How to Be a Craftivist: The Art of Gentle Protest

Corbett, founder of the Craftivist Collective, a worldwide network of activists who use crafting as their method of outreach, practices what she preaches in this deeply felt, finely wrought how-to book. She encourages crafters—or even people who’ve never wielded a needle—to “gain wisdom from engaging with global injustices and looking for answers to problems while we craft, engaging our hands, heart and head.” Corbett divides her craftivist manifesto into two sections. The first addresses power in the process of slowing down, being mindful, and working creatively and communally. The second half of the book looks at the product, which, like the pink knit hats distributed among friends at the Women’s Marches, function as a gift and a message while being a catalyst for change through greater awareness. The book offers more guidelines for living with integrity as a craftivist than it does actual projects, which are briefly described in the book and accompanied by a footnote with a URL directing readers to the collective’s website for more concrete directions. Peaceful protestors will appreciate the thread of Corbett’s understanding encouragement. (Apr.)