This post is a two-parter; one in which I share a tutorial and a second part in which I talk politics. Sort of.
First, I have to be honest that I’m an American citizen who votes, and who believes in doing so. Secondly, I must disclose that I’ve had very conflicting feelings about the recent election. However, I am unequivocally proud to be an American and I feel strongly that kindness matters.
So to that, I created this Patriotic Polymer Heart Pin to wear on veteran’s day!
This is total beginner craft, suitable for kids and adults alike. You could even use this as a party craft. Here’s what you’ll need:
- red, white, and blue clay
- acrylic roller and/or pasta machine to roll and condition
- cling wrap
- small heart cookie cutter (Fondant cutter)
- OR— a heart template and a craft blade
- safety pin
- mini star cutter, if desired
- pin backs
I made a video out of the live Periscope I did… and it’s under 6 minutes:
I think it’s pretty easy to follow, but please leave a comment if you have any questions.
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Now for the second part. I’ve already heard stories of American citizens being targets for hate crimes- bullying, graffiti, intimidation- all based on skin color, sexual preference, vocal accents, and yes, even just plain ol’ being a woman. This saddens me that some Americans, tourists, and immigrants might face danger because they are not white Christian males. In the UK, there was a spate of these types of crimes and so British citizens of conscious began wearing safety pins. This small symbol telegraphed the message “you are safe with me.” This idea has now taken hold in the US as well.
YOU ARE SAFE WITH ME
I want to be the kind of craft/activist that uses my art to spread messages of tolerance acceptance, peace, and kindness. I don’t want to just TOLERATE those who are different than me, I want to embrace them. Make them safe. Learn from them.
As a mother of two and a half AFS students, I’ve learned so much from the young women who shared my home and THEIR culture. Yes, sometimes it was “strange” or “foreign,” but generally our similarities far outweigh our differences.
So now you know why the safety pin was included in the middle.
I’ve also just started a CTD Craftivists Facebook Group, so please join us there if you’d like to participate and get inspired.
I’m sure I’ll have more to say on crafty activism soon…and I’m hoping to find more caring, compassionate crafters to connect with.
EDITED 11/4: Update= I will not be allowing any negative/political comments on this post. I’ve already deleted a few comments that were “liberal bashing”- this does not promote compassion or kindness- which is the whole point.
My objective is to extend acceptance and compassion to all beings. This is the primary objective of many major world religions. If you have nothing nice to say, just move along.
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Fyi, while I appreciate your particular explanation of the safety pin, THAT IS NOT what is being “attached” to their significance via social AND main stream media. Just thought I’d offer a “heads up” since your version of what the safety pins stand for and “others” I’ve seen differ greatly (and the “others” are far less “inclusive” as yours.).
Yes. One of the many(!) things that is getting lost in this new civil war is the recognition that this is everyone’s America! We are a fractured and divided people, but we have to respond to the hate with fierce love! Thank you for doing this.
I’m not sure of your news sources, but the meaning of the saftey pin is JUST as I described, and based on the article I linked to in the article. Every liberal friend I have is in concurs with this meaning and significance.