✨💝🎄 This time of year can be a very merry time for some positive and powerful change-making... 🎄💝✨

Dearest Craftivists and friends,

I don’t believe in creating new resources for the sake of it. I’m always nervous of the ‘stuff’ I am making, the impact the process has on our fragile planet and the risk that these objects might end up in a recycling bin or worse: landfill. People are always asking me what my new kit will be and when it is out and I am very honest with them that I only produce new kits if they are needed in the world. That is why we only have 9 kits created over the last 10 years and and a handful of other products to serve the social change needed in our world with our craftivism kits and tools to support and strengthen campaigns. I don't sell all of our tools we have at our events (even though people often ask to buy them!) or create the many product ideas I have in my head because I do not think they are essential for people to have to make our craftivism kits alone or with others.

I always focus on creating tools that are directly or indirectly educational, addressing a need from craftivists, prompt critical thinking, create conversation and are a catalyst for strategic effective craftivism. I have strict boundaries for all of our products to be ethically sourced and made, as well as can be used at any time, place, alone or with others anywhere in the world in different contexts and timeless which makes them future-proof.

My goal is always that the beneficial by-product from our tools are

a sense of belonging and community with craftivists around the world (especially sharing your objects & #crafterthoughts on social media),
an opportunity to spread the word about our existence and our ‘gentle protest’ methodology with people when they ask about your objects or you give them as gifts,
A healthy income stream for the Craftivist Collective to help us become more effective and sustainable in our work and subsidise the free resources and support we offer to craftivists and organisations around the world.

Saying that, I also know that this time of year can be a really great opportunity for people to rest, reflect on the past year and think about how they can be part of the positive change they want to see in the year (and decade!) to come. Often people have some free time alone or with loved ones. I truly believe that our gentle protest craftivism kits and tools are a great way for anyone to be a kind and effective changemaker this 2020 and beyond. So...

If you are looking for help for your own journey as a thoughtful citizen on our fragile earth or want to encourage your loved ones to help make a happier, healthier and more harmonious world for all, please do head over to our online shop and stock up your craftivism cupboard this holiday season, ready for a new decade of change-making...

Embroidery Bobbin Card Set of 5 (£3).

Little gentle reminders to be compassionate craftivists and thick enough cardboard to reuse again and again and again... Wrap your thread around these embroidery bobbin cards. Set of 5 with a paper band to hold them together. Cuts to hold your thread from unravelling. Made in the UK from recycled card.

A different illustration and message on both sides.

Side 1 (scissors): 'Changing our world... one stitch at a time...'
Side 2 (hummingbird): 'Threading my love... through all that I do...'

Order yours here

Capturing Crafterthoughts Pencils

These pencils are the most environmentally friendly wood case pencils available and made in the UK. A gentle reminders to be thoughtful and compassionate craftivists and reflect on the ‘crafterthought’ questions you have in your Craftivist Collective DIY kits instruction sheets *hint hint*.

Pencil Specification: Graphite, Hexagonal, 2B, A pink eraser with gold (ooo fancy!) clamp, provided unsharpened.

Order yours here

Our Exclusive 2019 Yearbook

By joining our global group of lovely patrons who #AdoptACraftivist monthly for £10 (PayPal or Direct Debit here) or with an annual one-off donation of £120 here, you will receive our exclusive yearbook each year just before Blue Monday (around 20th January – the most depressing day of the year apparently) to curl up with and feel proud of what we have achieved together and get sneak peak of what future we will be making ;) It’s written candidly celebrating successes, learning from experiences and top secret plans for the future.

Order yours

Craftivist Coasters Set of 3

Our circular coasters are the perfect accompaniment to your craftivism activity as a gentle reminder to be a thoughtful and strategic in your change-making whilst also keeping table tops free from coffee rings.

9cm, made in the UK with three different illustrations and messages.

Worldly Wise (owl): 'use your crafterthoughts for careful and critical thinking...'

Be the Tortoise (tortoise): 'Take it slow, stitch with care and compassion'

Protest Gently (feature): 'Share your vision with a gentle feather-like touch'

P.S For my birthday I would like...

people to vote compassionately and tactically. It's my birthday on the same day (12th December) as the UK General Elections this week. So I hope you don't mind me being a bit cheeky and ask that if you know anyone who is registered to vote please please please encourage them to make time to vote this Thursday and do it compassionately and tactically. Just 46% of women aged 18-30 say they will definitely vote in this election? Every vote counts so please encourage the ladies in your life to book it in their diary (apparently women are more likely to vote IF they book it in their diaries!). And finally, if you are stuck and confused on who to vote for: think of the most vulnerable person you now and vote in their best interest. We are only as strong as our most vulnerable in society.