misc.

Yet to be categorized.

slow as molasses going up a hill on a hot day in july….

| Betsy

Still no computer, which means no regular updating and pics from last weekend’s antiwar demo in London. Grrr. The computer people keep telling me its on its way to me, but still nothing.

Was amazed at the demo to see very little in the way of craftivism (ie, very many signs and shouting, but very little art/craft incorporated into activism). I did happily snap a picture of a gorgeous antiwar orange tank. Hurrah!

More on the way soon.

Be patient and keep reading.

a little bit more about why…

| Betsy

Why craftivism?
Because we create to connect beyond ourselves. Whether it’s next door or across the globe. Craft and activism both take and inspire passion. When used as a joint force, they can quite possibly begin to slowly challenge and change things.

Why now?
Because as many of us are trying to figure out ‘What next?’ We are moving from our teens, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond and we are realizing that the act (and art) of crafting is more than a passing fad or childs’ play or a backlash to early-90s Riot Grrrl politics. Craft is a way of rejoicing, passing time, meditating, harnessing power, sharing and keeping creative forces in motion.

Because it is possible to go beyond banners, email petitions and chants as ways of fighting for a cause you believe in. You could have a knit-in, papier-mache puppets, teach a crafty class for kids- all ways of turning that energy into a more positive, more useful, force. Atrocities are happening in our front yards and on our televisions and we need to find ways to react against what is happening without either giving up or exploding.

This is less about mass action or more about realizing what you can do to makes things around you better.

Rock.

what is craftivism?

| Betsy

Ok. So this is currently just a weblog. But, hot damn!, there is something here!

Some of you have heard me talk about this idea for months. I have a lot of different ideas, but thought I’d open the floor one more time to see what you would like to see here.

My whole idea for this site is based on the idea that activism + craft = craftivism. That each time you participate in crafting you are making a difference, whether it’s fighting against useless materialism or making items for charity or something betwixt and between.

The idea that activists can be crafters, and crafters can be activists.

In the works right now are plans for: a links section (send me your links!) where you can get information about different craft and activism resources, pictures of people’s projects, a blog (though not on the main page, if I can get my act together), and hopefully mini interviews with people who are doing craftivism type thingies.

Thanks for being patient.

xo,
betsy.