This post is challenging to write- but that’s because I know it will alienate some of you.
I hope that if my politics don’t line up with yours, that’s ok. We can still be crafty friends! I have lots of friends all up and down the political and religious scale, and we co-exist just fine.
But here’s the thing- I’m not apologizing for being liberal, or using my crafts to share my views.
And neither should you.
I encourage you to do the same- liberal, conservative, whatever. Crafters- especially women- have used our crafting to express our politics, going wayyyy back to when women didn’t have the right to vote. (Quilting is the perfect example- this article will lead you down a rabbit hole!)
So it’s in this spirit that I’m sharing a few “Craftivism” crafts… ones that are hand-made expressions of political views.
Now let’s dig in. I shared by Resin Pride craft last weekend, and today I’m happy to share a few more Craftivism projects!
My pal Carmi Cimicata came up with a simple Rainbow Pin. These are a take on a craft we did when I was a teenager!
And another gal pal Haley from Red Handled Scissors came up with a cross stitch that really speaks to me:
…and Haley provides a down-loadable PDF of that pattern, too!
I also make a Patriotic Pin from polymer clay last year- again, mine has a safety pin- but you can trick out yours any way you like.
And are you interested in a different twist? Catherine from Resin Obsession is crafting up PET HAIR BEADS-– yes, you read that right- as a way of being a “craftivist!” She is making a donation to Operation Catnip if you share your pics. (Hey, it’s out there, but to each his own!)
So… at the end of the day (and at this post) I would love for your to take one important message away: YOU HAVE A VOICE. And at least for now, our Constitution protects that voice. You right to expression MATTERS- artistically and politically. Use it often and well.
One last thing- I welcome comments. You have a right to express yourself here, too. But any comment that is hateful, abusive, vulgar, vile or MEAN is just not ok. And when in doubt, Kindergarten rules apply: If you don’t have something nice to say, it’s often better to say nothing at all. If you’d like to join to join our Compassional Craftivism group on Facebook (which is moderated) click here. Craft on, friends!
- Spooky Spider Halloween Bookmark Craft - October 24, 2018
- Review and Demo of LDRS Hybrid Ink Pads - October 15, 2018
- Review and Demo of Nuvo Hybrid Inks - October 1, 2018
- Craft Studio Tour and Organization Ideas - September 20, 2018
- Wax Paper Resist Background Technique - March 20, 2018
- Comparison of Liquid Watercolor Markers/Pens - March 16, 2018
- SAI Japanese Traditional Watercolor Brush Markers- Review & Demo - February 23, 2018
- Rinea Metallic Foil Paper & Ghost Ink Review - February 21, 2018
- Jane Davenport debuts at Creativation 2018 & Watercolor Card - February 13, 2018
- Creativation 2018: New Product Showcase - January 20, 2018
If you decide you want to sell that, let me know. My daughter would LOVE it!
Bravo!!
Well said!
I’ve done a few pieces myself. I sometimes worry about posting them publicly, but it means more to me and to those I honor if I do. So far I have not hear anything negative, but that’s likely because I am not big enough yet.
Jenny, I love this post so much! I too agree that women should speak out. All can speak as long as they speak without demonizing the other.
Keep up the good thoughtful work
I think it’s wonderful that we use our crafty passions to express what it means to be human. That includes our politics, our relationships, our spirituality, and our joys and loves.
It’s true that these days it can be challenging and scary to speak up in public spaces. But, with your example of respect and consideration, I believe peace and civility will return to our conversations. So many more of us long for that than it sometimes seems
Thank you for sharing and shining your light…?
I think it’s wonderful that we use our crafty passions to express what it means to be human. That includes our politics, our relationships, our spirituality, and our joys and loves.
It’s true that these days it can be challenging and scary to speak up in public spaces. But, with your example of respect and consideration, I believe peace and civility will return to our conversations. So many more of us long for that than it sometimes seems
Thank you for sharing and shining your light…?
Sorry for the double post…sigh…
Well said!
Thank you Jenny. Great post.
Awesome post.
Although it is obvious that we disagree on some points, it in no way will make me stop viewing your site or respecting you as an individual. We all have the right to express our views in whatever way is respectful to the other person. We are in a free country where we can express our views (so far) and if every one alienated themselves from those who disagreed with them, then we probably wouldn’t have contact with very many people! What really saddens me is the fact that some people resort to violence and degradation. I really liked this post, by the way.
I just wish college kids were being taught to discuss issues and not being indoctrinated with their professor’s viewpoint. You know, “my way, or the highway”. I don’t think these kids are being taught to think for themselves. It’s just a shame that it doesn’t seem to be possible to express my opinion without being attacked. I’m a Christian and a conservative and that’s being attacked so viciously right now. Free speech isn’t allowed right now.
I remember learning that women used to make certain quilts and hang them out on the clothesline to help the runaway slaves find their way along the “Underground Rail Road”. They were like sign posts.
I LOVE YOUR POST, THANK YOU (and yes, I am shouting it!!!). I agree with what Susan G stated and liked reading what the others posted too. I am a Christian (attend a southern baptist church, and live in Austin, Tx). I have had (and do have) several gay, liberal and artsy friends through the years . They have been better and truer friends to me than my “Christian friends”. So I try to never pass judgement on others and always try to keep an open mind towards others.
In this day of in-your-face politics, my craft space is just that…a space. A space where I can escape the constant barrage of pro this or anti that. No matter the political, ideological or sexual leanings of those around me, sometimes I just need some space without needing to declare my “side” or raison d’etre. Actually, my raison d’etre is art. Period. Art is what makes me happy and allows me to express myself…BUT it needs no explanation nor apologia. It is. ‘Nuff said.
BTW, I love your site and will defend your right to express your views in any way you deem fit.