A few weeks ago I received a copy of Craft Activism by Joan Tapper for review and I believe it was a dose of just what I needed.

Sometimes I feel like I am living at a fast pace but something about the word “Craft” seems to make me want to slow down. I’m not talking about craft as our artist’s skill, but craft as in craft-ING. You know, the thing we used to do before we turned out art into a j.o.b.? CRAFT-ing. It made me realize that I missed it. Doing something just to be doing it…not worrying about whether people liked it or if it would sell. You know the feeling. Having a hobby again that makes you feel good for the sake of moving your hands.

I’ve already strayed a bit here since that is not what the book is about, but it is what awakened in me at first.

Inside its pages are profiles of crafters, professional crafts people, artists, who have used their craft in creative ways to make a statement. Using their talents to bring awareness to causes. Many of the profiles are on fiber artists and their projects (knitting, quilting, crochet, sewing) but there are also upcycle projects of discarded plastic bags, soda cans and trading cards. Even if you are not interested in the actual project tutorials throughout the book I can guarantee that the content about getting involved (if that is of interest) will get your juices flowing.

I have fond memories of my grandma Bianucci teaching me to crochet. She always had some type of project in the works; usually some type of afghan for someone who would hopefully come to marriage in the future. I know I had one that sat complete in a box in her attic for years. I was a late bloomer. We also received her interesting projects in the 70s like hats with scarves attached and socks that went up to the knees and tied with strings finished with pompoms. I have always had a pull in the back of my head to get out the crochet hook and do something. But what? I live in the desert in Arizona now…not exactly blanket weather and my decor doesn’t really support the crochet motif.

Enter Craft Activism.

What I found is that I could get involved, do one of these projects (or more) or come up with my own and do this type of craft activity just for the heck of it and not have to use it. Did that make sense? Take for example the project and story in the book about the Red Scarf Project. The premise is to knit or crochet red scarves (sample pattern included) in any style you desire and donate them. The scarves then will be packaged up in a care package for college students who “have aged out of the foster care system and are now on scholarship for their possecondary educations–the scarf is a sign that someone, somewhere cares about them.” Talk about a Grandma Bianucci project! Everyone needs a little knit or crochet something or other from someone who is thinking about them, don’t they?

You’ve probably also heard of knit bombs? Where knitters “tag” things with sections of knitting around cities?  Whole telephone poles and benches or statues and phone booths? That is in there too. Very fun. Very creative. I can imagine the smiles that can bring to a person’s face. And, easier to clean up than graffiti one it breaks down from the elements.

But anyway, it’s a fun book and inspiring too. Read it and get ideas about how you can get involved and use your craft for good without having to organize a whole movement, or become inspired by those who have and do organize larger movements! Something for everyone.

Happy crafting and Viva la Granny Square!

p.s. I did get the book for review however, do not receiving anything for sales of it. 

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