Poem Renovation

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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.

10/09/2026

Let our words lead you home.

Today - October 7 - poemRENOVATION invites you to play with the words of S. Jessica Curry, author, editor, creative tech...
10/07/2026

Today - October 7 - poemRENOVATION invites you to play with the words of S. Jessica Curry, author, editor, creative technologist, and the poetic force behind WriteMePoetry Publishing.

Jess writes about finding light in difficult places, and her work carries a message we love: words can connect us, surprise us, and help us see something new.

Take words from Jess's poem “Traces” and make them your own TODAY ONLY on poemRENOVATION.com. Rearrange. Experiment. Discover what happens when someone else's words become the building blocks for something only you could create.

Learn more about Jessica on her website: https://3cauthorcraft.com/about/

Jorge put poemRENOVATION word blocks on the table and his 8-year-old daughter’s reaction was instantaneous:“Her eyes lit...
10/05/2026

Jorge put poemRENOVATION word blocks on the table and his 8-year-old daughter’s reaction was instantaneous:

“Her eyes lit up. She was immediately engaged.”

They played with the words, explored a spooky theme, and created something together, without a screen in sight.

Creativity became connection.

Thanks, Jorge, for sharing this wonderful reminder that words can bring generations together and that screen-free time can be lots of fun!

Please register to join us!!
10/03/2026

Please register to join us!!

No Rules, Just Create! Exploring Creativity Through Words with Poem Renovation

What happens when you give people a handful of words and invite them to create whatever they’d like? Magic, that’s what!

Join writer, poet, and poemRENOVATION founder Kelly de la Rocha for an interactive introduction to her award-winning creative program, where participants rearrange snippets of literature into something uniquely their own.

Like abstract art, poemRENOVATION is open-ended, offering possibilities rather than a predetermined outcome. People of all abilities, including those living with dementia, can participate, experiment, make choices and enjoy the creative process.

Discover ways to use poemRENOVATION on its own or alongside an OMA activity to spark self-expression, conversation, connection, and joyful engagement. You’ll also try the digital version yourself, so bring an internet-connected device. You’ll get a look at poemRENOVATION’s tactile 3D-printed word blocks, too.

Whether you work with people living with dementia, facilitate creative programs, or simply love making things with words, you’ll leave with fresh ideas for bringing more creativity and choice into your work and your world.

No rules. Just create!

poemRENOVATION + OMA = pure magic! Register to join us!
10/02/2026

poemRENOVATION + OMA = pure magic! Register to join us!

No Rules, Just Create! Exploring Creativity Through Words with Poem Renovation

What happens when you give people a handful of words and invite them to create whatever they’d like? Magic, that’s what!

Join writer, poet, and poemRENOVATION founder Kelly de la Rocha for an interactive introduction to her award-winning creative program, where participants rearrange snippets of literature into something uniquely their own.

Like abstract art, poemRENOVATION is open-ended, offering possibilities rather than a predetermined outcome. People of all abilities, including those living with dementia, can participate, experiment, make choices and enjoy the creative process.

Discover ways to use poemRENOVATION on its own or alongside an OMA activity to spark self-expression, conversation, connection, and joyful engagement. You’ll also try the digital version yourself, so bring an internet-connected device. You’ll get a look at poemRENOVATION’s tactile 3D-printed word blocks, too.

Whether you work with people living with dementia, facilitate creative programs, or simply love making things with words, you’ll leave with fresh ideas for bringing more creativity and choice into your work and your world.

No rules. Just create!

10/02/2026

Your Halloween plans just got a little more creative!
Our glow-in-the-dark poemRENOVATION word blocks are made for spooky-season fun. Charge them up, turn out the lights and see what wonderfully weird creations you can conjure!
Perfect for:
🎃 Halloween parties
👻 Fall gatherings
🕸️ Themed group activities
🔮 Creative nights with friends
🦇 Family fun
✨ Anyone who likes their wordplay with a little glow!
No rules, just create!
Shop the spooky collection at poemRENOVATION.com
CreativeFun FallFun ScreenFreeFun poemRENOVATION

Catch up with all things poemRENO by reading our October newsletter. You'll find all sorts of ways words are connecting...
10/02/2026

Catch up with all things poemRENO by reading our October newsletter. You'll find all sorts of ways words are connecting people, and some inspiration, too!

Email from poemRENOVATION What unfolded reminded me why I believe so deeply in the power of words to connect us. October 2026 The First Word Hello! Last month, I went to Ohio to visit my Aunt Barbara,

09/30/2026

A memory from March that still makes me smile...

I met Sandy Hazelip and Ellie Hamby, the 85-year-old Traveling Nanas, when we were all speakers at The Eden Alternative Conference in March. The two best friends became viral sensations after traveling to 18 countries across all seven continents in 80 days when they were 81. And they’re still traveling all over the place!

On the last night of the conference, we had dinner together. The next morning, they shared my Uber on the way to the Atlanta airport.

They gave me their book and I gave them some poemRENOVATION word blocks.
While we waited for our flights, we played with words.

Watching these two women create and read their own little poems was a wonderful reminder of why I created poemRENOVATION.

Creativity isn’t something we outgrow!Neither is curiosity. Or play. Or the desire to discover something new.

It’s now nearly six months later, and this airport encounter still puts a smile on my face.

Thank you, Sandy and Ellie, for this wonderful memory and for letting poemRENOVATION tag along on one of your adventures.

Pick up a copy of their book, Here We Go! It’s full of fun adventures.
Around The World at 80

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Farmington, CT
06032, 06085

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