Despite the fact that it’s February 12, and Valentine’s day is in 2 days, I really wanted to share this amazing project that the wonderfully awesome Craftivist Collective is doing this year! So, if you have some extra time this weekend, whip up a batch of cards and participate. Alternatively, all this to your calendar for next year or take some tips on how to do your own rad craftivist acts!

Many people will receive an unexpected Valentine this year, courtesy of crafty activist group Craftivist Collective, who aim to hijack Valentine’s Day. For the third year running, the collective will be hiding alternative Valentine’s letters and gifts in public across the UK including London, waiting to be found by unsuspecting members of the public and provoking them to think about the effects climate change is having on our global neighbours on this special day.

Cult jewelry brand Tatty Devine have donated a design to Craftivist Collective, which the group have crafted into keyrings. Each hidden letter will contain a keyring featuring the design.

Comedian Josie Long is also involved in the project, starring in a video which shows you how to make your own keyring and Valentine letter. “It’s so much fun, it’s so easy, and anyone can do it!” says Josie.

The hidden letter isn’t your usual bland message of love – the Craftivist Collective aim to raise awareness of people around the world affected by climate change despite having contributed the least to the problem. The letter reads:

To my Valentine,

Every year February 14th comes around and provides us with a beautiful opportunity to show someone we care about them: most of the time we direct that love at just one person. This year I want to encourage you not to limit that extraordinary capacity we have to just one person, but to love the world. Join us in hijacking Valentine’s Day and show that the world is your valentine.

I don’t want your box of chocolates, card or flowers. Actions speak louder than those. In return for my love letter and gift to you please show your love by taking action:

In the name of love, brighten up someone’s day and remind them of our global community and inspire them to get stirred up to think about how the poorest people in the world are being affected by climate change, despite having contributed the least to the problem.

You can find the Tatty Devine keyring template, a how-to on making your own keyring, and an alternative Valentines letter template on the Craftivist Collective’s website at www.craftivist-collective.com.

So keep your eyes peeled this February 14th, and you might find love where you least expect it.