Poem Renovation

Poem Renovation Arts-based word challenge that sparks creativity, connection and self expression. Try it online or order our 3D-printed word block sets.

Artist's Statement:

As a kid, I played Scrabble alone, took the wooden-tile words created during each game and wove them into a story. I’ve never lost that early fascination with wordplay. As a teen, I began arranging words into poetry and later became a journalist. Not long ago, I printed one of my vintage self-portrait poems onto magnetic paper, disassembled it word by word, stuck the words on

the fridge and rearranged them. I was astounded to see how many of the same old words could be used in new ways to pinpoint my present reality. That exercise was so interesting and gratifying, I knew I had to find a way to share the concept. This website is one facet of my effort to do so. Here, you’ll reposition others’ words to discover new meanings. I hope it inspires you and that you’ll return daily for a new challenge!

~Kelly de la Rocha

Special thanks to:

Site designer Emily Houlihan, who, with great patience, creativity and ingenuity, transformed this dream into reality. Co-poem-renovator, co-dreamer and sister, Becky Burre, who contributed immensely to the creative vision. Graphic designer Jane Burre, who created our amazing logo. Artist Emily de la Rocha, who hand-painted the color swatch in our logo. Graphic designer Jenn Ozgur, who curated the site’s stunning color palette.

The day after Marigold passed away, her daughters, Lis, Melanie and Carolyn, were going through her room when they found...
09/08/2026

The day after Marigold passed away, her daughters, Lis, Melanie and Carolyn, were going through her room when they found her set of poemRENOVATION word blocks.

They sat down together and began creating.

What emerged was an impromptu memorial to their mom. Even Marigold’s dear friend, Pip, found a place in the poem. The sisters discovered they could turn the word “did” upside down to create her name.

“This poem just seemed to flow right out of our grief,” Lis said. “We had great fun putting this together with Mom in mind.”

Words can work magic. They can offer comfort and give voice to what’s in our hearts. And sometimes, they connect us to the people we love, even after they're gone.

Thank you Lis, Melanie, and Carolyn for sharing this beautiful story.

Has poemRENOVATION helped you create a meaningful moment? We’d love to hear your story. DM us or contact us through our website.

Labor Day Weekend activity idea: Have a word picnic!
09/07/2026

Labor Day Weekend activity idea: Have a word picnic!

Love to see the creativity flowing at Friend's Place Respite Care!!! Respite for All Foundation
09/06/2026

Love to see the creativity flowing at Friend's Place Respite Care!!!

Respite for All Foundation

September is Healthy Aging Month! Here's our definition of healthy aging:Stay curious. Stay connected. Keep creating. Ke...
09/04/2026

September is Healthy Aging Month!

Here's our definition of healthy aging:

Stay curious. Stay connected. Keep creating. Keep finding joy.

We're celebrating all the older adults who remind us that creativity has no expiration date.

Keep growing. Keep exploring. Keep creating!

09/02/2026

We spend so much time chasing our youth. What if the real goal is to keep finding inspiration?
Creativity doesn’t have an expiration date. Neither does curiosity.
That’s one of the things that’s so cool about poemRENOVATION. The word blocks don’t care how old you are, how you move through the world, or whether you’ve ever considered yourself “creative.” They simply invite you to begin.
You never know where a few words might take you!
Inspiration poemRENOVATION

Find three daughters' special tribute to their Mom, creative classroom ideas, Memory Cafe magic and more in our Septembe...
09/01/2026

Find three daughters' special tribute to their Mom, creative classroom ideas, Memory Cafe magic and more in our September newsletter! https://conta.cc/4qMYRN9

LAST DAY to save 15%! Our Songs of Wonder Word Block Sets are inspired by classic hymns and invite you to do something n...
08/31/2026

LAST DAY to save 15%!
Our Songs of Wonder Word Block Sets are inspired by classic hymns and invite you to do something new with words you may already know and love.
Today is the last day to save 15% on these special sets.

Use them to spark:
memories and stories
conversation and connection
creativity and reflection
joyful moments around the table

Perfect for elder care communities, Memory Cafés, family gatherings, workshops, or anyone who enjoys playing with language.

Don't miss the savings! Shop Songs of Wonder today at poemRENOVATION.com.
Use discount code SONGSOFWONDER15

08/28/2026

Ever wonder how poemRENOVATION word blocks get made? Here’s a peek behind the scenes!
Josh Hinman, founder of CT3D, shows us how our word blocks go from digital design to something you can actually hold in your hands. They’re designed and 3D-printed right here in Connecticut. And seeing the process never gets old.
There’s something pretty wonderful about watching a digital idea become a physical object that can spark a memory, start a conversation, inspire a laugh, or bring people together.
A big thank you to Josh for helping bring poemRENOVATION to life, one word at a time!
poemRENOVATION

08/26/2026

We’re spilling creativity everywhere we go!
Sometimes all it takes is a handful of words to spark a conversation, bring a memory to the surface, inspire a laugh, or entice someone to try something new.
That’s what’s so awesome about poemRENOVATION word block sets. They can go wherever people gather: Memory Cafes, care communities, workshops, wellness groups, or around the kitchen table.
No rules, just create!
Where will you take them?
MeaningfulEngagement ConnectionMatters poemRENOVATION

For Dolly, a poet who spoke for so many.
08/26/2026

For Dolly, a poet who spoke for so many.

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Farmington, CT
06032, 06085

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