A Little Book of Craftivism

Synopsis

Craftivism is a term coined by Betsy Greer, referring to the raising of social consciousness through the medium of craft. The Craftivist Collective is at the forefront of this movement. Their mini cross-stitched banners and tiny urban installations touch upon issues of environmentalism, corporate greed and gender equality in a warm and humorous way - quietly encouraging people to reflect upon these subjects in their own space and time. Through the process of crafting (usually in public places) the craftivists contemplate the issue that they are raising, and also introduce it to members of the public, who inevitably ask what they are doing. The final product is thoughtprovoking without feeling intrusive or overwhelming. Sarah Corbett set up the Craftivist Collective in 2009, and it now has a worldwide following. Craftivist followers in New York, Los Angeles and Berlin have taken inspiration from the website and photographed their work in prominent places. In this little volume, Sarah Corbett introduces some of the ideas behind craftivism alongside how-to instructions for a selection of craftivist projects and hints and tips for beginners. In the words of the Craftivist Collective, 'a spoonful of craft helps the activism go down'.

Summary

Chapter 1: What is Craftivism?

Craftivism is a movement that uses craft materials and techniques to express social and political messages. It is a form of activism that uses creativity to raise awareness and inspire change.

Example: The Pussyhat Project, a craftivist effort that created and distributed pink knitted hats to protesters at the 2017 Women's March. The hats became a symbol of solidarity and resistance.

Chapter 2: The History of Craftivism

Craftivism has its roots in the craft revival of the 19th century, when women used embroidery and other crafts to challenge traditional gender roles and promote social reform. In the 20th century, craftivist movements emerged in response to social and political issues such as the Vietnam War and the civil rights movement.

Example: The "Guerilla Girls" are a group of craftivist women who use anonymous posters and public performances to address issues related to gender inequality in the art world.

Chapter 3: The Different Forms of Craftivism

Craftivism can take many forms, including knitting, sewing, embroidery, crocheting, quilting, and beading. It can be used to create a wide range of objects, from wearable art to installations.

Example: The "Yarn Bombing" movement involves wrapping trees, statues, and other public objects in colorful yarn. This form of craftivism uses art to create a sense of community and to reclaim public spaces.

Chapter 4: Craftivism in Action

Craftivism has been used to address a wide range of social and political issues, including environmentalism, gender equality, and economic justice. It has been used to bring communities together, to raise awareness, and to inspire change.

Example: The "Make the Road New York" organization uses craftivism to teach immigrants about their rights and to provide them with tools for self-empowerment. One of their projects involved creating "know your rights" posters using embroidery.

Chapter 5: How to Be a Craftivist

Anyone can be a craftivist. By using your creativity and craft skills, you can make a difference in the world.

Steps to Becoming a Craftivist:

* Choose an issue that you care about.
* Research your issue to understand it fully.
* Use your creativity to come up with craftivist ideas.
* Share your craftivist creations with others to spread your message.