
24 Oct Post-it reminders as part of Bystander Revolution challenge
Craftivists unite! We are proud to present our craftivism challenge to do as part of the global Bystander Revolution and show how to take the power out of bullying.
Let’s improve our world one stitch at a time. Join our ‘gentle protest’ and create embroidered post-it notes (yep, you heard right!) to remind us all to be part of the change we wish to see in the world, where everyone is treated how we would like to be treated.
In this fast-paced world, a physical object like a post-it can be a powerful tool to take us out of our auto-pilot-robotic actions and remind us to stop, think and strive to be our best selves in all that we say and do. I use them often!
It’s easy to forget to think about how our actions affect others when we are focused on meeting deadlines. Often we are so caught up with our own activities and concerns we don’t notice if anyone around us is hurt (that can be the bullied or the bully).
Take some time to slow down and join us in some craftivism (activism using craft). Make time to craft your thoughts into pretty embroidered post-it notes. For the changemaker simple repetitive hand stitching can be a powerful tool to be mindful of our actions and words and how we can live intentionally to help not to harm others. Use our #crafterthought questions when your brain is wandering off to reflect on the message you are creating and how you can be part of this revolution.
Crafterthoughts
- If I was being bullied how would I want people to help me?
- How can I show love to a bully to help them stop bullying others?
- Using my talents and voice how can I be part of the bystander revolution?
“We’re pumped to be partnering with Craftivist Collective for #MonthOfAction’s Get Artsy challenge. We love how Sarah emphasizes the meditative process of crafting — a useful outlet if you’re coping with bullying or just need a mental break. Sarah’s work shows us the power of art and craft to communicate big ideas in simple ways. Transforming something as everyday and disposable as a post-it note into a hand-stitched, lasting message reminds us that with a little bit of effort and creativity, a few simple words can make an indelible impact.”
Decide if you are going to keep your embroidered post-its to help you tackle bullying or if you are going to give them as gifts, or quietly leave them for particular people to see, or put them up for many people to see such as in your school, office, park, cafe or anther public place (see our suggestions below). We hope these embroidered post-its not only show that someone is shown commitment in joining the Bystander Revolution by taking part in this slow form of activism but we hope this weekend creative campaign will also surprise and intrigue people, provoke thought, conversation and change.
Don’t forget to share your #crafterthoughts and #craftivism pieces online with us @craftivists (Twitter, Instagram or tag Craftivist Collective page on a Facebook post) as well as share with @BystanderRevo & #MonthofAction
Ambassador and Strategic Consultant for this project, Monica Lewinsky wrote:
“For Bullying Prevention Month in the US, Bystander Revolution is encouraging people to complete a challenge each day in October to raise awareness of the many simple, powerful acts that can defuse bullying. The work of Bystander Revolution is deeply meaningful to me, and I am so happy that Craftivist Collective has partnered with them for this #MonthOfAction challenge.”
Resources needed:
- Thin cotton fabric ideally in colours similar to post-it notes
- Felt fabric ideally in the colours similar to post-it notes
- Bondaweb
- Felt tip pen
- Post-it notes
- Fabric scissors
- Embroidery needle ideally size 5-7
- Additional: Embroidery hoop but not essential
Instructions
Using your felt tip pen write the message on a post-it note you resonate with the most out of the four on offer or come up with your own in the same ethos
2. Trace your stencil onto your cotton fabric (you can use a light box or place against a window to see the message through it or the light of your computer screen) using a biro pen or fabric invisible ink pen.
3. Unravel and cut a stretch of thread the length of your arm from finger to shoulder This is the recommended length to use. Embroider your message using a simple back stitch. Use all 6 strands in your embroidery thread for thick words and 2-3 strands for smaller messages in thinner pen.
4. Cut out a piece of Bondaweb a little larger than your post-it shape and iron on to the back of your cotton fabric with the written message on the front.
5. Place your post it on the back of your fabric, over your Bondaweb in the position you want your fabric post it and cut around with fabric scissors to the shape of a real post-it note size.
6. Peel off your Bondaweb and then place the cotton, Bondaweb facing directly onto your felt.
7. Put your iron on a low heat because felt can melt. Put your felt and cotton post-it underneath a towel or thick fabric so your felt doesn’t melt and briefly iron over your fabrics so they fuse together.
8. Cut your felt so it’s the same size as the cotton square
Place your handmade post-it note messages somewhere relevant where you think it can have the most impact. Share your process and final piece online with friends and followers and tag us on Instagram or Twitter @craftivists so that we can encourage fellow craftivists to take part too. Also tag @BystanderRevolution (Instagram) or @BystanderRev (Twitter) and #MonthofAction please 🙂
Founder of P.S. I Made This Erica Domesek will be sharing our project with her thousands of readers and followers!
“I am thrilled to be apart of this important initiative. My life is about helping deliver smiles to others, and when others aren’t smiling because of bullying, it’s important for everyone to do their part to bring awareness to improving unacceptable actions… and that’s where art comes in! Art of something we can all relate to. There was a point in our lives where we all created something in school, or at home. It brought out a sense of joy and accomplishment. Remembering that we all deserve joy and are looking to do well by doing good is what I stand for. Whether you choose to create an embroidered post-it that represents your message, or simply be an ambassador who sets a healthy example for kindness- it’s all important. Don’t forget that the biggest DIY project of all is LIFE, and we want everyone to enjoy theirs without bullying! Help others to craft the life they want by standing up for love, art, and happiness in this beautiful world we life in!”
This project is very close to my heart and I hope it is to yours too. We can’t wait to see your creations shared online with fellow craftivists to show our love and kindness to victims of bullying and those bullying too (they are often going through pain too).
Photographs by Jonathan Cherry
If you have found this project helpful please do $upport us to exist so we can continue to support you & other craftivists. We are a small struggling social enterprise with no external funding x
Diane Warburton
Posted at 13:16h, 24 OctoberI’m in! And I’ll promote it to my studio users. This is right up my street.
Craftivist Collective
Posted at 10:48h, 26 OctoberGreat news Diane 🙂 Do share your stitches and completed projects on social media so we can share too 🙂 x
marjolyn
Posted at 22:05h, 24 Octoberi love this and the collective….ill try to start a post it but i cant send pictures……just moved back to uk and hope to get in touch…..im a feltmaker, a bit lost in the meaning of it(art and craft) all and happy to connect with you!!!!
Craftivist Collective
Posted at 10:49h, 26 OctoberGreat news you are getting involved Marjolyn 🙂 Do have a look through the website for tips as well as our shop for products and tools. Our A Little Book of Craftivism is a good start to seeing how you can use craft as a tool for effective and strategic activism 🙂 x
Embroidery Digitizing
Posted at 13:09h, 23 Februaryi love this and the collective .. i am alex and i have embroidery business yesterday i was start my new project but i am little confused but you give me a great idea thinks ..
Silk Digitizing
Mark Daniel
Posted at 14:16h, 10 DecemberWow to much of hard work 🙂 I really like your Article as well as designs 🙂 Just keep on sharing such types of Articles 🙂
Craftivist Collective
Posted at 00:12h, 15 DecemberSo glad you like it and yes do keep sharing to inspire and empower others to join in and be craftivists in the art of gentle protest 🙂
Mark Oscar
Posted at 10:35h, 24 Marchgreat blog very informative blog 🙂 thanks for sharing
Craftivist Collective
Posted at 16:59h, 24 MarchThanks for your kind words 🙂
Jason Roy
Posted at 07:30h, 01 Aprilvery informative blog i like it 🙂 embroidery working is so nice thanks for sharing this blog
Craftivist Collective
Posted at 15:37h, 17 AprilYou are very welcome Jason 🙂 I hope you have a go at making your own and/or sharing with people who might want to have a go at some craftivism too
Stuart Broad
Posted at 20:58h, 02 JuneSuperb post and I appreciate it for sharing as I really love reading articles related to Embroidery & Digitizing, Keep updating about new things as well 🙂
Craftivist Collective
Posted at 11:06h, 05 JuneWill do 🙂
Mark Oscar
Posted at 14:04h, 05 JulySuperb post, I think Embroidery can really make cloths more beautiful and attractive. I really appreciate it for sharing 🙂 Keep up the good work (Y)
Craftivist Collective
Posted at 12:39h, 07 JulyThanks so much Mark 🙂 Will try to keep up the good work but it can be difficult financially. Please do consider s supporting us if you can http://www.craftivist-collective.com/support-us
grace andrew
Posted at 11:06h, 10 AugustVery amazing and attractive way of making notes, Effective use of embroidery digitizing, Great work!
Craftivist Collective
Posted at 13:51h, 21 AugustThanks Grace 🙂 I hope you will join in the project
Ruth Rowan
Posted at 22:51h, 06 JuneHi I love this idea, I’m a crafter and textile crazy and want to use my craft with purpose , I’m going to use this in a school project, fantastic!
Craftivist Collective
Posted at 15:47h, 08 JuneI’m so glad to hear that Ruth 🙂 Please do encourage the makers to reflect on the crafterthought questions whilst making so they get the most out of the project x
Alex P
Posted at 11:51h, 23 MarchH Sarah!! I’m not as experienced with embroidery, so I’m wondering why there is cotton fabric in addition to the felt. Is there a benefit to having the two layers? Thank you!
Craftivist Collective
Posted at 14:09h, 24 MarchGood question Alex 🙂 I learnt to sew from watching youtube videos so I promise you dont need to be experienced in embroidery to be able to achieve a lovely embroidered post-it Alex
There are many reasons why I think the added cotton benefits the impact of the project:
1. The post-it looks more like a real post-it from afar,
2. The object looks like more time and effort has gone into making it because the cotton is bondaweb’d to the felt
3. It looks neater
4. The message is much easier to write in biro on cotton and then backstitch over.
5. And the cotton colour is not as bright and bold but more of a pastel, gentle colour
All of these added details make it look more thoughtful, carefully made and more beautiful which therefore makes it feel more valuable to the viewers.
Alex P
Posted at 12:13h, 26 MarchThank you so much!!!! This all makes sense. I’m excited to try this project and put more love out there in the world. Looking forward to getting my supplies and sharing with you via # when I’m done.
Warner Brown
Posted at 19:21h, 10 DecemberWow! This is the lovely blog and great work about all embroidery things
Thanks for sharing
Craftivist Collective
Posted at 10:47h, 15 DecemberThanks for your kind words 🙂
Stuart Broad
Posted at 19:34h, 13 MarchThis is nice work and a very informative article about embroidery digitizing
Warner Brown
Posted at 22:22h, 17 MarchNice work for embroidery