Several people have asked over the past few days about what constitutes craftivism. Basically, it’s any crafted item that gets a message across – whether personal or political. Many people feel more comfortable with gentle ways to encourage change rather than being confrontational, and what better way to get your message across and gain attention than via a unique item rather than a letter? Send a felt bumblebee to your MP to make your point about conserving pollinators and they are certainly more likely to remember it than if you send them an e-mail.
Over the past few days I have been working on a message that is close to my heart. Here is my latest creation, made for our craftivism exhibition:
Do you have a message you’d like to share with the world? Perhaps you can make your voice heard more effectively than simply shouting.
JULY 2017: This piece is now available for sale in my etsy shop.
The Snail of Happiness 
Laurie Graves
/ April 17, 2017So lovely! The “Live, Work, Create” caption on the picture I sent you pretty much says it all for me.
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The Snail of Happiness
/ April 17, 2017I’ve just switched on my printer to print out your beautiful contribution 🙂
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Laurie Graves
/ April 17, 2017That is so cool! What a great way to start the week.
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Ann
/ April 17, 2017Lovely idea.
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katechiconi
/ April 17, 2017And when the message is easy on the eye and beautifully created, I think it adds even more to the impact!
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The Snail of Happiness
/ April 17, 2017So true.
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Danielle
/ April 17, 2017I’m so enjoying working on this craftivism exhibition with you Jan 😀
I would add about craftivism that the acts and messages are always positive – even when faced with negative issues, craftivists find positive ways to respond, even humorous like the pussy hats on the US Women’s March.
I’ve been enjoying the online course run by the Craftivist Collective, headed up by Sarah Corbett. I would recommend anyone to look it up and join in. Sarah points out how the act of crafting your piece also gives you good opportunity to reflect on the issues it’s associated with.
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The Snail of Happiness
/ April 17, 2017Good points… I’m really enjoying the conversations I’m having with folks behind the scenes about how they can find positive words for their messages… especially about difficult subjects
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Murtagh's Meadow
/ April 17, 2017Ooooh, love that idea of sending a craft bumblebee to our local councillors or representatives from the Parliament!!!
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The Snail of Happiness
/ April 17, 2017I hope you do… I’m sure it would make an impact.
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Wood So Wild
/ April 17, 2017What a wonderful message! And what a great idea to send a symbol of the cause or issue to politicians instead of a letter or e-mail.
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The Snail of Happiness
/ April 18, 2017I’m sure that politicians are swamped by letters and e-mails… and I wonder how many actually get read. I wrote to one of our ministers a few weeks ago, asking some very specific questions, but the letter I got back (from a minion) was just a generic response. I’m trying to think of something to make that might get her attention before I try again.
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insearchofitall
/ April 18, 2017That’s a new idea to me and I love it! Beautiful embroidery.
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The Snail of Happiness
/ April 18, 2017Thank you – I haven’t done any embroidery for years – I’d forgotten how enjpyable it is.
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insearchofitall
/ April 18, 2017I’ve just taken it up again myself. Forgot how much pleasure I got from it.
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painterwrite
/ April 18, 2017What a lovely bit of embroidery!! I have a message I’d like to send to our current administration in the States, but it probably wouldn’t make it past the censors. :))
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The Snail of Happiness
/ April 18, 2017Yes, we’re trying to focus on sending positive messages for the exhibition 😉
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katythenightowl
/ April 19, 2017Your embroidery really does say it all, doesn’t it? I can’t wait to be getting on with my own thing now 🙂
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The Snail of Happiness
/ April 19, 2017I hope you are feeling well enough to make a start – if you let me know the message you want to deliver, I will think about some appropriate words.
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katythenightowl
/ April 19, 2017That’s a great idea 🙂
I’m waiting on some bits I need to make a start, but will be thinking about my message as I make my item, then I can tell you what I want to say 🙂
I’m really looking forward to making a start on this now 🙂 x x x
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Born To Organize
/ April 21, 2017I love love love this idea. What a beautiful sentiment, too and a lovely specimen. There is food for thought here. Thank you!
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