s time to create something new.
So, what could you create from your leftovers?
Inspiration of the Month:
🎥 William Kentridge and his documentary series Self-Portrait as a Coffee Pot on MUBI, exploring art and creativity.
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and his Substack—always full of insightful thoughts on creativity and writing.
Oh it’s really lovey !
I love this concept and the ethos behind it. So cool. Chefs do this all the time, creating delicious dishes from the bits trimmed off pie crust, or an excess of onions in creating an omelette. There is an economy to it that I like, but also a nonchalance. And nonchalance is always my best creative work. Being too studied kills the spirit of the piece. I admire you.